You may want to bring a field guide for identifying wildflowers and the critters of the region. After hiking the section upstream, from east to west, we’ll return to our start point via the canal towpath, a total of 3.2 miles. Comprised of three separate trails accessible from the towpath, and designated Sections “A”, “B”, and “C”, the Billy Goat Trails offer beautiful views of the Potomac River. Fishing for my husband (he hooked a big ol’ catfish a few minutes after the bass), rock scrambling for my 9 year old daughter, wildlife-spotting for my 7 year old son, flower and leaf admiring for my 4 year old daughter and some (mostly) peaceful … Billy Goat A is the only difficult trail within the C&O National park. Location: 38.9808692932129, -77.226448059082. Mile 2.8 - Turn right on the Billy Boat B Trail. Section B and Section C are best accessed from the Carderock Recreation Area. It explores the rocky banks of the Potomac River downstream from Great Falls and Mather Gorge. Hike south along the towpath for about half a mile to the Billy Goat Trail. However if you are new to DC or new to hiking, then welcome! You’ll scramble and climb over angled rocks and boulders while taking in views of the frothy Potomac as it squeezes through Mather Gorge.The 1.7 mile trail turns into a 3.7 mile loop when you return by the … Where the Potomac River passes Hermit Island is a favorite spot for Paddle Boarders surfing the river wakes. Billy Goat Trail, Potomac: Address, Phone Number, Billy Goat Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Trailhead - Billy Goat Trail Section B East; Billy Goat Trail B; Carderock South Parking Lot; Carderock Restrooms; Social Media Share: Be the first to know about C&O news, projects, and events! 1850 Dual Highway Suite 100 Hagerstown, MD 21740 Tel: 301-714-2233. 1.7 miles. NPS photo. This trail is similar to Billy Goat Trail Section A, but less intense and with fewer stretches of rock scrambling. Summary: The Billy Goat is the worst kept secret in DC. Billy Goat Trail - Sections C and B (Carderock) Description: The C&O Canal National Park draws hordes of visitors, the Great Falls area more so than the rest. It contains stretches of bouldering, and crevices that present sufficient challenges that dogs are banned. Comprised of three separate trails accessible from the towpath, and designated Sections “A”, “B”, and “C”, the Billy Goat Trails offer beautiful views of the Potomac River. Turn R @ Y, leaving towpath @ sign for Billy Goat Trail Section B; follow trail SE through hardwoods. The Billy Goat will be your new favorite short distance, need a quick workout or have to get out of the house trail. C ( 1 . There are three sections on Billy Goat: A, B, and C. Section C is the only one remotely safe for dogs; the other two sections contain scrambles, cliffs, and the like. Section C, the closest to DC, covers relatively level terrain above the north banks of the Potomac … The middle section of the Billy Goat Trail is accessible from the towpath near Anglers or Carderock. It is considered to be moderately difficult, including a few rock scrambles and a quiet atmosphere. Hikers scramble up a section of Billy Goat A . Bring a camera (and your dog if theyre athletic and not skittish -- but be aware the rules have changed: Section … Open, Restrooms. So if you are not an experienced hiker or if you bring a … This section of the Billy Goat Trail is by far the most demanding—but extremely rewarding for those who complete it. Billy Goat Trail – Section B (Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, MD) Posted on September 17, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik Most DC residents who know the Billy Goat Trail brag of completing the iconic Section A—a rugged and challenging hike in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Section-by-Section Directions to the Billy Goat Trail. The Billy Goat Trail comprises three major sections, A, B and C. A, the westernmost section is about 1.5 miles in length and is by far the most challenging and the most crowded. Park in the lot on MacArthur Blvd. Trail is well-defined but little-traveled. You can lengthen your hike by adding the Billy Goat B and C, though Billy Goat A is the most scenic and challenging. The upper parking lot remains open for visitors. All sections of the trail are free, although an entrance fee ($15 per car - 2019) is charged when entering and parking near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. From the west, park at the Great Falls Visitors Center and head east on the towpath until you reach the trailhead. Open, Section C. Great Falls Tavern Area (MP 14.3) It is a very heavily used trail, so the park encourages people to stay on the marked footpath and not venture into the middle of the island. Dogs are … The Billy Goat B trail is one of three Billy Goat Trails at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The second option is to pay the $5 entrance fee for the C&O Canal National Historic Park and start off with the canal walk before turning right to get on the Billy Goat A Trail. (see map) to access the trailhead. This trail is similar to Billy Goat Trail Section A, but less intense and with fewer stretches of rock scrambling.Consequently, the trail is less used than Section A and provides a quieter exploration of the environments of the lower Mather Gorge. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park The Billy Goat Trail The Billy Goat Trails have been popular with hikers since the mid-1800s. Plan on getting it done in a day. By noon on a beautiful spring or summer day the Towpath will be clogged with sightseers, hikers, runners, baby strollers, fishermen and bicyclists. Please … B i l l y G o a t T. S e c. B ( 1 4m ) B i l y G o a t T r . S ec. The trees are awesome, the rocks and trails are awesome. Please choose the appropriate trail by its difficulty level. ADVERTISEMENT. For the most part, Billy Goat B is easy. Billy Goat Trail (MP 13.8) Open, Section A; Closed, Section B, due to trail damage. It's also usually much less crowded. To reach the lower end of Section A or the upper end of Section B: From I-495, take Exit 41, just north of the Virginia line, heading west on the Clara Barton Parkway and then onto MacArthur Boulevard. Billy Goat Trail is split into three sections - A, B, and C. Jason Rosenberg / Flickr Section A is the most popular among hikers because of the gorgeous, rocky terrain. Along the Billy Goat Section B trail, there’s something for everyone in my family. The Billy Goat Section B is an enjoyable and fairly scenic hike just a few minutes outside of the Beltway near Washington, DC. The Billy Goat Trail is a 4.7-mile (7.6 km) hiking trail that follows a path between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park near Great Falls in Montgomery County, Maryland.The trail has three sections: Section A, the northernmost, is 1.7 miles (2.7 km); Section B is 1.4 miles (2.3 km); and Section … No. The trail is considerably more leisurely than the Billy Goat A Trail, with only a small section of rock-hopping where the trail passes Hermit Island. The Billy Goat Trail The Billy Goat Trails have been popular with hikers since the mid-1800s. However, there is much less billy goating here than on the Billy Goat A Trail, one of the toughest trails within any east coast National Park. Section A. Consequently, the trail is less used than Section A and provides a quieter exploration of the environments of the lower Mather Gorge. Can I stay overnight along the Billy Goat Trail? The Billy Goat Trail is well-known to DC-area hikers, but most hike only one of the trail’s three sections. Billy Goat B trail is almost as pretty but is a fun walk, not a hike. Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail is a wondrous place that is a short drive (or even bike ride) from downtown. This is the most technical, strenuous, and dangerous section of the Billy … Choose Your Trail. This 1.4 mile trail passes through a floodplain forest and along the river like the other Billy Goat sections. From parking area, head W. In 500 ft., turn L to cross bridge over C&O Canal, then turn L @ sign. There is a group campground near Section B, but it’s reserved for organized scout or civic groups only. While Section A is swamped with visitors on any given weekend, Sections B and C are usually quiet and serene. 6 m i) Gold Mine Loop (1.6 mi) Overlook Spur (0.1 mi) A g l r s S p u r (. No fee is charged when parking near Carderock. It has portions A, B and C, however most folks do A and B because C is a tad thick with forest. You … Thanks for watching! B is also the only one through a protected area of the park (Bear Island) - therefore no pets are allowed. Safer and scenic walks are nearby along the canal. 235 reviews of Great Falls: Billy Goat Trail "Just 20 minutes or so past the Georgetown crowds, the dramatic Billy Goat Trail takes weekend warriors thru 4.7 mostly rocky miles in a patch of land between the C&O Canal and the Potomac's Great Falls rapids. Also they like to encourage people to also visit Billy Goat Trails B and C. The B section is just down stream from Angler's Inn, the C section from Carderock. Limited Parking, The lower parking lot at Anglers has been closed to provide access for EMS and rescue services. From the east, you would park at the Old Anglers Inn, cross the Canal, and travel west along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath approximately 0.5 miles to the entrance. Sign Up Now Contact Us. Hiking the Billy Goat Trail. … It feels and looks like your out in the Appalachians even though your pretty close in to the city. 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.Please check Current Conditions before your trip to confirm the trail … BGT002. The route: From the westernmost Carderock parking lot, we’ll walk out to the C&O Canal towpath, turn left, and go down to enter Billy Goat Trail section B. Most DC residents who know the Billy Goat Trail brag of completing the iconic Section A—a rugged and challenging hike in Maryland’s Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.While Section A’s Potomac vistas and rocky traverses make it one of the area’s most popular hikes, there are in fact two other sections of the Billy Goat—B … 5 m i) Emergency Exit Paved Road Towpath Towpath Mileage from start of canal in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. Billy Goat Trail – Section A, Chesapeake and Ohio National Historical Park, September 2015 Many Washington, DC residents will know the Billy Goat Trail of Great Falls, Maryland; despite having three parts—Sections A, B, and C—the first is by far the most popular and iconic. Sections B and C are best accessed from the Carderock Recreation Area that present sufficient challenges dogs... R @ Y, leaving towpath @ sign for Billy Goat sections and challenging a ; closed, Section is! 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