DirtRoadTrip

Billy Goat Trail – Potomac, Maryland

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As you guys know we’re equally a fan of finding a little local, DC-area fun as we are getting several hours out into the sticks. With this past Sunday shaping up to be a sunny, beautiful, 55-degree December day, we were looking for a great activity to spend a couple of hours outside. We decided to check out one of the most popular hikes in the DC area – the Billy Goat Trail.

Billy Goat Trail-15-2

The Billy Goat Trail is a key attraction at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park in Potomac, Maryland, the “A” and “B” sections of the trail combine for a 7.8-mile trek. We opted to only do section “A”, which is about  a 4.7 mile loop beginning from the C&O NHP parking lot.

So why is this hiking trail so popular? Two reasons:

  1. The trail snakes along the shore of the Potomac River providing really excellent views of the falls (complete with class V+ rapids).
  2. Much of the hike is more of a technical rock scramble, so instead of just laying down miles, you’re actively engaged and challenged the whole time on the trail

Some things to consider if you’re going to Hike the Billy Goat:

  1. Bring your National Parks Pass or some Cash – the C&O Canal National Historic Park has a $10 entrance fee per vehicle, but also accepts (and sells) Annual National Park Passes. Chances are if you read DirtRoadTrip you should spring for the $80 annual pass, because you’ll get your money’s worth (or be more likely to prioritize trips to other National Parks!)
  2. Wear real hiking shoes/boots if you have them. Most of the trail requires rock-hopping and scaling obstacles on all fours. You’ll want really good traction (especially if the rocks are wet), as well as some toe-box protection as you’ll be sticking your feet in rock crevices. My Salomons did fine, other folks with regular tennis shoes or casual sneakers were less sure-footed.
  3. Check out the Falls Overlook near the Tavern Visitor Center – you’ll pass it on your way the the Billy Goat Trailhead – it provides a breathtaking view of the falls.

Overall, the Billy Goat Trail makes for a great afternoon and is within 30 minutes of most folks living in the DC area.