Great Falls: Billy Goat Trail Megan Cramer Geosci 010: Extra Credit #1

The Experience

The Billy Goat Trail is in Potomac, Maryland and is a 4.7 mile hike. My friends and I have been hiking the trail for years now, and return throughout the entire year. Upon visiting so many times, we have discovered more destinations a little off the trail’s route. Many of these sites we have found locks from the C&O canal that mark back all the way to the early 1900s. In this presentation I have included pictures I have posted on Instagram from some of our favorite sites off the trail during various seasons.

Off the Billy Goat Trail

These are two pictures that are taken in the same location that is near the end of the Billy Goat Trail. We found this spot by chance, and it is one of my friends and my favorite place to escape. The interesting thing about this spot is that across the water (the Potomac River) is actually Virginia, where Great Falls is actually located. We climb down the rocks and cool off in the calm waters.

The Great Falls This is a picture of the

actual Great Falls in Virginia. Some parts of the falls are very rocky and have a harsh current such as this part of the falls, but people will often go kayaking along the Potomac.

C&O Canal: Fall & Winter

Once it gets cold, the actual Great Falls park

closes, but during Thanksgiving and

Christmas break last year, my friends and I

still visited some of the different locks

along the Canal that are in Maryland. To

the left is a picture in the Fall and to the

right is a picture from Winter.

Relaxation At Its FinestProbably the best part of living in Potomac is being able to venture around on bikes or walking to find new beautiful spots. Here are a few pictures of some of these bike adventures.

Conclusion

Ever since my friends and I got our licenses, we have been driving to different locks along the Canal. I feel thankful that I live in such a geologically beautiful area with so much nature. There will always be more to discover at the C&O Canal and Great Falls. For many years to come I look forward to taking new people to the Falls to share the beauty with them as well.