Mather Gorge

Mather Gorge is a deep canyon where the Potomac River narrows to about 100 feet (30 meters) wide between Maryland and Virginia, with steep cliffs rising sharply on both sides. The river flows forcefully through this tight passage, creating a dramatic landscape of rushing water, rocky walls, and dense forest.

The gorge was named after Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, who established protective standards for natural landscapes in the early 20th century. The location itself has been part of the region's human history for thousands of years, though it only became formally protected as a natural landmark in modern times.

The two main hiking routes on opposite sides show different faces of the gorge: Maryland's Billy Goat Trail features rocky scrambles and close-up views of cliffs, while Virginia's River Trail offers a gentler walk with overlook points. Each path tells its own story about how people choose to experience this landscape.

The gorge is best explored on foot, with access points from Great Falls Park on the Virginia side and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side. The terrain is steep and rocky, so sturdy shoes and careful footing are essential, especially when conditions are wet.

The Potomac River creates a series of rapids through the gorge that range from gentle to extremely challenging, attracting kayakers of all skill levels. Experienced paddlers seek out this spot for the technical difficulty and rough water conditions found at few other places in the region.