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
You can't go wrong with this hike. It's one of the most fun and most beautiful ones in all of the DC area. The rock scrambling is a lot of fun and can be tricky in parts so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. I've seen countless people here try to hike it in sandals with not so great results. The only downside is this place really draws in the crowds.
5.0
This is one of my favorite hikes! There is a lot of rock scrambling which requires using your hands to get up and around all of the rocks. The hike is right along the Susquehanna river is amazing views of the river as well as waterfalls. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've seen in the Mid-Atlantic region!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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