The first time I experienced Great Falls National Park hiking, I was in my twenties — young, married, and just looking for a nearby adventure. Back then, it was simply a place with scenic rapids, waterfalls, and a quick riverside walk. Little did I know it would become a place I’d return to over and over, with each visit feeling fresh and full of adventure.
Since then, I’ve explored it with my kids on both the Virginia and Maryland sides when they were younger, scrambled over rocks along the Maryland trails, and now hike the River Trail regularly with my GSD, North — and sometimes with my daughter when she’s feeling up for an adventure.
Great Falls National Park Hiking – Virginia Side (Best for Scenic River Walks & Dogs)
The Virginia side of Great Falls National Park is one of those places you’ll find yourself returning to again and again once you’ve made your first step on the River Trail. It’s also featured in my guide to the best waterfall hikes in Northern Virginia if you’re looking for more local adventures.
Even though Great Falls NP doesn’t offer the traditional waterfalls, you can witness stunning rapids and cascades that feel almost like a waterfall. There are so many beautiful river views and multiple overlooks where you can capture different angles of the rapids. Bonus points for the Virginia side, where you get to bring your furry companion with you on all the trails. Yes, dogs are allowed on the Virginia side of Great Falls NP.
The Virginia side has three main overlooks that are irresistible to photographers. My favorite is the second—an open area with clear views of the rapids and the occasional kayaker braving the whitewater.
Your dog will love all the smells, scenery, and boulders to climb. North absolutely loves getting to the edge of the cliffs on the River Trail, lying out and just soaking in the fast-moving Potomac River below us. I love watching her admire nature’s beauty each time as if it’s her first time. While there are some boulders to climb over if you choose to, the River Trail specifically is much easier terrain than the Billy Goat Trail you’ll find on the Maryland side.
Parking
Great Falls NP on the Virginia side offers 2 major parking lots once you’ve entered the park. They fill up extremely fast, especially on the weekends and holidays or super beautiful days. Everyone wants a piece of that sunshine and outdoor adventure! Parking is $20 per car and valid for 7 days. This entrance fee also includes access to the park’s overlooks and all hiking trails.
Best Overlooks
There are three overlooks at the beginning of the park entrance, a short walk from the Visitor’s Center. I am biased and love the second overlook. They are all worth visiting, and each one offers you different views of the rapids. You really can’t go wrong with any of the overlooks, unless you skip them altogether. Then you’re missing out on some real Mother Nature jaw-dropping views.
When to Visit the Virginia Side
If you’re able to, any weekday is your best option, or early morning, late evening. Consider capturing gorgeous sunrises or sunsets over the rapids; this is the peak time to go, when most of the world is still asleep. When I hike here with North, we usually stick to the River Trail. There are many other trails to choose from, but this one is by far my favorite because it follows the river’s flow, with boulders to climb and rest, and abundant views.
Tips For Bringing Your Dog
If there’s anything I love most on my hikes, it’s bringing North with me. She loves all the adventures, trails, sniffs, and views. But there are things you need to know if you’re bringing your dog to Great Falls NP to hike any of the trails.
Some quick tips:
- Keep your dog on a 6 foot leash at all times
- Bring plenty of water for your dog
- Collapsible water/food bowl
- Food/treats to snack on while you’re enjoying your break
- Poop bags
- For a complete list of what to bring when hiking with your dog, check out my Hiking With Dogs Guide.
Maryland Side – Adventure Hiking
If you’re looking for more adventurous Great Falls National Park hiking, the Maryland side offers rugged trails and rock scrambling along the famous Billy Goat A Trail. The Maryland trails are more adventurous in nature and give you some of the best seats in the room (or outdoor world).
Billy Goat A Trail Overview
Get ready to test your physical limits and fear of heights (if you have any) with the Billy Goat A Trail on the Maryland side. No dogs allowed on the Billy Goat A Trail for their safety and the safety of others. I’ll admit I’ve seen people sneak their dogs in, but it’s just not safe. These dogs are struggling to jump rock to rock, many needing the help of their owner and other random kind people.
Terrain and Views
Imagine rocky pathways with tree roots galore, slowly giving way to larger and larger rocks as the trail becomes more rugged. You have two chances to exit the Billy Goat A Trail before it turns into rock scrambling fun for the entire rest of the trail. Those larger rocks eventually turn into massive boulders where you can camp out to take a rest, have a picnic, or just lie down and enjoy the views. The terrain overall is much more rugged than the Virginia side.
The views are just as majestic as the Virginia side. The primary difference is that Maryland’s views allow you to sit right on the edge of the world to view the Potomac rushing below you. You also get to challenge yourself with a little vertical rock scrambling up the side of some boulders. Don’t worry – even young ones participate in this challenge.
I remember my kids doing this rock scramble with me when they were younger, and by the grace of God, we all made it. I would be lying if my momma heart wasn’t internally racing; yet, I was so proud and thought, “Hell yeah – these are definitely my kids.” Brave and bold. I kept telling them “Keep all four on the rocks and don’t look down!” You must try this mini-adventure within the Billy Goat A Trail and then come back to this post and let me know what you thought.
The Billy Goat A Trail in Maryland is much more adventurous in nature. If you’re up for the challenge, find your way to Great Falls NP, Maryland side and have the experience of a lifetime!
Tips for First-Time Visitors
When visiting the Maryland side of Great Falls NP, there are a few things to plan for in advance.
Parking. It fills up fast, and especially on weekends. If the parking lots fill up, you will need to find parking elsewhere. Or in the worst case, plan for another day to visit the Maryland side of Great Falls NP.
Best Time of Day to Visit. Early morning or late afternoon. Less crowded, temperatures are usually more reasonable (especially in summer months) which leads to more available parking.
Hydrate. I can’t stress this enough. Be sure to have more than what you think you will need for drinking water. Rock scrambling requires a different level of effort, and you will get thirsty. In the warmer months, the sun beats on those boulders like the sun in a desert, and it is much easier to dehydrate.
Watch your footing. The rock scrambles are a blast. There are places where you will need to move one foot into a tiny crevice to reach up to the next boulder or drop down from a boulder just to climb up onto another one. Also, in the warmer months, the snakes love to sunbathe on those beautiful boulders. Stay alert and watch your step!
My Favorite Way to Experience Great Falls
Honestly, I love Great Falls National Park in its entirety, both the Virginia and Maryland sides. There are gorgeous views on both sides, amazing trails, and a limitless amount of Mother Nature to soak in and capture.
If I have North with me, I’m absolutely hiking the Virginia side on the River Trail. It’s one of my favorite local hikes because of the views and watching her enjoy the adventure just as much as I do.
If my daughter is up for a hike, we’ll head to the Billy Goat A Trail on the Maryland side for a little more adventure.
Whether you choose the scenic Virginia trails or the rugged Maryland rock scrambles, Great Falls National Park hiking offers something for every type of outdoor adventurer. Either way, you can’t go wrong. It really just depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for that day.
Great Falls National Park Hiking Guide – Quick Highlights
If you’re planning a visit to Great Falls National Park, here are a few quick highlights to remember:
• Best dog-friendly trail: River Trail (Virginia side)
• Best adventure hike: Billy Goat A Trail (Maryland side)
• Best photo spots: Overlook 1, 2, and 3
• Best time to visit: Early morning or weekday afternoons
Great Falls National Park is one of the most beautiful places for hiking in Northern Virginia and is perfect for anyone looking for scenic views, adventurous trails, and unforgettable Potomac River overlooks.
Have you visited Great Falls National Park? Let me know your favorite trail or overlook in the comments — I’m always looking for new ways to experience this beautiful place.
PIN IT AND SAVE FOR LATER.
4 responses to “Great Falls National Park Hiking Guide: Virginia vs Maryland + Best Trails (River Trail & Billy Goat A)”
That looks like an awesome place to go to it’s beautiful and it looks like it can be fun maybe one day I can hang out and go with you is awesome that is a place everyone needs to go to I love the pictures of the waterfalls that I would love to go see have a blessed one and thanks for the info
It really is and it’s super close to anyone visiting or living in or near Northern Virginia. Each side has its’ own beauty and fun trails!
I am extremely impressed along with your writing talents as neatly
as with the format to your weblog. Is that this a paid subject matter or
did you modify it your self? Either way keep up the nice high quality writing,
it is uncommon to peer a great blog like this one these
days..
Thank you. I appreciate the compliment!