Hike along the Billy Goat Trail | Things to Do in Potomac, Maryland
© ablokhin/stock.adobe.com
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Written by our human editors, structured with the help of AI.

Review & FAQ:

The Billy Goat Trail is a 4.7-mile long hiking trail between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.

It is located near Great Falls in Montgomery County within the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The trail is divided into three sections and was laid out in 1919 by the YMCA Triangle Club. Section A of the trail crosses Bear Island, through rough and rocky terrain that includes a steep climb along a cliff in the Mather Gorge on the Potomac River.

At one point on this trail, hikers have to scramble over or around giant boulders. The other sections of the trail are much easier. Most of the trail is well marked. The access to the trail is free, although there is an entrance fee to the park.

Address: Montgomery County, Maryland

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Enjoy art at the Glenstone Museum Taste amazing food at MoCo's Founding Farmers Hike along the Billy Goat Trail Shop at Westfield Montgomery Follow the walkway on Olmsted Island Take in the view of Great Falls Take the kids to Falls Road Park Play on Falls Road Golf Course Grab a meal at the O’Donnell's Market Pick up your picnic lunch at Brooklyn's Deli Have a romantic dinner at Old Angler’s Inn

Explore more: Maryland > Things to Do in Potomac, Maryland

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.