Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail
Potomac, Maryland
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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Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail Reviews
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!
3.0
Trail was very tough in terms of footing and it was also very dusty! Lots of wildlife on the trail we saw numerous lizards, a snake, and a lot of tree frogs. The vertical climb wasn't to bad and if you take the tow road back to the visitors center you only have to go up and not down! Overall good trail, very challenging, just the right distance for a good workout.
3.0
Great view of waterfalls. Something to add to a wish list
5.0
Rock formations are beautiful I photographed some of them. The hike was so nice although a bit tiring but it was all worth it! I hiked along the rock it probably would have been easier to hike the trail. It was a lovely drive to get there. Surprisingly easy to find! 10 out 10 would recommend
5.0
Beautiful drive to get there, Easy Parking and not too crowded, Hike by the river is very calming and relaxing, Cool way to spend my Saturday outdoors close to home :)
5.0
Did this hike and the view of the waterfalls from the outlook was awesome, the Billy goat A trail was closed due to flooding , so I did the Billy goat B and it was still a great hike. Will have to come back and do the A when I get a chance.
4.0
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Nearby
Great Falls of the Potomac
Canoe from Algonkian Regional Park to Riverbend Park
Hike from Riverbend Regional Park to Great Falls National Park
Difficult Run, Ridge, and River Trails
Scott's Run Nature Preserve Loop
Wolf Trap Loop Trail
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