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Places We Protect

Potomac Gorge / Bear Island

Maryland/DC

The Potomac River cascades over a series of low rocky falls in the Potomac Gorge. White water swirls on the large boulders that protrude from the water. Tall trees line the river bank.
Potomac Gorge Mather Gorge at Great Falls National Park, is located in the heart of the Potomac Gorge. © Joseph Rossbach Photography

Explore a landscape of great ecological significance and stunning beauty.

Overview

Description

Over many millennia, a rare combination of natural forces carved the unique Potomac Gorge. Running from Great Falls to Georgetown, this 15-mile section of the Potomac River is one of the most ecologically significant natural areas within our entire National Park System.

The National Park Service invited The Nature Conservancy to help manage the incredible ecological diversity of the Potomac Gorge. With your support, TNC has worked for more than 50 years to protect and restore the 9,700-acre Potomac Gorge natural area.

Hundreds of thousands of annual visitors—hikers, runners, bikers, fishermen, photographers and paddlers—enjoy the beauty of the Potomac River and the C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath.

 

Access

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Dogs are not allowed on Bear Island.

Hours

Open year-round during daylight hours. Call ahead to check if the trail is open: 301-767-3714.

Highlights

Hiking, Birding, Kayaking, Photography, Self-guided audio tour

Explore our work in Maryland/DC

NEW: Self-guided Audio Tour on TravelStorys

We are happy to announce a brand-new audio tour experience on our Billy Goat Trail—Section A! Before your trip, download the free TravelStorys app to your mobile device. You can also scan the QR code at the trailhead. It's like having a naturalist in your pocket as you learn more about the ecological, historical and geological stories that make this preserve so special!

Screenshot of the TravelStorys app         Screenshot of the TravelStorys app

Start your adventure on TravelStorys!

Access the audio tour

Visit

  • The Potomac Gorge site features the popular Billy Goat Trail, two miles of strenuous hiking along Bear Island, which TNC and National Park Service own and manage cooperatively.  

    Check to make sure the trail is open. It sometimes closes after a heavy rain event, heavy snow, heavy snow melt, or whenever the river is high. 

    Call the Great Falls Tavern Visitor's Center at 301-767-3714 or visit the NPS C&O Canal National Historical Park website regarding changes to park operations.

    Great Falls Tavern is the main access point for Bear Island: 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854.

    TNC also manages 10-acre Offutt Island, located in the heart of the Potomac Gorge. Offutt Island is accessible only by boat and is currently closed to the public.

    HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIDE

    Want to explore the Potomac River from the Virginia side?  Plan a visit to Great Falls Park or Fraser Preserve.

  • Despite its proximity to our nation's capital and urban bustle, the Potomac Gorge provides an unusual meeting place for plants and animals from different places and altitudes. The end result is 15 globally rare species, 100 state-rare species and 30 different plant communities existing within the gorge.  Put simply, the Potomac Gorge has one of the nation's highest concentrations of globally rare natural communities.

  • The ONLY location in the C&O Canal National Historial Park that collects entrance fees are at Great Falls Entrance Station. The entrance station is located at 11710 MacArthur Boulevard, Potomac, MD 20854.

    Over 80% of the fees collected are returned to the park for specific projects. All other access to the park is free.

    For more information visit the NPS C&O Canal website.

  • Read our Preserve Guidelines to learn about permitted and prohibited uses, ways of enjoying these spaces, a note about hunting season and more. 

Billy Goat Trail Sign Translations

Explore Nature

Need more nature? Visit some of TNC's other preserves.

Find More Places We Protect

The Nature Conservancy owns nearly 1,500 preserves covering more than 2.5 million acres across all 50 states. These lands protect wildlife and natural systems, serve as living laboratories for innovative science and connect people to the natural world.

See the Complete Map