Great Falls Park is only 15 miles from the nation’s capital, but its pristine beauty may cause you to forget about civilization altogether. The scenery here is just exquisite. Plan a trip to Great Falls as soon as you can and witness a glimpse of Virginia’s natural history! This is one place in Virginia that will blow you away, no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

Great Falls Park is one of northern Virginia's most cherished spots.
Jimmy Emerson/flickr
This area is accessible from DC and Maryland, although a majority of the park lies in the Virginia territory. Though it's not a designated National Park, the site is maintained by the National Park Service.
At Great Falls, the Potomac River drops 50 feet and flows into Mather Gorge, creating a vision so stunning you'll feel like you've entered a land before time.
Alan Grinberg/flickr
The park's 800 acres are mostly forested, which provides a natural buffer and picturesque backdrop for the river.
Joseph Gruber
From droughts, heavy rainfall, and melting snow, the Potomac has seen a fair share of highs and lows in its day.
wikimedia
Sign markers (such as this one) allow you to engage with the natural history of the area.
Calling all kayakers: if you've been looking for class 5 rapids on the East Coast, you'll find them here.
Mike Boening Photography/flickr
Just be sure to pay attention to all warning signs, as the water levels can quickly become dangerous. Only drop in if you're an experienced whitewater paddler.
Hard to believe you're in the Appalachian Mountains when you stumble upon scenes like this!
O Palsson/flickr
Step back and take it all in - this is sure to be a place you'll always remember.
Trent Roche/flickr
The Falls themselves are made all the more spectacular by their surroundings.

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You'll notice even the smallest parts of nature are well maintained and protected by the National Park system.
Fritz Flohr Reynolds/flickr
A wide variety of plants and endangered species dwell in this park. In the springtime, it roars to life!
The adventurous soul will not have trouble finding activities here, from hiking, to rock climbing, and more.
yuan2003/flickr
The park provides plenty of hiking trails that offer incredible views of the river.
Rocky A./flickr
Great Falls offers a dramatically different view depending on the time of year.
Nicholas Raymond/flickr
Fortunately, the park is open all year round, and you can witness the full effect of each season, from the roaring rapids of spring to the frozen cascade in winter.
Great Falls Park is the place to visit to witness Virginia's exquisite color palette in all things great...
Tony Beverly/flickr
...and small!
Fritz Flohr Reynolds/flickr
You can't help but marvel at how the Potomac shows off in its beautiful Great Falls setting.
Wikimedia Commons

Have you visited Great Falls Park? We’d love to see your photos! Share them in the comments below and we’ll be sure to take a look. If you think there are other natural wonders in Virginia we need to see, nominate them here!

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More to Explore

places in Virginia that'll blow you away

Kim Magaraci | March 15, 2021

What are the most beautiful hikes in Virginia?

Here in Virginia, there are beautiful hikes for all fitness levels. One of the best kid-friendly hikes, the High Bridge trail, is also wheelchair accessible and allows for stunning views from a tall bridge crossing the Appomattox River near Farmville. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Tinker Cliffs Trail is sleep and challenging, but a stunning view from the top makes it all worth it. Another favorite trail of ours, the Cascades Trail in Giles County, offers stunning views of a waterfall and swimming hole, and it's kid-friendly with stone steps and bridges.

What are the best wildflower hikes in Virginia?

If you're looking for a beautiful wildflower hike, head to Mason Neck State Park, and hike the Bay View Trail. This is a simple one-mile circuit that's easy to enjoy, and throughout the spring and summer beautiful wildflowers line the trail.

Does Virginia have any natural wonders?

Virginia is full of natural wonders! Of course, Natural Bridge and Luray Caverns come to mind as our most iconic Earth-made sites. When you see Natural Bridge for the first time, it'll take your breath away! Hiking through Luray Caverns is sure to impress even the most jaded traveler. Another underrated natural wonder in Virginia worth checking out would be The Channels, which can be reached from the moderate Brumley Mountain Trail. They take you to the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain, and you'll enjoy weaving your way through a maze of sandstone rock formations.

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Great Falls, VA, USA