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Great Falls National Park

9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22102
703-285-2966
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Ranked #1 of 12 attractions in McLean
Type: Parks, National Parks
Activities: People-watching
Description: An 800 acre park located just off the Potomac river.
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216 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    144
    61
    10
    1
    0
Date Rating
Washington, DC
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
56 helpful votes 56 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

We have been going here for over 20 years and we go often. Early mornings are not so crowded but midday in warm weather means we can kayaking or watch the other kayakers. It is rustic, clean and spectacular scenery. So glad it was protected from commercial interests. Great birding and flower and tree explorations. Especially like the new trash-free... More

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Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

The overlook and the unique environment are very interesting. It is an easy step into nature for kids or folks who don't want to scramble on the billy goat trail.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Dover, Delaware
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

We usually go to the MD side of this park, but since we were staying on the VA side, we decided to give it a try. It was spectacular, with great views of the falls! There are many paths to take from along the water to inland amongst the trees. There are also challenging rocky paths or flat trails to... More

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Laurel
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 April 2013

On the Virginia side of the Potomac River you can see the massive rocks of the fall line where the water drops from higher to lower elevation (the place where water powered mills were built). During high water flows there are spectacular views of the water rushing through and during lower flows you can see the rocks and deep channels.... More

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

Beautiful scenery seems to inspire peace and quiet attitude and flriendliness amond fellow walkers / joggers. Great photo op upstream - lots of history. Nice visitor Center.

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See 3 more reviews by RoamingRabbit for McLean
Reston, Virginia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2013

Billy Goat Trail-fun hike, great scenery. Just try to find a time where it isn't crowded, which is never.

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McLean, VA
Top Contributor
191 reviews 191 reviews
54 attraction reviews
Reviews in 48 cities Reviews in 48 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

The hiking trails at Great Falls National Park are enjoyable and well kept. A section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail runs through Great Falls National Park along the Potomac River. Three look-out spots to observe the falls are adjacent to the trail. Additionally, other trails lead through the wooded areas on the hills near the river. A $5... More

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See 42 more reviews by 48S-Tatet-Ruck for McLean
Silver Spring, Maryland
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

While some may have incredible rivers and rapids where they come from, it will surprise many when they see Great Falls how wild our little Potomac River can be. That's why Olympic kayakers come here to train year round. The overlooks are great, where you can stare down for a moment and ponder the incredible power of natures forces. Inspirational

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Israel
Top Contributor
67 reviews 67 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 April 2013

A great place to come and visit with friends or family, especially in the Spring. One can spend there 3-5 hours on a sunny day and enjoy the scenes, sounds and nature in general, only 40 minutes away from DC.

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See 2 more reviews by ronger5 for McLean
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
38 attraction reviews
Reviews in 69 cities Reviews in 69 cities
75 helpful votes 75 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

I've seen many photos of Great Falls and thought it seemed like an interesting and beautiful place. I recently spent the day there and can say that the sights and sounds can't be adequately captured in photos. The white water is powerful to see and hear, and it's fun to watch kayakers attempt to run it. An easy trail follows... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2

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