Great Falls Overlook Trailhead — Attraction in Potomac

This place is absolutely gorgeous! The overlook is accessible via the C&O canal path (best place to park is at the Great Falls Tavern, big parking lot right off the trail). The path in this portion is a bit more dirt/gravel, so not a perfectly smooth surface. I'd suggest coming early in the day (think 8 am or so) if you want to avoid large groups of people.

If you're riding a bicycle on the trail, do everyone a favor and ring a bell/say on your left when you're approaching/passing people. We were almost taken out by someone who didn't announce themselves and decided to squeeze through a small area between us and another person walking the opposite direction. It's your job as a cyclist to make sure that nobody gets hurt and it doesn't take much.

If you're planning on going on the Billy Goat Trail, it's a bit further down the path (you'll see a structure crossing over the trail, it's right before that). I can't emphasize this enough, please make sure you're prepared for this hike before going on it. Don't wear regular tennis shoes if you value your ankles and general well being. This trail is covered in lots of rocks and it is incredibly easy to slip on them if you're not careful. Pets aren't allowed on the trail to protect them and everyone else. Near the end of part of the loop, you come up to a large rock face on the left with the blue blaze going up the rock (picture attached). You're meant to follow the crack along the rock, there are a good amount of hand holds/places for your feet so it shouldn't be an issue if you go slowly and have the right shoes. There is no other way to continue the trail without climbing this ledge, so keep...

Breathtaking! You can drive all the way up to see the falls and pay 20$ for parking or you can park for free and take the hike all the way to the falls. seeing all the beautiful views of nature and rocks and water along the way makes it so much more worth it! And it makes the hike to the trailhead feel rewarding when you finally get there! You have to see it for yourself the hiking trail is considered EASY for everyone in the family even the dog the only area in the park that dogs aren’t allowed is on the goat trails which are cut threw into the woods and not really necessary and also they aren't allowed along the bridge but you are allowed to carry your dog if you feel comfortable enough over the bridge just use safety precautions! They have it set up so that the entire trail is safe for all...

The Billy Goat trail offers some challenges but rewards you with breath taking views when you overcome those. The trail gets rocky and offers some lagre rocks to climb and manuver through some of those. My personal experience is that they appear more challenging than they actually are. Although One must always respect the trail and be very careful at all time. Goofing around can cause accidents. Trees offer the shade most of the trail and breeze from the river is pleasent, can be a bit humid, but during my visit it was not uncomfortable at all. Great experience if you like outdoors but dont want to...