Picture this: The Billy Goat Trail, Section A
Details
Let's get an early start and take a fun hike 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. This is a strenuous hike: the trail surface is very rocky with large boulders and a scramble up a seam in a 40-foot cliff face about halfway along.
Google map here (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.
Weather: The forecast is clear and a high of 59 degrees. Updates here (http://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:20854.1.99999) and here (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.01816663200049&lon=-77.20858619099965&site=all&smap=1#.VDraMhbCvVY).
What to bring: Water and sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Sorry, your furry friend is not allowed on Section A.
Advisory: Please see the NPS Billy Goat Trail advisory here (http://tinyurl.com/pd3xtby). As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. 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)