Great Falls on the C&O Canal

Yesterday, we went and visited Great Falls on the C&O canal. The park is located near Potomac, a half hour drive from home in towards Washington. The park is based around the C&O canal which runs all along the Potomac, at a spot where the river cut a deep canyon through the rock when it shifted some tens of thousands of years ago. The canal, and a good footpath, follows the path of the river before this on the side of the canyon .

We started off our walk looking at the great falls itself, there was a good viewing gallery for this:

The safety rail was a little 'loose', which I think led to this reaction:

Here is a view of the rapids near the falls:

And some of the local wildlife:

Following this, we went on a small adventure. Following the leisurely stroll along the canal, we saw a sign for the Billy Goat Trail A. Whilst the sign carefully stated this was the parks 'toughest hike', to be done only by 'healthy adults' and involved 'rock climbing', we laughed at this as typical overstatement by a health and safety concerned park official. We were wrong.

Starting the walk, we noticed it got rocky quite quickly:

In fact soon, we were walking across a path on the edge of the canyon, looking over the river. I say path, and really mean a series of arrows painted on the rocks. It was wicked fun, with good views:

This was, however, only the start of the trail. After some more rock hopping, we came across this bit of the path, a steep climb etched into the rock next to the river. Both of us did a great job climbing this without freaking out.

After this, we found a spot to relax and enjoy the views, which was spectacular all the way along the trail. More rocks followed, and further climbs along the canyon edge....

Nearly home, we encountered a small ford, where this was the only way across:

Whilst others ran, fleet of foot-esque across the beam, I realised this was a situation where I would not shine in an action-hero type way. So, I ungracefully shuffled across the log really slowly on my back-side. My feet stayed dry.

Soon after this, we were out and back safe onto the canal, to much celebration:

This was only Billy Goat Trail A. I now really want to see B and C.