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CHOH Great Falls Area Development Concept Plan - Final


The National Park Service has prepared a Development Concept Plan for the Great Falls, MD area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Located about 30 minutes northwest of Washington, D.C., this beloved area is one of the park's most visited destinations, featuring dramatic natural landscapes, rare plant communities, historic canal resources, and a wide range of recreation. The Great Falls area is also the primary interpretive and educational center for the park, offering K-12 field trips and a variety of ranger-guided programs.

Visitation has steadily increased since the 2010s and now averages about 800,000 visitors annually, driven in part by the areas proximity to the Washington metropolitan region. While this growth expands opportunities for public enjoyment, it also creates challenges, including crowding on popular trails, impacts to sensitive natural resources, limited parking, and increased visitor safety incidents—particularly along Billy Goat Trail Section A and near the Potomac River.

The plan sets the long-term framework for future management and use of the site. Stakeholder and community comments and concerns were incorporated throughout the plan development. All recommendations are in service to the Park's goal of promoting safe and enjoyable opportunities for recreation and stewardship of resources. The plan does not include the selection of a preferred alternative or design. The NPS anticipates a phased implementation of recommendations as funding allows.

The National Park Service thanks everyone who contributed feedback, local knowledge and ideas throughout this process. Your participation strengthened this plan and helped chart a shared path forward for the Great Falls area, one grounded in stewardship and built for today and future generations.
 
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