Ultimate Guide to Great Falls Park Map and Directions

Maps and Driving Directions to Great Falls

Great Falls Park, an 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The park has two locations, one in Maryland and one in Virginia, both situated northwest of Washington DC. The Maryland side of Great Falls is part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Each park is distinct, offering unique features worth exploring.

The parks are not accessible via public transportation. Great Falls is managed by the National Park Service, and there is a nominal admission fee. However, on-site parking is free and readily available for visitors.

Great Falls Park Addresses

• Maryland: 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD
• Virginia: 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean, VA

Closeup Map of Great Falls: Maryland and Virginia Parks

This closeup map illustrates both parks, which are easily accessible from I-495, though they are not conveniently reachable by public transportation.

Driving Directions to Great Falls Park in Maryland

From I-495:

• Take exit 41 for Clara Barton Parkway toward Carderock/Glen Echo
• Make a sharp left onto Clara Barton Pkwy
• Turn left onto MacArthur Blvd
• Follow MacArthur Blvd for 3.4 miles
• At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit
• Continue to the entrance of Great Falls Park

From Washington DC:

• Take M Street to MacArthur Blvd
• Follow MacArthur Blvd for 3.4 miles
• At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit
• Proceed to the entrance of Great Falls Park

Alternatively, follow Canal Road to Chain Bridge:

• Canal Road changes into Clara Barton Parkway.
• Follow Clara Barton Parkway to the end.
• At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd.
• Follow MacArthur Blvd for roughly 3.5 miles to the park entrance.

Driving Directions to Great Falls Park in Virginia

From I-495:

• Take exit 44 for Route 193 West, Georgetown Pike.
• Proceed for about three miles to Old Dominion Dr.
• Make a right at the traffic light.
• The park entrance is roughly one mile ahead.

From Washington DC:

• Take the 14th Street, Memorial, Roosevelt, or Key Bridge to George Washington Memorial Parkway North.
• Take the exit for I-495 South.
• Exit onto VA-193, Georgetown Pike.
• Proceed for about three miles to Old Dominion Dr.
• Make a right at the traffic light.
• The park entrance is approximately one mile ahead.

From Virginia via VA-7 West (Leesburg Pike):

• Turn right onto Towlston Road.
• Turn left onto Old Dominion Drive.
• The park entrance is about one mile ahead.