Day Trip: Great Falls Park

Early yesterday evening, Tre and I drove to Great Falls, Virginia national park located about 30 miles from Washington, D.C. As a historical site, the park was initially a canal system effort during the early 1800s, however, most visitors (like us) visit the park to view its dramatic falls, jagged rocks, and stroll the hiking trials. Last summer I had visited the park with my friend Cama and mentally noted that I would have to visit with Tre once he returned from deployment! Actually, the idea had almost escaped my mind until I randomly happened upon the brochure as I was cleaning out several of my purses earlier this week! I suggested the idea to Tre and we were on our way!

From home, the trip was about 40 minutes. Immediately after exiting the George Washington Parkway and about several miles before you arrive at the entry gates of the park, the industrial scene of the highway transforms into a single lane winding road shaded with lush emerald and lime canopies, charming cottage and farm-style houses, and extravagant castle-style mansions. Even though I was driving the speed-limit I purposefully slowed down so that we could sneak a longer gaze at the architecture of the homes. There is definitely a very commanding, yet cozy feel that the landscae evokes which certaintly primes you for the impressisve views of the falls! Once we arrived at the gate, I was pleasantly surprised that we paid a reduced entry-fee of just $6.00 for the both of us! We quickly found a parking spot, grabbed our water-cooler and cameras and I led the way to the trail.

 

During our one hour outdoor excursion we hiked about 2 miles of footpaths through the woods enjoying amazing views, cooling breezes, listening to the sounds of nature, viewing the cliffs and amateur climbers, and stopping along the tour to read the informational plaques. Being surrounded purely by the handiwork of God pales in comparison to anything man could ever make, and quite frankly, all we can ever make is either a poor replica of what God has already done with the tools he has already given to us! Although I was able to take several pictures, this is truly a scene you have to experience in real-time to appreciate!

Our first trip to Great Falls was so enjoyable and I’m sure it will not be our last! Tre enjoys outdoor/historical excursions as much as I do so we really had lots of fun! He let me indulge being his “tour-guide” as I led the way through the trials racking my brain to recall trivia facts I vaguely remembered from my last visit! By the time we decided to turn back to the parking lot, we both felt the soreness from a good hike, but would you know that this MAN had the audacity to throw his sweaty sock at me in the car? Lol! Overall, this was a great day trip! Of course we worked up an appetite which I satisfied with brownie sundaes sprinkled with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, drizzled with fudge and chocolate syrup once we got home…hey, it’s the weekend, right?!