Hiking Section A of the Billy Goat Trail

The trip did not go as planned due to water levels, but we had a great plan B. I'm looking forwards to this trip and others this year. It seems that I cannot down-load all the pictures that I took. If anyone want more, just send me your e-mail and I'll be glad to send them :)

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.