There are days in our lives when we'll feel like we needed a break from reality for awhile--to just relax, unwind, and loosen up. Last Monday afternoon, I was at home sitting in our couch and wanted to do something that would get my mind off from the realities of life--from school work, plans about life, and my disappointments. Since I had my mom's car--I decided to dragged my little cousin Joslyn and drive to Great Falls Park.
Great Falls Park is located in McLean, Virginia. The physical address for this park is 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102. Great Falls Park is along the Potomac River that builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks, and flows through the narrow Mather George. It offers a glimpse of the early history of this country and has many opportunities to explore history and nature with its beautiful 800- acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital (U.S. National Park Service) I came from Maryland, so if using the 495, you take exit 44 for VA193 west, you drive about three miles and turn right to Old Dominion Drive, and the entrance is one mile away.
At the entrance, you will pay a $10 fee to be able to enter the park and is valid for three days. There is a lot of parking spaces so you can park anywhere.
Photo above is their Visitor Center where you can have more information about the park-- you can watch a video about the park, ask for a trail maps and self-guided tour of the Patowmack, Canal, and a lot more. There are restrooms and concession stand located at the lower level.
It's time to explore and unwind. I wanted to view the falls so I decided to go and see Overlooks 1-3 and truly--best things in life are free. Beautiful is an understatement for this place.
Pictures above: Overlook 1.
Per National Park Service' description, this overlook is located to the left of the south end of the Visitor Center. It is the closest you can get to the Falls themselves. It is a short trail that leads down to a dirt viewing platform. The rest of the overlook is rocky and will require some easy climbing.
Pictures above: Outlook 2
As described by the National Park Service, the trail is located further down the trail and most of the waterfall can be seen from this overlook-- a small left wooden footbridge by the Patowmack Canal wayside. It is disable accessible because it has a staircase and ramp that leads down to a large wooden viewing platform.
As described by the National Park Service, the trail is located further down the trail and most of the waterfall can be seen from this overlook-- a small left wooden footbridge by the Patowmack Canal wayside. It is disable accessible because it has a staircase and ramp that leads down to a large wooden viewing platform.
Pictures above: Outlook 3
Overlook 3 is located near the High Water Marks pole--this overlook is the last place where you view the falls.
When I was there, I was able to free my mind and heart from the disappointments that I am feeling. I love taking pictures especially of views like this--Great Falls Park is so much more than that--it is one of God's most powerful and scenic view that we need to be grateful for. This is one proof that "best things in life are free".
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