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.

VerifiedNational park unit
Billy Goat Trail boulders overlooking Mather Gorge
User:CydeCC BY-SA 3.0
Before you go

Wet or icy rock on Section A is a real fall hazard — do not attempt in those conditions regardless of schedule.

Time needed
2–3.5 hrs
Distance
4 mi approx.
Difficulty
Hard
Cost
Fee applies
Booking
Not needed
Where
Washington, D.C.

What it is

A demanding Potomac Gorge scramble over exposed rock ledges, followed by a flatter return on the historic canal towpath.

  • LocationChesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  • ActivityHiking · Rock scramble
  • DifficultyHard
  • CostGreat Falls area entrance fee may apply
  • BookingNot required
  • Best seasonSpring 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

We link out rather than copying details that change. These are the sources worth checking before you commit to the drive.

What we have not researched yet

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

If this one does not fit

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The Greenbelt, a series of parks and trails in central Staten Island, NY
Dorothy ReillyCC BY-SA 4.0

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Hiking · Forest · New York City

A closed-loop woodland hike through the central Greenbelt, giving visitors a genuinely rugged trail experience without leaving New York City.

2–3 hrs4 miModerateFree

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Verified on against National Park Service. Conditions, closures, fees, and operator schedules change — recheck before you travel.