Potomac

By themarylandrealestateexpert.com

Potomac Maryland Great Falls National Park

When purchasing residential real estate in the Washington DC Metro area many individuals want to know that they are within close proximity to nature.  Home buyers need a sanctuary from the traffic and daily rigors of a fast-paced career.

Local residents frequently find this refuge at Great Falls National Park, considered by many as the most magnificent attraction of the Washington DC area.  The Potomac River thrusts itself over immense groupings of precipitous crags as it rushes through Mather Gorge before calming as it continues on to the District, only 15 minutes away.

The falls are comprised of surging rapids and several waterfalls that drop a combined total of over 75 feet, making Great Falls the steepest most glorious fall line rapids of any river in the east.

How did the falls form?

After the most recent ice age the ocean levels fell, which forced the river to chisel deeper into the chasm on its journey to the sea.  The surface rocks were eroded away, leaving the much harder metamorphic and igneous rocks exposed.  These formations are visible in many areas of the park today.

Additional changes to the pattern of river flow at the park are caused by its joint fault plains.  These are natural fissures in the substrata that shift and cause the rocks to loosen, which then increases the level of erosion.  This is evident in the prehistoric river beds that are visible in the parks stone formations, both along the river and on its many hiking trails.

Visiting the falls

There are three observation areas that offer safe overlooks.  Perhaps the most popular is the Patowmack Canal Trail.  This trail begins a bit below the falls and continues along the cliffs, giving splendid views of the gorge.  Both the Patowmack trail and Overlook 2 are handicapped accessible.  There is ample parking and annual passes are available at discounted rates.

Directions to the Falls

From the Beltway (I-495):
Take exit 44 for Route 193, Georgetown Pike.
At the top of the exit ramp, there is a traffic light. If you are exiting from I-495 South, coming from Maryland and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, take a right at the light onto Route 193 West. If you are coming from I-495 North (the Inner Loop) from points south or I-66, you will take a left at the traffic light onto Route 193 West. About three miles down the road, you will come to another traffic light at the intersection of Old Dominion Dr. At the traffic light, you will see a sign for the park. Make a right at the light. Old Dominion Drive will dead end at our entrance station, about one mile down the road.

From The District of Columbia

Take Constitution Ave. NW/US-50 to I-66 W/ US-50 W. You will cross Memorial Bridge. Continue until you reach the US-50 W/ Arlington Blvd/ GW Parkway exit. Turn onto George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP or GW Parkway), north. Follow the GWMP towards I-495. At the interchange with I-495, the GWMP will split, with the right lane going to I-495 north and the two left lanes going to I-495 South. Stay in one of the left two lanes and take the exit that says I-495 South. When you are on the ramp, stay in the right hand lane. This lane will turn into the exit ramp for Route 193, Georgetown Pike. follow the directions from 495.