Hiking on the Billy Goat A Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
NOTE: Sections of the towpath, locks and other historical structures, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are constantly being closed due to damage and/or repair. When planning an adventure within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, make sure that areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.
In addition to the 184.5 miles of canal towpath that visitors to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park can hike, there are sixteen miles of traditional hiking trails. Fourteen miles of these are situated in the Great Falls area of the park. The only other trail is at the Paw Paw Tunnel at Mile 155 on the C&O Canal towpath (mileposts similar to those on highways denote mileage along the towpath).
The entire towpath is part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and a short section near Harper’s Ferry overlaps with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Both of these are part of the National Park system.
The following is a list of trails that I hiked while at the park. The only trail of any significance that I did not cover was the 1.5-mile (one way) Berma Road. All others that I did not hike were short trails that connected two major trails together.
Gold Mine Spur + Gold Mine Loop Trail + Falls Road Spur + Overlook Trail + Lock 19 Spur Loop Hike
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Last updated on June 7, 2024
