Waterfall · District of Columbia County, District of Columbia

Little Falls

Waterfall about 5.1 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., DC.

4.8 · 9 Google reviews

Photo of Little Falls near Washington, D.C., DC

About Little Falls

Little Falls is a named waterfall in District of Columbia County, District of Columbia, located about 5.1 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Washington West 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 38°56′00″ N, 77°07′05″ W (38.93344, -77.11803). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Little Falls Branch (stream, 0.2 mi), Pimmit Run (stream, 0.3 mi), and Gillam Branch (historical) (stream, 0.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Stubblefield Falls, 4.9 miles to the northwest.

Small area of rapids in the Potomac River viewable from the nearby Chain Bridge.

More Photos

42 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Little Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Little Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Little Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Visitor Ratings

Little Falls holds a 4.8 average from 9 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★7
4★2
3★0
2★0
1★0

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Little Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Little Falls Branch — stream, 0.2 mi
  • Pimmit Run — stream, 0.3 mi
  • Gillam Branch (historical) — stream, 0.3 mi
  • Gulf Branch — stream, 0.6 mi
  • Dalecarlia Reservoir — reservoir, 0.7 mi
  • Davis Branch (historical) — stream, 0.9 mi
  • Donaldson Run — stream, 1.1 mi
  • Little Pimmit Run — stream, 1.2 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 38.93344, -77.11803. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Little Falls

Photo of Stubblefield Falls, a waterfall 0.7 miles from Yellow Falls
Pictured: nearby Stubblefield Falls (0.7 mi)

Yellow Falls

Potomac, MD · 5.6 mi northwest
4.0 (4)
Photo of Great Falls, a waterfall 0.2 miles from The Spout
Pictured: nearby Great Falls (0.2 mi)

The Spout

Potomac, MD · 8.4 mi northwest
5.0 (1)
Photo of Great Falls near Potomac, MD

Great Falls

Potomac, MD · 8.6 mi northwest
4.8 (623)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Little Falls located?

Little Falls is in District of Columbia County, District of Columbia, about 5.1 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.. Its coordinates are 38.93344, -77.11803 (38°56′00″ N, 77°07′05″ W).

What town is closest to Little Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Washington, D.C., DC, about 5.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Little Falls?

The closest is Stubblefield Falls (4.9 mi northwest). Others within reach include Yellow Falls (5.6 mi), The Spout (8.4 mi), and Great Falls (8.6 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Little Falls?

Little Falls appears on the USGS Washington West 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.