Closure
Aid Box Rock Climbing Area Closed
The Aid Box rock climbing area is temporarily closed due to a recent rock topple.
Posted or updated Mar 30, 2026 ·Details on nps.gov
Park
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is a Park in Virginia. The NPS currently lists 2 active alerts (1 closure), 0 campgrounds and 1 visitor center; entrance fees start at $10.
Virginia Park America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
About the park
“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.”
Active alerts
2
Closures
1
Campgrounds
0
Visitor centers
1
Current alerts and closures
2 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 1 closure, 0 danger, 0 caution and 1 information.
Information
Temporary Closures of Park Entrance Possible if Parking Lots Become Full
If parking lots become full, there will be a temporary closure of the park entrance at Georgetown Pike & Old Dominion Drive. The park entrance will re-open as soon as space becomes available. For updated information about parking, call Visitor Center at 703-757-3101
Posted or updated Mar 12, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov
Entrance fees and passes
Passes are non-transferrable, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $20 | Includes driver and passengers. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Buy online |
| 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. Buy online |
| 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. Buy online |
| Entrance - Non-commercial Groups | $100 | Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. |
| 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) |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $35 | Recreation.gov |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online. Fee details on nps.gov
Things to do
Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run
This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some places, exceptional displays of bluebells in spring and colors in autumn.
3-6 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks
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.
1-2 Hours Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Activities the NPS lists for Great Falls.
Guided ToursHikingPaddlingKayakingPark Film
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Operating 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.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
| Thursday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
| Friday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
| Saturday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
| Sunday | 7:00AM - Sunset |
Weather: 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.
Contact and directions
- Phone
- 7037573101
- [email protected]
- Address
- 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA 22102
- Coordinates
- 38.9878, -77.2513· View on OpenStreetMap
Visitor centers
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls Park Visitor Center | Daily: 10:00AM - 5:00PM | 7037573101 | Yes |
Campgrounds
No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.
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More parks in Virginia
Appalachian National Scenic TrailAppomattox Court House National Historical ParkArlington House, The Robert E. Lee MemorialAssateague Island National SeashoreBlue Ridge ParkwayBooker T. Washington National MonumentCape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical ParkCaptain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic TrailCedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical ParkChesapeake BayCivil War Defenses of WashingtonColonial National Historical ParkAll in Virginia
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Nearest other NPS sites
Sources
- Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
- Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm
- Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.