A Natural Wonder In Two States, Great Falls In Maryland And Virginia Is Truly Spectacular

Scattered across the state from the Eastern shore to the Appalachian Mountains in the west, Maryland is home to countless hidden — and not-so-hidden — natural wonders, and we can't wait to explore one of our new favorites with you today.

When we moved to the state three years ago, I immediately started compiling my Maryland bucket list, with visits to places like the charming capital city of Annapolis and Assateague Island — where wild horses run free — and recently made my way to one of many natural wonders on the list: Great Falls.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Go Chasing Waterfalls

Tucked along the border of Maryland and Virginia, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is home to Great Falls, a stunning series of cascades along the Potomac River.

We visited the Maryland side, but I’ve heard the views are equally as stunning from the Virginia side of the park.

We parked at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, walked inside to check out the maps of the area, said hello to the mules that were hanging out behind the historic building, and were on our way.

There is a small viewing area near the Visitor Center, but you’ll want to embark on the short and sweet Great Falls Overlook Trail for the really impressive views.

If you pass the canal boat pictured above, you're headed the right way.

Follow the signs to the Great Falls Overlook as you travel across bridges and boardwalks, through the verdant forest, and pass a series of cascading waterfalls along the river.

The trail from the Visitor Center to the overlook measures in at just .7 miles and is both accessible and stroller-friendly.

It was raining when we visited, and the boardwalk was a bit slippery, so I recommend shoes with good traction.

Once you make your way to the end of the trail, you’ll be greeted with a stunning panoramic view of Great Falls, the Potomac River, and Virginia.

No matter what time of year you visit, the view is spectacular — we can’t wait to visit again when the surrounding foliage is ablaze in hues of red, orange, and yellow.

For an easy one-mile stroll, the views sure do pack a punch. This was a wonderful excursion, and we will absolutely be back to tackle the Billy Goat trail soon.

For more information about both the Maryland and Virginia parks, visit the National Park Service website. Have you ever visited the Maryland side of Great Falls at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park? Tell us about your experience in the comments, and let me know where you think we should explore next!