Great Falls Park - Virginia

Address:9200 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, Virginia
Tel: (703) 285-2965

For postcard-like panoramic views of the Potomac, plan a visit to the truly outstanding Great Falls Park in Virginia. Cascading waterfalls and rushing rapids enhance the park's already-scenic character. Only 15 minutes from Washington DC, the park's stunning natural features are hugely popular with tourists visiting the area and local residents as well. In addition to a scenic hike through swamps and lowland forests, visitors can check out three designated observation areas to view the Great Falls, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Fishing, picnicking, and barbequing are popular in the summer, but swimming and camping are not permitted within park boundaries. Rock climbers and historians frequent the park as well. One of the most important U.S. engineering structures of the 18th century was the Patowmack Canal - partly funded by George Washington - whose ruins can still be observed at the park.