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Hiking the Billy Goat Trail

By Doug Francis

C&O Canal Billy Goat Trail Maryland

A rugged trail

Another interesting hiking trail is the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls.

It only took us about fifteen minutes to drive there from our home in Vienna, and there is plenty of parking at the Great Falls Tavern and Visitor Center which is located in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The hike will take you about two hours, end to end, although you might get distracted by all of the cool vistas of the Potomac River. There is a very nice view of Great Falls just off the C&O Canal near the Tavern.

Billy Goat Trail is rugged with plenty of rocks that must be climbed

You may get a scape or two!

C&O Canal Billy Goat Trail

A view from the tow path

This part of the Potomac River is very interesting since it is where Great Falls has cut through the rocky terrain. The water will be running fast here so do not go into the water any time of year. The NPS has many notices of the dangers of the swift moving current in the Potomac.

The walk along the towpath along the C&O Canal is very interesting too, and is a real treat after scaling rocks for an hour or more. Overall, you should plan for a two to three hour hike so you can enjoy everything there is to see.

Although there are many hikes that I have mentioned here before, this hike should be very high on your list of things to do when living in Northern Virginia. With that in mind, this link to the National Park Service has the map you need to plan your trip to the right spot and the Billy Goat Trail.

If you are looking for an afternoon hike, consider heading over to hike the Billy Goat Trail and I am sure you will have a great time.

Tow Path C&O Canal Maryland

Perfect for an afternoon hike year-round!

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Filed Under: Blog, Living Here Tagged With: Billy Goat Trail, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, Hiking

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

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