Billy Goat Trail Section A
Trails Maryland Billy Goat Trail Section A
Maryland · montgomery County

Billy Goat Trail Section A

Iconic Potomac scramble with exposed rocks and river views.

Rating
Length
4.7 mi
Difficulty
7
County
montgomery
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Estimated total time: Varies

Potomac Heritage Trail

Riverside corridor trail with rocky sections and overlooks.

Time not available

Billy Goat Trail Section B

Shorter rugged section along the Potomac near Great Falls.

Time not available

Great Falls Overlook Loop MD

Short scenic walk to major overlooks above Great Falls.

Time not available

About This Trail

A thrilling 1.7-mile scramble along Mather Gorge on Bear Island, featuring a 50-foot rock face climb and boulder scrambles above the Potomac River. The route extends to a 3.7-mile loop via the historic C&O Canal towpath. Dogs are not permitted on this section.

Location

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Coordinates: 38.9832703, -77.2346588
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Getting There

From Potomac, MD, take MacArthur Boulevard south to the Great Falls Tavern area of the C&O Canal. Pay the entrance fee and park at the main lot. Walk the towpath south approximately 0.7 miles to the Billy Goat Trail Section A entrance on the right.

Nearby Trails

Potomac Heritage Trail

Riverside corridor trail with rocky sections and overlooks.

View Trail

Billy Goat Trail Section B

Shorter rugged section along the Potomac near Great Falls.

View Trail

Great Falls Overlook Loop MD

Short scenic walk to major overlooks above Great Falls.

View Trail

Great Falls Loop

Classic loop combining river overlooks and woodland sections.

View Trail

Billy Goat Trail Section C

Popular moderate loop with river overlooks and rock gardens.

View Trail
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