Billy Goat Trail (4.8 miles, 157 ft, strenuous)

Let's do a DC-area classic: the Billy Goat Trail, starting from the Maryland side of Great Falls. This trail hugs the edge of the Potomac and includes nice views of the falls and fun scrambles. Expect to use your hands, leap over rock gaps, and scale a few steep climbs. We'll return on the flatter C&O Canal. After we'll get lunch at Old Angler's Inn.
Despite the moderate distance and incline, please only sign up for this event if you are a fit and confident hiker due to its technical nature. Proper hiking shoes or boots are a must. Please bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and snacks.

Meeting point: We will meet in the parking lot for the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (IN MARYLAND) at 10am. Fee of $20 or annual park pass required for entry. A line often forms to get into the park on nice days so please plan to arrive a bit early.

Here are links to:
Trail
Meeting point
Lunch spot

Note: Billy Goat Trail Section A closes frequently when rain causes the Potomac's water level to rise. This hike will be canceled if the National Park Service closes Section A (monitor conditions here).

We encourage those with cars to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great!
If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time

As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.

Background Info About LMH:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)