Mather Gorge, River canyon at Great Falls, United States
The steep walls of Mather Gorge narrow the Potomac River to 100 feet wide, creating a natural boundary between Maryland and Virginia.
The gorge bears the name of Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, who established management practices for natural landmarks.
The Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side and River Trail in Virginia provide different perspectives of the gorge for hikers and nature observers.
Visitors can access the gorge through Great Falls Park in Virginia or the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland.
The Potomac River drops 76 feet through the gorge, forming a series of rapids from Class I to Class VI that attract experienced kayakers.
Location: Montgomery County
Location: Fairfax County
Elevation above the sea: 20 m
GPS coordinates: 38.97861,-77.23667
Latest update: March 6, 2025 22:34
Congressional Country Club
5.5 km
Great Falls Park
2.2 km
Billy Goat Trail
1.9 km
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
5.1 km
Great Falls
2.5 km
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
13 km
David Taylor Model Basin
3.9 km
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm
3.9 km
American Legion Memorial Bridge
5 km
Scott's Run Nature Preserve
3.8 km
Colvin Run Mill
5.1 km
Virginia State Route 193
4.1 km
Olmsted Island
2.5 km
Plummers Island
5.3 km
Great Falls Tavern
2.6 km
Swains Lock
5.9 km
William Gunnell House
5 km
Spring Hill Farm (McLean, Virginia)
3.3 km
Cornwell Farm
3.3 km
Four Stairs
3.5 km
Great Falls Grange Hall and Forestville School
4.9 km
The Barns at Wolf Trap
5.6 km
Lock 10
5.9 km
Filene Center
5.3 km
Lock 14
4.9 km
Lock 19
2.4 km
Great Falls Community Library
4.8 km
Washington Aqueduct Bridge No. 3
5.7 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes