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Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail

Potomac, Maryland

4.5/5
based on 14 reviews

Details

Distance

4.61 miles

Elevation Gain

272 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

Billy Goat is a great hike and rock scramble close to Washington DC. Enjoy beautiful views of waterfalls on the Potomac River.

Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River.

Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don't have a National Park pass. When facing the river, go left on the C & O Canal Towpath. You'll soon come to a side trail on the right to Olmsted Island. Check out this short path with boardwalks leading to the best view of Great Falls-dogs aren't allowed on this section.

After you check out Olmsted Island, return to the C & O Canal Towpath and turn right. Walk about 0.7 miles to the "Billy Goat Trail Section A", which branches off to the right. This is a one-way, well-marked trail that is 1.75 miles long. This section is very difficult and has challenging rock scrambles with traverses of up to 50' vertically. The best routes are well-marked, so stick to the blazed routes to ascend the rock scrambles safely.

The end of Section A of the Billy Goat Trail intersects the C & O Canal Towpath again, so turn left at this intersection and follow the Towpath for 1.9 miles back to your car.

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Hiking
Easy Parking
Scenic
Waterfall

Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail Reviews

Came here right before New Years and it was the perfect hike! Nice clean trails and some great rocks to climb your way around for some breath taking views. Gorgeous land!

It's amazing to have this trail so close to the city! The hike is so fun with great views and rock scrambling -- it's the perfect day trip for a work out and some fresh air. It has gotten INCREDIBLY crowded ever since President Obama visited -- sometimes a two hour wait to drive into the parking lot on the weekends. Try to go on a weekday if possible!

Very easy trail with boardwalks and beaten paths! the view from the outlook is beautiful! we saw guys on kayaks out in the middle! A group of people with a stroller were behind us and they managed the trail no problem!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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