It’s no surprise that Great Falls National Park in McLean, Virginia, boasts beautiful waterfalls. The 800-acre park is home to a series of scenic falls as well as access to the Potomac River. For more than a century, the park has been a recreational hotspot for everything from hiking and fishing to picnicking and boating. Moreover, it’s home to one of the best waterfalls in Virginia and, if you ask me, you’ll want to witness it for yourself.

There are a few ways you can experience the park and its falls. Three scenic overlooks are located a short hike from the Visitor Center when you arrive.
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These overlooks are the closest you can get to the falls and are a great way to orient yourself within the larger park.
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After that, you can choose from a series of trails offering other views of the park. The River Trail is one of the most popular routes because it provides unparalleled views of the Potomac.
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Some rock scrambling is required on these trails, but it's worth it for the views of the river and waterfalls from the cliffside you'll be climbing.
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Waterways aren't the only natural wonders on this trail. Keep an eye out for the local flora and fauna. Vultures and great blue herons are particularly common in this area of the park.
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For the very bold who aren't satisfied with a hike alone, consider kayaking along the falls and river. There's no experience quite like sailing along the whitewater.
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Great Falls National Park is a natural landmark that’s rich with history and awe-inspiring geological features. This park is located right at the crux of a change in the river and falls. The Potomac drops 77 feet here in less than a mile as it rushes towards Chesapeake Bay. That unique shift in the waterway provides some of the most beautiful water views in the state.

Wanna see more of the Great Falls National Park? Check out this incredible YouTube video by Where Next Travel highlighting the best features of the park:

Searching for more outdoor fun? If so, here’s a pretty little waterfall in Virginia featuring a serene swimming hole that’s the perfect spot to cool off during the warmer months.  

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WATERFALLS IN VIRGINIA & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | May 26, 2023

What are the best waterfalls in Virginia?

Aside from the Great Falls Waterfall, there are lots of other waterfalls in Virginia that are worthy of a visit: Here are 10 of the best waterfalls that we recommend: 

  • Falling Spring Falls, Covington.
  • Roaring Run Falls, Eagle Rock
  • Devil’s Bathtub, Fort Blackmore
  • Statons Creek Falls, Buena Vista
  • Crabtree Falls, Newton County
  • Dark Hollow Falls, Shenandoah National Park
  • Cascade Falls, Pembroke
  • Bent Mountain Falls, Shawsville,
  • Fallingwater Cascades, Vinton
  • Apple Orchard Falls, Buchanan


Discover more about these cascades by reading our previous article featuring some of the best waterfalls in Virginia.

What are some of the best national parks in Virginia?

Currently, there are 22 parks and facilities that are managed by the Virginia National Parks Service, and here are the best national parks in Virginia that are worthy of a visit: 

  • Shenandoah National Park, Luray 
  • Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, Middletown
  • Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, Eastern Shore of Virginia
  • Colonial National Historical Park, Yorktown
  • Great Falls National Park, McLean
  • Historic Jamestowne National Park, Jamestowne
  • Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, Fredericksburg
  • Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Cumberland Gap
  • Richmond National Battlefield Park, Richmond


Here’s a previous article with an ultimate guide to one of the best national parks in Virginia.

What are some natural wonders in Virginia?

While Great Falls is a spectacular natural gem, here are a few more natural wonders in Virginia that you’ll want to see for yourself:

  • Luray Caverns, Luray
  • Natural Tunnel, Duffield
  • The Sand Cave, Cumberland Gap National Park
  • Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks
  • Burkes Garden, Tazewell
  • Foamhenge, Centreville
  • Natural Chimneys, Mount Solon
  • Stiles Falls, Shawsville
  • The Channels, Hayter's Gap, Abingdon
  • Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk


Be sure to check out this previous article highlighting more of these natural wonders in Virginia.

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Great Falls, VA, USA
Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102, USA