Sometimes it is good to get out of the city and stretch your legs and breathe some fresh air. As the weather starts to turn cooler here in Bethesda, it is fun to take a walk along the C&O Canal and listen to the geese calling overhead and wtch the leaves start to change. The Billy Goat Trail is a great place to be. The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most well known and beloved hikes in the Metro D.C. area, and for good reason. With nearly a mile of rock hopping and incredible views of the Potomac River along the way, this circuit is loads of fun with plenty to see. The trail is rated as only a 3 for difficulty, but be prepared to jump from rock to rock. When the park ranger tells you it is challenging - believe him! I did this trail with my 70 year old sister in law and my 20 year old daughter. I was sure we would be stuck on that trail until Christmas - and we would have been if it hadn't been for my daughter telling me that we could do this!
The Billy Goat Trail is very busy on nice days anytime of the year, however if you get on the trail by 8:00 a.m. you can miss all the crowds. The entire Billy Goat Trail is made up of 3 separate sections A, B, & C, that start and finish on the C&O Canal. The 7.8 mile circuit mapped here follows the rock-hopping section A, the more casual hike on section B, with a return back to the Great Falls parking area using the Berma Rd. Trail and Overlook Trail.
The trail was laid out by the YMCA in 1919 and has been giving joy to DC natives ever since. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the first part of the trail.
If you are new to Washington and want to work with an agent who really knows the area and is not afraid of a challenge, give Lise Howe a call at 240-401-5577. She would rather be showing houses to you than scaling a rock wall on the Billy Goat Trail! She loves showing off her home town, from the Billy Goat Trail to the newest restaurants on U Street!
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