Maryland -vs- Virginia. I don’t really know how often one can stand on either side of a river and be in a different state, but that’s the story of Great Falls National Park and the Potomac River. It’s really quite something.

Great Falls National Park – Maryland

Great Falls National Park in Maryland is definitely one of our favorite places to visit at any time of the year, but in the fall it’s particularly beautiful with the abundance of color. We tend to visit the Maryland side of Great Falls National Park more often than the Virginia side. We love the views of the Potomac from the Maryland side and we enjoy the easiness of walking along the paved trail that follows the river and the historic C&O Canal

A bit of geography. The Potomac River runs over 350 miles from West Virginia, through Virginia, to Maryland flowing into the Chesapeake Bay. Great Falls National Park borders the Potomac River in both Virginia and Maryland. As I said, I don’t know how often this happens, but it’s pretty cool to experience.

Great Falls – Virginia

We have visited the Virginia side of Great Falls two or three times and it has a lot to offer. There are hiking trails that run along the river that will please any hiker. As you can see by the photos below, the rocks, trees, boulders and such make for a fun day of hiking and exploring.

I suppose all creatures are entitled to enjoy the warmth of the sun, however I did not know (not being a fan) that snakes are such agile swimmers.  And, now that I’ve witnessed a copperhead snake swimming in the calm water of the Potomac River above the Great Falls, I am fairly confident that it will be a cold day in hell before I ever again wade into a river.  But, I digress.

C&O Canal System

For history lovers, remnants of the historic C&O Canal system that ran parallel to the Potomac River, can be found on both sides of Great Falls National Park.

Along the section of the Potomac River at Great Falls, the C&O Canal Company built a series of locks in order to lower boats through the locks to safely navigate the river and falls.

• George Washington envisioned a systems of canals that would allow the transportation and trade of goods between the east and the Ohio Valley, which would in effect tie the country together.  A series of five canals were constructed in order to navigate the Potomac River.  Where the river could not be navigated, at the point of the Great Falls and rapids, locks were built. The design and construction of the canals and locks took place between 1785 – 1802 and the canals were in use for 26 years transporting flour, corn, whiskey, etc. 

Once you’ve explored both sides of Great Falls, it’s easy to appreciate the engineering genius of the C&O Canal system.

The Potomac River

Prior to our last visit to the Maryland side of Great Falls, there had been a tremendous storm a few days earlier. As such the Potomac River was ranging like we’d never seen. It was a sight to behold!

Visitors Center – Maryland

The visitors center has a story of its own. What was once the lockkeeper’s house, slowly evolved into a tavern and lodge. Visitors dating back to the late 1800’s found Great Falls an escape from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC. Today, DC is just a 45-minute drive away from the Maryland side, (and makes for a great day trip) but you can imagine it was probably quite the trek in the late 1800’s.

Maryland -vs- Virginia

If I had to choose my preference when it comes to the Maryland -vs- Virginia debate, I’d have to vote for the Maryland side. The viewing areas from which to watch the falls are perfectly located and offer a panoramic view. We enjoy the bridges and boardwalk that lead to the viewing point. Also, the C&O Canal towpath is paved and easily accessible. It follows the Potomac in both directions for over 180 miles and it’s great for bicyclists and walkers. The views are seriously dramatic on the Maryland side. In all fairness though, neither side disappoints. It just depends on how you want to spend your visit.

If You Go:

• Virginia Address: 9200 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22102

• Maryland Address: 11710 MacArthur Blvd. Potomac, MD 20854

• Open daily 7:00 a.m. – dusk

• Entrance fee per vehicle is $20
  • $35 for season pass. We use our National Park Pass
  • If you’re a senior, best deal is a senior lifetime pass

• Entering the river is prohibited

• Ample parking

• Restrooms available

• Visitors Center

• Seasonal snack bar
  • No alcohol permitted

• Dogs on leash are permitted

• Picnic tables available