This is one of our favorite hiking trails in the area. There is plenty of parking and its free. Also it has always had the right amount of people (not too many to make it crowded and not too few to make you feel you are alone in the wilderness). There are a variety of paths of varying difficulty levels (some are flat and some you might have to put a little effort into). Another nice thing is that there is lots of coverage so even on warm days the tree cover keeps it cool. I would recommend sneakers or hiking shoes (hiking shoes would be best post rainy days as the train can get muddy). It's a great place for a family adventure in nature. read more

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What a fun trail! it has some easy parts and some challenging. There were many scenic resting/stopping points along the trail..perfect for resting or photo ops. A couple porta potties are available at the start of the trail, along with some picknic tables and an amazing rocky/cliff like view. We saw a guy doing handstands...a little too bold! There were an abundance of stink bugs, but that comes with nature. I can't promise this is kid-friendly with all the challenging parts, although there were a few there! There is enough parking, first come first server deal....with HIking it's always best to get there early enough to avoid crowds and enjoy nature better. A $20 parking fee is required at the entrance. read more

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This trail is absolutely beautiful! It is very vast, serene, and lush. If you desire to bike, there is an area for you. If you desire to walk/run, there is an area for you. If you desire a more of a hike feel with a beautiful viewpoint, there are many areas for you! As it pertains to cost, if you walk or bike, it is $10 per person and if you drive, it is $20 per vehicle with the option of coming back for up to a week for free. Parking is a non-issue as there are many spots available. Restrooms are only available prior to entering the trail. Lastly, there is an area to buy snacks such as funnel cakes. A must visit in my book! I will definitely be back! read more

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This trail reminded me that we all live on beautiful planet. Along the trail you will be challenged, yet rewarded with views of rapids and large rock faces. This particular day was low 70s and partly cloudy--just beautiful. I recommend stop for a few minutes to take in the scenery we all too often miss out on during our busy day-to-day lives. This trail is well marked with BLUE rectangular shaped paint on the rocks and trees. If you see a vertical blue shape that means up or straight, if you see horizontal blue shape that's a turn to either the left or right--look with your eyes further down/up the trail to see which way to go. Fun for all ages, but it is important to note that you do need to be fairly flexible and reasonably fit to endure the entire trail. Recommend bringing at least one bottle of water, and wearing sturdy hiking boots that cover your ankle. You'll enjoy every minute of it! read more

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This review is for Billy Goat Trail A. One of my favorite hikes near Baltimore! What makes it great: - well maintained and well marked with light blue trail blazes - 4 mile loop that begins and ends on a flat, semi-paved trail - FUN! It's ROCKY and you will be scrambling a bit. There is also one segment that is pretty much a diagonal slab of rock with a jagged ledge. The agility requirement makes this a moderate hike but otherwise, not too much incline and not too taxing endurance-wise. Wear good shoes to avoid turning your ankle on the rocks. - Great for all ages. I've seen children and adults on this hike. - Really nice views with the rushing Potomac coursing alongside you, rocky overlooks, and plenty of trees. Tips: - Use alltrails website or app to find the parking site. It's well marked with quite a few spots and clean restrooms! - Go early to avoid people! It certainly is busy especially on the weekends and especially during the coronavirus pandemic because social distance hiking is the only thing we can do right now. - No dogs allowed on the trail (although the segments outside of the trail are okay) - No swimming (it may look tempting) read more

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We have some great areas for hiking, biking, and water sports in th DC area and this is one of them. There is food available at the end of the trail and plenty of parking. read more

This is in the Virginia side of the great falls. There is a $20 entry fee into this park. There is plenty of parking and clean restrooms. There are plenty of people biking. We did the part A of the trail. It's not easy at all. You have to climb some rocks along the way and it take roughly 1.5-2 hours. The whole loop might take 3-4 hours. The view of the falls is great. Don't miss it. Pets are not allowed in the trail path. There were good amount of people doing the hike. read more

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Tried both the A (difficult) and C (easy) loops at Great Falls. I am active so I found the A loop's obstacles much more fun, but it definitely would not be so easy for a new hiker. There were lots of really rocky areas and one point where you need to climb up a very steep rock face - it wasn't extremely difficult but you definitely need to be careful and nimble. I would say it is a great hike for anyone who is comfortable with hopping around and using their body. Like a natural obstacle course. There is also an "emergency exit" about a third way through in case it gets too difficult, which is a nice touch. To get to the trail, you park at the main visitor center and there's usually plenty of parking but during popular hours, the line gets very long (there is a bottleneck where cars pay the entrance fee and it took me about 40 min to wait through the line of cars ~10:00am in late October ). Then you need to walk about half a mile on a flat trail, which also passes the main viewing area of Great Falls. Overall a very nice place that I'll definitely visit again. The fall foliage was also very slightly reflecting off the water. The pictures are from a nice view around the midpoint. Lots of big rocks to sit on and take a quick water break Trail C on the other hand was not as dynamic and a bit boring in my opinion. Half of it was just a flat dirt road and some of the other half was walking through some tight trails with a lot of brush on both sides. There were some bits with decent views and also one spot where you cross a slight bit of water and need to step on some angled rocks and climb a few big steps. Good for beginners read more

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Amazing! We took the Billy Goat Trail C. And then hiked over amazing rocks and along trails. Highly recommend! The park ranger said trail C is the most difficult but it's doable and take your time. Wear good shoes. I had running shoes and highly suggest trail shoes. The most amazing part is about 1-1.2 mi in when you climb or scale along the rock face. Just gorgeous! What an experience. read more

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First hike I have ever been on and let me tell you... It was amazing! First off, my boys agreed to wake up at 4:30 AM, meet at 5:30 AM and head on over to BGT and wait for sunrise. So at 6:30 AM we began our hike and finished at about 8:40AM with rest. We completed 7 miles of the 184.5 mile trail. LMBO! read more

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This is a trail I've grown up on so I'm very familiar with it. You can map your travel to old angler's inn, and park in the parking lot across from the inn. You'd walk down to the bridge, cross it, and turn right. It's a pretty long walk to get to the trail entrance, especially since they closed the exit, which used to be the "entrance" for people entering from old angler's inn. The trail will not have many inclines and is mostly leveled rock scrambles or walking. There is just one big incline at the mid point. There is also an option to leave the trail early, right before you get to the "sand bar". I used to hop into the river during the summer, but maybe don't do that for your body/health sake! It's not very clean...to be honest. This has a lot of rock scrambles so be ready with proper shoes and a climbing mindset! And DONT even think about hiking this in the rain, the rocks are way too slippery for that. Last, the view is pretty cool--you can see the Virginia side of Billy goat across the river and at times you can also see people climbing on the sides of the "cliffs". It's not very high, but still a very nice view. read more

This nature trail is not for the faint of heart. It is definitely an adventurer's dream. If you're into scaling rocks/cliffs and seeing beautiful sites than this is the place for you. I am not that athletic but I still enjoyed walking the less intense trail and sight seeing. But once we hit a beware sign I did turn back. You need great stamina for this trail. read more

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Awesome hike alongside the great falls waterfalls! Super rocky so wear comfortable shoes and stay safe!

Love the billy goat trail! The trail is connected to the tow path and you can get on the tow path pretty much anywhere, even in Georgetown and eventually end up at the Billy Goat Trail. I have yet to actually make it on the Billy Goat as the few times I have gone the trail has been closed due to flooding but yesterday after about a 4 mile walk on the trail, which still has a ton to see, the trail was finally open! Going back next week to try it out! I think it is a must-see if you live in the area and like to be outdoors! It's not much of a "hike" or walk to the great falls! They are absolutely gorgeous and this place is totally serene. I didn't really see many places to take a picnic but there are tons of sights to see. If you are going to do the actual trail I recommend wearing a hiking boot or something with ankle support as the trail is very rocky and many different terrains. read more

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Tranquil, rustic and rugged, close to home but capable of feeling like miles away: there's no wonder why the Billy Goat Trail is a favorite for locals who want to get away from the madding crowd. As other Reviewers note, come prepared with proper hiking boots and clothing. This trail isn't for the easy strollers or light outings. You'll need to clamber over rocks at times. The trail is appropriately and endearingly rough around the edges, and well worth the trip. read more

Great workout and beautiful scenery. Suggest going when it's cold so you don't get as tired and you can see more with few leaves in trees. Also not as crowded during winter. read more

I went hiking with my husband for the first time at Great Falls last Sunday (10/22/2017). I discovered that I'm not into hiking. It was very rocky and Trail A was very challenging. The pathway in between the rocks was very narrow. Half of the time I was crawling over the rocks and clinging to dear life. What made the experience enjoyable for me was taking in the breathtaking views of mother nature, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather (low 70's), and knowing that I faced my fears of heights. Towards the end of Trail A I climbed up the cliff/Traverse, and I survived. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Hiking Near Me

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Great work out loved climbing and walking the rocks. I wishI lived closer as this is such a great place to hike, run, walk, kayak or canoe and I love being out In nature read more

I did the Maryland side and I really didn't think it was too challenging. Took less than an hour to get through it. There are a few climbs but it's not that difficult at all. I remembering doing it years ago and thought it was more challenging then. It is a pretty hike though. Def recommend. read more

Billy Goat Trail - Hiking Near Me

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Great hike only a short drive away! Be prepared for climbing boulders as the hike is no easy walk in the park! The views are worth It though. We did the A trail which appears to be the most popular. Easily completed in about an hour and a half! read more

I have never in my life been hiking but let me tell u this trail is not a joke i wanted to give up several times but i allowed friends talk me into this walking trail which let me say is no walk LOL read more