The Potomac River begins as a small spring near Fairfax Stone, West Virginia. Like a giant funnel it gathers water from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia as it travels 383 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. When it reaches Great Falls, the river narrows and drops 76 feet into a canyon called Mather Gorge. Changing weather conditions in the river's watershed affect the character of the river at Great Falls.

The river builds up a lot of speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge. Kayaking at The Great Falls is permitted but it is an extreme, high-risk activity reserved for expert paddlers. The main falls consist of Class V and Class VI (extreme) rapids and drops of up to 50 feet. Downstream from the main falls, where the river narrows into Mather Gorge, the brave ones can enjoy action-packed Class II and III rapids interspersed with calmer sections. The three river overlooks on the Virginia side of Great Falls Park, provide great view of the kayakers battling the river and its rapids. 

Swimming and wading in the park otherwise is strictly prohibited due to fast-moving, high-volume water, and extreme danger. While precise year-by-year statistics fluctuate, on average, around seven peple drown annually in the area of the Potomac River that includes Great Falls. The National Park Service (NPS) and other local emergency services frequently report on these tragedies and emphasize the river's deceptive and deadly nature.

Best to enjoy this gorgeos section of the Potomac River from the overlooks. It's a spectacular sight at any time of the day, but especially in the morning light.

All Images taken with Canon EOS R8 and Canon RF28mm F2.8 STM Lens

Copyright Anna Wrobel Photography