Planning a visit to Great Falls in Maryland? You’ve come to the right place!
Along the flowing Potomac River, not far from Washington, DC, is a beautiful, accessible waterfall trail.
Great Falls in Maryland offers visitors an easy way to see multiple waterfalls. The Olmstead Island Bridges trail to the Great Falls Overlook is short enough to make a perfect addition to other hikes in the park, but long enough for a fun morning or afternoon out.
In fact, the whole Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a perfect hiking destination on the east coast.
We loved capitalized on our trip to Great Falls in Maryland by also doing the Billy Goat Trail. If you’re up for it, it’s so much to do both!
The guide below will prepare you for your visit to Great Falls in Maryland, including where to park and information about the trail. Let’s dive in!
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Where is Great Falls Park in Maryland?
Great Falls is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can view the falls from both Virginia and Maryland.
However, the Great Falls on the Maryland side has a beautiful, accessible trail (the Olmstead Island bridges Trail) that allows visitors to enjoy even more waterfalls and a closer look at waterfalls.
The trail is located in the Great Falls section of Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park in Potomac, Maryland, about 30 minutes from Washington, DC, and an hour from both Baltimore, MD, and Harpers Ferry, WV.
Parking at Great Falls Park Maryland Side
There is a large parking lot at Great Falls in Maryland off MacArthur Blvd.
The fee to park is $20. However, you can park for FREE with your National Park Pass (including America the Beautiful and Every Kid Outdoors passes).
You can also park at the Angler Inn lot on MacArthur Blvd. However, you will have to walk along the canal towpath for about 2 miles to reach the trailhead to the falls.
This site is very popular due to the waterfalls, the many hiking trails, including the Billy Goat Trail, and the canal towpath. For fewer crowds, plan to visit during the off-season or during the week.
Facilities Near Great Falls in Maryland
There are restrooms next to the main parking lot at Great Falls. The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is open on select days and times of the week. If you’re interested, they offer canal boat rides during the summer months!
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Great Falls Overlook are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
How To Get To the Great Falls Overlook
To get to the Great Falls Overlooks from the main parking lot, walk south towards the visitor center and then across to the canal towpath.
The trailhead for the Olmstead Island Bridges trail (to the Great Falls Overlook) is about a half-mile walk along the towpath. Entry is marked right before mile 14 on the towpath.
The Olmstead Island Bridges Trail to the Great Falls Overlook
Trail Length
The Olmstead Island Bridges Trail is .25 miles one way, making out and back .5 miles. If you add on the half-mile walk to and from the parking lot, the total length is about 1.5 miles.
If you park at the Anglers Inn lot, the total length will increase to about 4.5 miles.
Trail Difficulty
The trail to the Great Falls Overlook is easy and accessible to almost everyone. The trail is made up of concrete paths and boardwalk bridges.
There is a slight incline at some sections, which might require assistance for some in wheelchairs. But overall, the trail is flat and free of any rocks and roots.
The towpath leading to the trail is also flat and is made up of dirt and small stones.
Views
The views are the reason to enjoy this beautiful waterfall trail. As soon as you step onto the trail, you’ll encounter gorgeous falls, as well as beautiful trees and other foliage.
There are four spots along the trail to stop to enjoy the falls before you reach the main overlook.
The main overlook at Great Falls is a large viewing platform positioned perfectly to see the magnificent falls along the Potomac. If you look across the river, you can see the viewing platforms from the Virginia side.
Timing
It won’t take you long to complete the Olmstead Island Bridges trail at Great Falls in Maryland.
You can walk to the overlook from the parking lot and back in about 30-45 minutes. Of course, you might want to take some time to enjoy the views along the way!
Other Things to Do at Great Falls Park
Hike the Billy Goat Trail
Great Falls Park in Maryland has many other things to do in addition to Great Falls Overlook. Hikers will love the multiple trails in the park, including the fun and technical Billy Goat Trail.
Bike or Walk Along the Canal Towpath
Biking is popular along the canal towpath. Bikers can reach Washington, DC, via the towpath, about 16 miles away.
Take a Canal Boat Ride
During the summer months, the National Park Service offers canal boat rides. Visitors will learn about people who worked on the canal and see the canal locks in operation.
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