Potomac River — Great Falls

Montgomery Co. · 14 mi · Class II–V

5,450CFS/ 2.49 ft

Optimal

↑Rising slowly (+100 cfs/hr)· +290 cfs in 3h

Water temp: 57°F

Optimal: 2000–12000 CFS · USGS #01638500

14 mi

Length

Class II–V

Difficulty

2000–12000 cfs

Optimal

8,200 cfs

Avg Flow

7,380 cfs

Hist. Median

#01638500

USGS Gauge

Great Falls Park (NPS) · C&O Canal National Historical Park · Potomac Heritage Trail

Class II–V whitewater within sight of the Washington Monument. The Potomac drops through Great Falls — a thundering 76-foot cascade — then through Mather Gorge in a setting that defies its location minutes from the capital. The most dramatic urban whitewater in America.

Trip sections

Great Falls — Class V, expert portage-and-run

Mather Gorge to Carderock — Class II–III, popular run

Outfitters

Liquid Adventures

Potomac kayak instruction and Great Falls trips

Calleva

Potomac River kayak and canoe programs, Poolesville

72-Hour Flow Forecast

NOAA NWPS

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10-Year Flow Patterns

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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.