Field Trip: Great Falls Park (VA) at Sunrise

Great Falls marks the end of the “piedmont”, where the Potomac River starts the final descent to the tidal Potomac that runs through Washington DC. After dropping over the falls, it runs through Mather Gorge. The 800-acre park offers many opportunities to photograph landscape, nature, and history. Sunrise is 7:00 AM, the same time the park gates officially open. We encourage you to arrive right on time to take advantage of the first rays of the sun.

This is a “rain or shine” field trip as misty, rainy mornings have their own unique charm. (We will watch and if heavy rains or storms are expected we will reschedule for the next weekend.)

Overlooks 1 and 3 provide the best view of the falls themselves. Overlook 2 has a partially obstructed view of the falls but does provide a good view downriver towards Mather Gorge and the rising sun. There is a steep and rocky trail to a fishing and kayak put-in just before Overlook 3. This trail is not always open and can be treacherous when dark or wet. Further south of the overlooks, as the River Trail enters the forested area there are a few trails that allow access to the riverbed itself. Again, these trails are very steep and rocky and can be treacherous.

The River Trail, part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, runs next to the river from the Potomac River Dam on the North (where it meets the River Bend Trail) to the Ridge Trail to the South. The River Trail is listed as Moderate to Hard but provides many spectacular views of Mather Gorge. Other trails provide quiet, forested, walking where you may encounter wildlife or historical remains such as the Patowmack Canal.

As the morning progresses there may be both kayakers and rock climbers. Kayakers are often visible from the overlooks; the rock climbers are further downstream on the River Trail. Past experience is the rock climbers are often not visible from the River Trail itself, but some of the climbing routes are visible from side trails. Reminder: All side trails from the River Trail are rugged and can be treacherous.

The Great Falls Park Web site has trail maps and a great deal of additional information: Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Great Falls Park is also included in the NPS App: The NPS App – Digital (U.S. National Park Service).

Great Falls Park has very poor cell service. Be sure to print any maps from the web site or use the “Download for Offline Use” on the NPS App BEFORE you leave your house.

Equipment:

● Your camera and your standard “walk-about” lens

● A wide-angle lens may be useful

● A long telephoto if you plan on wildlife photography

● Neutral Density Filter

● A headlamp or flashlight for pre-dawn

● Sturdy tripod and remote release for long exposures that smooth the falling water

● Sturdy shoes and hiking staff or sticks if you are shooting at Overlook 1 or any of the side trails

Other Inspiration:

● NVPS Field Trip to Great Falls Maryland: Great Falls – November 2020 – Northern Virginia Photographic Society

● Great Falls Park Photo Gallery (NPS): Photo Gallery – Great Falls Park (U.S. National Park Service)

When:

Saturday November 21, 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. (Rain date is Saturday, November 28, 2026)

Sunrise is at 7:00 AM. Park gates open approximately 7:00 AM. Sometimes the gates are open a few minutes before 7:00 AM.

Where:

Great Falls Park
9200 Old Dominion DR, McLean, VA 22102

We will meet on the sidewalk just North of the visitor center (the end closest to the main parking lot).
We will meet just North of the Visitor Center on the trail that leads from the main parking lot to the Visitor Center and the three Overlooks. This is where the path from the parking lot divides into both an “up” and “down” ramp, as well as a short stairway.

There is a $20.00 admission fee to Great Falls Park. If you have an “America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass”, admission is free.

After Field Trip Snacks:
Roots Café, 8100 Old Dominion DR, McLean, VA 22102

Seton Droppers, Bill Huddleston, Didem Lenz
Field Trip Coordinators 2026-2027