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Great Falls – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Great Falls – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Easy

4.6

(1536)

8,293

riders

Great Falls – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

01:27

23.2km

120m

Gravel riding

Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 13, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.92 km

Great Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Enjoy easy access to the Great Falls, a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and expert kayakers. Though not exceptionally tall, the falls surge with force as the Potomac River carves through ancient, metamorphic rock.

Tip by

2.59 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.

Tip by

4.22 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

6.81 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Trail is a 184.5 miles trail that runs alongside the C&O Canal. It is made of a mix of dirt and gravel. As it follows along with the canal, there are no steep gradients no matter the direction you are running.

Tip by

9.87 km

Sycamore Island

Highlight • Natural

Just off the C & O Canal towpath there are two islands (Sycamore Island & Ruppert Island), they are owned by the Sycamore Island Club. This private club maintains the island (Sycamore Island mainly, Ruppert Island is home to beavers, cormorants, geese and other wildlife) and uses it for recreational and social purposes. The Club was founded in 1885 and uses a small ferry to access the island. More information on sycamoreisland.clubexpress.com.

Tip by

11.0 km

Little Falls Dam

Highlight • Monument

The Little Falls Dam is a low dam built in the Potomac in 1959. It now separates the Upper Potomac River and Lower Potomac River, forming the Little Falls Reservoir.
Due to the undercurrent of the Potomac created by the dam's design, it is very dangerous for swimmers and boaters.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

11.7 km

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Highlight • Monument

One of the locks (#6 of 75) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. These should ensure the shipping traffic between Cumberland and Washington to transport coal.
The lock keeper's houses next to the lock have been restored and can be used as overnight accommodation.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

23.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

20.2 km

2.92 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

13.3 km

6.93 km

2.77 km

154 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (90 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 13 August

32°C

22°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Great Falls – Billy Goat Trail Section C loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Great Falls

Billy Goat Trail Section C

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail

Sycamore Island

Little Falls Dam

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

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