Olmsted Island, River island in Potomac, Virginia, US.
Olmsted Island is a river island in the Potomac River in Virginia with steep cliffs and rocky ground covered by forest. A wooden walkway crosses the southern part of the island and leads to a viewing platform overlooking Great Falls.
The island takes its name from Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., a landscape architect from a family of landscape designers. In 1972, Hurricane Agnes significantly changed the island's plant cover by removing large amounts of shrubs and trees.
The island bears the name of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr, a landscape architect whose father created New York's Central Park.
Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain is rocky and paths can be uneven in places. Access is limited to marked trails to protect the natural environment.
The island shelters several rare and endangered plant species within its protected habitat. This botanical diversity makes it a valuable refuge for local plant life.
Location: Virginia
GPS coordinates: 38.99830,-77.25000
Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:42
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Great Falls Community Library
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