Billy Goat Trail Section A: Hiking Great Falls in Maryland

30 Mar Billy Goat Trail Section A: Hiking Great Falls in Maryland

Posted at 16:20h in Maryland, South, U.S.A. by Alaina Thomas 0 Comments

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If you are looking for an adventurous hike in the DC area, then the Billy Goat Trail Section A should be next on your list. Not only will you enjoy beautiful views of the Potomac River, but you also will climb and maneuver around a bunch of rock scrambles. Moreover, there is one scramble up a 50 foot (~15 meter) rocky cliff. Do not fear, though, for I will provide all the information you need below as well as a list of the most important items to bring with you at the very end.

1) Location of Billy Goat Trail Section A

Billy Goat Trail Section A is located in Potomac, Maryland. For reference, it is right next to Great Falls. As you hike along, you can see the Potomac River on your right. If you are lucky, you might even see a kayaker or two floating down the river or traversing the sections with rapids.

For reference, the trail is located approximately 35 minutes from downtown Washington, DC or 25 minutes from Arlington, VA.

Getting There

Your two main options for arriving at the trail are: (1) driving (2) calling an Uber. First, you can drive. There are multiple parking lots close to the trailhead. You will thus most likely be able to find a spot pretty easily. Second, you can utilize a ride share service such as Uber. Rideshare services are popular around the DC area due to the fact it is so populated and busy. You should not have any trouble calling a ride.

There are not great public transportation options to the trailhead from places such as Washington, DC or Arlington, VA. Therefore, my recommendation is that you drive, whether that be your own car or a rental from the airport. Additionally, you can choose to use a ride share service.

Informational panels at the start of the Billy Goat Trail

Parking for the Billy Goat Trail Section A

Thankfully there are a few parking lots close to the Billy Goat Trail Section A. You can approach the trail from the north or the south, and there are different parking lots depending on from which way you come. Honestly, it does not really matter that much where you park in terms of time or anything else. You can get to the trail either way, so park wherever is most convenient for you.

If you approach the trail from the south, park off of Macarthur Boulevard. First, you can park at Old Anglers Inn. However, please note that parking here is generally only for paying customers. Only park here if you plan to eat at the restaurant. Second, you can park right across the street in a gravel parking lot. There is an upper as well as a lower section to the lot, so be sure to check out both for a spot. Third, there is a parking lot just north of the gravel lot called Great Falls Parking. Fourth, there are a few parking spots located along Macarthur Boulevard.

If you approach the trail from the north, park at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

Moreover, please note that parking can get a bit crowded on a beautiful weekend morning or afternoon. Therefore, you might have to circle one or more of the parking lots a time or two before finding a spot. To more easily find a parking spot, head over earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

Hiking along the rocks by the river

Nearby Airports

There are two international airports around the same distance from the Billy Goat Trail in Potomac, Maryland. First, Dulles International Airport is located 30 minutes southwest. Second, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located 30 minutes southeast. If you are looking for a spot where you can watch the planes fly overhead, then head to Gravelly Point. It is located right next to the airport, and thus it sometimes feels as though you can jump up and touch the planes since they are so close to the ground.

There are not great public transportation options from either airport to the trail. You will thus need to rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber.

Nearby Lodging

Trust me, there is no shortage of lodging options in the DC area. If you want to stay right around the Billy Goat Trail and Great Falls Park, then look for options in Potomac, MD or Reston, VA. On the other hand, you can also choose to stay closer to the city in Arlington, VA. Last but not least, you can stay in the heart of the action in downtown DC.

Crossing a bridge along the Billy Goat Trail Section A

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

All sections of the Billy Goat Trail, including Section A, are open from dawn to dusk.

However, please note that the trail can close due to flooding or other harsh weather conditions at any time. Check the Billy Goat Trail NPS page for current information on trail conditions. If the trail closes due to flooding but you still want to get out on the water, then head into DC to the Tidal Basin to go paddle boating.

Do I Have to Pay a Fee to Hike the Billy Goat Trail Section A?

Ready for some good news? There is no fee to hike the Billy Goat Trail, no matter whether you park north or south of the trailhead. While Great Falls Park does charge a fee for entrance, this only applies if you are entering the park by the visitor center on the Virginia side. For reference, the fee for Great Falls Park is $20 per private vehicle.

Preparing to ascend the rocky cliff along the trail

3) Best Time to Visit

My recommendation for the best time to visit is in the early morning, whether on a weekday or the weekend. Then you will be able to find a parking spot and start hiking along the trail before it gets too crowded. Additionally, you can escape the sweltering heat of the afternoon sun if you are visiting in the summer season.

My partner and I hiked this trail together for a unique and active date idea. Check out my list of 20+ unique dates in Arlington, VA plus my review of the lantern festival in DC for additional date night activities.

How Long Does It Take to Hike the Billy Goat Trail Section A?

I will offer more detailed information on the trail length and how much time is needed for each section of the trail below. However, please estimate for a total of around one and a half to two and a half hours to hike to as well as complete the Billy Goat Trail Section A. An average hiker can complete the 3.75 miles (~six kilometers) required for hiking in approximately an hour and a half. However, you will also want to add in a bit of time for pictures and taking in the view.

For example, we completed the 3.75 miles (~six kilometers) hike in just about two hours exactly. Moreover, we stopped plenty of time to take pictures and videos along the way.

View of the river from the Billy Goat Trail Section A

4) Quick Facts

1. There are three sections to the Billy Goat Trail: A, B, and C.

2. The Billy Goat Trail Section A is a one-way trail at 1.75 miles (~2.8 kilometers) long.

3. You can park north of the Section A Trail at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center or south at one of the lots off of Macarthur Boulevard.

4. No matter where you park, you will have to hike an additional two miles (~3.2 kilometers) to reach the Section A Trail and then to hike back to your car.

5. The Section A Trail includes a lot of rock scrambling as well as one longer section where you have to scramble up a 50 foot (~15 meter) rocky cliff.

Basking in the sun while we took a break from hiking by the river’s edge

5) Getting to the Section A Trailhead

Okay, so this is where it might get a bit confusing. Let me break it down for you. You cannot reach the Billy Goat Trail Section A immediately right after you park. Instead, you have to walk a bit along another path to reach it. Moreover, the Section A Trail is a one-way trail, so you then have to walk back to your car from its end point.

I will provide directions for if you parked north at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center as well as if you parked south off of Macarthur Boulevard.

From Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to Billy Goat Trail Section A

If you park at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, you will need to walk 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) south along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath to reach the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead. You will pass the Great Falls Overlook Trailhead on your right along the way. Do not turn onto that trail, but instead keep walking straight. Additionally, you will pass a small bridge over a creek on your left hand side. Do not cross the bridge. Instead, walk just a bit further down the path. You will then see the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead on your right. Turn right and begin hiking!

It is fairly easy to reach the trailhead, for you just need to keep straight along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath for 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) until you see the entrance sign for the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead.

Walking along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

From Billy Goat Trail Section A Exit to Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

Once you finish the Billy Goat Trail Section A, you will pop out of the exit and turn left to be back onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. However, you are a bit further south down the trail at this point. You will thus need to walk 1.5 miles (~2.4 kilometers) along the Towpath back to where you parked at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

Turn left out of the Billy Goat Trail Section A exit back onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. After walking along the Towpath for one mile (~1.6 kilometers), you will pass the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead on your left. This is where you began the hike, so do not turn left unless you want to do it all over again. Then you just have 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) left to go until you reach the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. You have already walked this portion of the Towpath before. Therefore, you just keep walking straight along the Towpath the entire time to arrive back at the parking lot, just like you did to reach the trailhead.

Looking back along the Billy Goat Trail Section A

From Macarthur Boulevard to Billy Goat Trail Section A

If you park off of Macarthur Boulevard, you will need to walk 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) along Berma Road, across Angler’s Footbridge, and then down the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath to reach the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead.

First, you need to walk along the Berma Road Trail for 400 feet (~122 meters). This trail can be found at the bottom of the gravel parking lot mentioned previously. Second, you will cross a bridge on your left known as Angler’s Footbridge after less than a minute of walking on the Berma Road Trail. The bridge is only around 300 feet (~91 meters) long.

Third, you will turn right onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath after you cross the bridge. After about eight minutes (0.4 miles or ~0.6 kilometers) of walking along the Towpath, you will come to a trailhead on the left for Billy Goat Section A. However, please note this is the exit and not the entrance. The trail is one-way, so you have to walk a bit further to reach the entrance.

Keep walking for another mile (~1.6 kilometers) along the Towpath until you reach the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead. The directions are fairly easy for this mile, for all you have to do is walk straight along the trail.

Just beginning the Billy Goat Trail Section A

From Billy Goat Trail Section A Exit to Macarthur Boulevard

Once you finish the Billy Goat Trail Section A, you will pop out of the exit and turn right to be back onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. Thankfully you are pretty close to where you parked along Macarthur Boulevard at this point. You will only need to walk 0.5 miles (~0.8 kilometers) along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, across Angler’s Footbridge, and down Berma Road Trail.

First, turn right out of the Billy Goat Trail Section A exit back onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. Then walk for 0.4 miles (~0.6 kilometers), which is around eight minutes, to reach Angler’s Footbridge. Second, turn left and cross Angler’s Footbridge. Third, turn right after crossing the bridge to walk along Berma Road Trail. The trail ends at the gravel parking lot in just 400 feet (~122 meters).

Views, views, and more views along the trail

6) Trail Directions: Section A

In order to arrive at the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead, you will need to follow the directions provided in the section above. I included directions to the trailhead from both the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center as well as Macarthur Boulevard.

Additionally, the trail is one-way. Make sure you start hiking at the entrance and not accidentally from the exit.

Directions from Google Maps

I included a screenshot below with different colors to denote the trails. First, the red trail is Billy Goat Section A. There are green arrows to denote the direction of the trail since it is one-way. Second, the yellow trail is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead. Third, the blue trail is the Towpath between the entrance and exit of the Billy Goat Trail Section A. Fourth, the orange trail is the Berma Road Trail + Angler’s Footbridge + Towpath from Macarthur Boulevard to the Billy Goat Section A Trailhead.

One option is to park at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, which is located near the top left corner of the map. To begin, walk along the yellow trail. Then turn right onto the red trail, which is Billy Goat Section A. At the end of the red trail (aka Billy Goat Section A), turn left onto the blue trail. Then walk the full length of the blue trail and continue on to the yellow trail. At the end of the yellow trail, you will end back up at the parking lot for Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.

Another option is to park off of Macarthur Boulevard, which is located near the bottom right corner of the map. To begin, walk along the orange trail and continue onto the blue trail. Then turn left onto the red trail, which is Billy Goat Section A. At the end of the red trail (aka Billy Goat Section A), turn right onto the orange trail. Walk to the end, and you will end up back at Macarthur Boulevard.

Outline of the Billy Goat Trail Section A from Google Maps

Follow the Blue Markers

The most important thing to note while hiking along is that there are blue markers to lead you in the correct direction. The blue markers are essentially small blue rectangles, maybe a couple of inches long and an inch or two wide. You will see the blue markers on trees as well as on rocks every now and then.

Additionally, the hike runs parallel to the Potomac River for the vast majority of the trail. If you do not see a blue marker for a while, just find your way closer to the edge of the cliff next to the river. You are then likely to see a blue marker shortly and can ensure you are back on the correct path.

However, a lot of the time along the trail you might feel as though there is not one specific path. This is mainly due to the fact that the ground is covered in rocks, and you have to find your way over or around them. Do not worry, for you can maneuver around the rocks as you wish. Just keep the blue markers in sight and stay along the river. Then you will be good to go!

Becoming a part of the view along the trail

Optional Exit or Entrance at the Halfway Point

There is also an entrance / exit to the Billy Goat Section A about halfway through the 1.75 mile (~2.8 kilometer) trail. If you want to do a shorter version of the hike, you can enter the trail at this point and hike to the exit. On the other hand, you can still choose to enter at the main trailhead and then exit the trail at this halfway point.

Please keep in mind that this halfway point entrance / exit is located after the 50 foot (~15 meter) scramble up a rocky cliff. You can avoid the rock scramble by entering the trail at the halfway point and then hiking to the end.

Enjoying a bit of rock scrambling

7) Trail Description: Section A

As mentioned above, you have to hike a bit along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath to reach the Section A Trailhead. While hiking along the Towpath, you will cross a few bridges, pass one or two canal locks, and enjoy views along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The Towpath runs parallel to the Canal, so you are right by the water for the entire time.

Along the Section A Trail you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Potomac River. While some portions of the river are calmer, you will also be able to see a few sections of rapids. Keep your eyes peeled for any kayakers traversing through the rapids. They are quite entertaining to watch. Moreover, there is one sandy section on the trail that is similar to a small beach area. Please keep in mind it is not advised to swim in the Potomac River. However, you can still stop here for a couple of minutes to walk up to the water’s edge along the sand. Additionally, you can climb around on the rocks next to the river. I will say I took some of my favorite pictures from the entire hike at this spot.

If you are an avid hiker and want to continue to explore challenging and unique trails, then head out to Harper’s Ferry to hike the Maryland Heights Trail.

General Information on the Billy Goat Trail Section A

The Billy Goat Trail Section A is 1.75 miles (~2.8 kilometers) long. It has an elevation gain of approximately 175 feet (~53 meters) overall. However, please note that you will be climbing up and down rocks just about the entire time. My legs definitely felt like I hiked more than just 175 feet (~53 meters) by the time I finished the trail. Your legs will be working a lot more on this trail due to the fact it is covered with rocks compared to a trail with a flat pathway that has the same elevation gain. An average hiker can complete the trail in about an hour and a half.

Please also note that no dogs are allowed on the trail due to its rocky terrain. Furthermore, you should give some thought to whether or not you want to bring young children, especially if they are not used to these kinds of trail conditions.

Rocks, Rocks, and More Rocks

As I just mentioned briefly, you will be climbing up and down rocks for almost the entire duration of the trail. There are some short sections where the trail is flat, but those are few and far between. Therefore, make sure you wear hiking shoes with good traction. You do not want to slip on a rock and injure yourself due to a poor choice of footwear.

Overall, I would describe the trail as a rocky path. You have to step on a rock here and over a rock there to continue along the path. Additionally, there are a few points where you have to climb up a few rocks or down a few rocks to continue along. Sometimes you can avoid the rocks by walking in the grass on the side, but hiking on the rocks is half the fun.

A sign along the trail warning of the upcoming rock scramble

Rocky Cliff Scramble

Moreover, there is one section where you have to scramble 50 feet (~15 meters) up a rocky cliff. This section is a bit more dramatic and difficult than all other sections of the trail. The cliff face is not entirely vertical, so you do not have to be a rock climber or anything like that. However, you do need to have a good sense of balance since the rock face is at a good slant. I am not trying to scare you, but one slip of the foot could result in injury.

Even though the Billy Goat Trail Section A is one-way, some people will hike the wrong way. If you see people descending the rocky cliff when you arrive, just wait for them to finish their descent before you begin. There is only enough room for one person to ascend (or descend) at a time due to its difficulty and narrow ledges for footholds.

The cliff you have to scramble up (not pictured – my legs shaking the entire time)

8) Additional Trail Options

In addition to a Section A, there is also a Section B and Section C to the Billy Goat Trail. Please note these are entirely different trails. They are not just extensions of Section A.

Moreover, check out Scott’s Run Falls or Hains Point Loop Trail for other nearby hiking trails in the DC area.

Section B Trail

The Billy Goat Trail Section B is 2.5 miles (~four kilometers) long with approximately 110 feet (~34 meters) in elevation gain. However, please note that the trail is sometimes closed due to trail damage and environmental concerns. You can find updates on trail conditions here.

To access the trail, you can park at any of the lots listed above along Macarthur Boulevard. Then walk along Berma Road Trail for 400 feet (~122 meters). This trail can be found at the bottom of the gravel parking lot. Next, cross a bridge on your left known as Angler’s Footbridge after less than a minute of walking on the Berma Road Trail. The bridge is only around 300 feet (~91 meters) long. Then turn left onto the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. You will walk for approximately 500 feet (~152 meters) before arriving at the Section B Trailhead.

The Section B Trail traverses a bit through the woods before then running parallel to the Potomac River. This trail tends to be a bit less crowded than the Section A Trail. However, it is similar in the sense that you will have to maneuver and climb around some rocks along the path.

Views of the Potomac River from the trail

Section C Trail

The Billy Goat Trail Section C is 2.7 miles (~4.3 kilometers) long with approximately 170 feet (~52 meters) in elevation gain.

To access the trail, you can park at one of the multiple Carderock parking lots located right next to the trailhead. There are entrances to the Billy Goat Trail Section C from the northernmost parking lot as well as the southernmost parking lot. Simply enter the trail at either of those points and hike in a loop. You will finish hiking where you started.

On the other hand, you can complete the hike as an out and back trail. To do this, you would need to enter the trail from the entrance by the northernmost parking lot. Then turn left onto the main Section C Trail and hike 1.4 miles (~2.3 kilometers) until the end. You know you will have reached the end when you come to an intersection with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. At that point, you can turn around and hike back the way you came.

The Section C Trail follows along the Potomac River. You will have to maneuver around some rocks and cross a few small streams along the trail.

Hiking along the rocky edge of the trail

9) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: I will always emphasize that you need to bring water with you while hiking along any trail. Moreover, this trail requires more energy than you might realize. You will be hiking up and down rocks, making your legs work for it. Consider a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. They also keep your water cooler due to their insulation – bonus!

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet. While in Iceland, I visited the Hverir Geothermal Area and essentially ran along the path because there were so many little black flies.

Hiking Apparel

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike along the trail and maneuver around all of the rocks. I did not own a pair of hiking shoes for a long time. However, I finally splurged and bought myself a pair before my Iceland road trip. Hiking shoes are generally not cheap, though I will say they are well worth the investment. They provide grip and traction to help you out while hiking as well as to keep you safe.

5. Optional – hiking poles: Hiking poles are not necessary for the Billy Goat Trail Section A, but bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. However, I will say that it might be a bit difficult to use hiking poles throughout most of the trail due to all of the rocks. I preferred to have both of my hands free so that I could use them to help me scramble over rocks or catch myself if I started to fall.

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow and/or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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For a more relaxing activity, buy tickets for a nearby lantern festival: Lantern Festival in Washington, DC.

Or spend the day with dolphins: Kayaking with Dolphins in Virginia Beach.

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