Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Great Falls Park adventure.
Big thrills and spectacular views lie just minutes from Washington DC.
There are no prizes for guessing the headline act of Great Falls Park—the cascading waterfalls, rapids, and rocky gorges of the Potomac River make for some impressive views. Just a half-hour drive from the capital, this riverside wilderness is prime terrain for whitewater boating and kayaking. Beginners are best staying on dry land but don’t worry— there’s plenty to keep you occupied, with 15 miles of multi-use trails to hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride. There’s no camping at Great Falls Park, but you’ll find options in the neighboring Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park.
With almost half a million annual visitors, Great Falls Park can get busy, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Make an early start to get a jump on the crowds—the park opens at 7am, and by 10:30am, entrance lines can take up to an hour. Outdoor activities are limited in the winter months, but it’s still possible to hike, and visiting after heavy rainfall means the falls are at their most powerful.