Current Conditions

 

COVID-19 Update (as of June 13, 2020)

Beginning on Saturday, June 13, the National Park Service will allow for greater visitor access to Great Falls Park by reopening parking lots to 100% of capacity. Park visitors are asked to adhere to the physical distancing guidelines and to avoid closed facilities. Restrooms at Great Falls Park are reopened.

The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Hiking trails remain open but following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health officials, Great Falls Park Visitor Center is temporarily closed. Outdoor areas of Great Falls Park are accessible to the public. These areas include trails, picnic areas, overlooks and greenspaces.

“The value of access to green space for health and wellness has been evident throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Superintendent Charles Cuvelier said. “George Washington Memorial Parkway appreciates the collaboration among our regional partners including the City of Alexandria, Fairfax and Arlington counties, NOVA Regional Parks, Visit Fairfax and Fairfax County Park Authority in providing additional access to local green space as part of their phased reopening. We encourage everyone to recreate responsibly and thank visitors and neighbors for their ongoing support.”

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers and partners continues to be paramount. At George Washington Memorial Parkway our operational approach will be to examine and regularly monitor each facility, function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners and volunteers.

While these areas will be accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, please Recreate Responsibly, avoid crowded areas and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

In response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. Public Health Service, we are modifying park operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Park Rangers remind visitors to:

Know before you go.

Visit NPS.gov/findapark to look up a particular park's conditions and availability of restrooms and other facilities. Make a plan, and if you are sick, stay home.

Keep it close.

Follow the state and county orders governing the open status of the area you’re considering visiting. The National Park Service is working closely with governors and state and local health departments as we increase access and services across the National Park System.

Keep your distance.

Recreate with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.

Know your limits.

Postpone challenging hikes or trying new activities while first responders, parks, and communities continue to concentrate on responding to the pandemic.

Keep it with you.

If you brought it, take it with you. Trash pickup and restroom facilities will continue to be limited in many park areas . Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Park staff work diligently to provide a safe and clean environment for the public to enjoy. We have implemented changes in our work structure and work practices to provide for the health and safety of our workforce. These changes may result in a delay in response or service delivery. We appreciate your patience and support of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.