Great Falls Park
Climbing Sections:
- Aid Box (15)
- Birds Nest (14)
- Canal Cut (5)
- Cigar Box (7)
- Cornice (10)
- Cow Hoof (9)
- Degree 101 (4)
- Dihedrals (19)
- Dike Creek (11)
- Downstream Climbs (2)
- Dr. Needlepoint (17)
- Falls Walls (3)
- Gorky Park (9)
- Juliet's Balcony (19)
- Microdome (10)
- Riverbend Park (8)
- Romeo's Ladder (11)
- Sand Box (7)
- Seclusion (13)
About Great Falls Park:
| Great Falls is a National Park - avoid the picnicker rush on pretty weekend afternoons- there is a fee for admission and parking is a premium. The area is a picturesque river gorge with a view of the Falls. The majority of the climbs are on the Virginia side. The rock is partially-metamorphosed schist composed of granite and quartz crystals. While the rock is stable, it is not recomended for trad climbing as protection will slip or break out. Most of the climbs are in the 50 ft. range and tend to be overhanging. Bring plenty of toperope anchor for trees about 15-20 ft. from the edge of the cliff. There are over 100 climbs between 5.5-5.8 and 130 climbs between 5.9-5.12 with the majority of climbs being 5.10 or better. The Virginia side is shaded on summer afternoons. The fall is the best time to climb here and upstream climbs offer sun until late in the day. |
| Nearest town or city: | Great Falls |
| Directions: | From I-495: Take Exit 44 Route 193, also named Georgetown Pike. Take 193 west. Turn right at Old Dominion Drive (approximately 4 1/2 miles). Straight 1 mile to entrance station. Go through entrance and take a sharp right into a parking lot. Additional parking is available past the ranger station and the visitor center. |
| Latitude, Longitude: | 38.99220, -77.23500 |
| Access Issues: | |
| Camping: | None |
| When to Climb: | |
| Quantity of Climbs: | Lifetime |
Topo Images
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