Basic Information

Using a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft, etc.) to travel to Great Falls Park?

If you plan to travel to or from Great Falls Park using a rideshare service, please be aware that cell reception is very limited at the park, and Wi-Fi is unavailable. If possible, plan your return ride before arriving at the park.

 

Physical Address

Directions

From I-495, take exit 44 for route 193 west; continue 4 miles. Turn right on Old Dominion Drive.

Directions Details

Operating Hours & Seasons

All Park Hours

• Every Day:7:00 AM–Sunset

Great Falls Park is open from 7:00 am until 30 minutes after sunset. This time varies each day. Great Falls Park is closed on December 25.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Holidays

2025–2026

Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed
Holiday	Date	Hours

Weather

The Washington, D.C. area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round.

Fees & Passes

Entrance Fee (Standard Entrance Pass)

Type	Dates	Cost
Private Vehicle	Year-round	$20.00
Motorcycle	Year-round	$15.00
Per Person	Year-round	$10.00
Non-commercial Group (16+ persons)	Year-round	$100.00
Commercial Sedan (1-6 seats)	Year-round	$25.00
Commercial Van (7-15 seats)	Year-round	$40.00
Commercial Mini-bus (16-25 seats)	Year-round	$40.00
Commercial Motor Coach (26+ seats)	Year-round	$100.00

Other Entrance Passes

Type	Cost
Annual Park Pass	$35.00

Visitor Centers

Great Falls Park Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is currently closed pending needed repairs. Park trails and overlooks remain open.

Closed today

• Every Day:Closed

Visitor Center is currently closed pending needed repairs.

Closures & Seasonal Exceptions

Holidays

2025–2026

Christmas Day	December 25, 2025	Closed
Holiday	Date	Hours

Internet & Cellular Access

Public WiFi is not available.

Cellular access is very limited at Great Falls Park, and Wi-Fi is unavailable. Please plan ahead and do not count on having cell service available.

Internet & Cellular Access Details

 

Enjoy your visit at Great Falls Park!

Explore one of the nation's first canals, see the Great Falls of the Potomac, enjoy a hike along Mather Gorge's dramatic clifftops, and explore the museum exhibits and park film in the visitor center. You can do all of these things and more at Great Falls Park. These pages have information that will help you plan your trip.

Park hours are 7 a.m. until dark, every day. The three falls overlooks are located within a five to ten minute walk from the visitor center and parking lots. Trail maps are available at the visitor center and entrance station.

Expect high crowds and delays entering the park on weekends and holidays when weather is nice. Please come early. Vehicle line to enter park begins around 10:30 am or 11:00 am. Wait time can be as much as 45 minutes to one hour. To expedite entrance payment, please have payment method ready before you reach the window. Exact change is preferred and helps shorten the entrance line by moving vehicles into the park more quickly.

The Things to Do section includes:

• Visitor center hours and information
• Outdoor and indoor activity details
• The Calendar of Events
• Children's Activities

Things to Know Before You Come includes:

• Pets in the park
• Nearby locations for food, lodging, stores, and gas stations
• Accessibility information
• Weather
• Getting around in the park
• Safety tips and information

Great Falls Park is a unique destination in the Washington D.C. area. Here, you will find information to help you plan your visit to the park.

Some things to keep in mind while planning your trip:

• The busiest times are on nice weekend afternoons. There is usually a line to enter the park on those days.
• Great Falls is open from 7 a.m. until dark daily.
• Dogs and other pets are welcome, but must be on a six foot leash and under physical control at all times. Remember to clean up after your pet.
• Ranger programs are offered on most days. Check with the Visitor Center for details.
• Alcohol is not permitted in the park.
• Swimming and wading are not allowed in the park.
• Picnic tables and grills are available on a first come, first serve basis. No reservations are needed for picnics.
• There is an entrance fee to enter the park. More information.
• The snack bar is open seasonally. For current hours, click here. There are no vending machines in the park.
• One wheelchair is available for loan on a first-come, first-serve basis at the Visitor Center. There is no cost to use the wheelchair.
• Rules and regulations for Great Falls Park can be found here.