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Photo: Two Views of Waterfalls and Rapids at Great Falls Park, Virginia by NPS staff (Public domain) License

Great Falls Park

Park · McLean, Virginia

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today

Cold water

Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion.

  • Water temp 53°F (12°C)
  • Streamflow 31 ft³/s
  • Gage height 2.99 ft

Live, provisional data from USGS gauge DIFFICULT RUN NEAR GREAT FALLS, VA (1.6 mi away), as of Oct 20, 2:15 AM gauge-local time.

  • Flow is above the 75th percentile for Oct 20 (median 20 ft³/s over 91 years); fast water is the top river-drowning risk. — USGS daily streamflow statistics, as of Oct 20, 2:15 AM gauge-local time
Why, sources & official advisories
  • Water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. — USGS gauge 01646000, as of Oct 20, 2:15 AM gauge-local time

No official beach-advisory feed for Virginia yet — follow posted signs and local guidance.

Get an email when it’s warm enough

It’s 53°F at Great Falls Park now. We check the water daily and email you once when it reaches your temperature.

Cool todayBarbecue grillPicnic tablesPublic restroomWheelchair accessible entrance

Boasting spectacular falls & rushing white water, this park offers picnic areas, trails & boating.

Weather at Great Falls Park

47°F, Clear · H 68° / L 46° · 3% chance of rain
H: 68° L: 46°
Clear
Clear
47°
|
Feels like 44°
Precipitation
3%
Humidity
57%
Wind
6 mph
UV Index
0
12 AM
Clear
49°
3 AM
Clear
47°
6 AM
Clear
46°
9 AM
Sunny
51°
12 PM
Sunny
64°
3 PM
Sunny
68°
6 PM
Sunny
60°
9 PM
Clear
53°

Frequently asked questions

Where is Great Falls Park?
Great Falls Park is a park in McLean, Virginia.
What is the water temperature at Great Falls Park?
As of October 20, 2026, the water temperature at Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia is 53°F (12°C), measured by USGS gauge 01646000, 1.6 miles away.
Can you swim at Great Falls Park?
Cold water — serious cold-shock risk today: water temperature is 53°F, cold enough to cause cold-water shock on sudden immersion. Checked October 20, 2026.
How is Great Falls Park rated?
Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia has an average visitor rating of 4.8 out of 5, based on 13185 reviews.

Location & Contact

9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102

McLean, Virginia 22102

Popular Times
Monday
Morning
6a
7a
8a
9a
10a
11a
Afternoon
12p
1p
2p
3p
4p
5p
Evening
6p
7p
8p
9p
10p
11p
Not busy
Moderate
Busy
💡 Best times & visiting tips
  • ›Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
  • ›Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
  • ›Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience

Features & amenities

People Talk About

💬 waterfalls💬 overlooks💬 visitor center💬 accessible💬 rock climbing💬 rapids💬 canal💬 scrambling💬 water level💬 george washington

Highlights

⭐ Picnics

Accessibility

♿ Wheelchair accessible entrance♿ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Amenities

🍖 Barbecue grill🧺 Picnic tables🚻 Public restroom

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids👶 Good for kids birthday👶 Kid-friendly hikes👶 Playground
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