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Great Falls Park

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Great Falls Park

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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.

Activities: Guided Tours · Hiking · Kayaking · Paddling · Park Film

Published entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$20 · Includes 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 · Admits 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 · Applies 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 · Includes 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 · Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

$40 · Vehicles with capacity of 7-25 passengers: $40. (No per person fee)

Commercial Entrance - Sedan

$25 · Vehicles with capacity of 1-6 passengers: $25 plus $3 per person.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

$100 · Vehicles with capacity of 26+: $100. (No per person fee)

Published passes

Annual Entrance - Park

$35 · Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase. Pass is valid at Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park for entrance fees only. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three person (16 and older) where per person entrance fees are charged. Not valid for organized groups or concession operated facilities or activities.

Published operating hours

Park Hours · Great Falls Park is open from 7:00 am until 30 minutes after sunset. This time varies each day. Great Falls Park is closed on December 25.

Fees, facilities and activities are the 2026-10-03 NPS snapshot. Historical visitation describes recorded visits, not crowding forecasts or present conditions.

Plan your visit

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.

Campgrounds (0)

Official NPS information and current conditions ↗