Our kids live an enchanted life--obviously. LOL! From a young age, they were exposed to the fairly rugged, mountainous terrains of Austria, Switzerland, and Scotland. When we returned to the states, we found hiking trails in southern Maryland just didn't hold their interest. (Translate: they complained about being tired from walking a mile on flat ground when they used to climb 3+ miles in the mountains.) Turns out, they were bored and needed a challenge. Thankfully, our Cub Scout leader knew the benefits of the great outdoors and organized a program called Pike's Hikes, encouraging pack families to attend four group hikes each year. In April 2019, our Pack hiked Billy Goat Trail Section A at the C&O Canal. At the ages of 7 and 9, the U.S. terrain had finally redeemed itself in the eyes of our kiddos and this hike became a favorite. A long historyGround was broken for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in 1828, with a dream of improving passage to the west (Ohio) and creating easier transportation of coal. The goal was to improve on natural waterways for passage of boats pulled along a towpath by mules. Construction halted in 1850, with the canal stretching 185 miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland and consisting of 74 locks and lock houses, aqueducts, bridges, culverts, feeder dams, and waste weirs. The C&O quickly became obsolete as the modern railroad beat them to the finish line with the completion of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in 1852. Even so, the canal became home to workers transporting goods up and down the waterway until it was closed in 1924. Families worked and lived on the 12-foot-wide boats. Often times the father was the captain, while the mother managed children, cooked, and kept things clean. The children, unable to attend school except in the winter, tended to the mules and helped with other chores. For a short time in history, this canal was a way of life. Billy Goat Trail, Section AOur National Parks Service snagged one of the most beautiful scenic landscapes in the D.C. area when C&O Canal became a National Park in 1971. If you're a hiker, you won't want to miss the views--and the fun--on Billy Goat Trail. The trail has three sections. Section A is considered the most difficult. Visitors arrive at the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center (be sure to put the right address in the GPS or you might end up on the wrong side of the river.) You can brush up on the area history in the small museum and, if you're lucky, you'll be able to take a canal boat tour. (You can check the schedule here. We've never been there during operating hours, so if you do the boat tour, please share your experience!) We've hiked the the 4.7 mile Billy Goat Trail Section A five times. Over the years, we've made some wonderful memories with the best of friends. But, each hike, I am reminded that it's more difficult than I remembered! All Trails lists it as moderate, and it is, but the whole trail is rocky, with several places where you must climb, jump across, or drop from boulders to get through the trail. For about three and a half miles, you'll need to be very aware of your footing, wear good shoes, and be in good physical condition. (The first quarter mile and last mile is an easy peasy walk on the flat, gravel tow path.) The hike is not recommended for young children. However, last year my bestie took her 3 year old on the trail and she did great (with a little help on steep parts), but it should be noted that her little girl is part mountain goat and her mom did 42 miles of the AT in two days, so they are experienced hikers with plenty of training.) Similarly, our scout group attended with at least one kindergartener, and Banana was just seven the first time she went. Parents can use their own discretion, but note that every year there are rescues on the trail, either due to injuries or falling into the water. So if you bring children, monitor them closely--or threaten them with the possibility of death if they don't stay on the trail. ;-) If you're up for a little more distance, or just want great views without the harsh terrain, we recommend taking the short Overlook Trail, which is mostly easy boardwalk with stunning scenery of the rushing Potomac River. Spring is a great time to walk along the towpath looking for turtles and frogs and toads, and bird watching. (The towpath is also good for "people watching"--you'll see LOTS of them. It's a very popular trail for walkers and bikers alike, so listen closely for biker bells.) You can also check out Great Falls Park, affiliated with NPS, located just across the Patuxent River on the Virginia side.
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