Great Falls VA vs Great Falls MD: Which is better?

Great Falls, located along the Potomac River just outside Washington DC, is an awesome series of waterfall divided between two states: Virginia and Maryland. Each side offers a different experience, with unique views, activities, and history.

But they have a lot in common:

• Both have views of the waterfalls
• Both have the remnants of canals
• Both have beautiful scenery that can be enjoyed from networks of trails
• Both have B.A.R.K. ranger programs for your pet

But how do Great Falls Park in Virginia and Great Falls Tavern in Maryland compare? Whether you’re an adventurer, history lover, or just looking for a great day out, understanding the differences can help you decide which side of the river to explore. Because they are 25 minutes away from each other, it’s not as easy to zip over to the other if you end up at the wrong one.

In this article, I go over the history of Great Falls, the key differences, and how to know which location is right for you (with photos of Great Falls from Virginia vs Maryland).

Great Falls

Great Falls is a dramatic series of waterfalls and rapids along the Potomac River about 10 miles upstream from Washington, DC. Sitting between the Maryland and Virginia shores, Great Falls marks the Potomac River’s Fall Line.

The Fall Line is a geological boundary where the harder rocks of the Appalachian Piedmont meet the softer sediments of the Coastal Plain. This transition creates steep river descents, resulting in waterfalls and rapids. It is also the point in which the river is no longer navigable by boat, blocking all freight moving inland.

At Great Falls, the Potomac River narrows dramatically, funneling water through the rugged Potomac Gorge and creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the eastern United States. The falls drop approximately 76 feet over less than a mile, and the carved earth demonstrates the river’s raw power and beauty. This area has long been a key landmark for navigation, settlement, and recreation.

History of Great Falls

Long before European settlers arrived, the Great Falls area was a focal point for indigenous peoples, particularly the Piscataway and other Algonquian-speaking tribes. The falls provided a rich environment for fishing, hunting, and gathering. The Potomac River served as a trade route, with the falls acting as a natural meeting place and boundary.

George Washington’s Patowmack Canal

During the late 18th century, Great Falls became central to an ambitious engineering project led by George Washington. Recognizing the Potomac River’s potential as a commercial artery connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the western territories, Washington envisioned a canal system to bypass Great Falls. The Patowmack Canal, completed in 1802, was dug on the Virginia side and became one of the first canal systems in the United States.

The Patowmack Canal consisted of locks and channels carved through the rocky terrain, allowing boats to navigate around the steep falls. Innovative for its time, the canal was part of a larger effort to expand trade and settlement westward. Labor for the canal was provided by enslaved people, free workers, and hired European immigrants, highlighting the human effort and struggle behind the construction.

However, the canal faced numerous challenges, including high maintenance costs, natural erosion from the Potomac’s powerful currents, and the rise of railroads, which proved a more efficient mode of transportation. The Patowmack Canal ceased operations in the mid-19th century. Today, remnants of the canal, such as the stone locks, can still be seen at Great Falls Park on the Virginia side.

The Rise (and Fall) of the C&O Canal

The Patowmack Canal was a precursor to the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, which began construction in the early 19th century. The C&O Canal aimed to connect the Potomac River to the Ohio River, creating a continuous trade route.

The C&O Canal incorporated lessons learned from earlier projects like the Patowmack Canal, including the use of locks and towpaths to guide boats through challenging terrain. Like the Patowmack Canal, it also aimed to bypass Great Falls on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, where the terrain didn’t require as dramatic of elevation changes.

The Great Falls Tavern, built in 1828, served as a hub for canal operations and as a rest stop for travelers and workers at lock 20. The canal was instrumental in transporting coal, lumber, and other goods, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.

While the canal eventually fell out of use due to the expansion of railroads, it remains a historical and recreational landmark. The C&O Canal National Historical Park, which includes the Great Falls Tavern, preserves this legacy and offers visitors opportunities to explore the canal’s engineering, history, and natural surroundings.

Great Falls Today

In the 20th century, both the Virginia and Maryland sides of Great Falls saw efforts to preserve their natural and historical features. Conservationists and local advocates worked to establish these areas as protected parks. In 1966, Great Falls Park in Virginia became part of the National Park System. Similarly, the Maryland side became part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with the Great Falls Tavern restored as a visitor’s center.

The Falls as a Recreational Hub

Today, Great Falls is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and families. The falls draw millions of visitors annually, who come to experience activities such as:

• Hiking: Trails like the River Trail on the Virginia side and the C&O Canal towpath on the Maryland side provide scenic exploration options.
• Whitewater Kayaking: The Potomac Gorge has whitewater rapids that are rated most expert (V+) at times. This can be deadly if you don’t know what you’re doing.
• Rock Climbing: Mather Gorge’s cliffs challenge climbers with stunning views as a reward.
• Wildlife Watching: The area is home to diverse ecosystems, making it ideal for birdwatching and photography.

Surrounding Towns and Communities

The area surrounding Great Falls includes several towns:

• Great Falls, Virginia: This affluent community offers a mix of suburban charm and access to nature. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and parks such as Riverbend Park along the Potomac River.
• Potomac, Maryland: Known for its scenic neighborhoods and proximity to the C&O Canal (as well as Real Housewives of Potomac), Potomac is the closest town to the Maryland side of Great Falls.
• McLean, Virginia: Located just south of Great Falls, McLean is a short drive to Great Falls Park and features upscale dining and shopping options.

Key Differences Between Great Falls Park and Great Falls Tavern

Great Falls has different views from its Virginia and Maryland sides. Each location—Great Falls Park in Virginia and Great Falls Tavern in Maryland—offers unique experiences influenced by geography, history, and visitor activities.

This section explores how these sites differ in their views of the falls, natural features, historical focus, and the activities they offer to visitors.

View of Great Falls

The Virginia and Maryland sides of the Potomac River offer distinct perspectives of Great Falls.

• Great Falls Park (Virginia): The park boasts dramatic and close-up views of the waterfalls, particularly from its three overlooks. The lookouts are close to the visitor’s center and the three overlooks give you plenty of photo opportunities and different perspectives. I think Virginia has the better view.

• Great Falls Tavern (Maryland): Maryland’s side provides a broader, less dramatic view of the falls, with a flatter landscape. To get to the overlook, you need to go over a small island via a boardwalk. On the boardwalk, you go over some additional rapids that can only be seen from the Maryland side.

The views make Great Falls worth visiting.

Geography and Natural Features

Both sides are part of the Potomac Gorge, which is home to more than 134 rare species and have beautiful nature to explore.

• Great Falls Park (Virginia): The rocky terrain and towering cliffs of Mather Gorge provide a rugged, adventurous atmosphere. Visitors seeking a more adventurous experience will find Virginia’s side more suitable for activities like hiking and climbing. The Virginia side also has lots of interpretive materials around the geology and ecology along the trail.
• Great Falls Tavern (Maryland): The focus here is less on rugged natural features and more on integrating the river’s history with its scenery. The C&O Canal towpath runs parallel to the river, offering serene views and easy walking or biking access. Billy Goat Trail offers a challenging hike that requires scaling rock face in order to view Mather Gorge. Widewater is accessible via the towpath and provides a more dramatic view of the rockland forest.

Historical Focus

The historical narratives of the two locations diverge significantly:

• Great Falls Park: While the park in Virginia highlights George Washington’s Patowmack Canal and the broader history of commerce and settlement in the region, it emphasizes natural preservation and the role of the Potomac in shaping the area’s geography and biodiversity. There is more of a natural history focus, including information about the historic floods at Great Falls.
• Great Falls Tavern: Maryland’s side dives deeply into the history of the C&O Canal. The tavern itself is a restored historical building that offers insights into 19th-century canal travel and trade. Interpretive programs and exhibits focus on the canal’s construction, operation, and eventual decline.

Activities and Visitor Experience

The type of activities and overall visitor experience differ based on the offerings of each site:

• Great Falls Park: Active outdoor pursuits like hiking, rock climbing, and exploring rugged terrain dominate the Virginia side. Adventure seekers are drawn to the rock climbing and advanced kayaking, and more casual hikers (like me) are drawn to the beautiful rock formations and fairly easy trails. They also have one of the original B.A.R.K. ranger programs in the area for you and your furry friends.
• Great Falls Tavern: Maryland’s side provides a more leisurely experience, with historical activities like mule-drawn canal boat rides and educational exhibits. The flat towpath is perfect for families, cyclists, and those seeking a relaxed day outdoors with a touch of history. They also have a C&O Canal B.A.R.K. ranger program.

Great Falls Park in Virginia

Great Falls Park is a scenic national park located along the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, DC. It spans approximately 800 acres and offers visitors stunning views of the Great Falls of the Potomac, where the river showcases powerful rapids and waterfalls over a series of steep, jagged rocks.

The park is part of the National Park Service and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, kayaking, rock climbing, and bird watching. There are several lookout points along the river that provide spectacular views of the falls and the Mather Gorge.

Great Falls Park has a variety of trails, including the easy River Trail, which follows close to the riverbank. The park’s visitor’s center is currently closed for construction.

Activities and Features at Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a variety of activities:

• Hiking Trails: The park features trails like the River Trail, which hugs the Potomac’s edge, providing dramatic views of the falls, and the Old Carriage Road, a more serene route through wooded areas.
• Rock Climbing: The rugged cliffs of Mather Gorge attract climbers seeking a challenge amidst breathtaking scenery.
• Scenic Overlooks: Overlooks 1, 2, and 3 provide unparalleled views of the falls, allowing visitors to experience the power of the Potomac that we don’t see in the calm waters of DC.
• Wildlife Observation: The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
• B.A.R.K. Ranger Scavenger Hunt: Enjoy the park responsibly with your furry friend while checking off items on your scavenger hunt. Complete them all to earn a badge!

Visitor Information for Great Falls Park

Planning a visit to Great Falls Park involves understanding its amenities and accessibility:

• Location: Great Falls Park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Depending on traffic, it’s about 40 minutes from Washington, DC. You will need to drive as there is no metro access.
• Hours: Great Falls Park operates year-round from 7:00 am until 30 minutes after sunset. It is closed on December 25.
• Admission: Admission fees are $20 per vehicle or $10 for individuals walking or cycling in.
• Facilities: The Visitor’s Center includes exhibits about the falls’ natural and historical significance. Restrooms, picnic areas, and water refill stations are available. Accessibility ramps are present at the Visitor’s Center, and some picnic spots are wheelchair-friendly.
• Tips for Visitors:
  • Best Times: Visit in spring when water levels are high for the most dramatic views or during fall for bold foliage along the trails.
  • Accessibility: While most trails are rugged, the park offers a few flat paths for visitors with mobility challenges, including paved areas around the Visitor’s Center.

Great Falls Tavern in Maryland

Great Falls Tavern is a historic site located within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Potomac, Maryland. Built in 1828 as the lockhouse for Lock 20 of the C&O Canal, the building initially served as the residence for the lock keeper and his family. However, due to its strategic location near the bustling Patowmack Canal project and the popular Great Falls of the Potomac, it was expanded to include a tavern to serve the needs of canal boatmen, travelers, and tourists.

The tavern became a well-known rest stop where visitors could find food, drink, and lodging during their journeys along the canal. It was also a social hub, where people gathered to share news and conduct business. The building itself is a good example of 19th-century architecture, featuring several expansions and modifications made over the years to for its changing needs.

Today, Great Falls Tavern serves as a visitor’s center for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. It offers educational exhibits, historical displays, and interactive programs about the canal’s history, the lives of people who worked and lived along the canal, and the natural history of the surrounding area. The site also provides information on recreational opportunities within the park, including hiking, biking, and boat rides on the canal itself.

The area around Great Falls Tavern remains a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and outdoor lovers, providing picturesque views of the Potomac River and access to several trails that explore the rugged landscape of the Potomac Gorge.

Activities and Features at Great Falls Tavern

Visitors to Great Falls Tavern can enjoy activities that combine history, nature, and recreation:

• Mule-Drawn Canal Boat Rides: Experience history firsthand with narrated rides on replica canal boats, complete with historical reenactments. Unlike the C&O canal boat rides in Georgetown, these are pulled by a mule just like when the canal was in operation
• Hiking and Biking: The C&O Canal towpath provides an accessible and scenic trail for hiking, biking, and leisurely strolls. The Billy Goat Trail has three trails along the Potomac River, with Billy Goat Trail A being the most popular.
• Lock 20 Exploration: Discover the engineering and historical significance of the canal’s lock system through interpretive displays at Lock 20 near the tavern.
• Wildlife Observation: The area is ideal for birdwatching and appreciating the natural beauty of the Potomac River and its surrounding ecosystem.
• B.A.R.K. Ranger Badge: On select days, you can go to the visitor’s center to earn a C&O Canal B.A.R.K. ranger badge.

Visitor Information for Great Falls Tavern

Key details for planning a visit to Great Falls Tavern include:

• Location: The Great Falls Tavern is located at 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD. Depending on traffic, it’s about 40 minutes from Washington, DC. You will need to drive as there is no metro access.
• Hours: The visitor’s center is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and is closed for many (though not all) federal holiday.
• Admission: There is a $20 per car entrance fee to the park.
• Facilities: Amenities include parking, picnic spots, restrooms, and a Visitor’s Center with exhibits and historical displays. There are no trash cans, as the C&O Canal NHP is a trash-free park.
• Nearby Attractions: Seasonal events, such as canal boat rides, guided history walks and wildlife observation tours, take place in warm months. Winter brings opportunities for tranquil hikes and birdwatching.
• Tips for Visitors:
  • Seasonal Highlights: Spring offers the best wildflower blooms along the towpath, while fall foliage adds bold colors to the landscape.
  • Accessibility: The Visitor’s Center offers flat and paved surfaces suitable for mobility devices. The towpath is mostly flat and compact, made of dirt with some fine gravel. The path to the Great Falls overlook is an accessible boardwalk, though you do need to go on the towpath for a bit before getting to the boardwalk.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: The flat towpath is ideal for strollers and young children. Bring binoculars for birdwatching opportunities near Lock 20.
  • No Trash Cans: The C&O Canal NHP is a trash-free park. When planning a picnic or an adventure with your dog, make a plan to bring all trash with you out of the park.

Which Location is Right for You?

Choosing between Great Falls Park in Virginia and Great Falls Tavern in Maryland depends on your interests and the type of experience you’re seeking. Below is a breakdown of how each site caters to different visitor preferences.

For Nature Lovers and Adventurers

Great Falls Park in Virginia is the better choice for those who prioritize outdoor adventure and stunning natural landscapes.

• Why Choose Virginia?
  • The park offers challenging hiking trails, such as the River Trail, which takes visitors along the edge of Mather Gorge.
  • Rock climbing opportunities and rugged terrain make it appealing for thrill-seekers.
  • The scenic overlooks provide breathtaking, up-close views of the roaring falls, making it a favorite for photographers and nature enthusiasts (and me).

If you want to go to the best place to see Great Falls, you’ll want to go to Great Falls Park in Virginia.

For History Enthusiasts

Great Falls Tavern in Maryland is a must-visit for those fascinated by history and early American engineering.

• Why Choose Maryland?
  • The site delves into the 19th-century history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a major transportation route of its time.
  • Mule-drawn canal boat rides provide an immersive historical experience, complete with reenactments.
  • The restored tavern serves as a museum and visitor’s center, showcasing the daily lives of canal travelers and workers.

For Families and Casual Visitors

Families and those looking for a relaxing visit may find Maryland’s side more accommodating.

• Family-Friendly Features:
  • The flat, wide towpath on the Maryland side is stroller-friendly and easy for children or elderly visitors to navigate.
  • Historical boat rides and picnic areas provide a mix of education and recreation for all ages.
  • Discovery Center features activities for kids.
  • Maryland’s side generally has a quieter, more leisurely atmosphere.

For People and Pets

While both locations welcome visitors with pets, Great Falls Park in Virginia offers better opportunities for active exploration with furry companions.

• Why Choose Virginia?
  • Dogs on leashes can enjoy the extensive network of trails, making it a great spot for active pet owners.
  • Great Falls Tavern does not allow dogs on the boardwalk to see the falls.
  • The Maryland side does not have trash cans, meaning you have to take your dog poop bags home with you.
  • The variety of terrains provides pets with plenty of exercise and new scents to explore.
  • Great Falls Park has a B.A.R.K. ranger scavenger hunt for you to complete and earn a badge

In contrast, Maryland’s flat towpath might appeal to visitors with pets seeking a more relaxed walk (and Great Falls Tavern also has its own B.A.R.K. ranger program).

Conclusion

Great Falls Park in Virginia and Great Falls Tavern in Maryland both offer unique and enriching experiences, making each site a valuable destination for exploring the Potomac River’s beauty and history.

The Virginia side appeals to those seeking rugged adventure, breathtaking natural landscapes, and active outdoor recreation. Its dramatic overlooks and challenging trails make it ideal for nature lovers and adventurers. On the other hand, the Maryland side offers a more relaxed, historically rich experience, focusing on the C&O Canal’s engineering and cultural significance. Its family-friendly amenities and educational activities make it perfect for history buffs and casual visitors.

Ultimately, the best way to appreciate the Great Falls is to visit both locations. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of the Potomac’s power and the historical efforts to harness it. Whether you choose one or explore both, the experience is sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s natural and historical heritage.