Chickery's Travels

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  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA (Cape Charles, Virginia)
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities
      • Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • California
      • Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
      • Complete Guide to Redwood National and State Parks
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Florida National Parks Road Trip Guide
      • Best Beaches in Florida’s Panhandle
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Why We Love Tampa
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Explore Las Vegas – It’s More Than Just Gambling
    • New Hampshire
      • Experience the Magic of New Hampshire’s White Mountains
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Oregon
      • Navigating Oregon’s Natural Gems
    • Pennsylvania
      • The Best Things To Do In Lancaster Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
      • Top 10 Activities in the Dallas – Fort Worth
    • Utah
      • Discover the Best of Zion National Park
    • Virginia
      • Best Swimming Hole Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Earn Passive Income from Your RV (Without Doing Any Work)
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
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3:46 pm by Julie Chickery

Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)

The Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA is my favorite KOA in the state! Located just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the James River, it has fabulous views all around the campground, not to mention all the recreational opportunities.

Watch the short video review below or continue reading for more details.

Sites

As you know, one of our favorite thing about KOA campgrounds is that they offer a range of campsites to allow everyone to pick the best one for their budget or preference. In addition to having several different site types, we loved how all the campsites in this campground were grouped together, away from the activity area. There was also plenty of space and trees between the sites.

  • Deluxe Patio Sites – These are full hook up pull through sites with a dining table, extra seating area with lounge chairs, patio swing, and fire ring. If these had not of been fully booked on our stay, we would have selected one.
  • Standard and Premium Sized Pull Thru Sites – We had a standard full hook-up pull thru sites that come with a picnic table and fire ring. As you can see, they were very spacious.
Large RV campsites at the Blue Ridge Parkway KOA
  • Back-In Sites – We really loved the back in sites that were around the outer edges of the campground. They all backed up to trees and made for a cozy area around the campfire. 
  • No RV? No problem! They have tent sites and cabins to enjoy. The tents sites had power and water and were located down by the catch and release fishing pond. The cabins came in three types: Deluxe with a queen bed, sleeper sofa, and a sleeping loft for the kids. It also has a full bathroom with shower and a kitchenette with mini-fridge, stovetop, and microwave. The Studio Deluxe Cabin has a queen bed, bunk beds, full bathroom with shower, and a mini kitchenette. Finally, the rustic camping cabins have a full-sized bed, bunk beds, but no bathroom or kitchen. They do have fire pits with a grill and are located close to a bath house.
KOA has several different types of camping cabins.

Amenities 

This campground has a lot of amenities to keep the whole family happy during your stay. They had a playground, foos ball and ping pong tables, basketball courts, and a jumping pad all located near a large open area for the kids to run around. There was also a swimming pool and a fair sized camp store. Located on one end of the campground was a dog park large enough for our dog to run around off leash.

Another great amenity was the huge catch & release fishing pond and several interconnected nature trails. It felt like a state park campground, but with KOA amenities!

Local Area 

The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as America’s Drive is managed by the National Park Service. The Parkway’s 469 miles spans the southern and central Appalachians through Virginia and North Carolina. An access point near mile 60 of the Parkway is located only a mile from the campground. I went hiking to a fabulous waterfall at Apple Orchard Falls.

Blue Ridge Parkway overlook and hiking trails

Another nearby destination is the Lynchburg Riverwalk and Percival’s Island. The RiverWalk first travels through historic downtown Lynchburg. This section of downtown has become a truly unique area with a children’s museum, shops, bicycle rentals, and restaurants. The multi-use trail crosses onto Percival’s Island, a beautiful natural area with waterfront views.

The village of Appomattox Courthouse is only a 40-minute drive away. Managed by the National Park Service, this is the historic site of the surrender of General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. There are several historic buildings and a ranger-led tour of the McLean House where the actual surrender took place.

Book Your Stay

Whether you are looking for a quick get away or family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA campground! Click here to make reservations and don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay. We love the rewards program because you also earn points to use towards discounts on future stays. We were able to get $50 off our weekend here using accumulated rewards points.

Interested in learning more about what KOAs have to offer? Click here to listen to Sean & Kenny’s interview with the President and CEO of the company.

Learn About Other Great Campgrounds in Virginia

Virginia has a lot of great campgrounds for every type of camping style. From state and national parks to luxury RV resorts and everything in between, Virginia has got you covered. Here are a few that we have personally enjoyed:

  • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp – If you’re fortunate enough to have access to military bases, this campground is situated along the Potomac River. It is also close enough to Washington DC to serve as a base for your visit to the nation’s capitol.
  • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA – We love this quiet, wooded campground with easy access to Shenandoah National Park.
  • Luray KOA – This immaculate KOA campground is nestled between the Massanutten range and Shenandoah National Park. It’s also a close to the renowned Luray Caverns.
  • Shenandoah River State Park – Fabulous state park with 5 miles of riverfront access. The river is only a 2-minute walk from the campground which boasts huge sites and water / power hook ups.

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share this review on social media and save the image below to Pinterest.

The Blue Ridge Parkway KOA near Lynchburg, Virginia is the perfect campground for your family's next RV trip! With large sites, plenty of trees, and tons of amenities, everyone will be a happy camper.

Filed Under: Campground Reviews, Virginia

10:08 pm by Julie Chickery

Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)

We visited the Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views Campground when it was the Luray KOA. Nestled between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, it has fabulous views all around the campground, not to mention all the recreational opportunities.

Watch the short video review below or continue reading for more details.

Sites

We love KOAs because they offer so many different types of sites to suit any budget or preference, and this one was no exception. In fact, the Luray KOA had some of the most unique site offerings that we’ve seen.  

  • Deluxe Patio Sites – These are full hook-up pull-through sites with a dining table, extra seating area with lounge chairs, umbrella, and fire ring. We stayed in these sites as you can see from the image above. We loved how the fire pit area had its own little patio too.
  • Standard Pull-Thru Sites – There were standard full hook-up pull-thru sites that come with a smaller concrete patio, picnic table, and fire ring.
  • Back-In Pergola Sites – These sites were so cool, we want to stay in one next time. They have a picnic table under the pergola, which is situated at the rear of your RV. Then just below the pergola, there is an extra seating area with lounge chairs, a fire ring, and mountain views. 
The Luray KOA has the most unique campsites including these pergola mountain view campsites. The pergola has a picnic table and extra seating, then below it, you have a fire ring and more seating to enjoy the mountain views.
  • Other Back-In Sites – As usual, there are a variety of back-in sites based on RV length to accommodate small campers and big rigs. The extra long back-in sites were probably the longest I’ve seen! Another bonus of the back-ins is that they are all situated around the edges of the campground so you have greenery and views behind you — not other RVs.
The extra long back-in sites at the Luray KOA can fit the largest RVs. They also back up to greenery and views of Shenandoah National Park.
  • No RV? No problem! They have tent sites, cabins, and yurts to enjoy.

Amenities 

This campground has all the amenities you’d expect, but we thought they were nicer than most. For example, they had two swimming pools, a playground with a large open field for the kids to run around in, and the largest dog park we’ve ever seen.

Campground map of Shenandoah Views Campground in Luray, VA

Another great amenity was a camp kitchen with sinks and a long counter behind the bathhouse. This is a terrific place for those staying in the tent sites to do their dishes.

Local Area 

Luray Caverns boasts the largest caverns in the Eastern United States. They have well-lighted, paved walkways that lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn. With so many fabulous formations, I can’t name them all, but here’s one of my favorites: Dominating Giant’s Hall at 47 feet in height, this column is the tallest and one of the most spectacular formations in the caverns. The Double Column is a classic example of the two basic cave formations the stalactite and stalagmite coming together as one massive wonder of nature.

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States.

Hawksbill Greenway consists of two miles of trails along a quiet creek. It’s a great place just off downtown Luray to ride your bike or go for a stroll. Downtown Luray has several shops, restaurants, and a great little ice cream place. If you’re looking for an inexpensive afternoon, do some window shopping, ride your bikes on the Greenway, and treat yourself to an ice cream cone.

Shenandoah National Park spans nearly 200,000 acres of protected land and provides a diverse array of activities and amenities for tourists. The park’s Thorton Gap Entrance Station is located a short 9.5 miles from the Shenandoah Views Campground making it a “must-see” destination. Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful views along the scenic Skyline Drive, explore the park’s history at the Big Meadows Visitor Center, or take a hike on one of 514 miles of trails (with plenty of options for all fitness levels), there is something for everyone.

View from Blackrock Summit in Shenandoah National Park

Book Your Stay Now

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing campground! Click here to make reservations for a wonderful stay in the Shenandoah Valley.

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share the image below on Pinterest.

We visited the Luray KOA this spring and loved it! Nestled between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, it has fabulous views all around the campground, not to mention all the recreational opportunities.  It's a family friendly campground for all ages.

Filed Under: Campground Reviews, Virginia

4:37 pm by Julie Chickery

Favorite Hikes near Washington DC

You don’t have to wander far from the Beltway to enjoy some truly spectacular hikes! On a recent trip to the Washington DC area, I squeezed in five of my favorites in three days. Why so many you may ask? I was visiting from the east coast of Florida where the leaves aren’t changing and there is no discernible change in elevation on any of my nature walks (I can’t bring myself to call them hikes). Don’t get me wrong, Florida has its assets. I just don’t enjoy hiking there as much as I do in other places like northern Virginia.

Table of Contents
  • Fall Hiking
  • #5 Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
  • #4 Teddy Roosevelt Island
  • #3  Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
  • #2 Billy Goat Trail
  • #1 Great Falls National Park

Fall Hiking

Fall is my favorite season to hike. I love the crisp autumn air and the changing colors of the leaves. There are usually fewer crowds on the trails too. In fact, on one of the hikes below, I never saw another soul. Most importantly, I don’t have to worry about mosquitoes. The days of getting eaten alive by miniature demons are pretty much over in the DC area, and I didn’t have to lather myself in bug spray to hike. That is until I headed back to Florida after my short reprieve. The mosquitoes there haven’t got the memo. But I digress. Here are the fabulous fall hikes I enjoyed on this little jaunt. If you’re ever visiting DC, consider getting outside the city for a day or two and experiencing some of the area’s natural beauty.

#5 Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia is managed by NOVA Parks. It consists of 95 acres of ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. While the main walking paths are perfect for strollers, there are also plenty of wooded hiking trails around the lakes and forested exteriors. Since 2012, it’s also home to the fascinating Korean Bell Garden, which includes a 3-ton “Bell of Peace and Harmony,” decorated with symbols from Korea and Virginia.

Click on photos to see a larger image or scroll through the gallery. 

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Meadowlark bench
Meadowlark Korean Peace Bell
Meadowlark Native Plants
Meadowlark woods

Since it was not an overly taxing hike, really it was more of a nature walk, I headed over to the next one on my list: Teddy Roosevelt Island.

#4 Teddy Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt Island is a 91-acre wilderness preserve that serves as a memorial to the nation’s 26th president. The Swamp Trail is a gentle, 1.5 mile trail that extends along the perimeter of the island and offers views of the Potomac. This hike is so close to DC that you can see the the Kennedy Center, Watergate Hotel, and the Washington Harbor Complex through the trees.

Georgetown from Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island Boardwalk
Roosevelt Island Memorial Bridge

If you’d like to add another mile and a half, try the island’s two short interior trails. Make sure you stop in the Memorial Plaza to see the large statue of Teddy and read some favorite quotes embedded in the stone memorial.

Theodore Roosevelt Island statue

#3  Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

Only one mile from the beltway on Georgetown Pike, the Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is a little piece of wilderness saved from urban sprawl. I love to warm up my hiking skills here with the easy jaunt to the falls.

Scotts Run Waterfall

The great thing about this nature preserve managed by Fairfax County Parks is the range of hiking trails here. Some are gentle and wind quietly through forest.

Scotts Run Woods

Other trails require hiking up and down precipitously steep hills and cliffs. In many places the trails descend sheer bluffs, and you have to move very  carefully down rocky cliffs.

Bluffs along the Potomac River

You can mix and match your choice of interconnecting trails on the preserve’s 384 acres. If you want to follow a more established route, try the 2.5 mile loop mapped out here. It hits all the highlights the park has to offer.

#2 Billy Goat Trail

Since this is my year of being adventurous, I had to go back to Billy Goat Trail A at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. It is one of the most popular and challenging trails in the metropolitan DC area. The hike takes you over angled rocks and rough terrain while providing great views of the Potomac River. The toughest part to me is the 50’ traverse taking you to the top of cliffs.

View of the Billy Goat Trail from across the river
View of the Billy Goat Trail from across the river

The total hike distance is about four miles including the walk back to the parking lot along the toll path. You can add the Billy Goat B and C trail segments to make it a longer 7-mile hike. B gives you a taste of rock scrambling without the fear factor of A’s heights, and C is a nice calm hike with views of the river.

Tip: You can access this trail for free by parking in the lot across from the Old Anger’s Inn at 10801 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD, but get there early if you’re going on the weekend. Otherwise, there is a fee at the Great Falls Tavern and Visitors Center entrance.

#1 Great Falls National Park

Great Falls National Park has some of the best hikes in the greater DC area. The entrance fee is $10 per car (if you don’t have a national parks pass), but it is well worth the view of Great Falls where the Potomac River falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge.

Great Falls Panoramic

There are 15 miles of hiking trails, but I like the River Trail best because it follows the Potomac River for about 1.5 miles, along the tops of the cliffs. In some areas, this trail runs right next to the edge of the cliff, offering spectacular views of the Potomac and Mather Gorge.

Great Falls National Park

If you look across the river, you can see the Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side.

Great Falls Potomac River View

Tip: Don’t try to go here after 10:30 on weekends. The line can be up to 45 minutes. Also, I recommend stopping at the Visitor Center before starting your hike. You can get a trail map and watch the short video on the history of the Falls. After leaving the Visitor Center, be sure to take the opportunity to stop off at the three overlooks on your left as you begin the trail. They provide great views of the Falls and river and provide great photo opportunities. Take your time and enjoy the stunning views along this trail.

The greater Washington DC region is surrounded by miles of trails, from well-traveled paths through local parks to hidden gems that cross state lines into Virginia and Maryland. Here you’ll find the best hiking trails from easy walks close to the city, to more challenging climbs in one of the National parks. This fall your travel bucket list should include a dose of adventure and the great outdoors! Easy hikes and nature walks include Meadowlark Botanical Garden and Roosevelt Island, while the difficulty level can vary at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, Great Falls National Park, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. No list of DC area hikes is complete without a nod to the region’s popular Billy Goat trail. #hikes #DC #Virginia #Maryland #DMV

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Filed Under: District of Columbia, Virginia

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