Great Falls National Park is a beautiful 800-acre recreation area located just 15 minutes from Washington, DC. We arrived early enough to avoid the crowds but, as we were leaving, there was a line of cars attempting to come in. There’s lots to do at the park such as hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, picnicking but NO SWIMMING. Sadly, there have been several drownings due to the currents.
Great Falls
Great Falls
Narrowest part of the Potomac ~ Mather Gorge
Kayaking is popular at Great Falls
Rock Climbing in progress
High Water mark at Great Falls ~ water was definitely at a low mark on our visit
Climbing down to the rocks & water
On the rocks
If you decide to go, the park is open daily except for Christmas Day. Entrance fee is $5 per vehicle but there are plenty of free pass opportunities such as Active Duty Military can get a year pass for free. There are picnic tables and grills which are available on a first come, first serve basis. By 11:00 am, most were already taken ~ not surprising since it was a gorgeous Saturday morning. For more info, click here.
Displaced Beachbums 
It’s been years since I’ve been to Great Falls! High school days …
That photo of the kayakers offers the larger view of the falls. Isn’t it wonderful that something so “undeveloped” is so close to the city!
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It’s so nice to have these wonderful parks and undeveloped areas so close to DC.
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Great pictures – I’m going to have to go here!
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Thanks ~ glad you like the photos. Hope you get a chance to visit the park soon.
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