Great Falls Park · Fairfax County, VA
Great Falls VA — River Trail
Rim trail along Mather Gorge with three overlooks of the Potomac cataracts. ~1.5 mi one-way from the visitor center to Sandy Landing / Difficult Run; rocky underfoot, not runnable at speed.
Live · updated
Today
Park closure — trail is inaccessible today.
Primary activity: hiking
Great Falls will be without running water from Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 5 due to a contractor replacing the sewage lift station pumps. Visitors should come prepared with water to drink and while the restrooms will be closed there will be portable toilets available.
Restrooms located at the North intersection of Old Carriage Road Trail and Matildaville Trail are closed due a water leak. There are portable toilets available at this location.
The Aid Box rock climbing area is temporarily closed due to a recent rock topple.
Conditions
Score by activity
Hiking
Park closure — trail is inaccessible today.
Dog walking
Park closure — trail is inaccessible today.
Score breakdown
- · 45°F air — Within comfort range, outside ideal
- ✓ AQI 33 — Clean air
- ✓ Trail: prime — No meaningful rain in the last 48 hours. Trail surface is dry and tacky — prime traction.
Trail facts
- Distance
- 3 mi round-trip
- Elevation gain
- 200 ft
- Surface
- rocky
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Typical crowds
- very heavy
- Dogs
- Leash required
Trailhead
Parking
Trailhead lot · day-use fee. 9 AM on weekends.
Facilities
Bathrooms , drinking water. $20/vehicle 7-day pass; ATB pass accepted.
Coordinates
38.9981, -77.2541 — Fairfax County, VA.
Park
Part of Great Falls Park (official site →).
Park advisories
If parking lots become full, there will be a temporary closure of the park entrance at Georgetown Pike & Old Dominion Drive. The park entrance will re-open as soon as space becomes available. For updated information about parking, call Visitor Center at 703-757-3101