Great Falls Park Closes Parking Lot After Busy Weekends

MCLEAN, VA — Great Falls Park will only be available to those within walking or biking distance as the park announced its parking lot closed Monday. The change limits visitors in response to the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 respiratory illness.

The change comes after the park drew busy conditions on weekends. On March 27, the park limited parking to two-third capacity to reduce the number of visitors. Two days later, the parking lot filled two times. The park restricted visitor access several times during the past weekend.

Trails at the national park remain open, but the entrance gate to the parking lot is closed. Great Falls Park said in a Facebook post there is not sufficient parking for visitors to drive and park outside the entrance gate. The visitor center, restrooms and drinking water remain unavailable. The park is not collecting entrance fees.

Great Falls Park offers the following guidance to visitors in light of the COVID-19 outbreak:

• Limit driving to essential travel only. Find exercise and recreation options that are available within walking or biking distance from your home. Flatten the curve we are all in this together.
• Observe CDC’s guidance of maintaining a distance of six feet from people if you choose to visit a park, go for a hike, or exercise outside.
• Be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms —park users will find that all public restrooms are closed.
• Do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and wash your hands frequently.
• Bring water or drinks—public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
• Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
• Carry hand sanitizer.

Visitors should check the Great Falls Park website for updates.