Great Falls Park, Virginia

Welcome to Great Falls Park, Virginia! It was a gorgeous fall day along the Potomac River! My friend, Paula, introduced me to the falls which Dan & I hadn't gotten a chance to visit yet! Just minutes from DC there are overlooks in Virginia and in Maryland. These photos were taken on the Virginia side.

Great Falls overlook.

It is a popular place for kayaks and canoes.

In 1785 construction of one of America's first canal systems started at the Falls and was completed in 1802. Overseer to this project was George Washington. It was in use for 26 years to ferry flour, corn, whiskey, furs, tobacco, iron ore,and timber from Georgetown to as far away as Cumberland, Maryland a market center in the Allegheny Mountains. It would take about 3 days to travel the 190 mile plus route.Here are some photos of parts of the canal still in existance.

There are quite a few trails to walk on in the park.

Above the falls, the river is much quieter.

It was a wonderful afternoon and Dan & I will definitely be going back!!