The Billy Goat trail is 3 miles of climbing over rocks and exploring hidden crevices. ... Shenandoah National Park Flickr / TrailVoice. Good for one year from the date of purchase in Great Falls Park and C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland. Dogs are NOT allowed on the trail. Ran into a couple people here and there and toward the end when I left (10:15 am), the parking lots were filling up. Section "A" is accessible via the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center on MacArthur Blvd (ample parking). $5.00 Vehicle Pass. The trail, marked by blue blazes, features fun rock-scrambles and spectacular views between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. It explores the rocky banks of the Potomac River downstream from Great Falls and Mather Gorge. The Great Falls Tavern visitor center (Wednesday through Sunday) has more information about hiking trails and the history of the area. Hiking Shenandoah has covered thousands of miles of trails in Washington's North Cascades, the California coast, and the red rock of the Southwest. All three sections can be accessed off the canal towpath between Great Falls Tavern and Carderock. Love love love it. Start this hike early to avoid the crowds as this trail gets very busy. The best hiking information including GPS maps, descriptions, reviews, driving directions and … the Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. 162 were here. Located southeast of Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, in Potomac, Maryland; The Billy Goat Trail, one of the busiest trails in the D.C. area, contains three different sections that total eight miles and provide fun and adventure for all ages. With nearly a mile of fun rock-hopping, and spectacular views of the Potomac River along the way, this circuit is loads of fun with plenty to see. The Visitor Center has interesting displays that explain how the canal lock system works. There are bottlenecks with crowds and proper trail etiquette is a must. Potomac Heritage Trail. Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 301-767-3714. The Billy Goat is divided into … Billy Goat Trail Hike ... /hikes in nature, and hate driving/don't have time for Shenandoah, then Billy Goat Trail is perfect for you. Founded in 1967, Billy Goat prides itself on the innovation, productivity and quality of its products. Trying to find a hike in the American West? We have the circuit rated as only a for difficulty, but be prepared to jump from rock to rock. However, if you are on the Virginia side of the Potomac, head to the Great Falls Visitor Center and take a short walk over the Patowmach Canal, to the Great Falls Overlook. Top 6 Places to Road Trip from DC. It is a spectacular hike, one of my favorite hikes in the Mid-Atlantic, and it is conveniently just a half hour away from downtown Washington DC. 1. 10/10 hike and great workout! Overall I love it but some days I’d give it 4 or even 3 stars simply due to the crowds. 6. Not for most seniors or toddlers or anyone out of shape. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Favorites: Maryland Heights Sugarloaf Mountain Greenbrier SP Catoctin Mountain Park Annapolis Rock/Black Rock Cliff Sand Flat/Salamander Trail Billy Goat Trail Billy Goat ... so glad I found it! Flickr / David McSpadden. Wear good shoes, bring enough water, assess your mobility before you go. Billy Goat Trail, Potomac: Address, Phone Number, Billy Goat Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 The effort is worth it: The Billy Goat runs along the edge of the Potomac River, offering panoramic views, and takes you high up to see the dramatic cascades of Mather Gorge. Billy Goat Trail A This is one of my favorite hikes of all time. Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Headquarters Office Good views of the Potomac, somewhat physically-challenging rock jumping or even scrambling towards the end if you start southeast. Please consult the park's website before visiting: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm ... Shenandoah National Park. Location: Great Falls, MD; Trail Length: 1.5 to 4.5 miles; Highlights: Stunning Potomac River and Great Falls views, an epic rock scramble up a cliff; One of the best hikes near DC, the Billy Goat Trail is a fun and adrenaline-inducing rock trail that runs alongside the Potomac River, right near … moderate (1063) Length: 7.2 mi ... Shenandoah National Park. Great Falls Billy Goat Trail. We were here at 8:30am so we didn’t have to wait. I'm older and creakier now, but I did it. If I come back, it will be on a weekday in the very early morning. Additionally, many states have quarantine orders for visitors from out of state. It requires good shoes and paying more attentions on waking on rocks. Here, hikers can experience the raging Potomac River and the rocky crags of Great Falls. I’d say overall, the Virginia side of Great Falls (River Trail) is more scenic because it follows the gorge and river more clearly whereas the Maryland side is more adventurous. Note: As of October 2020, users have reported that the Billy Goat trails A and B are closed. Park Headquarters 301-739-4200 The National Park Service notes that the “B” portion of the Billy Goat Trail is especially good if you’re ... It’s a slightly longer journey out to Virginia’s Shenandoah … Billy Goat Trail and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail Loop is a 7.2 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Potomac, Maryland that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Very still pond with interesting surrounding rock formation. this does not feel dangerous like billy goat trail section A (unless the trail is wet) and if kids are used to hiking, this is a nice challenge! This is on the Maryland side of Great Falls. Great Falls Park is just outside the beltway on the Potomac River, where the river has carved a rock paradise that seems perfectly designed for an excellent afternoon of hiking. Billy Goat Trail Hike Thanksgiving Morning The Potomac Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club was established in 1984. This is a fun but challenging trail full of rock scrambles, so hiking boots are recommended. It’s a great workout. billy goat trail. The Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls Park on the Maryland side is a beloved hike by thousands of visitors. All just minutes from downtown DC. Start the hike at the Great Falls parking lot, then cross the canal at Lock 19 to reach the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead and follow alongside the Potomac River. The Billy Goat Trail Section C is the easternmost and perhaps the least spectacular of the three sections of trail that go under the name "Billy Goat Trail." Access Section "B" via the towpath at Old Anglers Inn on MacArthur Blvd or Carderock off of Clara Barton Pkwy. $15 vehicle permit or $10 individual permit (foot, bike, equestrian). Billy Goat Trail and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail Loop. Learn about responsible and sustainable ways to enjoy the outdoors. Of course Washingtonians can hit the trails of Shenandoah National Park, within an hour’s drive of the city, which wander into a deciduous realm of waterfalls, black bear and dreamy Shenandoah Valley views. So get here early or be prepared to wait in line. ... An easy hike, the Billy Goat Trail has amazing views of the Potomac River. The popular Billy Goat Trail offers breathtaking views along the gorge. Check out the blog's Instagram to see more and get trip ideas. Help stop the spread of Covid-19: avoid hikes with crowds, social distance on trails, bring hand sanitizer, stay local, and wear a mask. Shenandoah National Park along Skyline Drive on a foggy early morning. Access Section C via Carderock off of Clara Barton Pkwy. Quite strenuous. ... Those looking for a more adventurous experience can seek out the Billy Goat Trail for … The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most well known hikes in the Metro D.C. area, and for good reason. If you want to avoid crowds and recreate responsibly, here's a list of PNW hikes to check out this year. Like the photography? The C&O trail is an easy walk there and back. Billy Goat Trail is minimal elevation gain and is mainly more rock scrambles / light climbing. Old Rag has rock scrambles that are more bigger, steeper, and places where you are climbing through cracks / tight places in the rocks. There’s a 40 foot rock climb on Section A - so know what you’re getting into! 6. Overall it’s a nice outing considering how close it is to DC. But the views are gorgeous. The Great Falls of the Potomac and the sheer cliffs of Mather Gorge form the impressive natural setting of this trail, which follows the Potomac and has … We only got to do the lower loop. Good for three consecutive days for individuals coming into the park on foot, horseback, or bicycle. Hiking in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and North Carolina, including the Shenandoah National Park, George Washington National Forest, Jefferson National Forest, Monongahela National Forest and many state parks. I will visit there often afterwards. Little crowded on a warmer December Saturday. New features … Went this Monday morning (got there at 7:30 am) and basically had the whole trail and all the scrambles to myself. Just 70 miles outside of the District, it’s the best place to get a … One of the best hikes in the Washington DC area and a short drive from Virginia and Maryland, the Billy Goat Trail consists of three main trails - A, B and C - in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. A beautiful day with beautiful views and the rock scrambling was fun. Great views. The Billy Goat Trail Section C is the easternmost and perhaps the least spectacular of the three sections of trail that go under the name "Billy Goat Trail." While it is not a long hike, it is strenuous and technical and has a lot of rock scrambles that I love with additionally beautiful views of the river. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. $3.00 Individual Pass. We didn’t find the scrambling to be too challenging but with small kids or bad shoes we could see it being trickier. All three of the Billy Goat trail sections are all filled with beautiful spots to stop and take a few pictures. The Appalachian Trail The Tuscarora Trail Shenandoah National Park The C&O Canal Or browse by region: Virginia West Virginia Washington DC Maryland Pennsylvania. Shenandoah National Park. Wondering where you can hike while social distancing during the pandemic? Really pretty trail! Long line to get on the trail. Good for three consecutive days for one vehicle, including motorcycles. Trail is 5 stars crowded conditions 2 stars. Though it is a little strenuous with some rock scrambling, it is a very fun and beautiful hike along the Potomac River. I am happy to have such beautiful views near my home. Length 7.2 miElevation gain 249 ftRoute type Loop Billy Goat is a premier designer and manufacturer of outdoor property cleanup products such as aerators, sod cutters, brushcutters, blowers, lawn vacuums and debris loaders. Looking to escape the crowds in Shenandoah National Park? We went on a Saturday afternoon and it was very crowded. There are no rock scrambles on this trail, which is fairly easy and fairly flat as it winds its way 1.6 miles along the Potomac River before joining up with the C&O Canal … There was a short line to enter the trail so they could space people out but 10 minutes into the hike and everyone was back on top of each other. This stretch of trail (Section A) is the one that most Washingtonians refer to when they mention the Billy Goat Trail. There are no rock scrambles on this trail, which is fairly easy and fairly flat as it winds its way 1.6 miles along the Potomac River before joining up with the C&O … Be mindful that this section is technical and strenuous with some rock scrambling. Consider hiking Duncan Knob on Massanutten for those classic Shenandoah Valley views instead. ... District of C&O Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side (to include all of the ever popular and challenging Billy Goat Trail.). The Billy Goat Section B is an enjoyable and fairly scenic hike just a few minutes outside of the Beltway near Washington, DC. The upper loop was closed and apparently has been for a while. Serene and quite, Potomac Heritage Trail to Watkins Island Overlook, Potomac River Overlook via Billy Goat Trail, Old Carriage Road, Ridge and Difficult Run Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail to Great Falls Overlook, Bootlegger, Potomac Heritage and Madison's Escape Trail Loop, Madison Escape, Potomac Heritage and Bootlegger Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail and River Trail Loop, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Billy Goat Trail and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail Loop, https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Most of the trail deviates less … Gets a bit crowded in the places where you have to scramble over rocks and it’s single file, but you’re rewarded with beautiful river views. What an absolute treasure and an incredible national park. This is a challenging but short technical hike with a bit of rock scrambling and a climb up a 50 ft rock wall. The Scramble on Old Rack is considered to be one of the most challenging in the whole … Billy Goat Trail is a moderate 4-mile hike located in Maryland, just minutes from Washington, D.C. Billy Goat Trail. my kids, 8, 6, and 3, were able to do it in 5h10min (4h30min of hiking, 40 of rest). Hiking the Billy Goat Trail. Went on a Sunday afternoon & a local volunteer told me it was a good time- apparently mornings are pretty crowded on the weekend. Shenandoah National Park is beautiful summer, fall, spring, winter, whenever! Many recreation sites may have limited access due to the Covid-19 pandemic; check the status of your planned hikes in advance. This hike makes a loop out of the 1.7-mile Billy Goat Trail Section A itself, a section of the C&O Canal Towpath, and the spur trail to the Great Falls viewpoint. Round trip from the tavern is about 4.5 miles and normally takes 2.5 to 3 hours. If you're in good shape, not afraid of heights, and used to rock scrambling, the Billy Goat Trail is a great adventure, just 15 miles outside Washington, DC. The Billy Goat Trail will take you on a nearly 8-mile hike over Bear Island, between. This is my home trail and have done it more times than I can count. I regularly hike the Billy Goat A trail. Trail B was closed today, and C is open but I didn’t do it. Hagerstown, MD 21740-6620 Please check Current Conditionsbefore your trip to confirm the trail that you want to hike … Did Loop A yesterday, when it was absolutely beautiful out. The trail is around 8-miles long that starts and finishes on the C&O Canal. It is the southernmost of 12 regional AMC chapters supporting outdoor and conservation activities from Maine to Virginia. I would consider it similar to Old Rag in Shenandoah for comparison. this is harder than annapolis rock and kind of like weverton cliffs (rocky, zig-zaggy), but longer. I've been here 4 ... is the point where the rock-hopping becomes more intense. If you want to feel historical, hop on the Potomac Heritage Trail that follows the routes George Washington explored. 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100 It’s rock climbing not hiking. The Billy Goat A Trail is full of rock scrambles and rock climbing for most of the time, which made it a ton of fun. Going on a Saturday morning not so much. The Billy Goat Trail is accessible year-round and protected by the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy. The trail includes some intense rock-hopping and a steep climb along a cliff. Billy Goat Trail and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail Loop is a 11.6 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Potomac, Maryland that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Get there early to avoid the crowds but in the end, this beautiful place belongs to everyone. Trail is great. The park was established in 1961 as a National Monument by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to preserve the neglected remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and many of its original structures. I have done this loop in the past with an elementary school kid, so take that for what it's worth. 7.28.20. It was incredibly crowded though and there were quite a few large groups out. Washington DC. The trail includes a … $20.00 Annual Pass. In summer, visitors can even ride through the locks on a mule-pulled canal boat. Billy Goat A is the only difficult trail within the C&O National park. Here are some suggestions in Virginia. Billy Goat features a complete line of … B was closed today and, A was enough for me. The Billy Goat Trail is a hike of strenuous scramble, yet beautiful views of nature. Shenandoah National Park. Section A, however, is great fun, albeit somewhat challenging. 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