In Virginia and Maryland, two National Parks merge in the center of the Potomac River with some breathtaking scenary.
Great Falls Park is on the Virginia side, while The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is on the Maryland side. At the center of the Potomac river you can't tell the difference but each side does have a different look and feel.
The Potomac River coming through the Great Falls area of Virgina and Maryland speeds up pretty well as it goes through Mather Gorge. Unless something was done the river would not have been navigable getting from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Unloading ships and reloading them downriver has never been very effective.
On the Maryland side, a series of canals were constructed in order to make the river navigable all the way down to Washington, DC. The canal technology, although successful for about a quarter of a century, was overtaken by the efficiency of the railroad system.
Today, the park is a wonderful place to get away for a few hours and enjoy the fall season. After showing some properties in that area yesterday I decided to take a couple of hours to enjoy an absolutely perfect day and grab a few photos as well.
All pictures taken November 7, 2008. There are a lot of photos but they have been optimized for the web so this post should still load quickly.
Welcome to Great Falls Park - Virginia Side

Mather Gorge on the Virginia Side

Virginia side - not much vegetation left on the tree overlooking the falls.

Virginia side - trees turning and dropping leaves

Virginia side - fall colors still evident

Virginia side - brilliant blue sky

Virginia side - observation deck

View from across the gorge to the Maryland side

Virginia side - panorama of fall colors

Fall colors being sketched by an artist

Mother nature always reclaims what is hers eventually

Maryland side - entrance. Beautiful fall colors.

Maryland side - canal boat lock

Maryland side - Fall colors reflected in pool

Maryland side - Out of service canal boat

Maryland side - pretty much what it looks like...ducks asses

Maryland side - Potomac River gorge

Maryland side - Fall colors, bright sky

Maryland - Blue Heron. Should be time to go South soon.

Maryland - Tavern and visitor center

Maryland - losing leaves at different rates

Maryland - leaving the park until another day

Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®
Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.
Crofton, MD 21114
410-451-6255 Office
443-995-9595 Cell
Web: http://www.RichSellsHomes.com
eMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Outside Blog at: http://www.mdrealestateblog.com
Crofton MD Real Estate Specialist
Annapolis MD Real Estate Specialist





Rich Iarossi is a full time licensed REALTOR®, working in Crofton, MD. My coverage areas are: Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Calvert, Queen Anne, and Baltimore City and County. I specialize in residential real estate, working with both buyers and sellers. Use the registration free search on my website at www.RichSellsHomes.com. If you’re not already working with a REALTOR®...I can help. Call me at 443-995-9595 (Cell) or 410-451-6255 (Office).
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