C & O Canal Adventures Part 4: Washington County

Hike Date: June 12th, 2011

So after a drive out to Fort Frederick and Big Pool we did some of the hiking along a small beaver pond and the C&O Canal.  Big Pool is a lake for those of you not familiar with the area so don't be suprised that there isn't any diving boards or lifeguards when you get there!  The area is very popular for kayaking, fishing, and biking.  The trails were flat, mosquitoes were hungry, but that didn't stop us from hiking a few miles!  There were several turtles seen along the canal and we were even treated to a wild turkey gobbling as we hiked along!   Not a bad place to visit but not much to offer in the way of hiking and variety in scenery.

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Billy Goats in Maryland?

Hike date: June 9th, 2011

Mather Gorge

Rocky Section of Billy Goat A Blue Blaze in pic

One of the most challenging and rewarding day hikes near DC is right along the C & O Canal at Great Falls, MD.  If you are native to the Greater DC area, you've probably heard about this trail.  Billy Goat Trail A offers a variety of flat terrain and some moderate rock climbing for a nice hike/work out.  Even though dogs, horses, and bikes are prohibited on the trail, expect some company.  Due to the areas proximity to DC it attracts a lot of visitors just to see the Falls area so our best advice is to avoid this hike on the weekends if possible.