You’ll find great hiking and breathtaking scenery at Great Falls.

With access from I-495 (Capital Beltway) it's surprisingly easy to get to such a remarkable area highlight. Enjoy a hike on the multi-use paths, many fit for biking, horseback riding, and dog walking (provided pets are kept on a 6-foot leash). Rock climbing and kayaking are also permitted here.

The Maryland side, part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, boasts the locally beloved Billy Goat trail and other trails visitors of all ages will enjoy. The Billy Goat trail is most appropriate for experienced hikers or families with older kids. A one-to-one parent or caretaker-to-child ratio is highly recommended to ensure safety when hiking with kids. It is a formidable 8-mile trail that can be challenging in sections. Do not forget your bottled water.

The C&O Canal towpath, on the other hand, offers gentle terrain perfect for a family walk or biking excursion. At the Visitor’s Center, families can sign up for one-hour mule-drawn canal boat rides too and obviously access water fountains and restroom facilities. 

We love taking a picnic and making a day of our visits to Great Falls.  It's fun to see the way the landscape changes throughout the seasons.  It' almost feels like you're visiting a new place on a sunny day vs. a cloudy day or summer vs. fall.  Stop at Moby Dick House of Kabob's Potomac location on your way to pick up a picnic or on your way out for dinner! It's less than a ten-minute ride from the trailhead.