Billy Goat Trail Round 2

"Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb." ~Greg Child

We headed back out to the Billy Goat Trail yesterday. This time we made sure we considered the entire distance we’d be hiking including the tow path segments and got an earlier start at about 10:30am. We parked across from Old Angler’s Inn (in between Sections A & B of the Billy Goat Trail) and hiked along the tow path to the far end of Section A (Just past Lock 16). This way we’d be hiking the opposite direction from the first time we did Section A and be working our way back toward the car as opposed to moving further and further away from the car. It took us close to two hours to complete Section A. Personally, I found that the “scariest” portion of Section A was worse going this direction because instead of working our way down we had to make our way up and somehow the distance/height seemed a bit more intimidating when you’re looking up at it. I also found it difficult to place my feet a couple times working my way up, which I don’t remember from the first time. Got my first battle wound (a decent sized bruise just below my right knee from scraping it against a rock while climbing up). Aside from that we made it through without any major difficulties.

After completing Section A, we walked along the tow path to the start of Section B. We had planned to eat the lunches we packed somewhere along Section B, but had trouble finding a spot that wasn’t either super sunny or in the way of other people who might be going through the trail. Section B also seemed to be shorter than we remembered going this way because before we knew it we found ourselves back at the tow path with our lunches still packed in our backpacks. We decided to start our walk back to the parking lot and realized we were running low on water. Luckily we discovered a water fountain located on the opposite side of the canal. You’ll pass the Marsden Campground (on your left if you’re coming from the East End of Section B) and shortly after that you’ll see the bridge (on your right if you’re coming from the East End of Section B) that will lead you to water (Note: this is not the bridge that leads you to the parking lot across from Old Angler’s Inn). We filled our Camelbaks and debated whether or not to venture back through Section A, but ultimately decided to return to the car to picnic in the trunk “tailgating-style”.

Things Learned This Hike:

∙ Nike Alvord 8’s are a much better shoe choice than previous hikes’ shoe choices. They’re trail runners and offer much better protection for the soles of my feet. They’re less flexible than my previous shoe choices, which took a little getting used to for me.

∙ When you’re considering time of day for a hike, you should consider placement of the sun. Last time we did this hike (late afternoon), most of it was relatively shady, but that proved untrue this time around. Sunscreen should be applied generously prior to starting hike and possibly throughout hike depending on the time spent in the sun.

∙ Entering a trail from the opposite end can make the hike seem like a whole new experience even if you’ve done the trail before.

All in all, another successful adventure into the forest! Upcoming hikes include: US National Arboretum, a segment of the Appalachian Trail (Crampton’s Gap to Harpers Ferry), and a Monuments in the Moonlight Hike (all sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Meet Up Group)!

Great Falls Trail Map