Billy Goat Path and Great Falls

Join us for a 6-mile hike along the Potomac River featuring the rugged Billy Goat Path Section "A". We meet at the Great Falls Tavern. From there we will first do the Overlook Trail (which is not the one to the Falls) to get a nice view of the area. Then we will head over to the Billy Goat Path with its rock scrambles and features. Afterwards we will return via the C&O Canal towpath, and finish with the out-and-back to view Great Falls.

For those who are not familiar with the Billy Goat Path, please see https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm. This will give you a good sense of how rugged the trail is. Suffice it to say that this will not be a simple walk along the river.

Meet in front of the Tavern at Great Falls Park (Maryland side). Directions: From I-495 take the Clara Barton Parkway towards Carderock/Great Falls. At the traffic light, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd, and follow that road until it ends at the entrance to Great Falls Park.

GPS Coordinates: 39.00042371755225, -77.24808790130076
Google label: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

Please bring lunch/snack, 2 liters/quarts of water, hat, sunscreen, bug spray and sturdy footwear.

Basics:

• Distance: 6 miles
• Rating: Moderate (mostly due to the nature of the Billy Goat Path).
• Meet in front of the Great Falls Tavern Visitor's Center at 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure. (The early time is to be ahead of the crowds on the trail later in the day.)
• The Billy Goat Path is closed at times due to high water. If that happens we will do the Gold Mine Loop instead. Check https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for the latest trail status.

Edward 703-850-3251

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