Billy Goat and Gold Mine Trails (challenging and scenic)
Details
This is one of my fav hikes that combines very scenic valley and river views.
We'll start with the Gold Mine trail which runs along the bluff above Great Falls. We'll then hike the Billy Goat A trail, which is one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland. A large part of this hike is scrambling over boulders and rock faces. It is a challenging hike that has very scenic views of the river.
The total distance will be 6 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain. We'll hike at a slightly faster pace, and it should take about 3.5 hours.
This hike is not for beginners. Please only RSVP if you hike or walk at least 6 miles per week at a faster pace. If you can't keep up, we will leave you behind, so it's your responsibility to know the route and how to get home on your own if you have to.
After the hike, we might go grab a bite at Fish Taco, 7945 Macarthur Blvd, Cabin John, MD 20818
Parking:
-- The closest place to park is in one of the small lots on the left side of MacArthur Blvd directly across the street from Old Anglers Inn. But these lots are often full.
-- The best place to park is on the street on Stable Lane. Stable Lane is just past Old Anglers Inn on the right.
-- You will also see a lot of cars parked on MacArthur Blvd even though there are "No Parking" signs. I've never seen anyone towed or ticketed for parking on MacArthur Blvd, but you're on your own there.
Note that this event is cross posted with the Fast and Fun Hikers meetup group. Hope you can join us!
*** IMPORTANT ***
BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.