I love the Canal Tow Path. I have run along it a couple dozen times. I usually enter in Georgetown or at Fletcher's Cove. But I also start at Carderock for a change or if that is how the race is set up. I don't do much in the park itself. But I see it is a lovely, underused facility (which I don't want to ruin). There is, as people have mentioned, a military facility nearby. I wonder as I drive around, if they are conducting surveillance or if you'd get in trouble for doing something such as taking photographs. I've never had an issue though, if you were wondering. I have gotten lost, however, because it's not quite clear (and GPS is not precise) how you get to where you want to go once you take the exit. I recommend Carderock highly for a hike. I believe it also is a nice place to hang out, even if you don't get to the trail (but why would you go here and not at least take a gander at the water). read more

This climbing spot is more than that. The Billy Goat Trail goes through it passing stunning rock formations that bleed into the Potomac River. There's a large parking lot with restrooms, drinking fountains, and clear signage. It's also close to many other things to do in the area like Lockhouse 10, Glen Echo, and more. read more

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On Sunday during Tony's Birthday Trip, We stopped at CarderRock Recreation Area which is part of The Great Falls National Park. It can be seen on both sides of the Potomac River Gorges, Virginia and Maryland. The fee is $20 per car. Once you pay, your receipt is good for 7 days at any park entry points, including both sides, either states. At this location there is plenty of Parking but no Visitors Center. There is a nice bathroom facility though and plenty of picnic sites. Several trails along the gorge walls with slippery rocks so wear correct footwear. read more

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Today I visited Carderock for the first time. It's sort of difficult to find it since apparently Google Maps got "confused" because there is a military base nearby. Carderock is on the Maryland side of the Potomac, but the Virginia side can al be visited. There is a big picnic area and the main zone where there is plenty of parking. My adventure was limited to walking the "Billy Goat Trail" that meanders about 20 miles alongside the Potomac River. I was looking for the mini cascades but was not able to find them. The park needs clearer signage. The trails are rough and with many fallen trees. This is a state park so I'm not sure why Maryland Parks and Recreation is not keeping it in better condition. read more

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It is easy to access from the Beltway I-495. It is part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Upon entering the park, it comes to a T-intersection. Turn left to the end for the Pavilion parking. There were a few shaded lots. There is large field for games and soccers, and a net stand for volleyball and more. There are around 25 picnic tables and three standing grills. There is a water pump for groundThe fees were $350 for our weekend party. read more

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This is a gem in MARYLAND. Great Falls Park MD side charges a lot now. Like $20 However come here and save money!! Free!! Its very grassy so brace yourself. And there are snakes!! I screamed so loud!! I was in Girl Scouts and all that preparation for the wilderness went out the window, when I spotted it. Anyways, wear hiking shoes, if you wanna climb rocks to get to the water. Once you get to the water, you'll see the Virginia side, (Scott's Run) and their pretty waterfall. I love it, but watch your step. And watch out for crawly creatures! read more

Hmmmm, well I can't talk about a whole lot involving the river. I wanted to take a stroll to see the cascades but was not wearing sensible shoes for hiking "Billy Goat Trail"! lol I had gone to Clara Barton Historical Site and found it closed; walked around adjoining Glen Echo Park (see review), and wanted a place for my picnic lunch. This was only a few miles up the road, and I was glad I came. There are a few parking areas, and I stopped in the 2nd, because it didn't seem as heavily trafficked as the 1st. I walked no more than 100 yards to a shaded picnic table that was also conveniently close to the restroom ;) After enjoying my lunch and exciting whodunit novel, I started to walk down the road toward a trailhead, not realizing there was a 3rd parking area. As soon as I figured that out, back I went to get the car. Glad to have A/C for just a few more minutes! I walked along the trail for about 1/2 mile, then saw it was going to get a lot rougher. As I said, I didn't have on walking shoes of any description (OK, I was wearing ballerina flats because I thought I was going to have a demure tour of Clara Barton house) so I turned back. I did get some glimpses of the Potomac; this trail at this parking lot is high above the river, which is why I saw so many rock climbers gearing up to descend the granite boulders. I'd like to return at some point, wearing my KSOs so I could actually hike at least part of the trail. What a lovely park! read more

Carderock Recreational Area - Lovely, placid Potomac River - Parks Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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This is my favorite place in the DMV for outdoor hiking and gathering. You can park at parking lot 2 or a nearby lot and then gather by the picnic tables and restroom area, and then walk on the canal path up to one of the Billy Goat Trails--I like them all. A if you want a climbing adventure, B or C if you want a tamer hike. All are lovely. There are grills available at the picnic area and there is a huge grassy pavilion. It's a great place to meet a large group for a picnic. read more

Carderock is popular as a climbing site, but it's a bit of an underrated stretch. The Billygoat C trail runs through this area, and while it isn't as challenging or interesting as the better-known A, it's still a nice breath of fresh air. This is also a good location for getting to the B section, which I think is prettier than C. And there's plenty of nice flat towpath to walk on in either direction. The point is that unlike the parking to the north near the first Billygoat Trail, you can usually find a space at carderock. The little lots along the Clara Barton Parkway tend to fill as well at peak times (any weekend or holiday with nice weather). Here, your odds are better, and there are bathrooms and picnic facilities. Also, unlike at the Great Falls parking lots on either side of the river, you don't have to pay. So if what you want is a quick woodsy hike with river views, this is an easy way to get it. read more

This park houses the infamous Billy Goat trail which just means you need to have nimble feet on this narrow and rocky foot path, or you might role an ankle. While the Billy Goat trail lies on the side of this park near the Potomac River, the main attraction was a marathon that took place here on the morning of November 20th. The Park is in Maryland about 1 mile West of the American Legion Bridge and the Potomac River Run 1/2 and Full Marathons took place on the toe path right next to the park. When we signed up for this race we had the option of staring at 7, 8 or 9am and running either the half or full, which were the same price. If you are in the military or member of Marathon Maniacs or 50 States then you can get a 20$ off discount. We arrived at 6am to pick up our bibs and the temperature was in the high 30s. We opted for the early start in order to finish early and enjoy some of the rest of the day. The course started on the C&O toe path and headed back towards DC for about 6.25 miles where there were people at a cone beckoning you to turn around. To complete 13.1 miles you needed only head out and back once, for the full marathon you completed the effort twice. As the morning progressed the temperature rose to 40 degrees and had heavy gusts of winds that reached 50 mph. It was a whirl wind of a day. For us Miamians this was brrrrrr. Thankfully the weather held up with Sunny skies. I decided to only run the half marathon and managed it in about 93 minutes getting 4th overall for the day. I had already run in Marylands Baltimore Marathon twice so the half was good enough for me. Nicole finished her 33rd US State about 5 hours later. Poor thing had blisters from her knew Asics Nimbus shoes and was glad to be finished. The park otherwise was beautiful and had many other enthusiasts walking and biking on the toe path during the race, which had approximately 230 participants in the 3 waves. I thought it was well organized. There were bagels, bananas, goo, water, gator aid every 2 miles, and a BBQ after you finished your run. Although the BBQ was mostly cold by 10-11am, when there were still runners on the course at 2pm. read more

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This definitely seems like a popular place for locals in the DMV area. In addition, there seems to be many classes here for outdoor ropes so if you want to try outdoor climbing in the carderock area you might be able to find a class through a local area. I personally prefer bouldering and think that the cliffs are manageable to do traverse routes. They can be pretty fun. If you boulder I wouldn't try topping out here unless you're confident in yourself/have the stamina/are at a point of no return on your climb. If you fall after I don't think a crash pad will be of much help. read more

Carderock Recreational Area - Southern face cliff for climbing/bouldering - Parks Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

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I thoroughly enjoyed the hike here. From one of the parking lots, it's only a mile and a half walk to the Great Falls. Really pleasant walk along the original Towpath of the Chesapeake and Potomac canal. Just a great day for hiking and a great walk to the falls. Would definitely return for more! read more

This was a lovely and unexpected find on a Sunday. Great Falls on the VA side was full so we looked into what the Maryland side had to offer. We arrived midday and found 3 different parking areas available, all with open spaces. It seems like you can have organized events here (there was a large photography organization having a picnic when we were there) or impromptu picnics. There were plenty of small groups doing the latter. There are plenty of grills and picnic tables. You can access the tow path from here as well as the Billy Goat Trail. Be mindful this is a no trash park so make a plan for discarding any you might have. There are also bathrooms here that were kept relatively clean. We look forward to revisiting with a picnic in the future. read more

Beautiful and really lovely park and recreational area running along the Potomac River. You can pick up the Billy Goat Trail, go rock climbing or boulder hopping, or kayaking. Fair amount of parking and entry is free. read more

Great area for organized events or unplanned picnics and barbecues after a nice hike or jog along the C&O Canal. There are at least three different parking areas near the picnics tables, and one bathroom with 3 flushing toilets in the women's side (not an outhouse, yay!). The covered pavilion area can be rented out at a cost, but everything else is pretty much first come first serve. The trees offer plenty of shade in the summer and even slight coverage when it's drizzling. read more

This is a fantastic area along the river for rock climbing, hiking a short trail, or picnicking. There is free parking and it's very accessible from the DC metro area. I came here for the outdoor climbing, and loved it. There are climbs of various difficulties, and some with great river views as well. It can get crowded on the weekends, especially if a climbing class has arrived early and taken up a lot of climbing spots. Enjoy!! read more

I did the Billy Goat Trail section A and it was maybe my favorite D.C. Hike. It has consistent views of the river, enough challenge to be a good workout, and enough shade to be enjoyable. The trail is classified as easy on Mid-Atlantic hiking sites but note there are some scrambles that were a little challenging but fun. Can't wait to do the other sections! read more