United States · Mid-Atlantic

Great Falls

Just upstream from Washington, D.C., the Potomac drops through a series of steep, closely spaced cascades into Mather Gorge, a whitewater stretch popular with expert kayakers and rock climbers. Overlooks on both the Virginia and Maryland sides give dramatically different perspectives on the same churn.

Find tours & tickets When to go

The most dramatic stretch of the Potomac River Essentials guide

Great Falls drops 20 metres (66 ft) on the Potomac, inside Great Falls Park. It is a cataract-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is McLean, Virginia, with DCA the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.

Spring snowmelt gives the most dramatic rapids; the gorge is scenic year-round.

What you can do here

Kayaking

Flatwater above the lip or big water below it — kayaking gets you closer to a waterfall than any walking trail.

Find kayaking here

Hiking

From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.

Photography

Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.

When to go

Spring snowmelt gives the most dramatic rapids; the gorge is scenic year-round.

Entry: Park entry ~$20 USD per vehicle

Getting there

Base townMcLean, Virginia
AirportDCA
CountryUnited States
RegionMid-Atlantic, North America
AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail

Flights to DCA Car hire Route options

On the map

38.9977, -77.2551

Quick answers

How tall is Great Falls?

Great Falls drops 20 metres (66 feet). It is a cataract-type waterfall on the Potomac.

When is the best time to visit Great Falls?

Peak flow is March to May and October. Spring snowmelt gives the most dramatic rapids; the gorge is scenic year-round.

What can you do at Great Falls?

Beyond the viewpoints: kayaking, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.

How do you get to Great Falls?

The usual base is McLean, Virginia, and the closest airport is DCA. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Park entry ~$20 USD per vehicle.