Billy Goat Trail C Loop

There are 3 bridges on this loop, the largest is the bridge over the access road on the C & O Canal (Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath). The other, smaller bridges are just at the beginning and end of the trail about a five-minute walk in either direction from the parking area. The bridges are all well maintained and have railings. The biggest challenge to hikers on this loop is a 10-foot section of creek which has no bridge. The stream is crossed on rocks placed in the stream and is moderately difficult to cross, especially for children. The stream will rise to cover these rocks making the trail impassible within 10-15 minutes of steady rainfall. Going around the trail leads you to many different habitats. Just on the shores of the Potomac are large pools filled with water which are semi-connected to the river. There is a sand bottom, and they are slow moving, or still, depending on the height of the river. There is also a heavily forested section of the trail with a very mulch-like trail surface. It is a little like a rainforest as the amount of natural material soaks up the heat and moisture.NOTE: Swimming is prohibited on this trail due to the rapid currents of the Potomac and the danger they pose to inexperienced adventurers.

This trailhead is across the Clara Barton Parkway from the Carderock Naval Surface Warfare Center which houses a large wave basin and wind tunnel for testing purposes.