McLean, VA
Difficulty: Easy
Great Falls Park sits just 15 miles outside our Nations Capital, however, it’s a long way from the hustle and bustle of Washington D.C. Sitting on the banks of the Potomac River in Fairfax County, VA; Great Falls Park once served as a major landmark for Native Americans.
According to the National Park Service, the earliest recorded settlers were paleo-indians around 10,500BC. Native American tribes were present in the region until the 1700’s with the Piscataway Tribe occupying the Maryland side of the river, and the Powhatan Tribe on the Virginia side. Both settlements used this area as a place to exchange goods with other tribes. Native American petroglyphs (rock drawings) discovered near the southern end of the falls (near Difficult Run) suggest that the Iroquois, a tribe from New York, frequently visited the area.
After the American Revolution, George Washington recognized the value of the Potomac and falls and wanted to find a way to use them to increase commerce into and out of D.C. In 1785 that became a reality when the Patowmack Canal, the first of 5 canals along the river, was open. These canals made the Potomac navigable to cargo vessels and were vital in linking Washington D.C with the Ohio River Valley. By the mid-1850’s the U.S Army Corpse Of Engineers began building the Aqueduct Dam on the parks northern side, to supply water and electricity to D.C. While the initial gatehouse and facilities are no longer original to 1855, the dam is still supplying D.C with water over 150 years later.
Over the years the property has been expanded and traded hands until it ended up with the National Park Service in 1966. Today the park attracts tourists from all over the region. As the Potomac picks up speed through the jagged rocks and waterfalls, the area attracts visitors and thrill seekers alike. White water rafters and other outdoor enthusiasts use these waters regularly. Even the Olympic kayaking teams uses this area for practice. The area is also popular for family outings, dog walking and armature photography Most of the trails and overlooks are handicap accessible, making viewing easy for everyone. Whether you were a Native American looking for trade, a tourist looking for the perfect getaway, or just looking for an afternoon walk, Great Falls was and still is a place that has something to offer for everyone!
Parking: 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/virginia/great-falls-park
Off The Trails: A Hiker's Guide to the Outdoors 
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