TAP-DC Fall Hike on the Billy Goat Trail (Section A)
Join TAP-DC for a challenging but rewarding fall hike on the Billy Goat Trail Section A. Enjoy the fall foliage and fun rock scrambles.
Join TAP-DC for a scenic and challenging fall hike along the Potomac River on the popular Billy Goat Trail (Section A)! We'll enjoy beautiful fall foliage 🍂, take in the views along the river, and tackle some fun rock scrambles 👐.
This hike offers incredible rewards for those prepared for the challenge! It's a fantastic way to experience one of the DMV's most iconic trails and connect with fellow adventurers. Be a goat! 🐐
⚠️ IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING UP:
Beginner hikers are welcome. However, please take note that some people describe this trail as strenuous. It involves significant scrambling over rocks and boulders and includes a steep ~50 ft high ascent up a cliff face (using hands and feet). For experienced hikers, this may be considered a moderate trail.
Assess your comfort level. Most people in reasonable fitness do just fine on this trail, and you will be with experienced hikers to help guide you. However, if you have any concerns about your own ability, please review these resources to help understand the terrain:
- NPS trail details: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm
- Video overview of the trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGaPQKsdltk
Required Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots with good grip are mandatory. Bring ample water (at least 2 liters per person), snacks/food, and a backpack to carry everything. Dress in weather-appropriate layers.
THE DETAILS
- 📅 Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 (Daylight Savings Time ends!) | 9:30 am to ~1:30 pm
- ⏰ Start Time: Arrive by 9:30 am to allow time for parking. The hike starts at 10 am. Estimated duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours (timing will depend on the group’s pace).
- 📍 Meeting Spot: Outside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (C&O Canal National Park – Potomac, MD)
- 🚶♂️🚶♀️ Hike: Billy Goat Trail (Section A) is ~1.7 miles, rated HARD. The total route is ~5 miles (the remainder is mostly flat).
- 🚗 Carpool: Contact us if you would like help coordinating a ride.
- 🅿️ Parking: Parking lots tend to fill up extremely early on weekends. Please arrive EARLY to secure a spot and meet the group on time. See map graphics below.
- 💲 Cost: Free to attend but the park entrance fee for the main parking is $20 per vehicle. Alternatively there is also a parking lot across from Old Anglers Inn (do NOT park in their private lot) or on Stable Ln or Whiterim Dr nearby. These are farther from the meeting spot.
- 🥾💧 Required Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, layered clothing appropriate for the weather, at least 2 liters of water per person, snacks, and backpack to carry everything in.
- 🚽 Restrooms: Available near the visitor center.
- 🕑 Daylight Savings Time: Remember to set your clocks back one hour the night before. Enjoy the extra sleep!
- ⚠️ Park Status: Due to the federal government shutdown, the national park’s operations may be limited. We are monitoring the status and will provide updates as necessary.
- 🌧 Weather: This event is weather-dependent. Cancellations will be announced via email by 8 am the morning of the hike.
- 😀 Your TAP-DC Host: Andrew
- 🍽️Optional Post-Hike: For those interested, we will pick a place to eat afterward.
- 🎟️ RSVP: A free RSVP on Eventbrite is required for headcount, safety, and communication.
Join TAP-DC for a challenging but rewarding fall hike on the Billy Goat Trail Section A. Enjoy the fall foliage and fun rock scrambles.
Join TAP-DC for a scenic and challenging fall hike along the Potomac River on the popular Billy Goat Trail (Section A)! We'll enjoy beautiful fall foliage 🍂, take in the views along the river, and tackle some fun rock scrambles 👐.
This hike offers incredible rewards for those prepared for the challenge! It's a fantastic way to experience one of the DMV's most iconic trails and connect with fellow adventurers. Be a goat! 🐐
⚠️ IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING UP:
Beginner hikers are welcome. However, please take note that some people describe this trail as strenuous. It involves significant scrambling over rocks and boulders and includes a steep ~50 ft high ascent up a cliff face (using hands and feet). For experienced hikers, this may be considered a moderate trail.
Assess your comfort level. Most people in reasonable fitness do just fine on this trail, and you will be with experienced hikers to help guide you. However, if you have any concerns about your own ability, please review these resources to help understand the terrain:
- NPS trail details: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm
- Video overview of the trail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGaPQKsdltk
Required Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots with good grip are mandatory. Bring ample water (at least 2 liters per person), snacks/food, and a backpack to carry everything. Dress in weather-appropriate layers.
THE DETAILS
- 📅 Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 (Daylight Savings Time ends!) | 9:30 am to ~1:30 pm
- ⏰ Start Time: Arrive by 9:30 am to allow time for parking. The hike starts at 10 am. Estimated duration: 2.5 – 3.5 hours (timing will depend on the group’s pace).
- 📍 Meeting Spot: Outside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (C&O Canal National Park – Potomac, MD)
- 🚶♂️🚶♀️ Hike: Billy Goat Trail (Section A) is ~1.7 miles, rated HARD. The total route is ~5 miles (the remainder is mostly flat).
- 🚗 Carpool: Contact us if you would like help coordinating a ride.
- 🅿️ Parking: Parking lots tend to fill up extremely early on weekends. Please arrive EARLY to secure a spot and meet the group on time. See map graphics below.
- 💲 Cost: Free to attend but the park entrance fee for the main parking is $20 per vehicle. Alternatively there is also a parking lot across from Old Anglers Inn (do NOT park in their private lot) or on Stable Ln or Whiterim Dr nearby. These are farther from the meeting spot.
- 🥾💧 Required Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, layered clothing appropriate for the weather, at least 2 liters of water per person, snacks, and backpack to carry everything in.
- 🚽 Restrooms: Available near the visitor center.
- 🕑 Daylight Savings Time: Remember to set your clocks back one hour the night before. Enjoy the extra sleep!
- ⚠️ Park Status: Due to the federal government shutdown, the national park’s operations may be limited. We are monitoring the status and will provide updates as necessary.
- 🌧 Weather: This event is weather-dependent. Cancellations will be announced via email by 8 am the morning of the hike.
- 😀 Your TAP-DC Host: Andrew
- 🍽️Optional Post-Hike: For those interested, we will pick a place to eat afterward.
- 🎟️ RSVP: A free RSVP on Eventbrite is required for headcount, safety, and communication.