Height: 76 feet
The Walk / Access: About 15 miles south of D.C. in Mclean, located on the Potomac River, the 800-acre Great Falls National Park offers hiking to three separate platforms from which to view its epic and eponymous cascades.
While the falls drop a seemingly diminutive sum-total of 76-feet, here, the thunderous roar and churn of the Potomac is beyond spectacular. Named by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as one of the state’s ‘Eight Natural Wonders,’ the site provides visitors with close-up viewing of some of the world’s deadliest, Class VI rapids.
The Added Lure: With each overlook no more than a five to ten minute walk (all less than a mile) from the Visitor Center—and all interconnected by an exquisitely maintained trail system—it’s easy to lose yourself in the thrill of observing the relentless, heart-stopping rush of the river’s crashing over the jagged, craggy rocks.
Grab a Bite: Pack a lunch and take advantage of the GFP’s numerous, riverside picnic tables.
