February 3, 2023 By Beth Foster
Have you ever driven on or heard about the George Washington Memorial Parkway? For me I have driven on the parkway and heard about it because I love history. There are several attractions to explore along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. However, we will be exploring Great Falls Park located in Mclean, Virginia. Throughout America’s history timeline, Great Falls Park which is located on the Potomac River; is considered to be one of the first locations that consisted of a canal. The Patowmack Canal was once a place wherein inhabitants bartered and traded daily by utilizing the canal’s water resources.
Great Falls Park is open daily from 7:00am Eastern time and closes at dusk. The entrance fees varies from $10.00-$20.00 depending on what mode of transportation you are utilizing. There are several ways to enter the park and the options are by vehicle, motorcycle, foot, bicycle and horseback. Furthermore, an option of an annual pass or other pass types are also available. At the present time, the Visitor’s Center is closed until March 5, 2023 due to construction. Restrooms are available outside of the Visitor’s Center as well as along the trails. Pets and service animals are allowed which is a plus for me because I have Charlie.
Due to the fact that Great Falls Park is located in the greater Washington DC area, please allow yourself enough time to get there at the time you have planned. It doesn’t really matter what time you get there in the winter during the weekday but on the weekends it may be crowded especially if it is really nice weather. There is no overflow parking, so during peak season please arrive early!
Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes of things!
Great Falls Park Visitor’s Center
Things To Do
When the Visitor’s Center opens up you can watch an eight minute video on the history of Great Falls Park and a fifteen minute video about the history of the Patowmack Canal and George Washington’s involvement. If you have children you can check out the Children’s Room. From there you can visit the three different overlooks that all have their own unique view of the falls. Overlook one is not wheelchair or stroller accessible but two and three are. All three overlooks are no more than a five to ten minute walk, so no need to worry about it being too strenuous.
In my personal opinion Overlook one was by far the best for the view of the falls. I feel as though you are the closest you can get to the falls without actually being in the water. When you go let me know which one you thought was the best view!
Great Falls Park Overlook 1
Great Park Falls Overlook 3
After viewing the wonderful views of the three Overlooks, you have several options for outdoor adventures! Before you do that, you should look at the previous floods that have happened at Great Falls. I believe you will find it quite interesting.
Okay, getting back to more outdoor activities! Such as bicycling on select trails, birdwatching over 163 bird species, kayaking/boating, climbing the rocks, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking and my favorite hiking. I had the pleasure of hiking on the Matildaville Trail, Potowmack Canal Trail and the River Trail. The Potowmack Canal is often times referred to as “George Washington’s Canal” because he played a big role in overseeing the construction of the canal. The Potowmack Company was in charge of construction of the canal, but the canal itself ceased being used due to the company’s financial difficulties. It is not a massive canal but that doesn’t take away from it’s natural beauty.
Powtowmack Canal
While I was hiking the River Trail. I saw some really beautiful water and I have to admit I felt like I was on an island because the water was just that beautiful. Additionally, I saw a whole bunch of pretty sea shells right near the edge of the water! I couldn’t believe that I saw sea shells on a river. So, of course I picked one up, washed it off and took it home with me. Uniquely, I saw a herd of deer, an owl and an array of birds.
The Seashell I Picked up Near the River
View Of River From River Trail
View of River From River Trail
Quick History
Make sure to do the Matildaville Trail, so that you are able to see ruins from the town that was once there. Guess what it was called “Matildaville”. It was given this name because it was founder Harry Lee’s first wife’s name. Additionally, at one point in time there used to be an amusement park at Great Falls. With the carousel being one of the big crowd pleasers.
Matildaville Town Ruins
Where To Eat
There are some vending machines in the Visitor’s Center courtyard. You can also bring your own food and have a picnic or a quick snack. Some notable restaurants near Great Falls Park are Mookie’s BBQ, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Old Anglers Inn and Maggiano’s Little Italy to name a few.
Where To Stay
Since Great Falls Park is located in the greater Washington DC area there are several lodging options including camping. Although camping is not allowed in Great Falls Park there are other great camping options near by. Use the link below to book your hotel through Booking.com.
You can also use Booking.com to book a rental car if needed and also a flight.
Hope to see you on your next big adventure!
Please view the Youtube video below for more pics and short videos:
Fitnessroadie 
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