Top 23 things to do and attractions in McLean (2024)

A beautiful park, well-maintained featuring its natural attributes splendidly. The observation areas are well situated for everyone, including the physical-challenged people. Many shaded areas for families to picnic or just simply taking a break to take in the views.We really enjoyed walking, hiking along the river trail. The trail took us right to the edges of many cliffs, showing the spectacular views of the water.A great area to enjoy nature, just a few steps from the hustle of the city. A must visit in the DC area.

Very fun experience and atmosphere ! I was thrilled to see that they do military discount upon entry. Finding parking was a little tough due to the amount of spots they have available. The park itself, including the bathrooms and walkways, were clean. They had a food truck serving different types of foods and drinks. The views of the waterfall is amazing & the hiking trails also has great views. I will definitely be back.

A beautiful set of falls near DC - worth the trip.Great Falls Park is only about 15 miles north of Washington, DC. This National Park Service location is a very nice park nestled in the heart of nature. It is an 800-acre park that has some great viewing spots for the falls and several trails that follow the river. Their website states, “At Great Falls, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. The Patowmack Canal offers a glimpse into the early history of this country. Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.” Parking has a large lot with over 100 spots. Next to that is a building that was closed for renovation when I visited. There are several overlooks. One of them is fairly easy for most people to navigate but others are very difficult for those with mobility challenges. The walks are also very nice and fairly gradual for some of the path but then follow over rocks where you should be careful of your footing. The park is worth the visit for the views of the falls and walking the peaceful trails on days with lovely weather. Overall, this is a worthwhile visit for people wanting a nice view of the Potomac origins or a relaxing trek through the woods.

Such a nice area to have a walk. Some parts close to shore need definitely good and tight shoes. You need to buy a day pass ($ 20,-) or an annual ($ 35,-) for parking. Not a secret tip - so better avoid the most popular times. Closed after sunset. Unfortunately the great visitor center never got back to it’s pre Covid offers. At least you can use the restrooms there.

Such a nice place! Easy to hike with beautiful view! I would recommend going a little early in the morning. It gets very crowded after 10 am. Parking is available. Pet friendly.Note : Toilet was closed when we went. Not sure if that’s the case always.

Definitely a go-to destination in the area. There are a couple scenic points to see the falls and like many things, you have to see it to get a real feel for just how amazing it is!There are other trails that extend beyond the falls. One trail follows the river and offers some fun rock scrambling. The trails are relatively flat without much elevation gain. So the difficulty is easier.There is a lot of outdoor rock climbing all along the river! If you're into that, try it out. I've climbed here many times, but the early bird gets the worm on the weekends (early bird gets first pick on where to climb).There are two parking lots when you enter the park. Admission is $20 per vehicle or something close to that price. But don't forget you can buy a national parks pass and see other parks year-round!There is a visitor center, bathrooms, picnic tables, and tons of beautiful nature

I love Great Falls park for a good day out in nature. There are so many hikes and trails to choose from and can be for all level of hikers/walkers. Its also a great spot for just a picnic or finding look out points over Potomac. I'm pleasantly surprised at the level of care and maintenance that goes into this large of an area including keeping trails clear. Entry fee to the park is $20/car without a National parks annual pass. Love coming back here.

Wonderful park nestled near the city. We went when its raining and had the best views without the crowd :).Great trails and serene sounds of the waterfalls. Recommend to take the Annual pass(35$) if you think you are going to visit more than once. Will definitely visit again

Great fall park is a beautiful place. The whole scenic beauty was breath catching. It has strong currents. I love this place. If you are visiting Virgin , definitely recommending to visit this place. But be aware of the black snakes while you are walking in the woods.

Pros: There is quite a lot of walking to be done if you’re up for it, though the park in itself is a great place for a picnic, barbecue, or the combination of a date and the former two. The view of the river from the rocky cliff is quite nice and I admit I was stunned by how something so simple could look so frighteningly stunning. There are signs all round the park to help guide you along the right path or back to the visitor center if need be and where there aren’t any signs there are colors on trees to indicate the passable paths. If your up for an adventure, you’re assured of an interesting time discovering the hidden gems of this spectacular marvel of a place.Cons: the food on sale is slightly a bit too expensive (compared to seven eleven a short drive away), and mobile network is limited in the entire area, it makes communication rather difficult.Verdict: I highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area

The first time I was invited to visit Great Falls Park I won't lie, I was hesitant, actually a little scared. I wanted to hike in an area where lots of people hike, because we're not experience hikers.Even though i was hesitant we visited Great Falls Park yesterday. We got there before 9am, which is the best time to visit. There's no long lines to get into the park, and there were plenty of parking around that time.Seeing the water fall took my breath away, I instantly felt at peace and didn't want to move. As we continue on the hike we climb rocks, something I haven't done since I was a kid growing up in the Caribbean. This Park have picnic areas, benches to sit on, and it's a dog friendly park. While walking I looked at the faces passing us by and they were all happy faces. This is a place I recommend 100% and it will be a place I'll be visiting again.

One of the popular parks in VA. $20 for daily pass and $35 for Great Falls annual pass. The annual pass is worth it if you plan on visiting more than once. Very limited mobile connectivity in the area so plan accordingly. A great place to hike, walk, rock-climb, kayak, picnic. Parking available and is only accessible by car. Dog friendly, in case you have any.

absolutely gorgeous hike along some beautiful falls! It took us about 2 hours to slowly hike through the river trail & took multiple breaks on the way to enjoy the scenery. We also went right after it rained so the falls were even more gorgeous!! 10/10 recommend.heads up that the visitor center is under construction but there was a small concession stand and there are still bathrooms open!

This place never loses its charm, no matter how many times I visit! This time, I visited the pretty late part of the day. Top of that middle of the week. So it wasn't crowded at all. Though we could stay for a short period cause the sun was going down. Enjoyed the serenity. The Visitor Center was closed. Got my yearly pass, so I'll come back soon.

What a beautiful place to go for a walk! you really enjoy the view and the constant noise of the water throughout the trail.It is a place that I recommend visiting on weekdays, on weekends many people go and you cannot appreciate the true beauty of the Billy Goat trail.

Beautiful area with nice hiking trails. Well put together with the scenic overlook board walks and history signs. Trails are very rocky, would recommend sturdy close toed shoes or hiking boots.Large picnic area that can accommodate the park's popularity. The park was busy, but not crowded.- photos from October and March

Rock climbing here is fun, but the rock can feel a bit polished: perhaps due to the proximity to the nearby falls. There are many routes which stay out of the sun during the afternoon if you belay from the bottom (water level permitting). Come with around 20m of static line and the know how to establish top rope anchors on trees: there are no bolts/hangers! Also, expect a fee to access the park unless you have a national park pass in hand.The background noise of the river and views make for a pleasant day regardless of the slippery and very beta specific climbs!

The place has an entry fees of 20 bucks for one time and 80 bucks annual. Would recommend annual if you plan to come multiple timesFantastic place for nice family or date or personal get-away. There are multiple points to see the fall and below are few pics to get a glimpseThere are also rapids in water for kayaking and possibly some spots for fishing

Great Falls Park in Virginia is an absolute gem! The natural beauty and scenic vistas here are unparalleled. Whether you're into hiking, picnicking, or just taking in breathtaking views of the Potomac River and cascading waterfalls, this park has it all. The well-maintained trails provide an excellent opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature, and the visitor center offers informative exhibits. It's a fantastic destination for a day trip or a weekend adventure, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a rejuvenating and awe-inspiring outdoor experience.

Great Falls Park is a picturesque gem, offering a breathtaking overlook of the Potomac River and the scenic panorama of Maryland state. The well-maintained trail paths provide an enjoyable exploration of the park's natural beauty. It's not just a place for scenic views; families can relish in the joy of barbecues and outdoor fun. With its combination of stunning landscapes and family-friendly amenities, Great Falls Park stands out as an ideal destination for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed, enjoyable day outdoors.

Wonderful compact park right outside of dc. The network of hiking trails is impressive, with views of the Potomac and the falls, the ruins of the old canal, and a settlement here. We were here when the leaves were changing, which added to the charm. Trails vary from easy to strenuous. Entry is $20 per car, $35 for an annual pass, which makes sense if you plan to visit more than once. The picnic area is beautiful and impressively large. Parking is tight, and it can get crowded, so plan to come early. There are some concessions at the visitors' center and good bathrooms. Kayaking and climbing are available, so we will have to go back.

There’s a Maryland and Virginia side to Great Falls and I prefer the Maryland side. However, I recently decided to revisit the Virginia side. About a 30-minute drive (it’s not accessible via public transit) from D.C., there’s a large parking lot after you pay the $20 entrance fee. (It’s free for National Park pass holders.)Just a few minutes from the parking lot is the educational center and a path leading to three clearly marked overlooks of the rapids. There are restrooms in the center.Keep right for the River Trail that takes hikers and rock climbers along the Potomac River with many lookout areas. This part of the trail is not stroller friendly but pretty easy for most. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Visited on a Tuesday. The fee is 20.00 to enter the park or free with the National Park Pass. It’s about a ten minute walk from the parking lot to the viewing area for the falls. There are three different viewing areas the third and the farthest from the parking lot offers the best view. Unfortunately the park store was closed when I visited so buying a souvenir picking up a postcard , or buying anything souvenir was not available. There was a Ranger at the third viewing area with some information about the park and some brochures. I also visited the other side of the river on the C & O towpath canal. On this side, you could view some of the old locks and the tavern that used to serve as a hotel for travelers back in the day. There is also a $20 charge to enter the park on this side of the river.

A not to be missed destination. Great view and an even greater stroll next to the river. There are a number of trails which one can explore. Definitely go for all of them.One car pass costs $20 valid for 7 days.

Beautiful view of the falls. Great options for trails. You can park and just go see the falls or do a one of the several trails they have available which range from easy to moderate. The maps they provide are very helpful and informative. All the trails are very clearly marked. There isn't anything intense or too difficult. I think it's nice that you can take an easy stroll here if you have difficulty walking. Also, there are lots of benches to sit an have lunch.

The two rangers at the booth were very helpful and friendly. I was lucky to go at a time of day when they could share some details and highlights with me without holding up traffic. I appreciated their personalities and knowledge.As for the park, what a wonderful time to go. I felt like I had the place to myself and was able to stroll down the mostly level trails, climb some rocks, and enjoy some beautiful history as well as nature. It was a very peaceful walk and with 15 miles of trails, it was quiet and perfect to walk with a jacket on this time of year. I'd take the less people, cooler weather experience any day. Go check this place out and hopefully the visitors center will be up and running again to offer even more excitement. Some of the signs are getting hard to read and would benefit from some updating soon but I was able to read most of it. The first overlook also has a nice ramp down to it in good condition for wheelchairs and strollers to make the trek.

What a beautiful place to visit. There are three different overlooks for this same waterfall. In my opinion, the first one has the best views. All of these overlook are pretty close to each others, second overlook is a little bigger than the first one, and third one is a little bigger. The hike is really easy.The visitor center is closed for renovations, the park has plenty of parking spot.The entrance fee for per vehicle is $20, which is valid for a week. The annual pass is $80. The park is closed after 8:00 pm. Obviously a great place to spend a day.

Great place to hike! Love to see the gorge, many spots for great views. Some paths are challenging while others are flat so something for everyone. Visitor center is currently closed for construction but it was nice when we visited a couple years ago.

Great Falls National Park is famous for its namesake waterfalls. They are huge and absolutely stunning. The cost is $20/ car. There are three outlooks with stunning views ideal for photo ops and walking trails popular for dog walking and hiking. The visitor center is closed for renovations, but the restrooms are still available.

I reside near the Great Falls Visitors Center on the Virginia side, and it's a fantastic destination to explore year-round. The riverside trail offers breathtaking views, and the falls themselves are truly rejuvenating. I frequently enjoy spending time there.

Beautiful views and easy hikes. $20 to get in if you’re arriving by car plus an additional $10 per person. Arrive early. I arrived at 9:30am on a Sunday and there was no wait to get in but when I left around 11am there was a line of cars nearly a mile long. Additionally some of the outlooks start to get pretty congested as the day progresses.

Went for a barbecue with 50 or so people (ages 17-29). We had a lot of fun. There were things for everyone, including great rock walls to climb, beautiful scenery, peaceful hikes, and great sitting areas. They also have a junior ranger program.

Great Falls Park offers a mesmerizing waterfall experience. It’s just a short 5 minutes walk from the parking lot. With three scenic overlooks to admire the Falls, it's a nature lover's paradise. The park also features an easy trail where you can even touch the water if you wish.Although the visitor center was closed during my visit, the helpful ranger quickly provided the National Parks passport stamp upon request after knocking on the door next to the food window. They were supposed to put out the stamps on the table near the bathrooms, but seemed to have forgotten. Don't forget to ask for it if you're collecting stamps! And for those wondering about Great Falls' absence in the collector's edition passport, it's because they're part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.