Great Falls Park

Potomac, Amargosa Rivers On American Rivers' Most-Endangered List

Two rivers in the National Park System facing two greatly divergent threats are ranked among the nation's most endangered rivers by the advocacy group American Rivers.

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By Kurt Repanshek - April 14th, 2026

Op-Ed | Urban-Proximate National Parks Aren’t Serving Their Purpose. Here’s Why.

We are ruining urban national parks. The reason, simply put, is our chatter.

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November 13th, 2019

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There Are Rapids, And Then There Are Name-Brand Rapids

What’s in a name? Well, when you hear Hance, the Big Drop, Lost Paddle, or Lava Falls, we’re talking about some of the largest, craziest river rapids in our national parks. Interesting names, for sure, but how do they rate? We posed this question to our river rats: What are the best rapids in the parks? They came up with quite a list. So, if you’re looking for exciting and death-defying whitewater in the parks…

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February 28th, 2016

List Of "Most Endangered Rivers" Flows Through National Parks

A number of national parks are clustered around some of the 10 rivers whose health is being threatened by mining operations, pollution, dredging, proposed dams, and other impacts that American Rivers found them deserving to be listed as America's Most Endangered Rivers.

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May 16th, 2012

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"If You Enter the River, You Will Die."

One of the deadliest stretches of whitewater in the eastern U.S. is located in an unlikely location—just outside the nation's capital. An interagency effort is underway to focus attention on the dangers of the Potomac River Gorge and the Great Falls of the Potomac with a very pointed message: "If you enter the river, you will die."

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May 24th, 2010

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Heavy Flooding Impacts C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls Park, And Other D.C. Area Parks

National Park Service officials and volunteer crews near the nation’s capital have their hands full these days, cleaning up after a flood.

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March 26th, 2010

A Romantic Miscue Led to a Helicopter Rescue at Great Falls Park near Washington, D.C.

Eagle 2 is a U. S. Park Police helicopter used in the Washington, D.C. area and it's participated in some dramatic missions. Few, however, have involved a more unusual situation than a recent rescue at Great Falls Park—and it all started with a romantic miscue.

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September 10th, 2009

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The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Great Falls Park

National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.

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