Great Falls

Great Falls is a waterfall system in Montgomery County and Fairfax County, United States, where the Potomac River drops through a narrow gorge. The water crashes over jagged rock ledges, creating multiple cascades that extend along a bend in the river course.

George Washington founded the Patowmack Canal here in 1785 to bypass the falls for river traffic. The project marked an early effort to open Potomac navigation for westward trade routes.

Local kayakers navigate the rapids below the main drop during spring runoff, when water levels rise enough for whitewater enthusiasts. Climbers also practice on the exposed rock faces flanking the gorge throughout warmer months.

Three separate viewing platforms provide different perspectives on the cascades, with some paths wide enough for wheelchairs. Water levels shift dramatically by season, so visiting after rainstorms or during spring snowmelt offers the most powerful flow.

A marked pole near Overlook 3 records past flood heights with painted lines reaching surprisingly high on the post. During extreme floods, water can submerge the entire rock wall and temporarily close the viewing platforms.

Location: Montgomery County

Location: Fairfax County

Part of: Potomac River

Website: http://nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm

GPS coordinates: 38.99769,-77.25287

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26