Great Falls

Great Falls Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the lnterior Great Falls Park Virginia I I l'1,,; awnqilT '.s N CAROL M HIGHSMIIH Great Falls and Mather Gorge Welcome to Great Falls, Virginia. Here, near the Nation's Capital, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through a narrow gorge. This dramatic scene makes the falls and Mather Gorge, named for the first National Park Service directori Stephen T. Mather, a popular site with local residents and with tourists from around the world. The river here was a trading place for American lndians and early colonists, and it is still a gathering place. History buffs and geology enthusiasts find plenty to interest them-in the remnants of G eorge Washi ngtonr.canal and i n thenatural structure of the gorge. People come here to take a walk, picnic with family and friends, and enjoy the view. The Patowmack Company was organized in 1784to construct a series of five canals to make the river navigable. George Washington presided over the effort, a dream of his since his youth when he surveyed the river and its tributaries. Washington was convinced that such canals would stimulate trade between the East and the Ohio Valley and bind the country together in a framework of trade and mutual interest. Construction began on this canal system (one of America's first) in 1785 and was completed in 1802. The canals at Little Falls above Georgetown and at Great Falls required locks, a challenge for the 1828 the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company bought the old Patowmack Canal and its rights and began construction of an ambitious canal system-a company's engineers. Canals that skirted unnavigable features, like falls and rapids, were dug at Seneca Falls and Harpers Ferry; elsewhere the company dredged the existing riverbed. During the 26 years that the canal system was in operation, flour. corn, whiskey, furs, tobacco, iron ore, and timber were poled down the river on flatboats from as far away as Cumberland, Maryland, a market center in the Allegheny Mountains. The flatboats were about 75 feet long, five feet wide, and pointed at both ends. lt took about three days to travel the 190-plus miles from Cumberland to Georgetown. Most boatmen dismantled their boats, sold them for the lumber, then walked back home. ln 1790 the town of Matildaville was sponsored by "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, an American Revolutionary War hero and friend of Washington. The town, near Great Falls, flourished for nearly 30 years but declined in the '1820s. ln gffir::t&: Matildaville Partial remains of Matildaville. NPS water highway-that would link Washington, DC, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. By 1850 labor disputes, money problems, and rivalry with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad halted the canal at Cumberland. The C&O Canal operated until 1924but eventually lost out to the railroads and newer modes of transportation, which could haul larger loads much faster than the canal boats. Today, footpaths lead through the quiet woods to remnants of Matildaville and the Patowmack Canal. At Great Falls Park, take your choice: a difficult climb, an easy trail, sharing fun with friends, a look at the past, or a picnic. PHOTO iEaOND OTHERS TH5 rlOM RIGHI NPSI ROTVALERiE HAASE Safety and Regulations Nearby Parks Regulations are enforced for your safety and the park's protection. . Swimming and wading are illegal; the park strictly enforces these prohibitions. Violators are subject to fines and court appearance. . Stay away from the river's edge-control your children at all times. The river is dangerous at all levels. . Venomous copperhead snakes live in the park. o Pets must be leashed at all times. . No camping or overnight parking allowed. . Vehicles must stay on paved roads. . Picking wildflowers; injuring, capturing. or feeding wildlife; and destroying or removing cultural or natural objects are prohibited. . Alcoholic beverages are not allowed. . For firearms regulations, check the park website. North of Great Falls Park is Riverbend Park, administered by Fairfax County Park Authority. Some trails in these parks merge. Riverbend Park has a visitor center and nature center. More lnformation Great Falls Park George Washington Memorial Parkway Turkey Run Park Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is across the river in Maryland (see map right). This is part of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, and shares historical and natural history themes with Great Falls Park. The C&O Canal park offers many recreational activities. You can reach Great Falls Tavern by returning to l-495 (Capital Beltway), traveling north across the Potomac River; and taking exit 41 toward Carderock. Ask at the visitor center for information about these and other parks near Washington, DC. 703-757-3101 Mclean, V422101 www.nps.gov/grfa Ir':T\IIYLA!\U Accessibility We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For information go to a visitor centeL ask a park rangeL or check our website. YIlU I\IA Great Falls Park ii I 't RIVT'3IND I :- jt\ / i i 1t".i!..j riYsr...".:r.g...1* ,}f}. &t"' I 1\, I \\,L\ j\ \ 1 !, tlI li ;t I ', _-i.9 -*. -.L----'* ia i- ii I 1.....i f,. 'il \ l ffi tr I ''. t\ ,-' irr'-/' i ll ' /// /t / / - ",. t20l \ \i 'creat ralls tavern visitorcenter \ \ /1 \\t \ i t.j ,o.n t, .i o- ' , tilt Locr ra / / l,.l \74 li \, II .'"jj;;,;j.- iii i 2. \\ rocr tz \ l(^\\ J,-)\,\ \ rrlrr& // \\ i '':":\ \. 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I \'2" qb lrail North o Horse and hrkrng tratl t----'1 Hikino trail iker/biker/ I'- '-'1 horse trail H I L--l I Lock rurns on Parkins B Picnic area M lar .; <;;( ' 7t'=.,;$(."o .,*./ o,t!!u'' '-.r_.._,._../ $\)o./ ..r' \ Patowmack canal ..':/$"" "\..\. __\.. CIl 4..\'.4 .Fis(ermans Eddy Entran.e \..'t '\o4 .Overlook Sbtion \=o t/-^'--\\\ ' E! ', \-s^ .q-___ .. ) I ),ll L ffi H,\ :1 ,,'i )il ^l,ll/ FALLS//ti \-\ \tr\ \ ! i t /o0 i t// l// o*ro, !\h .: & '+o? .a4 nLI Bfa :' 1{3 2" .r ,Ji ! 'z'l 'l,.frail :. /sia, ; -'t i "' cor '/",. '\. \ po, ll: {5 r trl -i ."3 (,1'J i 5' ,,.: ''i_ i !t' i' ot os ,' ' , ,c tS I i 'i'tii ;"il -fu o What to See and Do The park is open every day except December 25. The park opens at 7 am and closes at dark. There is an entrance fee. Please see the park website, www.nps.gov. Visitor Center Stop here first. Park staff can help you plan your visit. Exhibits tell the story of the Patowmack Canal and other park features. Books and maps are for sale. Seeing the Falls The falls are a short walk from the visitor center. To see the falls safely, stay on the overlooks provided. The overlooks date from the early 20th century when the land was a private amusement park, and visitors arrived by train from Washington, DC. Guided Programs Programs are conducted year-round. These include history and nature walks to points of interest. For schedules check at the visitor center, see the website, or call 703-757-3 101. Hiking and Exploring The blue-blazed River Trail offers views of the Potomac River and Mather Gorge. Other trails lead through quiet woodlands and past historic structures. Trail maps are available at the visitor center. Whitewater Boating The river here is for experienced boaters only. Boaters must enter the river below the falls at Fishermans Eddy or farther downstream. Anglers You can fish for bass, catfish, or Horseback Riding and Bicycling You may ride horses and bicycles only on designated trails, as shown on the trail map. Bicycles and horses are not allowed in the courtyard area or on the Patowmack Canal Trail. Ask for details. Picnicking Picnictables, some with grills, are available but cannot be reserved. There are no picnic shelters. lf you bring a grill, please use charcoal or artificial fuels and deposit ashes in the red containers. Ground fires are prohibited. A snack bar is open seasonally near the visitor center. Please Recycle Deposit cans, bottles, and recyclables in marked containers in the picnic area. Put paper and other trash in waste cans. carp. A Virginia or Maryland fishing license is required for those over age 16. Rock Climbing Several stretches of rock offer adventure for this challenging sport. Climbing can be extremely dangerous and should be attempted only by experienced climbers with proper equipment. Please register at the visi- tor center or lower parking lot before climbing. Volunteer Share your time and talents with others. There are openings in visitor services, maintenance, and historical research. Ask at the visitor center for information. *GPo:2019-407-308/82a09 Lart updared 20r9 Printed on recycled paper.