Spend A Day At Great Falls Park In Virginia
Beautiful Park Near Washington, DC, Is Perfect For Family Outings
Apr 26, 2009
This 800 acre park is one of nearly four hundred administered by the National Park Service, and is open every day of the year except December 25. There are no camping facilities, but a large open area near the visitor center provides numerous picnic tables and some grills.
History of Great Falls Park in Virginia
The park area was originally developed by the Patowmack company in the late 1700's to provide a canal to circumvent the waterfalls, allowing the transport of flour, corn, whiskey, tobacco, ore and timber down river.
In the early 1900's, this area was a private amusement park, entertaining visitors from Washington, D.C., who arrived by train.
Activities in Great Falls Park, Virginia
A number of trails are found in the park (a trail guide is available at the visitor center), including the most popular one, The River Trail, which parallels the river for approximately two and one half miles. This trail opens onto several overlooks that offer spectacular views and photographic opportunities of the waterfalls and Mather Gorge, named after the first director of the National Park Service, Stephen T. Mather. There are other trails, as well, away from the river and through the heavily forested oak, maple and sycamore surrounding area.
Guided nature and history walks are conducted throughout the year, and program events are posted in the visitor center. Information on these walks is also available by telephone at 703-285-2965. Regulations, hours of operation and other information is available at the park's web site.
Horses and bicycles are allowed on certain trails, as shown on trail maps provided by the visitor center. A snack bar is open during the summer season, and picknicking is allowed year-round. Whitewater boating is allowed for experienced boaters, as is rock climbing. Both activities require registration or advice from the rangers at the visitor center.
Spring Wildflowers and Other Photographic Opportunities at Great Falls Park, Virginia
Early April through May is an ideal time to find trailside wildflowers, including Virginia bluebells, Violets, Spring beauty, Bluet, Early saxifrage and Dutchman's breeches. Redbud and Dogwood are also in bloom during this time, providing excellent photographic opportunities. The waterfalls, which power over the broken rocks leading into Mather Gorge, are photogenic throughout the year.
Birding In Great Falls Park, Virginia
Birders are attracted to the park as well, with opportunities to observe as many as 160 species of birds, including nearly 90 nesting species. Birds commonly found in the park include Tufted titmouse, Northern cardinal, Mallard, Ruby-throated hummingbird, Red-bellied woodpecker, Eastern phoebe, Northern parula, Eastern bluebird, Carolina chickadee, Carolina wren and Yellow-rumped warbler among many others.
Other Parks Near Great Falls Park, Virginia
Great Falls is not the only park in the area. Riverbend Park, which is administered by Fairfax County, Virginia, is located just north of Great Falls. Riverbend Park has both a visitor and a nature center, and some of Riverbend's trails merge with Great Falls trails.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park lies on the other side of the Potomac River, in Maryland, and is allied with Great Falls Park.
Getting to Great Falls Park
From Washington, D.C., take Interstate I-495 (Capital Beltway) south. Exit at Highway 193 west (Georgetown Pike), and follow this road to the park entrance.
Great Falls Park is an Ideal Family Outing
Great Falls Park is close to metropolitan Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, Virginia. With easy level trails, spectacular scenery and complete picnicking facilities, it offers an ideal location for a family day adventure.
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