Great Falls Hiking Guide: Best Trails, Tips & Scenic Spots to Explore
The Great Falls offer stunning waterfall views, challenging trails, and serene natural scenery for hikers. There are plenty of trail options for beginners and experienced hikers alike, and we’re here to ensure you have everything you need to plan the perfect trip to the Great Falls.
Below, we will dive into some of the more famous trails you can visit, as well as general park rules and safety tips you should adhere to. If you’re ready to embark on an amazing adventure, here’s everything you need to know.
Explore Great Falls Park Location and Trail Network
Great Falls Park is located in both Virginia and Maryland. Upon arrival, guests on the Virginia side can access hiking trails that radiate from the central visitors center. This location offers a more up-close and personal view of the falls than its Maryland counterpart.
You can visit the Great Falls Park in Maryland on the other side of the Potomac River. This park has some trails that lead down to the river and is home to the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most famous hiking destinations in the country.
Trail Uses, Accessibility, and Park Rules
As mentioned above, you can choose from a few different trail experiences when arriving at the Great Falls park. These trails are most commonly used for hiking, though some visitors may choose to run or jog on the flatter stretches of the trails.
You can access different trails depending on which state you are visiting, Virginia or Maryland. The parks are open from sunrise to sunset and are strictly closed once the sun goes down. All visitors must pack up and leave before nightfall to adhere to these important safety guidelines.
All other rules are typical of a state park, but you can find out more by calling or visiting the Great Falls welcome center.
Water, Weather, and Gear Considerations
Experienced and novice hikers alike need to consider these important tips before setting out on any hiking trip to ensure they stay safe, healthy, and well-equipped. Here are some things you need to prepare for or purchase before setting out, especially in the Great Falls.
Stay Hydrated: While the visitor center and concession area offer refill stations, no hydration stations are set up along the hiking trails. This means you will need to carry all the water you need for your hiking trip. Consider the temperature and distance you plan to travel, and bring more than you think you need if space allows.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast: The weather in the Great Falls region is known to change at the drop of a hat, so it is in your best interest to pack strategically for any sudden shifts. In winter, you should pack plenty of warm, insulated layers to protect yourself from the cold. The fall and spring seasons are a bit calmer, though packing plenty of light layers to take on and off will keep you feeling comfortable no matter what the weather decides to do. Keep a close eye on the forecast in the weeks and days leading up to your trip to better understand what you should pack.
Invest in Quality Gear: Some of the trails throughout Great Falls are quite challenging and can even be dangerous without the proper gear. Do your research and talk to experienced hikers who have completed the trails before to see what you should have for your visit.
Plan Your Visit with Practical Hiking Tips
Once the long day of hiking wraps up, the last thing you want to do is search for a spot to relax. Instead, take the time to plan and secure a hotel room or campsite to catch up on some much-needed rest after a long day of exercise.
While you cannot camp directly inside the Great Falls park, plenty of campgrounds just a quick drive away are well worth the visit. Some even offer more hiking trails to explore if you’ve got a little energy to spare in the evenings.
Make the most of your stay with the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, a compact and portable power station that elevates any camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Falls free to hike?
While hiking is free within the park, you do have to pay an entry fee to access the trails throughout Great Falls. These fees vary by mode of transportation (e.g., car, motorcycle, bike, etc.) and help keep the park clean and accessible for visitors from far and wide.
Which side of Great Falls is better?
Both sides of the Great Falls offer unique and stunning views of the waterfall and Potomac River. For a more up-close and personal experience with the falls, you will want to visit the Virginia side of the park. This side will grant you a much direct view of the waterfall, and you’ll be able to capture some fantastic photos without worrying about distance being a factor.
Great Falls Hiking Combines Nature, Challenge, and Adventure
The Great Falls are a sight to see and should top your list if you want to expand your hiking horizons. With two unique parks to visit, you can view a stunning natural landmark from various perspectives, all while challenging your hiking skills on some of the most popular trails in the country.
There are tons of photo ops along your hiking route, so make sure your phone or camera is charged with enough power for the entirety of your visit. EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh) is a portable companion many hikers use to keep their devices charged and ready for all off-the-grid adventures.