Great Falls, Natural waterfall in McLean, United States.
The Potomac River plunges through a series of falls and rapids, dropping 76 feet in elevation across a distance of less than one mile.
The Patowmack Canal, authorized by George Washington in the 18th century, included five locks to help barges navigate around the falls.
Three observation platforms in Great Falls Park provide different perspectives of the falls, allowing visitors to understand the river's natural power.
Swimming and wading activities remain prohibited throughout the park due to the strong currents and dangerous conditions of the Potomac River.
The rock formations creating the falls consist of 750-million-year-old metamorphosed schist, gneisses, metagraywackes, and metaconglomerates.
GPS coordinates: 41.96257,-73.37207
Latest update: March 3, 2025 18:27
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