Great Falls overlook on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park side of the Potomac River
NOTE: Sections of the towpath, locks and other historical structures, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are constantly being closed due to damage and/or repair. When planning an adventure within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, make sure that areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
While the Great Falls area of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is close to the actual Great Falls, the view is blocked by Olmsted Island. If you want to see the falls, there is a trail located .3 mile from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center that leads to an overlook on the other side of the island. The trail, known as the Olmsted Island Bridges Trail, is handicap accessible. No dogs are allowed.
The island is named after Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of famed landscape architect Olmsted Sr. who designed New York’s Central Park, among hundreds of other parks and city landscapes. Junior took over the business after his father died and was instrumental is having the Great Falls protected from development.
To reach the trail, head downstream from the Visitor Center on the towpath. Look for an arched footbridge to begin the hike.
Start of the Olmsted Island Bridges Trail near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Before reaching the Great Falls Overlook, the trail crosses two footbridges that span channels of the Potomac River that splinter from the main waterway and flow through the island. The views of the rushing water under the bridges are as wonderful as seeing the Great Falls themselves.
Second of two bridges on the Olmstead Island Bridges Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
View of the Potomac River from the footbridge on the Olmstead Island Brides Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Rapids and waterfalls below the footbridge on the Olmstead Island Brides Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
View downriver from the footbridge on the Olmstead Island Brides Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Olmsted Island Bridges Trail is .3 mile long, one way, and ends at the overlook. There is a wayside exhibit about how the falls were formed.
Great Falls overlook at the end of the Olmstead Island Brides Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
View of the Great Falls from the overlook at the end of the Olmstead Island Brides Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
If you really want great views of the falls, head over to Great Falls Park, a National Park unit on the other side of the Potomac River in Virginia. There are three overlooks, and you can get different views at each one. At Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park all you get is one view, though it is certainly nice.
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Last updated on June 26, 2024
