Great Falls Park - McLean, VA
Great Falls Park is a stunning destination for outdoor lovers and their canine companions, situated in McLean, Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C. Known for its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and over 800 acres of rocky cliffs and forested trails, this park offers an unforgettable adventure for anyone seeking a dog-friendly hiking experience near the city. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park’s pet-friendly trails, allowing owners and their pups to explore dramatic views of the Potomac River, observe local wildlife, and enjoy nature together.
Visitors will appreciate the park’s well-maintained amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, clean trails, and a convenient visitor center staffed by knowledgeable rangers. The extensive trail network features options for various skill levels, including challenging routes for seasoned hikers and easy, paved segments for a leisurely walk. Keep in mind that swimming in the river is strictly prohibited for both people and dogs due to swift currents. Arrive early during weekends for easier parking and a more peaceful visit to this popular regional gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs are welcome but must remain on-leash at all times in Great Falls Park.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Great Falls Park offers 15+ miles of interconnected trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all of which are dog-friendly as long as pets are leashed.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are restrooms available near the visitor center and throughout the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, there are at least two accessible overlooks near the visitor center, and paved areas offer wheelchair accessibility.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is a per-car entrance fee (currently $20) to access the park.
- Where is the best place to park? Ample parking is available near the visitor center, but spaces fill quickly on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are grills and picnic tables throughout the park for visitor use.
- Are dogs allowed to swim in the river? No, swimming or wading in the Potomac River is strictly prohibited for safety reasons due to dangerous currents.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Ticks are present, especially in forested trail areas, so it is advised to check yourself and your pet after exploring.
- Are there staff or rangers present at the park? Yes, the park visitor center is staffed by rangers who can assist with information and park safety.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, Great Falls Park is known for being well-maintained and clean for all visitors.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park is very popular, especially on weekends. Early arrival is recommended to avoid parking delays and large crowds.
Reviews
Beautiful park with stunning views of the falls! It’s a perfect spot for a short hike, photography, or just relaxing by the river. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and there are multiple overlooks to see the rushing water up close. Parking can get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to go early. Definitely worth the small entrance fee for such a peaceful and scenic escape so close to the city.
Beautiful park with stunning views of the falls! It’s a perfect spot for a short hike, photography, or just relaxing by the river. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and there are multiple overlooks to see the rushing water up close. Parking can get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to go early. Definitely worth the small entrance fee for such a peaceful and scenic escape so close to the city.
Beautiful park with stunning views of the falls! It’s a perfect spot for a short hike, photography, or just relaxing by the river. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, and there are multiple overlooks to see the rushing water up close. Parking can get crowded on weekends, so it’s best to go early. Definitely worth the small entrance fee for such a peaceful and scenic escape so close to the city.
Such a beautiful park! I didn’t know it was managed by the National Park Service. There is a NULL.00 fee per vehicle to get in. It was well worth it! There is a visitor center, and a concession stand underneath it that sells ice cream and other treats. Lots of trails for walking. There is even areas for rock climbing, if you have the gear.
My 1St Time here. Upon arriving there is a parking fee per car. NULL.00. Lots of parking and easy access to the visitor center the bathrooms and the various trails. However, I heard there are other areas where there is free parking. There are various trails you can take. The most scenic ones are by the Potomac River. There are 3x observation points. They are all great for views of the rapids. I would say the most challenging trail is the “River Trail” it has lots of treacherous rocky areas to overcome n climb. Follow the “blue “ painted markers on the trees to stay on track . This trail is obviously next to the river. If you want to get really close to the river there are various areas where u can climb down. They all require some effort of delegating the rocky areas. Go slow . I use a hiking poles as leverage. It helps. The easiest trail to walk or run on is the “Old Carriage Road”. The trail is quite long. I only accomplished 6.28M overall. About 3 hours. Which includes the stopping time for picture taking and resting to eat some fruit. The small restaurant offers burgers, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and the largest warm salted pretzel I ever ate. Sorry I didn’t take the pic. It was good though. Enjoy the trail and the sites.
My 1St Time here. Upon arriving there is a parking fee per car. NULL.00. Lots of parking and easy access to the visitor center the bathrooms and the various trails. However, I heard there are other areas where there is free parking. There are various trails you can take. The most scenic ones are by the Potomac River. There are 3x observation points. They are all great for views of the rapids. I would say the most challenging trail is the “River Trail” it has lots of treacherous rocky areas to overcome n climb. Follow the “blue “ painted markers on the trees to stay on track . This trail is obviously next to the river. If you want to get really close to the river there are various areas where u can climb down. They all require some effort of delegating the rocky areas. Go slow . I use a hiking poles as leverage. It helps. The easiest trail to walk or run on is the “Old Carriage Road”. The trail is quite long. I only accomplished 6.28M overall. About 3 hours. Which includes the stopping time for picture taking and resting to eat some fruit. The small restaurant offers burgers, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and the largest warm salted pretzel I ever ate. Sorry I didn’t take the pic. It was good though. Enjoy the trail and the sites.
My 1St Time here. Upon arriving there is a parking fee per car. NULL.00. Lots of parking and easy access to the visitor center the bathrooms and the various trails. However, I heard there are other areas where there is free parking. There are various trails you can take. The most scenic ones are by the Potomac River. There are 3x observation points. They are all great for views of the rapids. I would say the most challenging trail is the “River Trail” it has lots of treacherous rocky areas to overcome n climb. Follow the “blue “ painted markers on the trees to stay on track . This trail is obviously next to the river. If you want to get really close to the river there are various areas where u can climb down. They all require some effort of delegating the rocky areas. Go slow . I use a hiking poles as leverage. It helps. The easiest trail to walk or run on is the “Old Carriage Road”. The trail is quite long. I only accomplished 6.28M overall. About 3 hours. Which includes the stopping time for picture taking and resting to eat some fruit. The small restaurant offers burgers, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream and the largest warm salted pretzel I ever ate. Sorry I didn’t take the pic. It was good though. Enjoy the trail and the sites.
A wonderful day trip from the D.C. and surrounding areas if you want a nature escape with some stunning riverside scenery. Accessible viewpoints near the visitor centre offer great views of the falls and picnic tables to barbecue or spend time as a group at. You need to buy either a standard pass (NULL per car covering all passengers) or annual pass (NULL) to enter, unless you have an ‘America the Beautiful’ pass. Would recommend doing so on nps.gov after checking if your target day is a free pass day.
Visited Great Falls National Park after several days of heavy rain and flooding — the river was powerful and dramatic! 🌊 Some trees were down, and parts of the River Trail were blocked, so hike with caution. Still a beautiful day out, with lots of families enjoying the park, barbecuing, and making use of the grills and picnic benches. Great energy all around — just wear sturdy shoes and stay safe on the trails! 🥾🌲🔥
Visited Great Falls National Park after several days of heavy rain and flooding — the river was powerful and dramatic! 🌊 Some trees were down, and parts of the River Trail were blocked, so hike with caution. Still a beautiful day out, with lots of families enjoying the park, barbecuing, and making use of the grills and picnic benches. Great energy all around — just wear sturdy shoes and stay safe on the trails! 🥾🌲🔥