Billy Goat Trail -

Here's a post that will shine a light on a side of Jeff very few knows exists...the outdoorsy side.  Really, I am not making this up. 

On Friday, April 22nd, the kids had the day off from school and I had off from my various part-time jobs.  Jeff took the day off from work so we could all spend it together.   We were brainstorming things to do and Jeff suggested we do the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls.  Here is a description of what the 7.8 mile long Billy Goat Trail is:  "The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most well known hikes in the Metro D.C. area, and for good reason. With nearly a mile of fun rock-hopping, and spectacular views of the Potomac River along the way, this circuit is loads of fun with plenty to see. We have the circuit rated as only a for difficulty, but be prepared to jump from rock to rock."  

Please understand Jeff has never done the Billy Goat Trail.  He barely does the milder trails of Great Falls.  And its always a struggle to get him to want to participate in those.  But I think over the years he's seen me regularly hike it and wants to know what all the fuss is about.  Plus, there was a time in the recent past when I had made plans to take the kids on my own, but we woke up and it was raining that day.  Yes, Jeff definitely wanted to see what I will inevitably subject the kids too.

There is a  website that breaks down the trail and describes what to expect.

• Mile 0.0 – From the parking area at Great Falls Park follow the path past the Great Falls Tavern and Visitors Center, cross over to the C&O Canal at Lock 19, then follow the C&O canal down to the entrance for the Billy Goat A Trail 50 yards before the covered Stop Gate.
• Mile 0.9 - Turn right onto the Billy Goat A Trail where shortly it starts paralleling the Potomac River. The Potomac River is approximately 50ft below at this point. From here the trail becomes more of a rock-hop then arrives at Trail Marker 1.
• Mile 1.4 - Trail Marker 1 is the point where the rock-hopping becomes more intense. There is a National Park sign warning hikers that 'Many hikers are injured every year on this section of the Billy Goat A Trail' so be prepared for a little more scrabbling. Between Markers 1 and 2 you also need to climb the 50ft traverse mentioned on the Trail Marker 1 sign. Although this might look slightly intimidating to some people, once on the traverse it's not that difficult.
• Mile 1.9 - From Trail Marker 2 the scrambling diminishes, and the trail descends to the river bank where there is a nice beach area. DO NOT be tempted to wade into the water as the currents are deceptively strong, and you can be quickly washed down stream. Continue along the trail passing a wetland, small pond, then crossing a small log bridge. On the opposite side of the log bridge is Trail Marker 3.
• Mile 2.2 - From Trail Marker 3 there is one more spectacular panorama of the Potomac River before the trail becomes more gentle passing by Sherwin Island and arriving back at the C&O Canal.
• Mile 2.5 - Turn right on the C&O Canal following it for 0.6 miles to the entrance of the Billy Goat B Trail.
• Mile 2.8 - Turn right on the Billy Boat B Trail. The trail is considerably more leisurely than the Billy Goat A Trail, with only a small section of rock-hopping where the trail passes Hermit Island. Where the Potomac River passes Hermit Island is a favorite spot for Paddle Boarders surfing the river wakes. Continue on the trail passing the Marsden Tract Campground, then arrive back at the C&O Canal.
• Mile 4.4 - Now turn left on the C&O Canal heading back towards Great Falls. In 1.1 miles reach the Anglers Parking Area bridge over the C&O Canal.
• Mile 5.5 - Cross the Anglers parking area bridge and ascend the wooden steps to the Berma Rd Trail. Turn left on the Berma Rd Trail for 1.4 miles to the intersection of the white blazed Overlook Spur Trail.
• Mile 6.9 - Turn right uphill on the Overlook Spur Trail for 120 yards to the intersection of the yellow blazed Overlook Trail. Turn Left on the Overlook Trail. You will pass a unmarked side trail to an overlook of Great Falls, then continue to the main overlook at a switchback on the trail. Continue now downhill to the Lock 19 Trail intersection.
• Mile 7.5 - Turn left at the Lock 19 Trail and follow it back down to the main Great Falls Park area. Continue past the Great Falls Tavern and Visitors Center back to the parking area.
• Mile 7.8 - Arrive back at the parking area.

My friends and I always do the first half, going in one entrance and coming out the 2nd, further entrance to make our way back to the car.   It averages to be about 4 miles, plus a little more than a mile added on for the walk from the car and back.  It's an awesome hike with series of challenging climbs on the rocks.  Once you are done, there is nothing like that feeling that you've gotten a great workout and had fun too!

Jeff suggested we go to the 1.4 mile marker and then turn around before it gets too treacherous.  The part leading up to the 1.4 mile marker was awesome.  The kids were loving it.  Jeff was doing a good job hiding his I'm-way-outside-my-comfort-zone,-but-I'm-going-to-hang-in-there-for-the-wife-and-kids-look.  And I had a smile on my face as wide as a mile thrilled we were taking advantage of being outdoors, getting fresh air and exercise. 

Of course, we had on us snacks, drinks and a first aid kit should something happen.  We could get stranded on the Billy Goat Trail for a week and we'd have enough to survive.

We made it to the point where Jeff had determined in advance would be a good spot to turn around.   But we were doing great on time and the kids were having a blast.  So we decided to go bit further and see how "treacherous" it could get.  10 minutes later, Jeff was done with a capital "D".  We turned around and made our way back to the car.   The kids definitely want to come back and do the whole thing.  Jeff has said it will be without him. 

It was a great morning, followed by lunch at Panera Bread. One last hurrah before Passover began that evening. We ended up hiking for about 1.5 hours.  This went better than I could've expected.   Sam was shocked that Jeff was the one who suggested our activity.  And all Ian kept saying was "Thank you for taking us."