In order to celebrate their birthday, all National Parks sites had free entry today. I hope you all were luckier than me and had a chance to #optoutside instead of sitting behind a computer all day (regretting not playing hooky!)
Great Falls Park is located on the Potomac and has both a Maryland and Virginia entrance. There are numerous trails inside the park, including the C&O Canal. By far, the most popular route, as well as most challenging, in the park is Billy Goat Trail A. This is about a 4 mile moderate hike that starts on the Maryland side.
The hike for Trail A starts off easy, just a winding path through some trees (follow the blue blaze). Soon enough, the rock scrambling will start and at some points, you’ll be hopping from rock to rock. (Honestly it just hit me while writing this… Billy Goat… balancing on rocks… ya nailed it NPS!) At one point, you will have to scramble up a 50 foot traverse that NPS warns about on signs leading up to it. It looks somewhat daunting when you are standing below, but once you are on it, it’s not too bad—just take your time to get your footing!
In general, you shouldn’t rush through this hike! Not only so you don’t slip leaping from rock to rock, but also lots to check out as you make your way along the trail—whitewater kayakers, rock climbers, little vernal pools…
If you think A may be a little too ambitious for you, you have the option of B and/or C which don’t require rock hopping. Check out NPS, as you can even loop them together if you want!
Being such a scenic hike, as well as so close to DC… this park gets busy!! I mean it’s for good reason, the park is great and has something for every fitness level. I highly suggest getting there before 9am (and even earlier if you want some solitude). Otherwise, be prepared for the dreaded car line to get in!
The last time I went to Great Falls was about a month ago where I met up with the Mountain Chicks Virginia Group. If you aren’t familiar, they are a nationwide group meant to empower women to explore and conquer mountains! Check them out here to join a group in your area.
before ya go to great falls:
hours: 7am to 30 minutes past sunset
cost: $10 per car
note: the park is dog friendly (on leash), but Billy Goat Trail A does prohibit dogs. A lot of this trail is not covered by trees, so be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Also, be aware this is a pack in pack out park! In other words… no trash cans!
