I’m 68 now, and coming back to the Great Falls always brings back memories. Years ago, I used to walk these trails with my dog (tony), and it was our favorite spot. The sound of the water, the overlook views, and the peaceful paths made it a place where I could clear my head and just enjoy the moment. The trails are well-kept, the views of the falls are as powerful as ever, and there’s just something grounding about being out here. For me, it’s more than just a hike; it’s a piece of my life I’ve carried with me. (he was the old tony)

I’m 68 now, and coming back to the Great Falls always brings back memories. Years ago, I used to walk these trails with my dog (tony), and it was our favorite spot. The sound of the water, the overlook views, and the peaceful paths made it a place where I could clear my head and just enjoy the moment. The trails are well-kept, the views of the falls are as powerful as ever, and there’s just something grounding about being out here. For me, it’s more than just a hike; it’s a piece of my life I’ve carried with me. (he was the old tony)

Nature at its best, very central, pay NULL and come multiple times for a week. The Parks rangers are very freidnly, guide you very well. The falls are multiple and walk along the track, its beautiful and full of Instagram moments.

Nature at its best, very central, pay NULL and come multiple times for a week. The Parks rangers are very freidnly, guide you very well. The falls are multiple and walk along the track, its beautiful and full of Instagram moments.

Hiking enthusiasts should not miss out on the Billy Goat Trail in Potomac, Maryland. This trail combines challenging rock scrambles, scenic river views, and diverse wildlife, making it an exciting adventure for people of all ages.

Hiking enthusiasts should not miss out on the Billy Goat Trail in Potomac, Maryland. This trail combines challenging rock scrambles, scenic river views, and diverse wildlife, making it an exciting adventure for people of all ages.

This is better than the Virginia side, especially during the sunset. We weren’t planning to stop, but we finished our plans for the day early and decided to swing by. Was awesome to see and one of the high lights from our trip.

This is better than the Virginia side, especially during the sunset. We weren’t planning to stop, but we finished our plans for the day early and decided to swing by. Was awesome to see and one of the high lights from our trip.

This place is absolutely gorgeous! The overlook is accessible via the C&O canal path (best place to park is at the Great Falls Tavern, big parking lot right off the trail). The path in this portion is a bit more dirt/gravel, so not a perfectly smooth surface. I’d suggest coming early in the day (think 8 am or so) if you want to avoid large groups of people.

If you’re riding a bicycle on the trail, do everyone a favor and ring a bell/say on your left when you’re approaching/passing people. We were almost taken out by someone who didn’t announce themselves and decided to squeeze through a small area between us and another person walking the opposite direction. It’s your job as a cyclist to make sure that nobody gets hurt and it doesn’t take much.

If you’re planning on going on the Billy Goat Trail, it’s a bit further down the path (you’ll see a structure crossing over the trail, it’s right before that). I can’t emphasize this enough, please make sure you’re prepared for this hike before going on it. Don’t wear regular tennis shoes if you value your ankles and general well being. This trail is covered in lots of rocks and it is incredibly easy to slip on them if you’re not careful. Pets aren’t allowed on the trail to protect them and everyone else. Near the end of part of the loop, you come up to a large rock face on the left with the blue blaze going up the rock (picture attached). You’re meant to follow the crack along the rock, there are a good amount of hand holds/places for your feet so it shouldn’t be an issue if you go slowly and have the right shoes. There is no other way to continue the trail without climbing this ledge, so keep that in mind.

This place is absolutely gorgeous! The overlook is accessible via the C&O canal path (best place to park is at the Great Falls Tavern, big parking lot right off the trail). The path in this portion is a bit more dirt/gravel, so not a perfectly smooth surface. I’d suggest coming early in the day (think 8 am or so) if you want to avoid large groups of people.

If you’re riding a bicycle on the trail, do everyone a favor and ring a bell/say on your left when you’re approaching/passing people. We were almost taken out by someone who didn’t announce themselves and decided to squeeze through a small area between us and another person walking the opposite direction. It’s your job as a cyclist to make sure that nobody gets hurt and it doesn’t take much.

If you’re planning on going on the Billy Goat Trail, it’s a bit further down the path (you’ll see a structure crossing over the trail, it’s right before that). I can’t emphasize this enough, please make sure you’re prepared for this hike before going on it. Don’t wear regular tennis shoes if you value your ankles and general well being. This trail is covered in lots of rocks and it is incredibly easy to slip on them if you’re not careful. Pets aren’t allowed on the trail to protect them and everyone else. Near the end of part of the loop, you come up to a large rock face on the left with the blue blaze going up the rock (picture attached). You’re meant to follow the crack along the rock, there are a good amount of hand holds/places for your feet so it shouldn’t be an issue if you go slowly and have the right shoes. There is no other way to continue the trail without climbing this ledge, so keep that in mind.