Berma Road to Billy Goat Trail Section A

This is a moderate 4-mile hike minutes from the hustle and bustle of our nation's capitol. For a place so close to a major metropolis, this place is truly magical. Wild power and natural beauty are on display here as you watch the Potomac force its way through the rocky crags of Great Falls and the narrows just above Mather Gorge. As you hike along, you can witness extreme sports like whitewater kayaking and rock climbing firsthand, while at the same time study the micro-ecosystems of the never-ending vernal pools scattered along Billy Goat Trail Section A.While it's always stunning to experience, all of this power and beauty has its price: crowds. Since the C&O Canal runs straight through the middle of the park, any reasonably suitable day for being outdoors will bring throngs of people to the park. Needless to say, try to get there early to escape the crowds. Then at least, you'll only have to deal with the crowds as you follow Berma Road back to your car.