Great Falls Park
At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge.
Photo: NPS / NPS
About Great Falls Park
At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
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Driving times from Great Falls Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00Includes driver and passengers. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$15.00Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Applies only to people entering by foot, bicycle, or horse. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Admission to Great Falls Park is valid for seven consecutive days including date of purchase.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$100.00Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. All holders of annual passes and those under 15 years old will be exempt from payment of fees. Non-Commercial Groups in vehicles with a capacity of 15 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or more are charged a fee of $10.00 per person. Removal of seats from a vehicle does not then qualify for the lower rate. The total fee will not exceed the $100 fee per vehicle.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$40.00Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$25.00Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)
Hours
Park Hours
- Mon
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Tue
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Wed
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Thu
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Fri
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Sat
- 7:00AM - Sunset
- Sun
- 7:00AM - Sunset
Activities
Getting there
The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The average temperature in summer is about 75 degrees F. Summer days in the mid-90's with high humidity are not uncommon. Winters vary in temperature, with the average temperature about 36 degrees F. Snow is rare. When it snows, it tends to melt within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Great Falls Park?
- Entrance to Great Falls Park starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Great Falls Park?
- Popular activities include Guided Tours, Hiking, Kayaking, Paddling, Park Film.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Great Falls Park?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (19 min), Glen Echo Park (22 min), Clara Barton National Historic Site (23 min), George Washington Memorial Parkway (24 min), Vietnam Veterans Memorial (27 min), Theodore Roosevelt Island (28 min).