Great Falls - Potomac, MD
Great Falls Dog Park – Scenic Dog-Friendly Trails in Potomac, Maryland
Located in Potomac, Maryland, Great Falls offers pet-friendly trails and stunning views of the Potomac River. This hidden gem is popular for dog-friendly hiking on a variety of trails that range from easy walks to more challenging routes like the famed Billy Goat Trail. With plenty of parking and well-maintained amenities, it’s a perfect spot for both local dog owners and visitors looking for an outdoor adventure with their pets.
The park offers restrooms, concession stands, benches, and scenic overlooks, making it comfortable for pet owners and families alike. Although there isn’t a dedicated fenced dog area, dogs are welcome on leash along the trails and throughout this nature-rich park. The observation trail offers fantastic waterfall views, and the quieter, less crowded atmosphere on the Maryland side of the park is ideal for a relaxing pet-friendly day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on leash at all times.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are plenty of benches and break spots throughout the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available nearby.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, there is a $20 per car entry fee.
- Where is the best place to park? The park has plenty of parking near the main entrance and visitor areas.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park is generally less busy than the Virginia side, but weekends can see an uptick in visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features a network of pet-friendly hiking and walking trails.
Reviews
Worth a visit, and better for those who want to cycle since there tow line is nice and smooth, so you will see a large amount of cyclists at this park compared to across the river on the Va side. If you jump off the tow line and hit the actual trails it’s extremely quiet and you’ll more than likely not run into anyone for awhile as most seem to hang out at the more populated areas with the big views. I enjoyed hiking through the woods and the trails aren’t as wide or upkept as the Va side so you get a more “out there” vibe. This park is easily not as busy, so if you are looking for a more quiet and low key experience, this is your place!
Worth a visit, and better for those who want to cycle since there tow line is nice and smooth, so you will see a large amount of cyclists at this park compared to across the river on the Va side. If you jump off the tow line and hit the actual trails it’s extremely quiet and you’ll more than likely not run into anyone for awhile as most seem to hang out at the more populated areas with the big views. I enjoyed hiking through the woods and the trails aren’t as wide or upkept as the Va side so you get a more “out there” vibe. This park is easily not as busy, so if you are looking for a more quiet and low key experience, this is your place!
Worth a visit, and better for those who want to cycle since there tow line is nice and smooth, so you will see a large amount of cyclists at this park compared to across the river on the Va side. If you jump off the tow line and hit the actual trails it’s extremely quiet and you’ll more than likely not run into anyone for awhile as most seem to hang out at the more populated areas with the big views. I enjoyed hiking through the woods and the trails aren’t as wide or upkept as the Va side so you get a more “out there” vibe. This park is easily not as busy, so if you are looking for a more quiet and low key experience, this is your place!
Wonderful spot for hiking, mix of very easy to moderate (for a small peri-urban park) family friendly paths. Lots of parking, nice overlook to the falls, plenty of benches and break spots. NULL/car entry felt a little steep, but I’m grateful that we still have a US National Park Service.
Wonderful spot for hiking, mix of very easy to moderate (for a small peri-urban park) family friendly paths. Lots of parking, nice overlook to the falls, plenty of benches and break spots. NULL/car entry felt a little steep, but I’m grateful that we still have a US National Park Service.
Wonderful spot for hiking, mix of very easy to moderate (for a small peri-urban park) family friendly paths. Lots of parking, nice overlook to the falls, plenty of benches and break spots. NULL/car entry felt a little steep, but I’m grateful that we still have a US National Park Service.
First time on the Maryland side of Great Falls. Its just as beautiful, especially when the leaves change colors before they fall.
I didn’t find as many trails as in Virginia, but the rocky Billy Goat trail is just like the River Trail in VA. Hiking boots or thick soled sneakers are needed for that trail. It was so long we didn’t get to the end.
There is a nice boardwalk out to see the main falls and wave to the people on the otherside.
Cool seeing kayakers in the river.
There is plenty of parking, but it costs NULL. Not sure it gets as crowded as the VA lot.
If you like nature walks you’ll like this place.
First time on the Maryland side of Great Falls. Its just as beautiful, especially when the leaves change colors before they fall.
I didn’t find as many trails as in Virginia, but the rocky Billy Goat trail is just like the River Trail in VA. Hiking boots or thick soled sneakers are needed for that trail. It was so long we didn’t get to the end.
There is a nice boardwalk out to see the main falls and wave to the people on the otherside.
Cool seeing kayakers in the river.
There is plenty of parking, but it costs NULL. Not sure it gets as crowded as the VA lot.
If you like nature walks you’ll like this place.
First time on the Maryland side of Great Falls. Its just as beautiful, especially when the leaves change colors before they fall.
I didn’t find as many trails as in Virginia, but the rocky Billy Goat trail is just like the River Trail in VA. Hiking boots or thick soled sneakers are needed for that trail. It was so long we didn’t get to the end.
There is a nice boardwalk out to see the main falls and wave to the people on the otherside.
Cool seeing kayakers in the river.
There is plenty of parking, but it costs NULL. Not sure it gets as crowded as the VA lot.
If you like nature walks you’ll like this place.
What a hidden gem in the DC area! There are several trails at a variety of difficulties.
We chose the observation trail. It was an easy walk with stunning views. We were there on the weekend and it wasn’t very busy. They had their junior ranger program going on outside the visitors center. No maps were available, they suggested we take a photo of a map with our phone. Restrooms and concessions were available, but the star of the show was tje waterfalls. Make sure to take the observation trail to the end for an incredible view. The historic locks were interesting, and a bonus for my mechanically inclined hubby.