About Great Falls
Great Falls is a waterfall in Montgomery County, Maryland, located about 2.8 miles southwest of Potomac. Its mapped position is 38°59′55″ N, 77°15′14″ W (38.99872, -77.25387). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is The Spout, 0.2 miles to the east.
Stretch of powerful rapids & waterfalls on the Potomac River, with hiking trails nearby.
More Photos
2,765 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Great Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast 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 Great 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 Great 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
Great Falls holds a 4.8 average from 623 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
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 38.99872, -77.25387. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Great Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Great Falls located?
Great Falls is in Montgomery County, Maryland, about 2.8 miles southwest of Potomac. Its coordinates are 38.99872, -77.25387 (38°59′55″ N, 77°15′14″ W).
What town is closest to Great Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Potomac, MD, about 2.8 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Great Falls?
The closest is The Spout (0.2 mi east). Others within reach include Yellow Falls (3.1 mi), Stubblefield Falls (3.7 mi), and Little Falls (8.6 mi).