Exploring Great Falls in Maryland and Virginia: Which Side Are You On?

By Shirley Hsieh

Where both sides of land and river meet

Great location. Great fun. Great activities. Locals and visitors alike enjoy their visit to Great Falls all year round. At Great Falls, the rush of the Potomac River through boulders to the hustling flow of the Mather Gorge sits snug between the borders of Great Falls National Park in Virginia and the C&O Canal at Great Falls in Maryland. Wildlife, pristine nature, history and culture from thousands of years can be experienced just off of the Capital Beltway in both Maryland and Virginia.

Both sides offer views of Great Falls, beautiful and breathtaking hikes, bike trails, and the experience of canal life back in the days. Both sides are greatly different each with its own unique allure and adventures. A light hike overlooking the falls and cliffs or challenging intense climbs? A nice picnic with friends and the dogs or a scenic bike ride through the C&O Canal?

Great Falls offers great options. Both the Maryland and Virginia side of the Potomac has something for everyone. So which side are you on?

A Sight to See and Relax in Virginia

For those who are looking for a relaxing time and spectacular views of the falls, the Virginia side is the place to be.  There are three accessible overlooks that provides picture perfect views of Great Falls and hikers along the cliffs of the Maryland shoreline.

A walk farther out along the path past the overlooks will lead to the River Trail. The lovely established two mile trail lets hikers openly experience at their own pace the depth and breadth of the Potomac River as it narrows into the Mather Gorge. Traverse a little closer to the rocky cliffs of the trail and enjoy the rewards of beautiful panoramic views of the gorge and the Maryland shoreline.

Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing time picnicking and grilling at Great Falls. The Virginia side is the best for bringing friends, families and dogs while whipping out burgers and playing Frisbee. There are plenty of public picnic tables and grills on a first-come first-serve basis with some spots directly within view of the falls.

Adventure in Maryland

For those ready to experience that rush, to climb, build endurance, get sweaty and perhaps mingle in some history and culture, then Maryland opens its big burly rock-hard arms to the adventurous ones.

The Maryland side is home to the Billy Goat trail, a popular yet truly demanding and breathtaking hiking trail. Tucked in between the Mather Gorge and the historic C&O Canal along Bear Island, the Billy Goat Trail splits into three sections with Section A being the most challenging.  Expect to climb, scramble, hop, and slide down the incredibly rocky and boulder-filled 1.7 mile stretch of Section A including a steep vertical climb up a cliff.  Although a strenuous hike, the views along the trail are spectacular overlooking the picturesque river with its powerful rapids and the beautiful cliffs and foliage across on the Virginia side. Hikers can rejoin and return back via the C&O Towpath.

Adventure shifts from rocky terrains to flat open rustic trails and beautiful stirring waters of the historic C&O Canal. Hikers and both casual and avid cyclists can enjoy the many trails in the midst of beautiful lush secluded scenery.

In addition to the full-on range of activities that the Maryland side offers, the C&O Canal is also full of history dating back to the 1800’s. From early May to end of October, visitors can experience canal boat rides for a small fee and learn about how the canal locks work and family and work life on the canal.

Great Mix and Great Options

There is no doubt Great Falls offer a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and excitement for everyone.  Both Maryland and Virginia side of the Potomac greets visitors with its own unique style of outdoor activities and fun. Be sure to discover both sides all year round and discover for yourself which side are you on.

Tags: pristine nature, Capital Beltway, mather gorge, Potomac river, O Canal, Own Pace

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