Billy Goat Trail Hike - Section B

Billy Goat Trail Hike - Section B

The beloved Billy Goat Trail actually comprises three separate hikes - Sections A, B and C. Section A is the most famous; it's THE Billy Goat Trail. You know, the one with the steep rock seam, multiple rock scrambles, great river views, and scores of hikers.

However, we're going to take the trail less traveled - Section B - with one gentle rock seam, just a few rock scrambles, great river views, and many fewer hikers.

Our moderate ~3.5 mile hike will start with an easy 1.5 mile flat walk along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath to get to the West End trailhead of Section B. If we're lucky, we'll spot some waterfowl on the canal including mallards and hooded mergansers, as well as pileated woodpeckers in the woods.

Once on Section B we'll meander along the trail for about a mile and a half. While mostly flat, the trail does have a few ups and downs, lots of roots and rocks, and one small stream crossing with stepping stones.

For most of Section B, we'll be overlooking the Potomac River and enjoying some lovely views. We'll stop for a brown bag lunch at a rock outcropping overlooking the river. After emerging back onto the C&O Towpath from Section B we'll walk another .5 mile back to the parking lot. 

Sorry, no doggies on this hike. 

You'll definitely want to wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, and hiking poles will come in handy in more than a few places. Binoculars would be fun to have on this hike.

This free activity is open to members and non-members of Women Outdoors. Non-members are welcome to attend two WO events as guests. On your third event, we'll ask you to join the Mid-Atlantic Region of Women Outdoors. You can also join right now by clicking on this Join Us link.

IMPORTANT - The automatic confirmation email is the only email you will receive about this event. It will have the specific meeting location and the names and contact information for the trip leaders (SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL). Be sure and save it or print it out in case there is not good cell service at the event location.

RSVP and Cancellation – PLEASE READ:

If you register but then are unable to attend, please cancel your registration. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. 

If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader (see your confirmation email for contact details) and let her know who it is who is calling/texting.

To Cancel: Go to your Registration List

• Click on this event in your list.
• Click on the Already registered link under the REGISTER button.
• At the next page that opens with your registration form, click on the CANCEL REGISTRATION button, and then again click on Cancel Registration on the pop-up form.