Great Falls Park is located in Mclean, Virginia and is a part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The park is situated on 800 acres along the Potomac River and offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors.
The land that is now Great Falls Park was once part of George Washington’s original 5,000 acre River Farm. In the late 18th century, Washington built a gristmill and sawmill at the site of the Great Falls, using the power of the falling water to generate electricity. The mills were eventually torn down, but the remains of the foundations can still be seen today.
In the early 20th century, the area around the Great Falls became a popular spot for picnics and recreation. In 1966, the park was established as a unit of the National Park Service. Today, the park welcomes over one million visitors each year.
The main attraction at Great Falls Park is the series of waterfalls for which the park is named. The falls are located on the Potomac River and range in height from 30 to 76 feet. Visitors can view the falls from a variety of vantage points, including an overlook at the Maryland side of the river. The trails are easy to moderate. There are a few difficult sections, but overall the trails are not too challenging.
Great Falls Park also offers a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center with exhibits on the history and geology of the area. The park is a popular destination for both day-trippers and overnight campers.
