Great FallsPark U.S. Department of the Interior

c.rol M. Highsmith Great Fallsand Welcome to Great Falls,Virginia . Here, Construction began on this system 1828 the Chesapeakeand Ohio Canal near the Nation's Capital, the Potomac (one of America's first) in 1785 and was Company bought the old Patowmack River builds up speed and force as it falls completed in 1802. The at Little Canal and its rights and began construc­ over a series of steep, jagged rocks and Falls above Georgetown and at Great tion of an ambitious canal system-a flows through a narrow gorge. This dra- Falls required locks, a challenge for the matic scene makes the falls and Mather company's engineers. Canalsthat skirted Gorge, named for the first National Park unnavigable features, such as falls and Service director, Stephen T. Mather, rapids, were dug at Seneca Falls and a popular site with local residents and Harpers Ferry; elsewhere the company with tourists from around the world. dredged the existing riverbed. The river here was a trading place for American Indians and early colonists, During the 26 years that the canal system and it is still a gathering place. History was in operation, flour, corn, whiskey, buffs and geology enthusiasts find plen­ furs, tobacco, iron ore, and timber were ty to interest them-in the remnants of poled down the river on flatboats from Partial remains of Matildaville. 's canal and in the as far away as Cumberland, , a natural structure of the gorge. People market center in the Allegheny Moun­ water highway-that would link Wash­ come here to take a walk, picnic with tains. The flatboats were about 75 feet ington, D.C. and Pittsburgh, Penn. By family and friends, and enjoy the view. long, five feet wide, and pointed at both 1850 labor disputes, money problems, ends. It took about three days to travel and rivalry with the Baltimore & Ohio The Patowmack Company was orga­ the 190-plus miles from Cumberland to Railroad halted the canal at Cumberland, nized in 1784 to construct a series of Georgetown. Most boatmen dismantled Md. The C&O Canal operated until 1924 five canals to make the river navigable . their boats, sold them for the lumber, but eventually lost out to the railroads George Washington presided over the then walked back home. and newer modes of transportation, effort, a dream of his since his youth which could haul larger loads much when he surveyed the river and its In 1790 the town of Matildaville was faster than the canal boats. tributaries. Washington was convinced sponsored by "Lighthorse Harry" Lee, that such canals would stimulate trade an American Revolutionary War hero Today, footpaths lead through the quiet between the East and the Ohio Valley and friend of Washington. The town, woods to remnants of Matildaville and and bind the country together in a near Great Falls, flourished for nearly the . framework of trade and mutual interest. 30 years but declined in the 1820s.In l -- ~ - r::: ~ Exit4t

AND OHIO CANAL

NAL HISTORICAL PARK

Lode 15

FALLS

V R G N A

North 0 0.5 Kilometer (f) 0 O.SMile c::: c:=:=:i ruins on t:::::::::::I Patowmack Canal f--- 3 Hiking trail I) Parking

~ Hiker/biker/ fBPicnic area ...... --.,,_ / c=:=J horse trail -

What to See and Do The park is open every day except December Hiking and Exploring The blue-blazed River Whitewater Boating The river here is for ex­ 25. The park ope ns at 7 a.m . and closes at Trail offers views of the and perienced boaters only. Boaters must enter dark. There is an ent rance fee. Your receipt, Mather Gorge. Other trails lead through quiet the river below the falls at Fishermans Eddy valid for three days, includes admi ssion to woodlands and past historic structures. Trail or farther downstream. the Maryland side of Great Falls, part of C&O maps are available at the visitor center. Canal National Historical Park. Anglers You can fish for bass,catfish, or carp. HorsebackRiding and Bicyding You may ride A Virginia or Maryland fishing license is re­ Visitor Center Stop here first. Park staff can horses and bicycles only on designated trails, quired for those over age 16. help you plan your visit. Exhibits tell the story as shown on th e trail map. Bicyclesand horses of the Patowmack Canal and other park fea­ are not allowed in the courtyard area or on RockClimbing Several stretches of rock offer tures. Books and maps are for sale. the Patowmack Canal Trail. Ask for details. adventure for this challenging sport. Climb­ ing can be extremely dangerous and should Seeing the Falls The falls are a short walk Picnicking Picnic tables, some with grills, are be attempted only by experienced climbe rs from the visitor center . To see the falls safely, available, but th ey cannot be reserved. There with proper equipment. Please registe r at stay on the overlooks provided . The overlooks are no picnic shelters. You may bring your the visitor center or lower parking lot be­ date from the early 20th century when the own grill, but please use charcoal or artificial fore climbing. land was a private amusement park, and visi­ fuels and deposit ashes in t he red containers. tors arrived by train from Washington, D.C. Ground fires are prohibited . A snack bar is Volunteer Share your talents with others. open seasonally in the park's courtyard near There are openings in visitor services, mainte ­ Guided Programs Programs are conducted the visitor center . nance, and historical research. Ask at the visi­ year-round. These include history and nature tor center for information. walks to points of interest. See program times PleaseRecyde Deposit cans, bottles, and recy­ o GPO 2~349-224/80321 Reprint 2002 at the visitor center or call 703-285-2965. clables in marked containers in the picnic area. Printed on recycled paper Deposit paper and other trash in waste cans.