Not a reflection of the trail as a whole, but when I stopped back on this occasion I was dismayed. It was one thing during the peak of the COVID era when there were signs up saying this trail was to be undertaken in one direction only. People were throwing around all sorts of silly rules out of desperation in those days. I doubt any lives were saved by this; maybe the theory was to reduce human contact but realistically, we're talking about hiking in open air. Public health aside, I return to find even now there are still signs saying to take the trail one way. And having done it both ways many times, it's the wrong way! Absurd. Supposedly there's some justification, but I think that grown adults can figure out how to hike in two directions without running into each other. As an overall natural resource, it remains a gem (though it must be noted that the Billy Goat B trail downstream is currently closed due to damage). But whoever is making these stupid rules shouldn't be in the business of making rules at all. Thankfully some rebels were taking the trail in the northernly direction, as well they should. read more

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I really enjoy this hike because it has great views and is an interesting hike. The first half involves hiking on the rocks overlooking the Potomac River. It has some rock scrambles which keep my kids interested in the hike. After you finish hiking "section A", you get spit out on the towpath and it's an easy walk on gravel next to the C and O canal. Total mileage is 3.9 miles. It took my 6 and 8 year old 3 hours to complete the hike including breaks. read more

I went with school , I have been looking for this place and i found it , ty, great place , awesome view of nature

Let me start off by saying, mentally and physically I was not prepared for this..lol. My family and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We went early Sunday morning. We were told to go early to find good parking. It was foggy and cold and at 0730 there were already people there starting. Many were in groups. I went with 3 athletic people, my parents and brother. I am not very athletic and I have only hiked like 5 times in my life but I was determined. This place is beautiful and breathtaking. Amazing views that's overlook the Potomac river. We did section A. It is important to dress appropriately. Something comfortable, good hiking shoes because you will be rock hopping and climbing, using you hands and everything, really intense but a great experience. I have fear of height but did pretty well. We took breaks and brought a lot of water. I don't think section A is a spot for kids but I did see families with their little ones. They had to be extra extra careful. I hear trail B/C is more of a relaxing and less strenuous hike. I want to experience that too another time. But some tips for section A is go early for good Ans close parking; comfortable clothes and good hiking shoes; bring water and maybe snacks, take breaks if you need it and just enjoy the nature. read more

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Bottom Line: Fun, scenic and a bit challenging at times. My husband and I hiked Section A of the Billy Goat Trail on a weekend morning in late summer. We arrived at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor's Center (part of the C&O Canal Historical Park) parking lot at 7am so we could be sure to get a spot and beat the summer heat. As others have mentioned, there isn't much shade on Section A of the trail so we came prepared with hats, water and sunscreen. Section A of the trail is around 3 miles but it seemed like the majority of it was a rock scramble. We didn't find climbing the near vertical traverse any more challenging than climbing a ladder. Some reports say it is 35' high and some say it I 50' high. I tend to lean towards it being on the shorter size as we were able to climb up it fairly quickly. I found the constant scrambling to be much more challenging especially all of the steps down since my right knee just doesn't like that sort of thing. We enjoyed the nature and particularly the views and wild flowers, we had a starring contest with a detail, admired a blue heron, and soaked in the history of the "Patowmack" and the C&O canal. Along the way we were passed by a few Ninja Warriors and some trail runners but we were content to take our time. Once we walked to and from the parking lot, did some side hikes and completed Section A, we clocked about five miles. By the time we left the parking lot mid-morning it was packed and there were many cars parked along the surrounding streets. Overall, this was a nice experience and probably the most legitimate "hike" near my Annapolis home. read more

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This trail is beautiful beyond word! Nature is stunning and I'm glad that I am able to admire such beauty at the Billy goat trail. The rocks are enormous, so be prepared for some exercise. Make sure you stretch before climbing these large rocks because they are massiveee, long, and one wrong foot turn and you can hurt yourself. West proper shoes that are slip resistant and comfortable cause it's a lot of climbing and walking. This trail will test your fitness for sure. I literally could hardly talk because I was exhausted!! However you will capture nice pictures of yourself and nature. There are lots and lots of people who walk these trails along with you. I even saw children as young as 4!! It is worth it for the experience ! read more

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Billy Goat Trail Section A is great for adventure seekers! There are rocks to climb and boulders to scramble. You will need to watch your footing carefully. This is a fun trail for most people who are comfortable with doing some climbing and balancing. There is one very steep part but it's short. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you are tired on the trail, you can usually find a spot to pull off to the side and look out over the beautiful jagged rocks of the gorge. No dogs are allowed on Part A of the trail. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Part A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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Beauty and the Beast, LITERALLY! Billygoat Trail A is the most challenging and most popular trail that Great Falls has to offer. Simply stated, it's an adrenaline junkies paradise. Bring your camera phone for the scenic views however also bring your backpack loaded with bottled water and quick snacks because this trial will make you take a couple of recuperation breaks..trust me! When you're walking to the actual trial, those who have been warned will be misled to believe this will be a piece of cake, they SOON realize all that was said about this beast is true! Boulders, climbs and declines that will make you come up with strategies to get down, will all come into play. Then comes the big one...the 50ft climb! Will make you laugh and and cry at the exact same time! Now the ONLY reason I'm deducting a star is for some safety concerns that I believe the park service needs to address. This is an advanced hike that kids under 12 should not be allowed to participate. Well, there is noone to monitor WHO does this trail so yes, we saw several under aged kids with their parents and trust me there were a few heart stopping moments that made us shake our heads! Also, hikers should be required to wear a certain level of foot gear. I twisted my ankle last time out and I had on heavy duty hiking boots. A Yelp friend of mine had the audacity to say she completed this hike in a pair of flip flops. Unless her flip flops had truck tires attached to them, I'm calling BS on that one..lol! Besides those two suggestions, this is nature at it's best and if you love the great outdoors and have about 3.5hrs to spare, Billygoat Trail A is the place to be!!!! read more

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Billy Goat Trail - section A is very adventurous hike. Not for the ones with fear of heights. Pick a dry day - with no rain for some time and you get to see green Waters of Potomac. You will have to earn the view by scrambling rocks. You will have to use your arms to do it unless you Are a Billi Goat. It is a very slow hike - you can not be fast if you have to carefully step on the rocks during the hike. At the end - Everybody is happy for meeting the challenge and winning it. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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Surprised that I had not written a review on Billy Goat Trail! This trail is really one-of-a-kind. If I am not mistaken, there are three trails here, but you'll want to hike Trail A! Apparently, it's the most intense with lots of rock hopping and climbing. I didn't find it too difficult, but you may want to stretch before starting and take your time with all of the rock hopping. The views are absolutely amazing overlooking the Potomac River. Once you get to the summit, it feels good to sit, take in the atmosphere and power up with a packed snack. On warm days, you'll see other visitors canoeing. Sometimes, Trail A closes because of water levels - depends on how much rain has accumulated. You can always check the official Billy Goat site for trail closures. read more

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One of the greatest things about living in the Potomac / Bethesda area is the ease of access and proximity to many different park systems. As someone who doesn't really get to do too many forms of exercise beyond walking, having a great variety of parks is crucial to my quality of life. It's an extra bonus if it's pretty rubbish free and quiet. This park not far from my home is one of my top 3 favorites. In my opinion, it's actually lovely strolling through them especially during the colder winter months because of the greater water view. I also love how the community functions well within the park systems even during the busy weekends. The bikers and walkers all know how to coexist without problems. It isn't quite like Lake Needwood where you're afraid you may get run over by the bikers going at high speed. Last but not least, I love how the car park is free, and it's easy to access for even those with mobility problems and one of the rarest of all----THE AVAILABILITY OF A CLEAN WELL LIT BATHROOM. And ya know what? Don't forget to grab a burger at Old Angler's afterwards. Anyhow, my crummy review of the park do no justice to convey its beauty. I can't express well enough that you should just go take a stroll. I promise you won't be disappointed. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Section B of the trail is closed but walkable - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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As someone born and raised in Maryland, I am still so enthralled with the sights and sounds I see when I go hiking and exploring the many trails we've got at our state's doorstep. Billy Goat Trail Section C is a relatively easy and short trail that takes you up right by the river. It is 1.6 miles long, but you can loop back or take the towpath to make it a full day's adventure. Hiking this section, you'll see dogs, hikers, rockclimbers alike. I like how you can choose to self-pace to make it a leisurely exercise or go faster to get your heart rate pumping. Parking is available at Carderock, although at my latest visit, the lot was closed off due to covid. People do park along the road out front, however. read more

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Its always a good day if its spent hiking on the Billy Goat Trail. If you need a break from city or suburban life, but don't want to drive all the way out to the country to places like the Shenandoah this is where to go! It is only a few miles outside of DC. Billy Goats trail is on the maryland side of the river and free to visit with much better trails than the Virginia side. If you go to the Virginia side you do get a nice view of the waterfall but it does cost a free to get in unless you are active military. (Make sure to bring a water bottle and good hiking shoes!) Tip be careful when using maps for directions. Once you are almost there just keep driving until you start seeing groups of cars parked along the road! read more

They call this the most difficult hike on the East Coast, and after just finishing it, I can't imagine hiking being more challenging. Today, a hiking group that my GF and I joined took on the task of hiking 5 miles all through a heavily wooded, beautifully scenic park and we are exhausted! This hike was challenging, but what kept us going was all of the beautiful scenery. Whether it was trees, rocks, or the breathtaking streams, I suggest this park for any and all hard core hikers. There's three versions of the Billy Goat Trail, trail A, B, or C with C being the toughest. If you're into jumping, climbing, and challenging yourself mentally and physically, Great Falls is where it's at. ...and if you just want beautiful backdrops to compliment your photos? There's room for you too. read more

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This is a review of Bill Goat Section A only as it's the only trial I went on. I really didn't know what to expect going into this since I've heard that it was both easy and hard. We walked on some random path for about 45 minutes before crossing a bridge and eventually finding the start point for section A. The path was full of great views of the Potomac. It was arduous but well worth it. The best part was either the massive rock hill we had to climb or the sand beach towards the end of the trail. Either way, great scenic views and tons of fun. Few tips: Go early so you beat most of the sun as it makes the rocks hot. Go when it's dry to avoid injury. Bring lots and lots of water. Bring a snack/lunch for the halfway mark. Bring even more water. Watch out as there kids on the trail so set a good example for them! read more

***PSA - This trail is NO JOKE*** I'm writing this review as a non-athletic person that never works out; an occasional 1-2 mile walk is the extent. So my new friend suggested this trail for our 4th date and seeing that I'm always open to try new things, I agreed without fully knowing what I was getting into. When I tell you this is NOT a hike for a beginner, I was so thankful I finished it and not on a stretcher lol. I forged through it because I saw little kids out there and I couldn't let the kids show me up!!! I don't think it's very safe for kids to do this hike because there were several scary cringe worthy moments seeing kids that young on those mountains. To get to the entrance of the trail was about a mile and a half walk. I was thinking "oh, this is going to be a piece of cake!!" Oh don't you dare let that walk fool you. Once we entered Billy Goat Trail A, this was 4 1/2 miles of nonstop mountain climbing is the best way I can describe it. An absolute BEAST of a hike but the scenery was gorgeous and the weather was amazing the day we went. There were sooo many moments I wanted to cry, moments I wanted to kill him for suggesting this, moments that I wanted to kill myself for agreeing and moments of sheer exhaustion but when we got to that 50 ft uphill climb, I felt absolutely defeated and could have fainted on the spot lol. We finally made it to the end only to find that we had to walk another mile and a half to get to the car!!! OMG I will offer some tips to hopefully make this experience better: --Please invest in good hiking boots. I saw so many people out there with the wrong shoes on for an intense hike like that. --Bring lots of water, like more than 3 bottles for one person. Pack a few snacks for energy. I personally was so exhausted I couldn't eat anything. --Wear comfortable clothing. I wore jean shorts and could have benefited from some yoga or workout pants. --Don't bring your young kids!!! It's a very intense hike for a kid. And if you don't typically work out, you better do something to get yourself ready for this; It's no joke. Update on that new friend of mine that talked me into this ... I didn't get rid of him but he was immediately informed that we are NEVER doing this again!!! If hiking is your thing, you will LOVE this trail. One thing I forgot to mention... all that water I suggested you bring, you'll need it but there are no bathrooms on this trail ladies! The men can go behind a tree but it might be tricky for us so you may want to bring tissue and wet wipes too. read more

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The park itself is lovely but $20.000 by car......., not a big deal because I normally bike in for free from DC. This time we decided to park outside of the MD/entrance and bike into the park. They charge $10.00 for walk or bike up. Mainly to bike in because there are trails you can access were you don't have to pay. The Potomac area is very cycle friendly and if you are looking for hill training - this is the spot. I will continue to park for free along the trail and then bike in via the C&O. Winter is coming and only the die hards will be out. read more

review of Part A only. We hiked a sunny weekday in August and the water level was low. Given the proximity, this is very popular but awesome scrambling on the trail and also at the beginning (off trail - Bear island?). If you like bouldering /scrambling, this is an awesome trail. The round trip is ~3.5 miles so carry water, snack and sun screen depending on the weather. Ankle supported shoes with decent treads are recommended. =. Ambiance is crowded, noisy (under an airplane route) and nature. Popular with teenagers and 20 somethings but plenty of 30s and 40s too. ++. Trail is rocky, roots and clay and sands. Big boulders are awesome to scramble and explorer especially off trail to watch the white water kayakers and get views of the River. I spent 1/2 hour exploring Bear Island(?) / a huge pile of rocks just begging to be climbed. It was awesome - see my pics of kayakers. At the end of part A /B is the steep rock scramble /wall that is fun to hike down / up. We did both down and up. It looked steep but was pretty easy. If you have fear of heights, this is not for you. I was a little disappointed that it was shorter and easier than I expected. I used to rock climb and this wall was mostly walkable without using my arms. Having said that I saw plenty of people putting themselves in precarious positions and looked pretty scared. +. Most people were respectful and the trail was well kept. Only negative was that it was crowded and people were noisy...heard all sorts of conversations and cheers (from day rafters)...that I didn't want to hear. The only time I got nature without human voices and airplanes was when I went off trail scrambling near the river where almost no one was. It was beautiful and only heard the River and birds. +. Parking is free across from Anglers restaurant. read more

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I arrived early to beat the crowds and capitalize on the gorgeous weather. I've done a few moderate to strenuous hikes so I was mentally prepared & properly outfitted for Section A. As previously stated, there were areas where I had to jump from boulder to boulder then others areas where I climbed narrow rock formations. We're talking rock scrambling using your hands, feet, and sometimes glutes to traverse angled rocks... Good hiking shoes and gloves helped a lot. If you're in the mood for a more relaxing hike, stick with Sections B/C or access on the Virginia side instead. I fancy myself as a nature photographer and there are tons of opportunities to grab some stunning shots of the Potomac on both sides. Despite all of the info available online, I saw folks struggling in open toe sandals. Note: Sweat/moisture makes your feet slide which isn't so great for this trail. I also saw several people fall so don't disregard the inherent dangers. FInally, come prepared if you want to complete trail A then continue on trail B. I connected with other hikers which was a lot of fun. We had plenty of water, healthy snacks, toilet paper, and everything else one may need when hiking a few hours. I had over 20,000 Fitbit steps when I left. I absolutely loved this hiking adventure! #HikeMaryland read more

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Be ready for a very nice but challenging hike along the beautiful Potomac River. There rock scrambling and the trail is not always marked very well so use your All Trails. Definitely recommend if you are in shape and avid hiker. read more

Breathtakingly gorgeous views of Great Falls from the Maryland side in this area of the Chesapeake and Ohio National Park. We didn't actually hike the Billy Goat Trail, but instead followed the trail along the river and went to the Great Falls scenic overlook. Many splendid vistas and photo ops along the way. Once at the falls, you can see the people on the Virginia side. The overlook was rather crowded, but the view is so worth it! Entrance Fee is $10 per car and we did encounter a long line. There is a Visitor center and free bike rentals for all ages. Picnic tables are available near the parking lot area as well as restrooms. Tugboat rides are also offered a few times a day. read more

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Billy Goat Trail (A) is awesome ! But not ideal for A) first dates B) young kids I've witnessed both on this trail a few times, and this is not a frolic through the park. If you bring little ones it can be awesome, but there are really intense rock climbing/jumping sections. No pets can go on this trail either. Parking: on busy weekends it'll be on the side of the road but don't park in front of the houses unless you want to get towed! Enjoy this awesome hike! read more

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Amazing trail. We did Section A and beware, be fit, bring lots of water, and be prepared to be a little sore the next day if you do not normally do this sort of thing. We work out daily and found this as a great workout! The sights are beautiful and the trail has three different parts. There are warnings for the sections that are the most challenging so if you need to turn back and bail, it's okay! I highly recommend it, wear sturdy hiking shoes, trail runners, or shoes you are confident driving over rocks with. Bring something to take photos with, and bring water and a snack good enough for two hours if you do the entire Section A. Park at Angler or by the Visitor center by the actual falls. There is a great restaurant across from the Angler parking lot. Enjoy! read more

On the day I descended onto the Billy Goat trail, sections A and B which are the most difficulty were closed due to flooding. However, section C was open to the public. I loved it, it was an easy trail (not easy footing in every section) that went quickly. Sneaker and hiking shoes recommended. Strollers will not fit on the trail. There is room for people to stop to pass each other if necessary. This trail must be beautiful in the fall and you get right up to the water (which they HIGHLY recommend for you to stay out of). The Potomac river is a very dangerous river. For people hiking by yourself, this is a safe trail. It attracts nice people with children and dogs. Depending how quickly you move, you can complete the whole thing in 30 min or less. Quite a bit of mud in many many places so don't bring clothing and wear shoes that you are particularly fond of. Definitely will come back for more. Plus one end of the Section C trail has lots of parking, open grass space, and picnic tables. The other end opens up to a walking path. Great place for kids. There are well stocked bathrooms near the picnic tables. read more

Me and Spencer H were first time hikers. We started with a long brisk walk down the towpath. When we got to the 2nd sign for Trail A (the difficult one) we decided to go for it so we entered at this point. Many others would be exiting from here as they entered Trail A further up the path closer to the parking lot. Make no mistake Trail A is a challenging hike and I would only recommend for beginners (like us) if you are relatively active, agile and fit. You don't need to be an expert but true to the warnings you should not be here if you are afraid of heights or don't have good balance. From the official description: Trail A is ranked difficult. "Physically demanding trail" - yes it was. "Scrambling over angled rocks, boulders and climbing required." - we did. "Views of Mather Gorge and river." - God's creations are amazing! We did half the trail today and felt accomplished. Fitbit showed 10k+ steps and that we climbed 22 stories. I think that's pretty impressive for this pair of novices. And for the record we could have completed the 2nd half but were not quite prepared with water supply and fuel to keep going. It was a great workout and the park was really crowded as we were leaving. But I'd love to come back and complete the other half of the trail and do some more exploring. Happy hiking and be safe!! read more

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Great hike, with a few scenic spots of the water. This hike is a lot of rock scrambling and is NOT safe for pets. It's a great workout and a lot of fun. If you're looking for a gradual winding path, this is NOT the hike for you. I recommend wearing hiking boots over tennis shoes because they grip better on the rocks, though several people wear tennis shoes and do just fine. DON'T wear your sandals. This is not a hike that you complete in sandals. The trail gets extremely crowded with foot traffic going both ways. For least human interaction start your hike before 9:30. There is an upward rock climb section that is challenging for some. It stretches about 50 yards. Be courteous to fellow hikers as you will encounter people trying to climb and descend this section at the same time. If you're looking to complete the entire trail I wouldn't recommend bringing children younger than 6 because of the length/intensity and distance between some of the rocks. There are plenty of people who bring younger children and only complete a short leg of the trail. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

Great place to walk and hike! Plenty of parking. $20 entry fee unless you buy the annual pass. Highly recommend! read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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This was the most adventurous and most intense solo hike I've taken. The first mile is just walking from the car to the trail. Easy to get off track and take the boardwalk to the falls. Just gorgeous. Always makes me wonder where all that raging non stop water comes from. Just amazing. The sheer energy from it. The Little Billy Goat trail is nothung but rocks! Mountains of rocks on top of rocks. Be careful. Took me 4 hours to do the hike and then another 45 min to get back to the car. At on point you have to climb (or decend) this cliff. So freaking awesome. Amazing. They have a bail out at the second leg. Such a good thing as most people probably don't know about the details of the trail before starting. It was exhausting and thrilling at the same time. Beautiful scenery. Wow!! read more

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Lots of fish, but hard to catch. Skilled fishermen may be successful. Lots of turtles and birds. But Be careful with kids, there are snakes. I went with my daughters, thanks God nothing happened. We saw two small snakes on the road. Crossing. read more

This was a wonderful hike! Saw some kayakers shooting the falls. Would recommend this park to anyone looking to get some fresh air and enjoy nature. P.S. The bathrooms were clean too! read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

How to ruin any tourist's day on the Billy Goat Trail: Tourist (usually a kid): Why is it called the Billy Goat Trail? Me: Up until 50 years ago, there was a thriving community of billy goats that lived here on the rocks. Tourist: What happened to them? Me: They were hunted down and made into goat curry. Tourist (crying). For some reason, people think I am approachable out in nature, the only way to make myself less approachable is to make up random historical lies to get them off my back. The Billy Goat Trail is highly popular trail among DC locals and tourists alike, I have been on this trail so many times I have memorized every twist and turn and rock scramble, and despite the warnings I have done the trail in flip flops against my own will though.When I train for races (if I train), I like running section A, which is why I am usually not in the mood to play tour guide. Section A of the trail, by far the most popular, is on Bear Island (again, feel free to make up stories about the island's history here) and traverses rough and rocky terrain, including a steep climb along a cliff face along the Potomac River's Mather Gorge. On weekends, it's jam packed, I mean bumper to bumper. Don't expect solitude out in nature but more so expect to have someone's yoga pants butt cleavage directly in front of your face as they transverse the rock faces in front of you. The first two miles is where you can expect the rock scramble and the most injuries. Section A also has the best views of the Potomac. You can continue onto Sections B and C for a more leisurely hike. Section A is only 1.7 miles but will take up to two hours to complete. A couple more things to keep in mind before your trip: Section A does not allow dogs. It has less to do with not having dogs rock climb and more to do with protecting Bear Island. Section A is moderate level hike and there you will exert some effort, not the hike for really little kids, or for those with a fear of heights, or snakes for that matter. Section B is near the Angler's parking lot (read as free parking, if you park at the lot for the lock right across the street), this is the dog friendly part, here are some scrambles, most mostly a walk along the river. Section C is really boring. Trail Marker 2 on Section A is the emergency exit and will take you back to the towpath. Wear shoes with good traction, and not those hideous Keen hiking sandals or Tevas, they slide. Bring snacks and water. The trail is really popular with beavers. Not talking about women in yoga pants either, literally the buck toothed animal that builds dams. So now that beautiful spring weather is on the horizon, I encourage you to make like a billy goat and spend the day on these rocks. read more

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An wonderful and versatile hike on so many levels! Not being from the area, I was happy to see what a beautiful park/hike this was despite being so close to a large urban center. The billy goat trail itself is divided into three parts, with the "A" leg being the most difficult and the "B" and "C" portions being more like a woodland hike rather than a scamper. Leg "A" is quite a workout and not for the faint of heart or knees, and although it is definitely safe, it is a real hike and probably not the best for children under 12 (ahem). "A" undoubtedly has the best vistas and gorgeous overlooks, including the cliffs of the Potomac and seemingly endless forests. Portions "B" and "C" are more family-friendly however, with slightly less but still beautiful scenery. The nice part about these hikes overall is that the canal walkway, which is almost perfectly flat, parallels the billy goat trail, so there are several opportunities to cut over to the canal trail from the billy goat craziness. Personally, I think all three legs of the billy goat trail are worth doing, but it is nice to walk or jog back to the parking lot along the canal instead. Bathrooms at the trailhead are clean and well-kept, and the trail itself has small blue markers to encourage you to stay on trails given the boulders can present a bit of confusion with the actual path. One star docked for the crowds and long line on getting in - huge parking lot but just very crowded overall. The crowds however thin out substantially on the B/C portions of the trail. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Lunch/snack/water break view - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

I was on Trail C for just a little bit. I walked in from the Carderock Recreational Area as I was attending a BBQ and Picnic with a group of folks and decided to explore the area. I had looked at google maps and knew that the water was nearby. Eventually I saw a sign that said Billy Goat Trail C. As I walked a bit further down a path I could hear rushing water. It was not loud, but not quiet either; very slight, but either way, I was happy to hear it and see it. I have seen Great Falls before (back in 2014), so this rushing water is not close to what I saw back in 2014. The trail was a dirt path and the walk was pretty easy - took a few pictures along the way as I had some nice views of the water for a sunny afternoon. Once I got to where I had to climb some rocks is where I decided to turn back around (I was not really dressed for walking or even hiking). Once I am more prepared, I will extend my exploring area as it was nice to get a quick glance of the views I saw on this day. read more

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Somewhere along Billy Goat trail lies a small neon green hairtie, tumbled free as I gazed determinedly at my footing. I would've had more pictures of this hike, had I trusted myself to safely mule my own photographic devices across terrain giving me flashbacks to my second-to-last leg fracture. I mean, if I'm going to clumsily sustain another injury, I don't want to break my camera and phone in the same go. Granola bar, water bottle, windbreakers, etc in one lightweight backpack. As it was, I rocked an ankle wrap for my joints' sake and was glad for it afterwards. Trails are clearly marked but there's flexibility in paralleling some of the stretches. A common complaint I heard floating through the air from my fellow hikers: "This can't be right!" "No, I see the trail markers-- we have to go over these rocks." Most scuttling you'll hear are the tiny lizards. My favorite part is the cliff face along A with easy and hard hold options; you'll be fine as long as you have shoes with some traction, and clothing allowing full range of movement. If it totally saps your strength, there's an emergency cut-back to the main path at the top of the climb. We watched a whitewater rafting class launch by the overlook where some hand-line catfishing was going down. Plenty of idyllic picnic/sunning spots overlooking the water, we'll definitely be back to abuse our annual pass. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Fishing by the overlook. - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

After eating sinfully at Duck donuts my squad and I decide to hike here, to burn calories. Entrance fee: $10 per car, $30 annual fee (bargain!) free if you're active duty. The park has signs posted all over that's it's trash free and you haul your trash with you. The restrooms reek and was in need of bleach and pinesol. We go first to the falls where everyone is there, where everyone photo bombs your pics or snaps. My friends just thought it was funny to stand on the overlook and to wave at the folks on the Virginia side. We then decide to go on our expedition and go on the Billy Goat trail A. There are warning signs that this trail is for not everyone and it's no joke. You really need to have good hiking shoes as I wore my running shoes which made climbing rocks challenging. This path can make you very exhausted and if your not that athletic try other routes. This path was so scenic, watching the falls from the rocks was breath taking after finishing this trail make the next available appointment for a pedicure as your feet will thank you later. As you walk to see the falls, don't lean on the fences as they are wobbly and loose. If you love hiking and kayaking this one is for you. If you like chill and picnic and like sitting in traffic to get in the park go to Virginia side. I should make tee shirts and sell them at the end of the Billy goat trail that's says I survived! read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - I found my happy place. - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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I like the MD Great Falls better, moreso, for the hiking. I do agree with MacRae O. that the views are better on the VA side. After a failed attempt at hiking at Black Hills Regional Park, I took my out-of-town friend for some hiking. We did Section A of the Billy Goat Trail. We didn't get very far as the sun was going down real quickly and we had no idea how long the trail was. I attempted the BGT again but with my husband my brother. We got a farther along in the trail but then saw these giant rocks I had to climb over/around, etc. I am such a wuss when it comes to heights. I'm not sure how much further we had in Section A but I stopped our group because I was just chicken, afraid I might slip and fall. I know I'll get over my fear. It just takes me a couple of times to convince myself that I can do it. Nike! Huh! read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

This is not my first time here at Great Falls but this time it was more fun and inspiring! A friend invited us to join her and her hubby this past Sunday, August 5. I was hesitant at first, anxious that the weather may be too warm for hiking, but when the temperature projection showed about 68-72, I figured it will be tolerable so we off we went. We parked just outside the park entrance and followed the green trail into the river trail, then to the great falls lookout on the Virginia side, then trekked back for a total of about 6 miles. The trail starts you with a little upgrade then a few flats then the big hike follow suit, about 1/4 into the hike. On the way and at the highest peak, we ran into a group of mountain climbers and a few ropes dangling by the side of the mountain. You can tell that it was a group of climbers, probably organized and wanna-be climbers listening to the expert climbers as they demonstrate how to tie the rope and how to hold the rope, and techniques for rappelling down the mountain into the river. It was intriguing an interesting. The only climbing I did was at REI and Lifetime Fitness climbing walls some years ago but nevertheless, I felt like I can do it and was intrigued about doing some climbing albeit there's lots going against me --- for one, I am out of shape so this hike was a good start, for sure. On the other side of the lookout, you can see the Maryland hikers and trekking down one by one on the Billy goat trail, was exciting to witness. There were also some kayakers treading upstream as if it were challenging the big currents, saw some flipping over but went right back into it so it was fascinating to watch. Great Falls is a short drive to DC and whether you decide to go to the Maryland side or the Virginia side, both offer great trails and sceneries. For an easier hike or first time at Great Fall, I recommend parking inside the park, and just follow the trail along the rivers. Hiking at Great Falls is considered an easy hike so go for it. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

The Billy Goat Trail is a great hike, doable in a long day if you hike sections A-C, or doable in just a few hours if you just do one section. This hike is over on the Maryland side of Great Falls. I did section A and it was a really great hike. You start off at the visitor center ($10 entry fee for each car which is good for 3 days, or $5 per person without a vehicle), hike past the Great Falls Overlook (I enjoyed stopping along here as well, great views!). After walking along the towpath a bit, you start on the trail. After some brief hiking in the woods, you understand why it's called the Billy Goat Trail...there's lots of stepping over rocks, climbing over rocks, and some careful sliding down rocks too. The views along the way area great!! It was very sunny and humid when I went (mid July), so the rocks were very hot. The trail is very carefully marked with blue paint blazes. It's very easy to follow, it seemed like every time I looked up, there was a blue blaze on a tree or rock. This is a challenging but rewarding hike that I would definitely come back to do again! read more

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Your perfect quick and fun adventure awaits! Great for a Sunday stroll or backpack a picnic date up. Not too strenuous and can be done all year around. The MD side has a few more scrambles and more of an excursion while the VA side may be better for those with young kids or older parents. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Section A - Parks Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

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This is such a great trail! We did it with a 3 and 7 year old and both were engaged and excited. The trail is fairly easy to hike and the walkways are filled with all kinds of families, nature lovers, couples, hikers and serious exercise nerds. The views are stunning and being so much serenity in the otherwise-hustle in the DC area. The sound of the falls is very soothing. The restrooms are at the beginning and it is highly recommended one uses it before taking on the hike. Bring plenty of water and light snacks, sunscreen, hats and bug spray to avoid unhappy encounters. We didn't run into wildlife viewings but the water and the river in itself gave us plenty of breathtaking views. read more