Difficulty Level: Strenuous
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Chapter: DC Region

Disclaimer:The club and its members take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during club events. Outdoor sports are inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By joining the club or participating in any events posted on the GayOutdoors web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. Anyone with an internet connection can post a trip on the GayOutdoors web site. It is your responsibility to determine if this person has the experience and competence to lead the trip. GayOutdoors does not certify or confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.

SUMMARY:

Begin this hike along the towpath of the historic Cheasapeake and Ohio Canal, completed in 1850 after 22 years of work and mishap, and operated for 73 years between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. The blue-blazed Billy Goat Trial turns toward the Potomac River at Widewater (a natural wide basin where the barges were able to pass) and leads backwards in history 180 million years to the time when the palisades of the Potomac were first forming. The trail skirts the edge of Bear Island, passing giant potholes as it follows along the top of the cliffs of Mather Gorge. This portion of the hike is quite rugged and necessitates a good bit of rock scrambling. The blue blazed painted on the rocks help to locate the route. The return trip is an easy stroll along the towpath. Although this hike is only 4 miles in length, it may be rather slow going on the rocks - and the view will invite you to stay awhile.

Bring plenty of water and any food/snacks you may want.  The terrain is quite rocky in places so decent shoes are a safety must.

Driving directions to the location and spot to meet at:

Meet at my place at 8:30 am to carpool over to Potomac.  The address is 2001 15th Street N, located 2 blocks from the court house metro stop on the orange line.  Alternatively, meet at the southern Billy Goat Trail section A trailhead (the one closest to Angler's Inn) at 9:30 am.

Driving directions to Great Falls: From I495: Take the first exit from I495 on the Maryland side of the American Legion (Cabin John) bridge. Follow the ramp to the Clara Barton Parkway westbound towards Carderock. Take the Parkway to its end and turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. The first stop sign will be Brickyard Road. Continue straight until the road starts to turn to the right.  Park at the free area across from Angler's Inn, or if desiring to go to the main Great Falls parking lot remain on MacArthur Blvd, turning left at its intersection with Falls Road and continue to the end of the road. There is an entrance fee of $5.00 to enter the main Great Falls parking lot.

MEMBERS SIGNED UP FOR THIS EVENT:

Active List:
BlueKrypton Age: 38 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Arlington , VA United States	Send Email
Nico69 Age: 40 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate Harrisburg , PA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)
chahamlim Age: 53 Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous Arlington , VA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Willing to give guys a ride)
TonyWilliams Age: 44 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Fairfax , VA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
BriggsBB Age: 50 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Arlington , VA United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Yes - possibly willing to give guys a ride)	I'm in north arlington if anyone needs a ride.
robhenhar Age: 45 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Arlington , VA United States	Send Email I Already Have A Ride	Just joined, so no pic yet
trichamp Age: 43 Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous Washington , DC United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Possibly willing to give guys a ride)
cdott Age: 37 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous Fairfax , VA United States	Send Email I Already Have A Ride
kodi75 Age: 45 Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate White Marsh , MD United States	Send Email Driving My Own Car (Possibly willing to give guys a ride)	would have gone but thought i had to work!