Sweat & Smile: Billy Goat Trail, Section A
Details
Looks like a sunny day on Sunday, so let's get an early start on the Billy Goat Trail!
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The route: From the refreshment stand next to the Visitor Center traffic circle, we’ll walk a little over half a mile south/downstream along the C&O Canal towpath to the entrance to Section A, where we’ll turn right to enter the trail. We’ll follow the blue blazes downstream along the trail to where it rejoins the C&O Canal towpath parking lot near Sherwin Island. From there we’ll return to our starting point along the C&O Canal towpath.
The hike is not quite 4 miles of smiles; 1.7 difficult miles along the trail, and the rest is easy walking along the towpath. Plan for 3-4 hours. The trail surface is very rocky with large boulders and a scramble up a seam in a 40-foot cliff face about halfway along.
This is a strenuous hike: please see the NPS advisory, “Are you prepared for Billy Goat Trail A?” (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/pd3xtby
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/jw8kr35
How to get there: From the I-495 Beltway (either direction), take exit 41 and follow signs for Carderock/Great Falls, merging onto Clara Barton Parkway west. After driving about 1.5 miles, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. (There’s sign with an arrow pointing left, marked Great Falls/Cabin John.) Follow MacArthur Blvd about 3.5 miles without any turns until you reach the Great Falls Tavern entrance booth, where you’ll need to give Ranger Rick $5 per car. Bear to your right in the traffic circle and park. The refreshment stand is directly across the traffic circle from the entrance booth.
Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike.
What to bring: Water and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sorry, your furry friend is not allowed on Section A. Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a snack for halts are good accessories. As a reminder, this is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.
Cost: $5 per car, payable at the entrance booth. Make sure to display your receipt on the dash in your windscreen.
Administrative stuff: The Visitor Center has restrooms and drinking fountains.
Notes:
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center: http://tinyurl.com/378syo
Trail map (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/kyevvmr
Weather forecast: http://tinyurl.com/mek9mf4