Great Falls Park is located in Virginia, USA. It lies between the Potomac River and the surrounding rocky cliffs, situated in the Northern Virginia area near Washington, D.C., and is famous for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic river views.
Great Falls Park (Potomac) Location Map,McLean, Virginia
Virginia Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Great Falls Park
- Great Falls Overlook – Dramatic views of the Potomac River cascading over jagged rocks.
- River Trail – Scenic hiking trail along the river offering multiple viewpoints of the falls.
- Patowmack Canal – Historic canal and locks built by George Washington for early commerce.
- Visitor Center – Exhibits, maps, and information about the park’s natural and historical features.
- Picnic Areas – Designated spots for relaxing and enjoying views of the river and falls.
- Rock Climbing & Recreation – Opportunities for climbing and outdoor adventure along the river.
- Wildlife Observation – Spot deer, birds, and other native species in forested and river areas.
Great Falls Park (Potomac) Facts
| Official Name | Great Falls Park |
| Location | McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 38.9986° N, 77.2500° W |
| Total Area | ~800 acres (3.24 km²) |
| Opened | 1966 (as a unit of the National Park Service) |
| Founder | National Park Service (part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway) |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service (NPS) |
| Region | Northern Virginia / Potomac River Gorge |
| Address | 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102, USA |
| Zip Code | 22102 |
| Area Code | 703 / 571 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Natural waterfalls, Potomac River rapids, historic Patowmack Canal, hiking, scenic overlooks |
| Sections (Areas) | Great Falls Overlooks - Mather Gorge - Patowmack Canal Historic District - River Trail Areas - Picnic & Visitor Center Zone |
| Famous Attractions | Great Falls of the Potomac - Mather Gorge - Patowmack Canal Ruins - Overlook 1, 2 & 3 - River Trail |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 600,000–700,000 |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Admission (vehicle or individual entry fee required) |
| Ticket Price Range | ~$20 per vehicle (valid for 3 days) / Standard NPS pass rates |
| Ticket Options | Vehicle Pass - Walk-in/Bike Pass - Annual Pass - America the Beautiful Pass |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring–Fall (best water flow & weather) / Weekdays to avoid parking congestion |
| Nearby Airport | Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) – ~14 miles / Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) |
| Transportation | Car via Georgetown Pike (VA-193) - No public transit to entrance - Hiking trails throughout park |
| Official Website | https://www.nps.gov/grfa |
Distances from Great Falls Park (Potomac) to Nearby Landmarks
- Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
- Old Angler's Inn – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Great Falls Overlook – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Riverbend Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Potomac Heritage Trail – 0 km (0 mi)
- Mather Gorge – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Downtown McLean, VA – 8 km (5 mi)
- Tysons Corner Center – 9 km (5.6 mi)
- Georgetown, DC – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Washington, DC – 21 km (13 mi)
- Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
- Chain Bridge – 11 km (6.8 mi)
- Roosevelt Island – 17 km (10.6 mi)
- Arlington National Cemetery – 19 km (11.8 mi)
- The Kennedy Center – 21 km (13 mi)
- National Mall – 22 km (13.7 mi)
- Key Bridge – 18 km (11.2 mi)
- Scott's Run Nature Preserve – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Great Falls Park North Overlook – 1 km (0.6 mi)
- Old Dominion Drive – 2 km (1.2 mi)
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