Great Falls Overlook – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Great Falls Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Great Falls Overlook – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Great Falls Park

Hard

2.9

(16)

hikers

Great Falls Overlook – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Great Falls Park

05:52

22.1km

140m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 7.53 km for 26 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.28 km

Great Falls Observation Platform

Highlight • Viewpoint

Washington Aqueduct Dam: A water supply dam for Washington, D.C. located just above the Great Falls.

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5.84 km

Great Falls Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a spectacular waterfall on the Potomac River. Water gushes over a series of jagged rocks and flows through the Mather Gorge.

The falls are surrounded by an 800-acre park of the same name – a lovely place to go exploring! 15 miles (24 km) of trails run through the park.

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6.22 km

Viewpoint

7.27 km

View of the Potomac River Gorge from the Billy Goat Trail

Highlight • Viewpoint

This spot on the Billy Goat Trail offers a stunning view of the Potomac River. It's the perfect spot for a quick break and a nice photoshoot.

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7.34 km

Beautiful Trail Segment

Highlight (Segment) • River

This segment is the more strenuous part of the hike. Good hiking shoes recommended as it is required to hike through a rocky section. It includes jumping from rocks to rocks, some modest scrambling up a 50' traverse. Basically everything that makes a hike fun. But still caution, a good level of fitness is needed.

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8.61 km

Downstream view of the Potomac River

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great view downstream over the Potomac. Unfortunately doesn't work well for sunrise photography, as the view is facing too much south east. Still mesmerizing view with early fog and fish jumping out of the water.

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12.0 km

Billy Goat Trail Section C

Highlight • Trail

Section C of the Billy Goat Trail is located in Potomac, Maryland, and is a popular hiking route known for its scenic river views and relatively easier terrain. Stretching 1.6 miles, this section is less challenging than Section A and features wooded paths, some rock outcroppings, and a small waterfall, making it ideal for hikers looking to enjoy nature without the technical demands of the other sections. Pets are allowed on this trail.

The Billy Goat Trail is divided into three sections: A, B, and C, each with distinct characteristics. While Section A is known for its technical difficulty and Section B is currently closed due to flood damage (as of summer, 2024), Section C offers a more accessible hike. Parking for Section C is available at the Carderock recreation area.

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14.6 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

19.1 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Extending for 184.5 miles along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, this trail was initially constructed for mules to tow boats along the waterway. However, it has since transformed into a remarkable hiking trail, offering picturesque views along its entire length.

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20.3 km

Lock 15 and View of the Potomac River

Highlight • River

Lock 15 marks the beginning of the "Six Locks" series, which raises the canal 50 feet past Great Falls. Built from red sandstone boulders transported from Seneca, these locks differ from the other granite-built "Seven Locks." From Lock 15, hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the Potomac River.

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