Great Falls Park Billy Goat Trail
Theodore Roosevelt Island
GREAT FALLS PARK GREAT FALLS, VA.
Arguably the most dramatic stretch of the Potomac is at Great Falls, 15 miles upstream from Washington. Here, a series of rapids and falls flow from heights of up to 76 feet. The 800-acre national park has a visitor center with a short introductory film, plus exhibits on the area’ s geology, plants and animals.
Get different perspectives of the cascading waters from three overlooks, all within a 10-minute walk of the visitor center.
The park features 15 miles of hiking trails. Ten miles of multi-use trails are open for horseback riding. And five miles of trails, some on former carriage roads, are ideal for cycling. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, but overnighting is not allowed. www. nps. gov / grfa /
RIVER BEND PARK AND NATURE CENTER GREAT FALLS, VA.
Connected to Great Falls Park via a 2-mile trail, the entrance to this scenic and secluded county park is tucked away down a country lane. Jon boat, kayak and canoe rentals, available Friday through
Sunday from mid-May to mid-October, let you get out on the river to explore nearby islands. The park also sports a picnic pavilion and visitor center. Sign up in advance for periodic guided morning and sunset kayak tours. fairfaxcounty. gov / parks / riverbend-park /
SCOTTS RUN NATURE PRESERVE MCLEAN, VA.
This serene and wooded tract has been a treasured spot for in-the-know residents since the 1970s, when it was saved from development by local activists. A 2-mile loop trail winds from the parking area off Georgetown Pike along Scotts Run. It leads to a delightful waterfall that tumbles into the Potomac. The preserve lacks interpretive facilities, but check the website for occasional birding programs and nature walks. fairfaxcounty. gov / parks / scottsrun /
THEODORE ROOSEVELT ISLAND WASHINGTON
A fitting memorial to the 26th president and champion of wilderness lands, the Potomac River island lies between the Key and Roosevelt bridges and is accessible from a small parking lot via a footbridge. A larger-than-life statue of the Great
Conservationist, as Roosevelt was known, adorns a central plaza on the 88-acre island. But most of the terrain is native forest, swampland and tidal marsh. The island was transformed in the 1930s from overgrown farmland to its natural state according to a plan crafted by the great landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Interpretive signage on maintained trails and boardwalks make for leisurely hiking. nps. gov / this /
THE BILLY GOAT TRAIL POTOMAC, MD.
The entire trail is comprised of three sections accessible from the C & O Canal towpath. Section B is moderate and Section C is considered easy. Nevertheless, the most challenging portion, Section A, is also the most popular. It requires scrambling over large boulders and a steep climb along the Potomac’ s Mather Gorge. But the rewards are spectacular river views and a satisfying workout. Allow two to three hours to complete the 1.7-mile hike. This is popular terrain, so it’ s best to set out early if you want to avoid crowds. The route is accessible from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. nps. gov / choh /
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