Hiking · Rock scramble · Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Billy Goat Trail Section A Circuit
A demanding Potomac Gorge scramble over exposed rock ledges, followed by a flatter return on the historic canal towpath.
Wet or icy rock on Section A is a real fall hazard — do not attempt in those conditions regardless of schedule.
What to expect
A demanding Potomac Gorge scramble over exposed rock ledges, followed by a flatter return on the historic canal towpath.
- Location
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
- Activity
- Hiking · Rock scramble
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Cost
- Great Falls area entrance fee may apply
- Booking
- Not required
- Best season
- Spring and fall in dry conditions
Conditions and cautions
No pets on Section A. Do not enter during flooding, ice, or wet-rock conditions.
The 4-mile figure is an editorial route estimate rather than an official published distance. Treat it as approximate when planning timing.
Plan your visit
Check the official source for current access, booking, and conditions. Then use the map and directions to plan your arrival.
- National Park Service — official pageThe source this listing was verified against
- View on Google MapsFind the location and check current hours and reviews
- Get directionsDrive time from wherever you are starting
- View "Great Falls Overlook via Billy Goat Trail Section A" on AllTrails4.8★ · 4.8 mi · recent trail reports and GPS tracks
- National Park Service on nps.govOfficial alerts, fees, and current conditions
Details to check before you go
These fields are part of the full listing standard and are not filled in for this adventure. Rather than guess at them, we are naming the gap — check the official source above for anything here that affects your plan.
- Parking capacity
- Exact entrance fee
- Restrooms
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Verified on against National Park Service. Conditions, closures, fees, and operator schedules change — recheck before you travel.