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 Reporter |
Summary: Begin this hike along the towpath of the historic Cheasapeake and Ohio Canal, completed in 1850 after 22 years of work and mishap, and operated for 73 years between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. The blue-blazed Billy Goat Trial turns toward the Potomac River at Widewater (a natural wide basin where the barges were able to pass) and leads backwards in history 180 million years to the time when the palisades of the Potomac were first forming. The trail skirts the edge of Bear Island, passing giant potholes as it follows along the top of the cliffs of Mather Gorge. This portion of the hike is quite rugged and necessitates a good bit of rock scrambling. The blue blazed painted on the rocks help to locate the route. The return trip is an easy stroll along the towpath. Although this hike is only 4 miles in length, it may be rather slow going on the rocks - and the view will invite you to stay awhile. Trailhead: I-495 to Exit 41 (Carderock and Glen Echo); follow Clara Barton Pkwy towards Carderock, passing David Taylor Model Basin and Naval Surface War Center on right. At junction with MacArthur Blvd turn left and continue West to Old Anglers Inn on right at sharp turn in road. Park in lot on left opposite the inn. (Lat:38.99338 Lon:-77.2456) Trail Guides for BillyGoat section A: Circuit Hikes in VA WVA MD and PA by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: National Park Service (301) 299-2026 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by joe on 9/6/2009 i fell and cracked my head open during this hike. the scenery was so good that i didnt stop. the only problem was that people were mad at me because i left a blood trail along the rocks 
Reviewed by Oz on 8/28/2009 Great hike for the whole family. Older folks who are unsure of their footing should beware because their is some boulder hopping. The views of the river and bluffs are fabulous. We watched some folks rock climbing on the other side. 
Reviewed by JD on 8/25/2009 For younger kids, you can do the southern half by parking at Old Anglers In, hike the south portion of the trail and take the clearly marked "emergency exit" at trail marker #2 back to the canal path. My 7 year old does it no problem.
Reviewed by Jess on 6/30/2009 I really enjoy Billy Goat and for those who find the canal side boring, try and count how many fish and turtles you can spot. Lots of intersting wildlife. Or you can always hike back the way you came for extra effort.
Reviewed by Colin on 4/12/2009 One of the best hikes in the Washington area. Challenging for all ages, but doable for (energetic) 5 year olds and up. Plenty of short scrambles, outstanding views of the river, birds, kayakers, etc. Kids love the trail, but the flat canal path loop back to the start point can be groaningly dull if they're already tired. If you have 2 cars, then one option is to leave one car at the Angler's Inn, and take the other to the Great Falls parking lot. Though judicious shuttling of drivers one can avoid the less exciting part of the loop. (Incidentally, the canal section is beautiful in its own right, but a stretch for our younger hikers.)
Reviewed by DKO on 7/1/2008 Great hike. I'm a fairly avid hiker, runner, biker, and this was a surprise being so close to DC. Great views of the river and rapids. There is only one part where some may have trouble, it's a short cliff face but it is at an incline and there are lots of hand and foot holds so not much worry of slipping or falling. Wear good shoes that will not slip off. There was a lot more rock scrambling than I was expecting which made it a pretty good workout. Recommend parking at the visitors center and starting the hike from the entrance that is about .5 miles from the parking lot there so that you go up the cliff not down it.
Reviewed by LO on 2/17/2008 A great total body workout! Not a single boring moment and well worth it. Did this hike yesterday and I'm a bit sore today...and I'm a runner! If you're just considering going, I'd put one plug in for "do it!"
Reviewed by Liz B on 2/11/2008 This is my favorite scramble. I like that it's a quick drive from DC. It's easy to get to after work and doesn't take long to complete. It's a great workout with a beautiful view. The scramble is far from boring. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Montgomery County Hiking, Montgomery County Trails, Montgomery County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||