billy goat trail

My husband took me here on one of our first dates, so I can definitely say it's good for couples! You'll have lots of opportunities to hold hands and steady yourselves! Every time I do this trail, I think of great memories and enjoy the changing seasonal scenery.

This is a bit of history. This trail follows the Maryland side of the Potomac River, along Great Falls, just north of Georgetown, in DC. The trail is in Maryland, but part of the C&O canal National Park, which runs from Georgetown in DC north west to Cumberland, MD. The trail is rough, not for the fashionable. Wear good hiking shoes, not flip[ flops or sandals, and dress for the weather. take along any food, since there are no places to buy food. Just commune with nature.

Lovely walk along the canal, or biking if you prefer. Only down side is the parking is tough on a beautiful day.

We hike this at least twice a month during the year. It is nice to see the colors and wildlife change though the various seasons. Often we take our kids who love it. They cannot do all of Billy Goat A so we usually leave 2/3s of the way through via the emergency exit. It's just enough for our 4 & 6 year old.

We are regulars although as we've gotten older we go less often, but send friends for a hearty hike as the rocks along the Potomac pop up to make it interesting.When we sent a hiking friend there he came back with a big sigh and a grin that this was one of the more challenging hikes he'd had.We usually walk back to our parked car after a 2 mile or so treck

This is a great way to explore some of the Potomac river banks. Trail is not for faint of heart, in some places actually rock scrambling at edge of river. Good walking/hiking shoes a must. Can get very crowded on warm days.

Here's where I do my jogging almost every weekend when I'm in town, love the trails and they are kept in good condition. My dog loves the water and swims there in summer, you'll see other dogs too. It's a good place to enjoy nature.

I have been on this trail many times and tend to visit when I want to get a good workout for all of my muscles. If you want to go to the Falls, this is not the trail, but if you want to climb up and down and all around, then you are on the right trail. If you park at the lot near the Old Anglers Inn it is free and the closest to the trail. You can get a beer afterwards in the beer garden at the Inn. l.

If you are reading this review you may be looking for things to do on your visit to Washington DC. If you have a couple of hours and a car then drive to the Maryland Great Falls Park. At this writing the entrance fee is $5. Close to the parking lot, about two hundred or so yards to the left is path to the the Great Falls (Maryland side) overlook. Don't miss it. I live in Maryland so am fortunate to go there frequently. At the park HQ ask about the very scenic Billy Goat trail but that will require a longer hike, good shoes, but the views are amazing. Enjoy this hidden gem right outside of DC and its worth the trip if you have overdosed on museums:).When to visit:? anytime but prettiest time of year is May-mid November.

There are 3 different sections which are loops when you consider that access is mostly on and off the C&O Canal. Go south on the Canal from Great Falls ($5 admission per car) or north from Carderock off of Clara Barton Parkway. Old Angler's Inn is near the middle. It's rocky with lots of roots which makes it a rigorous hike. But, at the same time, it's not difficult. The views along the Potomac are worth every step. It's a great trail but often crowded. The Ford's Mine Trail is much easier and not many people seem to know it's there. It begins and ends at the far north end of the Great Falls parking lot.

As a 50+ hiker the Billy Goat Trail is fun but challenging. There are some great views of the water and the Virginia side of Great Falls but you have to be careful with your footing. You must climb over large boulders in some places and jump down from others.

Rocky path makes this trail fun but not too difficult, however, much of the way, you must make some wise decisions on which rock to step on, so take your time, stay off your smartphone (I need to heed my own warning), and enjoy the INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL river views ! Approx. 3 miles which my walking app registered as 6400 steps !

Billy Goat is divided into 3 sections and most interesting section (A) is easiest accessed from C&O Canal park on MD side by walking less than half a mile on C&O canal. My kids enjoy rock scrambling and have been making full loop ever since they hit age 5. Many sections require good balance and jumping between rocks so more difficult for little kids who cannot jump that far. If you are adventurous, bonus climb is a bit off the official trail - in the place where trail turns and curves away from the river inland, proceed forward through a small trail and try to climb the cliff ahead - it is fun, and if you make it you can see kayakers playing on MD Chute (or make it back to Anglers Inn lot if this is where you parked the car).

At 71 years old, I decided to do this again. I used to do this a fair amount 2-3 decades ago but hadn't since. Frankly, I had mixed emotions about this. I do yoga and go to the gym and consider myself in good shape for my age (who doesn't). I put extra padding in my tennis shoes as I remember how jumping down jarred my body and I'm glad I did. I started at the top end. My only break was a few minutes eating a granola bar. I drank as I hiked. I absolutely wasn't trying to rush but when I finished I noticed it took me only 1.35 hours. I always followed the path markers taking the hard parts and not trying to find easier paths.It made my day!Come on seniors, if you're in good shape (don't kid yourselves on this) do it.

Billy goat trail section 1 is by far my favorite hike in the Maryland area. It combines rock scrambling (or climbing if you bring your bouldering gear) with beautiful views of the Potomac. There are ways to make it easier but we took the more difficult routes and had a blast. Makes your heart race and forehead sweat. Bring snacks to refuel and fluid to hydrate well, in a light hiking backpack. Wear soled shoes with a pointed toe (approach shoes would work great) but also have good traction. I wore my Hiking boots the first time I completed the route but found they were too clunky for this balancy climb, my keen hiking sandals for the 2nd time and they were too slippery on the rocks. The 3rd time I wore my Nike "hiking cross training" sneakers and they were the perfect balance so I stick to them. Bugs were not a problem for any of my hikes. Do not plan to wade in the Potomac...the current is too strong and they are strict on this no swim rule. Bring $5 cash for the state park parking fee. Great way to enjoy nature, escape the city and yet have a workout. Make sure you end the hike with the stroll to the scenic lookout (entrance near the parking lot) to see the falls and to wave at the Virginians because it's well worth the extra 10 minutes and is an excellent way to cool down from your hike. My favorite time to start the hike? 3-4 pm so that it's less crowded and I can catch the Beautiful sunset on the scenic outlook!