- About Us
- Locations
- Rock Climbing
- Ice Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Multi-Day
- Information
 |
 |
|
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.
Where to Meet:
In order to climb on the Virginia side of Great Falls you must enter through the main park entrance. The day pass entrance fee is $5.00 per vehicle. Climbing classes will meet and prepare for the day in the Climber's Parking Lot. To get to the Climber's Lot immediately make a hard right turn slightly downhill, after going through the ranger station. This parking area is the closest to the cliffs and will typically fill up by 11am on a weekend. Since the classes start at 9am, this is never a problem.
Nearest EMS retail stores |
View Larger Map |
Distance to Great Falls Park
| Washington, DC | 30 minutes | 17 miles |
| Baltimore, MD | 1 hour | 50 miles |
| Richmond, VA | 2 hours | 110 miles |
Directions
| From Prince WIlliam County and Points South Take I-95 north until you reach the I-495, I-395, and I-95 interchange (the 'mixing bowl'). Take I-395 N, exit 170A- on the left- toward Washington. You will follow I-395 for about a quarter of a mile. Take exit 170B onto I-495 North towards Tyson's Corner. Follow I-495 until you reach Exit 44 for Route 193, Georgetown Pike. At the top of the exit ramp, there is a traffic light. Take a left at the light onto Route 193 West. About three miles down the road, you will come to another traffic light at the intersection of Old Dominion Dr. At the traffic light, you will see a sign for the park. Make a right at the light. Old Dominion Drive will dead end at our entrance station, about one mile down the road. |
| From Maryland and Points North Follow I-95 until you reach exit 27, I-495 (the Capitol Beltway). Stay in the right two lanes and merge onto I-495 West, towards Silver Spring MD. Stay on I-495 until you reach Exit 44 for Route 193, Georgetown Pike. You will see signs for exit 43 and exit 44, as they share an exit ramp. Pass exit 43 (George Washington Memorial Parkway) and take Exit 44 (Route 193). At the top of the exit ramp, there is a traffic light. Take a right at the light onto Route 193 West. About three miles down the road, you will come to another traffic light at the intersection of Old Dominion Dr. At the traffic light, you will see a sign for the park. Make a right at the light. Old Dominion Drive will dead end at our entrance station, about one mile down the road. |
| From Beltway (I-495) Take exit 44 for Route 193, Georgetown Pike. At the top of the exit ramp, there is a traffic light. If you are exiting from I-495 South, coming from Maryland and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, take a right at the light onto Route 193 West. If you are coming from I-495 North (the Inner Loop) from points south or I-66, you will take a left at the traffic light onto Route 193 West. About three miles down the road, you will come to another traffic light at the intersection of Old Dominion Dr. At the traffic light, you will see a sign for the park. Make a right at the light. Old Dominion Drive will dead end at our entrance station, about one mile down the road. |
