Hike the Billy Goat Trail

Potomac, Maryland

Description

Distance: 7.8 miles roundtripElevation gain: 280 ftBeautiful spots along both the C&O Canal's Towpath and the Billy Goat A Trail for photographs * A fair bit of scrambling along the Potomac River!

The trail is located in the C&O Canal National Historical Park near Great Falls in Montgomery County, Maryland, along the Potomac River and just off the old Towpath. The Billy Goat Trail is made up of three sections: A, B, and C. Sections B and C are relatively simple and just about anyone can do them, but the gem is section A (1.7 miles from the head of the trail to the end).

Billy Goat has rocky, boulder-like terrain mixed with bits of forest and steep cliffs that require some bolder hopping and scrambling. There is no need for ropes or technical skill, but the ability to scramble and not fear ledges and heights is a requirement.

Begin the journey from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, where there is ample parking and you can walk along some of the old locks. Before you get on your way to the trails, take the short walk along Olmsted Island to get some beautiful shots of the "falls" (more like rapids if you grew up with Niagara Falls).

Only bring children under 8 if you plan to take the emergency exit or they are little spiders.

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Features

Fitness

Rock Climbing

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Scenic

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Leave No Trace

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