Great Falls, Billy Goat A - 6.5 Miles: Rock Scramble, Slightly Strenuous Hike

Let's hike the Billy Goat A Trail along the Potomac River. If you have never been on this hike, it is both challenging and rewarding. It is one of my favorite hikes in the local area.

Optional: Fish Taco Restaurant after the hike.

DIRECTIONS: Directions from Baltimore: I95 South to I495 (Silver Spring). Go around the beltway to Exit 41 West (R @ Clara Barton Pkwy); Left at MacArthur Blvd (@T); Park on the lot across from Angler's Inn or by the roadside. DO NOT PARK IN OLD ANGLERS INN LOT, you will most probably get towed. (The address below is for Old Anglers Inn (across the street-again do not park at Anglers).

Parking can be a problem. So you can ride past the Angler Inn and make your first right at Stable Lane. Plenty of parking on the side of the street. You will see me parking there. Next street on Right Hand side is Whiterim Drive. Both streets are less than a 5 minute walk to the meetup site.

I will do my best to to clarify the hike difficulty. If you are an experienced hiker this may be considered a moderate hike. If you are a novice/beginner hiker this will be considered difficult due to the rock scrambling. So do not make this your first or second hike.

**You MUST be able to hike a difficult rock scramble. If you are not able to, please DO NOT sign up for this hike. **

We will meet at the parking lot across from the Old Anglers Inn. From there we will hike to one of the overlooks (which is amazing) and see the waterfalls of the Potomac River, then on to Billy Goat A. The hike to the overlook trails is easy-to-moderate, but Billy Goat A is rated DIFFICULT due to the rock scramble. Upper body strength is also required to navigate the rocks. According to the National Park Service, Billy Goat Trail A is by far the most technical and difficult section of the Billy Goat Trails with spectacular views of the Potomac River.

PETS: NO PETS/DOGS ALLOWED

BRING: Water (2+ liters), and food/snacks. If you don't bring water and snacks you will not be able to join us on the hike. We will stop for approx 20 minutes a little more than half way through at an area with amazing views to rest and eat lunch or snacks you bring.

WEAR: It is important to wear HIKING BOOTS for this hike. Sneakers will NOT suffice.

Rest Room Facilities: There are facilities at the beginning and at the end of the hike. There are none along the trail once we start.

*** IMPORTANT ***

BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS ([https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view](http://clicks.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=XbaZ37larFA-2FuV5MohrYpeeFH8SaLELkoIStEoknzd-2F8ocdenjTgD5soQhFNgggmWva8A0tCKWxpUrYSXDJc0HNd3pwGBIu3iGY9781cqXs-3DZUsn_5HU9VSXfINaig1mgAliT7bZcdaYCO12jq19ifkqRO4A7DIJJeSb9-2FKLm8lq-2FRjh939SQJ6NlTY2LgvZXRtfRmp3bfjWqhqu0wT-2FWGIkWy5kyowTf3bpWRj-2F5RRt9qsSXC30BH72Vr1y7fRmJ246DD2MbtGj5eycR7k9msYih5bIP9tvP4wVPX-2FKqsgDtCSZQw2o3F3EpF-2BrYKH-2B3dvAhB-2FmIjsdgs-2BCznNJU7Xyd-2FKafw2ja-2BmCN189XAKtKWF04SY5jet-2BNMUn96TFLFt05k9QPugr7ytnehT-2FnD8KmYEnXoSBhyENsOEUes8cfIokgK0FHF0xlvA6b5FTSDkHljzLUgsr-2BwupNXl7Pz7fanHe-2FuECvRRrbzeUBPZNRfe2oH344ki9cKKyiKtnu2sRpiLPxgT4wRwy20mb3dGNP98GzdzVvHealc7rOF0W6j0waj7kZ1XUsdwP3ekwktMwSg-2BHZiyYG3nMeWBNppzAdNC4-2FNvMrgX7EgCUDGndOLJuzhmT8zriWoSvOMIi2VzgqtpiFEFmTBmjhNpH8Y22bNbrrFw7nfqQR3Do-2Butg5pE7SbLdH-2F5OJqIAtZvZD7IeOCeO7ZE7f-2B3-2FhFVvjXswZUl4zCVZ0PVtxCAUkYaVlttq32hw7DQL3vHyxOOntsQYsxQ-3D-3D)) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

COVID-19 GUIDELINES

• This event is limited to members who have been vaccinated for COVID-19.
• If you don't feel well, have a cough or cold, or may have been exposed to any type of flu in the last 14 days, please stay home.

Thank you for your cooperation and please be safe!