Why You Should Visit
The Potomac River and the unique geological features have shaped the land at Great Falls for millennia. Floods regularly occur along this stretch of the river, taking away soils and plants and depositing new silt and seeds to take their place.
Most of the park's 800 acres are forested. Throughout the year, over 150 different species of birds can be seen at Great Falls Park. Native animals, such as whitetail deer, fox, box turtles, squirrels, coyotes, bats, and chipmunks also call this place home. A wide variety of plants, including several rare species, thrives in this environment.
Plan Your Visit
Great Falls Park is part of the National Park System. There is an entrance fee to enter the park.
Admission to Great Falls Park is for seven consecutive days. Entrance fees are collected during all hours of operation, unless for posted Fee Free dates.
- $10.00 Individual Permit. Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, or equestrian. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
- $20.00 Vehicle Permit. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
- $15.00 Motorcycle Permit. Admits one single private motorcycle and its passengers. Individuals 15 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Also valid for entrance into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
- $35.00 Annual Pass. Valid for twelve months from the date of purchase. Pass is valid at Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park for Entrance Fee only. Admits the pass holder and occupants of a single, private non-commercial vehicle OR pass holder and three person (16 and older) where per person ENTRANCE FEES are charged. Not valid for camping, tours, special recreation permits, concessions, etc. This park is not responsible for misplaced, lost or stolen cards. Void if altered and is non-transferable/non-refundable.
Visitors may also enjoy five entrance fee-free days in 2020. On these significant days of celebration or commemoration, all national parks will waive entrance fees. The dates for 2020 are:
- Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 18 – First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
- Tuesday, August 25 – National Park Service Birthday
- Saturday, September 26 – National Public Lands Day
- Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day
