June 15, 2023

Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls: Is It Worth the Hike?

Kevin Grolig hikes the Billy Goat Trail at Great Falls Park in Potomac, MD, and breaks down what to expect, what it costs, and why it's worth doing.

The Billy Goat Trail is a rugged hiking path along the Potomac River inside Great Falls Park in Potomac, Maryland, and yes, it is absolutely worth doing. It is broken into three sections, A, B, and C, each running roughly a mile and a half to a mile and three quarters, cut into rock along the river with steep scrambles, exposed boulder crossings, and sweeping views straight across the water into Virginia. It is not a paved stroll. It is a real hike with real elevation and real rock, and that is exactly why people who live in this area love it so much. If you are weighing a move to Montgomery County and wondering whether the outdoor lifestyle here is real, this trail is your answer.

What Is the Billy Goat Trail, Exactly?

The Billy Goat Trail is the signature hiking route inside Great Falls National Park, running parallel to the Potomac River just outside Potomac, Maryland. I took my daughter Kelsey with me for this one, partly because I wanted the company and partly because she is a doctor and I figured that could come in handy on a trail with this much rock scrambling. Turns out I needed the moral support more than the medical attention. The trail sits inside the C&O Canal National Historical Park corridor, and it is one of the most talked about hikes in the entire DMV for good reason.

How Many Sections Does the Trail Have, and Which One Should You Hike?

There are three sections of the Billy Goat Trail, and right now you can only do one of them safely. Section A is the main event at roughly one and three quarters miles, and it is the section that is open and maintained. Section B has been closed for years after flood damage washed it out, with no firm reopening date. Section C runs about 1.6 miles and connects to Section A if you have the legs for it. For a first-timer, or honestly for a “climate control guy” like me who prefers flat pavement, Section A alone is plenty of trail to test yourself against.

What Does It Cost to Get In?

Entry to Great Falls Park runs twenty dollars per carload or ten dollars per person if you walk or bike in, and they only take card, no cash. Plan for about a half mile walk from the parking area just to reach the actual trailhead, so budget extra time before you even lace up. It is a small price for a park that delivers this much scenery and this much of a workout in one visit.

Is the Trail Actually Difficult?

Yes, the Billy Goat Trail is genuinely difficult, more so than the mileage suggests. Section A is officially one and three quarters miles, but between the boulder scrambling, the uneven footing, and the sections where you are literally climbing over rock walls with the river below you, it feels a lot longer. I am not going to pretend I breezed through this one. There were moments I thought the video might end abruptly because I was going to slip off a rock, and I was genuinely relieved to have my daughter there filming and, if needed, providing first aid. If you are reasonably fit and comfortable with some exposure, you will be fine. If you hate hills, you will still be glad you did it.

What Do You Actually See Along the Way?

You get direct river views of the Potomac, with Virginia visible on the opposite bank, plus rock formations and canal history built into the landscape. The first real payoff on Section A is a stretch where the trail opens right up to the river, close enough that you can watch people on the Virginia side and get a real sense of how the Potomac physically divides Maryland from Virginia. Further in, you pass rock walls and outcroppings that make it obvious why this trail has the reputation it does among DMV hikers.

Where Should You Go After the Hike?

Head to Old Angler’s Inn for a beer and food, and treat it as the reward for finishing. After Kelsey and I wrapped Section A, our final stop was the beer garden at Old Angler’s Inn, right near the park entrance. It is the perfect close to a day that starts with a workout and ends with you sitting down, earned drink in hand, talking about how much harder that “one and three quarters miles” felt like six.

Why This Trail Matters If You’re Considering Montgomery County

This is the kind of access you get living inPotomacor anywhere near it in Montgomery County: world class hiking, river views, and a beer garden all inside a fifteen minute drive. It is one of the reasons clients tell me they chose this area over other parts of the DC region. You are not driving two hours to feel like you got away from it all. For more on what makes this corner of Maryland worth the move, check out myMontgomery County relocation guide, and if you want to know more about how I help people navigate that move, visitwhy work with Kevin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Billy Goat Trail hard for beginners?

Section A is considered moderate to difficult because of rock scrambling and uneven terrain, not because of distance. Beginners can do it, but wear real hiking shoes and take your time on the rock sections.

How much does it cost to hike the Billy Goat Trail?

Great Falls Park charges twenty dollars per vehicle or ten dollars per person, and they only accept credit card, no cash.

Can you hike all three sections of the Billy Goat Trail?

Not currently. Section B has been closed for years due to flood damage. Sections A and C are open and can be combined for a longer hike.

How long does the Billy Goat Trail take to hike?

Section A is about one and three quarters miles, but plan for more time than the mileage suggests given the scrambling. Add the half mile walk in from the parking area on each side.

Is there anywhere to eat near Great Falls Park after hiking?

Yes, Old Angler’s Inn sits right near the park and has a beer garden that is a great spot to unwind after the trail.

Great Falls Park never disappoints, and the Billy Goat Trail is proof that some of the best outdoor recreation in the DMV is sitting right in Montgomery County’s backyard. Whether you are already local or thinking about making Potomac home, this is the kind of Saturday you can expect to have. For official trail conditions and park hours, check theNational Park Service Great Falls pageand theC&O Canal National Historical Park page. If you have questions about relocating to this area or want to talk through the market,reach out here.

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