Great Falls Park is a small but pretty national park area located on a stretch of land along the Potomac River. Located only 15 miles from Richmond, Great Falls Park is easily accessible for a day trip and features many lovely trails where hikers can enjoy the beauty of the river. Visitors can hike to the Great Falls of the Potomac River at the park’s northern edge or visit the historic Patowmack Canal, which is the oldest canals and first ever built in the United States with locks for raising and lowering boats that passed through. Many of these sights are accessible by car, but there is also a 15-mile hiking trail called Difficult Run, which follows a stream, and also many opportunities for rock climbing within the park.

Great Falls Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101