Billy Goat Trail Section A is widely regarded as one of the most exhilarating and technically demanding day hikes in the Washington, D.C. region. Located within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park at Great Falls in Montgomery County, Maryland, the trail follows the Potomac River gorge for 1.7 miles along the Maryland bank of the famous Great Falls cascade. Access begins at Great Falls Tavern at 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, where the National Park Service operates a visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, and ranger staff. Entry requires a $20 per-vehicle fee or a valid America the Beautiful annual pass.
The trail begins approximately 0.3 miles north of the visitor center along the C&O Canal Towpath, marked by blue blazes. Within the first quarter-mile, the path transitions from gravel towpath to exposed bedrock and large quartzite and metagraywacke boulder fields at the river's edge. Multiple Class 3-style scrambling sections require the use of both hands — boots with substantial grip and ankle support are essential, and loose footwear is a significant safety risk. Hikers navigate along and over boulders directly above the Potomac, with the Class VI Great Falls rapids audible and visible throughout the route.
The Potomac funnels through narrow rocky gorge channels at Great Falls, generating one of the most powerful and dramatic whitewater cascades on the eastern United States. Water levels rise dramatically during spring snowmelt and heavy rainfall; the NPS closes Section A when Potomac levels exceed a defined threshold — current closure status is posted at nps.gov/choh. At the far end of Section A, hikers can return via the flat C&O Canal Towpath to create a loop. The scrambling terrain, river exposure, and proximity to powerful currents make this trail inappropriate for young children or hikers without experience on exposed rocky terrain.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Potomac (Montgomery County)
- Best season
- Spring and fall; closed when Potomac River is high (check nps.gov/choh for closures)
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support (essential — trail is rocky)
- Trekking poles optional
- Water
- Gloves useful in cooler weather for rock scrambling
Location
Great Falls Tavern, 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
38.9993, -77.2510 View on map
Highlights
- Views of Great Falls — one of the most powerful whitewater cascades on the eastern United States
- Sustained Class 3 boulder scrambling along the Potomac River gorge edge
- Blue-blazed trail within the C&O Canal National Historical Park with towpath return loop option
- Metagraywacke and quartzite boulder fields with direct river exposure throughout
- Potowmack Canal ruins and NPS interpretive panels along the adjacent towpath
Tips for visiting
- Check nps.gov/choh for Section A closure status before visiting — the trail closes during high Potomac levels
- Arrive before 9 AM on weekends; the Great Falls parking lot fills by 10 AM regularly
- Ankle-supporting boots with grip soles are essential — ankle sprains are the most common injury on this trail
- Gloves are useful in cool weather for gripping cold rock on the scrambling sections
- Return via the flat C&O Canal Towpath to avoid retracing the boulder scramble section
When to visit
Fall (September–November) offers stable river levels and the lowest closure frequency, combined with foliage color in the gorge; spring (March–May) showcases the Potomac at peak flow but closures are more likely. Weekday mornings avoid the parking congestion and trail crowding common on weekends year-round.
Accessibility
Billy Goat Trail Section A involves continuous boulder scrambling and rocky river-edge terrain with no accessible sections. It is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or visitors with limited mobility. The adjacent C&O Canal Towpath is a flat, crushed-limestone and gravel surface that is largely accessible to wheelchairs on dry days and offers views of the canal and surrounding landscape.
Frequently asked questions
What is the entrance fee at Great Falls, Maryland?
Great Falls charges $20 per vehicle for a 3-day pass, or accepts the America the Beautiful annual pass. Pedestrian and cyclist entry is $10 per person.
Is Billy Goat Trail Section A suitable for children?
Section A involves sustained hand-and-foot boulder scrambling and proximity to dangerously fast water. It is not recommended for young children or hikers without experience on exposed rocky terrain.
When is the trail closed?
The NPS closes Section A whenever Potomac River levels exceed a prescribed height due to flood risk. Closures are most frequent in spring. Always check nps.gov/choh before visiting after heavy rain.
How long does the trail take?
The 1.7-mile one-way route typically takes 1.5–2 hours in each direction because the slow pace of scrambling over boulders significantly extends the time per mile.
Is parking available on weekdays?
Weekday parking at Great Falls Tavern is generally available. On popular spring and fall weekend afternoons, the lot can fill; arriving before 9 AM avoids this.