Great Falls: Billy Goat Trail
Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 299-3613
http://www.midatlantichikes.com/id163.html
The Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls offers spectacular scenery and is one of the most challenging hiking trails in the Washington DC area. The 4.7 mile trail runs along the Potomac River in Montgomery County from the Great Falls Overlook (near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center) south beyond Carderock, Maryland. See a trail map. Enjoy the following photos and learn more about the Billy Goat Trail.
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 (301-767-3714).
Open year round, seven days per week from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days). Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
The Great Falls of the Potomac have drawn people to the river's shore for centuries. To Native Americans it was a gathering place, to George Washington it was an impediment to navigation, to thousands of visitors every year it is an awe-inspiring site. Tourists have been drawn to the Great Falls of the Potomac long before there was a canal. The Great Falls Tavern carries on a long tradition of hospitality for visitors to the C&O Canal. Soon after the canal's ground breaking in 1828 construction began on the original lockhouse. In response to travelers' requests for shelter and a meal, the locktender here at Great Falls, W.W. Fenlon, asked the Canal Company to build the three-story north wing for a hotel. Proposing himself as innkeeper but adding, "Mrs. Felon is better calculated for Land Ladie," he wrote. The hotel opened for business in 1831. The entrance door invited guests into a large, windowed room with fireplaces and a bar. As the inn's first proprietor Mr. Fenlon presided over lively entertainment like fishing parties, dances and social events in the "ballroom," in addition to good dinners and a place to sleep. A community of over 100 people grew nearby with shops and a post office. The National Park Service offers interpretive programs year round and boat rides in the spring, summer and early fall. Please call the visitor center for information at 301-767-3714.
Directions:
From Interstate 495:
Maryland: Take exit 41 (Carderock /Great Falls, MD), follow Clara Barton Parkway to the end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Follow MacArthur approximately 3.5 miles into the park. MacArthur Blvd. ends at the park.
Virginia: Cross into Maryland over the American Legion Bridge (beltway inner loop) and take exit 41 (Clara Barton Parkway) Westbound, left at fork. Follow Clara Barton to the end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Follow MacArthur Blvd approximately 3.5 miles into the park. MacArthur Blvd. ends at the park.
From Washington DC:
Take M Street to fork. You can follow either MacArthur Blvd, the right fork or take Canal Road, the fork to the left.
MacArthur Blvd.: Follow MacArthur until it ends at the entrance to the Great Falls section of the park, approximately 8 miles.
Canal Road: Follow to Chain Bridge. At stop light continue straight ahead. Canal Road changes into Clara Barton Parkway. Follow Clara Barton Parkway to the end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd., and follow it for approximately 3.5 miles until it ends at the park.
From Frederick, Maryland:
Follow Interstate 270 south toward Washington, DC. Take exit 5 (Falls Road). Exit right toward Potomac on Falls Road. Follow Falls Road 6 miles until it intersects with MacArthur Blvd.. At stop sign turn right into the park.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP: Trails of the Great Falls Area
Billy Goat Trail, Section A
Highlights:
Strenous rock scrambling
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Hike Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType: Loop
Summary: Begin this hike along the towpath of the historic Cheasapeake and Ohio Canal, completed in 1850 after 22 years of work and mishap, and operated for 73 years between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. The blue-blazed Billy Goat Trial turns toward the Potomac River at Widewater (a natural wide basin where the barges were able to pass) and leads backwards in history 180 million years to the time when the palisades of the Potomac were first forming. The trail skirts the edge of Bear Island, passing giant potholes as it follows along the top of the cliffs of Mather Gorge. This portion of the hike is quite rugged and necessitates a good bit of rock scrambling. The blue blazed painted on the rocks help to locate the route. The return trip is an easy stroll along the towpath. Although this hike is only 4 miles in length, it may be rather slow going on the rocks - and the view will invite you to stay awhile.
Trailhead: I-495 to Exit 41 (Carderock and Glen Echo); follow Clara Barton Pkwy towards Carderock, passing David Taylor Model Basin and Naval Surface War Center on right. At junction with MacArthur Blvd turn left and continue West to Old Anglers Inn on right at sharp turn in road. Continue past Old Angelers Inn, approximately 2 miles, to the C&O Canal National Park at Great Falls. Park near the Taven and proceed East down the towpath. Billy Goat Trail is well marked to your right. You will pass the scenic overlook of Great Falls, MD from Olmstead Island by taking this approach to Billy Goat Trail Part A. (Lat:38.99338 Lon:-77.2456)
Trail Guides for BillyGoat section A:
Circuit Hikes in VA WVA MD and PA
by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC)
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: National Park Service (301) 299-2026
Great Falls Park - Maryland and Virginia
A Visitor's Guide to Great Falls Park Near Washington, DC
By Rachel Cooper, About.com Guide
Great Falls Park offers a variety of activities including hiking, picnicking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding. You can view the falls from several observation areas. The falls cascade into 20 foot waterfalls displaying the steepest fall line rapids of any eastern river. See
Photos of Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park - Virginia Location
The park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia in the northern part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.There are three overlooks that provide access to view the Great Falls. While Overlook 1 provides the closest view, Overlooks 2 and 3 are wheelchair accessible. Follow the River Trail, beginning just downstream of the falls, and you will see spectacular views of the Mather Gorge. Above the Visitor Center, you can follow the upper Canal Trail and view the head of the falls and the Aqueduct Dam. The Virginia park offers 15 miles of hiking trails through the woods and along the falls. See a trail map.
The Great Falls Park Visitor Center offers trail maps, historical exhibits, a 10-minute video presentation on the history of Great Falls Park, an interactive children’s room, bookstore, restrooms and a concession stand. Volunteers and park rangers are on hand to answer questions. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ranger Talks are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p. m. and 3:30 p. m. at the Ranger Program Area near Overlook 3.
Great Falls Park - Maryland Location
The Maryland side of Great Falls is a part of the C & O Canal National Historic Park and is located off of Falls Road in Potomac.There are two overlooks near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. To the north, the Washington Aqueduct Observation Deck offers a view of the upper falls. To the south, the Olmsted Island Bridges offer several scenic views of the Great Falls. There are several hiking trails along this area. See a trail map. Some of the most spectacular up close views can be seen from the Billy Goat Trail. You should note that portions of the trail are very challenging and not appropriate for all visitors. The C & O Canal Towpath also runs through the park and is ideal for biking and jogging.
The Great Falls Tavern was built in 1828 and serves as the visitor center offering historical exhibits and interpretive programs. Mule drawn canal boat rides depart from this location April-October. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Days)
Park Hours
Both locations of Great Falls Park are open from 7 a.m. until dark every day except December 25th.Admission
There is an entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle, including motorcycles and a $3.00 fee for visitors entering the park on foot, horseback, or bicycle. The entry fee is good for three days at both parks.Visiting Tips
- Weekend afternoons are the busiest times to visit. To avoid crowds, visit early, late in the day or on a weekday.
- Stay on the trails and use caution while hiking near the river and cliffs. Wear sturdy shoes and carry drinking water.
- Visit on a clear day and bring a camera to capture great nature photos.
- Be aware that dogs and other pets are allowed, but must be on a six foot leash.
- The snack bars are open seasonally. Picnics are allowed and grills are available in some locations.
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