Great Falls rock climbing

The River Trail offers the best opportunities to view the Potomac River. Access the River Trail downstream from Overlook 3. Walking upstream from the Visitor Center will take you along the banks of the Potomac, eventually meeting up with trails in Riverbend Park.

Use caution while near the river. Swimming and wading are not allowed at any time.

Bicycling
Five miles of trails, including the Old Carriage Road, Ridge, and Difficult Run trails, are open for biking. Biking is not permitted on the Falls overlooks, or on the River, Patowmack Canal, Mine Run, or Matildaville Trails. A bike rack is located behind the visitor center.

Bird Watching
Don't forget your binoculars and bird guides! Depending on the season and the time of day, you have a chance of viewing some of the 163 species of birds that can be found here. Among them are waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and herons. Other species include songbirds, woodpeckers, vultures, and kingfishers. This large variety of birds makes Great Falls Park an excellent location for birding.

Whitewater boating is the most common type, with the use of whitewater kayaks and canoes. The section of the Potomac River flowing through the park vary from Class II (moderately easy) to Class VI (extreme). Most boaters who come here are experienced and know that they boat at their own risk. The Potomac River has many challenging currents, standing waves, and hydraulics. Boaters use a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and helmet while they are on the river. Canoes use air bladders in the boat to give them added buoyancy. Access to the river can be difficult. All boaters must enter the river below the falls in Fisherman's Eddy, between Overlooks 2 and 3, and in AA Gorge. The Virginia shoreline above the falls is closed to boating.

The American Whitewater Association has current river levels and recommendations for paddling Great Falls, the Potomac River Gorge, and other areas. Go to the River Info tab and search for the Potomac River. If you're searching by state, the Potomac River is located in Maryland.

Be sure to check river levels before you come and know your skill level before attempting to boat on this section of the Potomac. Higher river levels can make boating dangerous, and rescues can be difficult. Swimming, wading, and tubing are not allowed.

Climbing
Climbing sites begin downstream of Overlook #2 and end near the emergency boat ramp at Sandy Landing. No climbing is permitted in the historic canal cut. Routes range in length from 25 to 75 feet. Difficulty ranges from 5.0 up to the highest rated climbs at 5.14. Most of the routes are in the 5.5 to 5.9 range. All climbing is top-rope and no anchors may be drilled into the rock. Bring enough anchor material to have two independent anchor systems and allow about thirty feet of material from the edge to your anchor and you will be set to move to almost every climbing area in the park. The majority of the climbs are accessible via a walk down route except during periods of high water, above 4.5 on the Little Falls gauge. The river gauge reading is reported in the weather section of the Washington Post under the title 'River Stages.'

Fishing
Fishing is permitted with either a Virginia or Maryland state fishing license for all fishermen over the age of 16. The park does not issue licenses, but they can be purchased at fishing/sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and some convenience stores. A regulation book for fishing is given with each license issued, although you may need to request one. For more information on the fishing regulations, you may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which administers the Potomac River. Line fishing is allowed, but net fishing is prohibited.