Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park- Great Falls Tavern

GENERAL INFO:

Park Type: Historic Site, National Park

Overall Size: Larger than a football field

Special Features/Comments: Billy Goat Trail Section A is very difficult rock climbing portion. Dogs are only allowed on certain trails, refer to signs or ranger.

GETTING THERE:

Parking

pDriving Directions: From Interstate 495:
Maryland: Take exit 41 (Carderock /Great Falls, MD), follow Clara Barton Parkway to the
end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Follow MacArthur approximately
3.5 miles into the park. MacArthur Blvd. ends at the park.

Virginia:
Cross into Maryland over the American Legion Bridge (beltway inner loop) and
take exit 41 (Clara Barton Parkway) Westbound, left at fork. Follow Clara Barton to the
end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd. Follow MacArthur Blvd
approximately 3.5 miles into the park. MacArthur Blvd. ends at the park.

From Washington DC:
Take M Street to fork. You can follow either MacArthur Blvd, the right fork or take Canal
Road, the fork to the left.
MacArthur Blvd.: Follow MacArthur until it ends at the entrance to the Great Falls
section of the park, approximately 8 miles.
Canal Road: Follow to Chain Bridge. At stop light continue straight ahead. Canal Road
changes into Clara Barton Parkway. Follow Clara Barton Parkway to the end. At the stop
sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd., and follow it for approximately 3.5 miles until it
ends at the park.

From Frederick, Maryland:
Follow Interstate 270 south toward Washington, DC. Take exit 5 (Falls Road). Exit right
toward Potomac on Falls Road. Follow Falls Road 6 miles until it intersects with
MacArthur Blvd.. At stop sign turn right into the park.

ACTIVITIES/RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Open Space, Trails, Birdwatching, Fishing, Kayaking/Canoeing, Marina/Boating

AMENITIES:

General Park Amenities: Restrooms, Drinking Fountains, Seating, Picnic Tables

Pets: Allowed On-Leash

Additional Features: Visitor Center, Historic Site, Museum, Picnic Shelter

Camping: Tent

Camping Amenities: Running Water, Fires Allowed

TRAIL DESCRIPTION:

Trail Surface: Unpaved

Trail Activities: Walking, Hiking, Running/Jogging, Bicycling, Dog Walking

Trail Difficulty: Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Very Difficult

Trail Layout: Loop & Linear (network)

Trail Length: 5 to 10 miles

Trail Shade: Some

Trail Surface Type: Gravel, Natural rock, Sand/Dirt

Trail Slope: Flat/Gentle, Moderate, Steep

Trail Width: 2-4 ft, 4-8 ft

Trail Extras: Historic Sites

OTHER:

Programming Available: Education/Ranger Programs, Junior Ranger Programs

Park Information: Maps, Brochures, Information Kiosk

Staffing & Safety: Employee/Ranger Present

Open Space Activities: Have a picnic, Do Yoga

Open Space Size: Between basketball court and football field

Open Space Shade: Some

Natural Water Feature: Creek/Stream, River/Channel