Billy Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike

Billy Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTES

Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike the most challenging, Section A, then hike up into two overlooks of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.

Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the Billy Goat trails. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle.
After this hike, we will climb into the forest on the other side of the canal to view the Potomac from atop. It is a moderately challenging climb, but worth the views.

IMPORTANT: This is a challenging hike. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling.

Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim (202-744-0289) and Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed.

Directions to Trailhead:
The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334
The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot.
NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass.

Details:
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 410 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A
Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead
Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National Parks

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.

Weather:
The weather for this location can be found here.

Notes:
-PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW" AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.