How old to take DS on Billy Goat Trail?

[Anonymous]

We did it with our 4 year old last week but tbh we have been hiking with her since birth, all around the country. So it really didn't seem like a big deal.

[Anonymous]

OP’s kid is 7 or 8 now, so she probably has it figured out.

[Anonymous]

When I was a kid I loved the BGT. My parents took me on it as early as kindergarten, so I must have been ~5. 30 now, and my parents were pretty overprotective about a lot of things, but not hiking apparently. As a tiny kid it was so much easier to scramble up those rocks than as an adult!

[Anonymous]

This is my thread and my DS just turned 8 and I have yet to do Billy Goat A, B or C!

Lol, thanks for the bump and reminder and maybe we'll attempt it one day soon. Now he's ready for the trail but he also has two younger sisters to deal with.

I do appreciate the detailed instructions on how to find section C. I needed that!

Meanwhile for people with toddlers and young kids, I highly recommend the Scotts Run hike to the waterfall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me it's not the age so much as leg length. I think a child under 7 or 8 would really struggle with sections of the trail. I agree that the B and C trails would be better. Or the gold mine loop trail. It's on the other side of the canal, so not as scenic, but it's never crowded and ends with a nice, level walk back to the parking lot that overlooks the canal.

I think we did part of this one a couple weeks ago! We have an almost 2-yo and it was good for him- husband carried him in the hiking backpack for a bit and then we let him walk.

[Anonymous]

Bumping this. We are looking for a hike for our 5YO & 2YO (he's pretty close to 3). The Scott's Run hike sounds like it could be a good option.

[Anonymous]

It was challenging for me as a very athletic 17 year old. 12?

[Anonymous]

Best way to do C is to park in the area that is across from that big naval facility (there is a ton of parking there). It is the easiest of the sections, in my opinion. There is also a big area with picnic tables. There is no entrance fee (although I highly recommend, if you like to hike, getting an annual National Park pass) and it tends to be less crowded than the falls area.

There is also a neat hike to a waterfall in the other side that you can choose to do either super easily or somewhat harder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one that thinks 5 is WAY too young for (at least portions of) the billy goat trail? I am 38 and I still get terrified on that thing! There's that part where you basically have to rock climb above the water on all fours. Maybe you are thinking of a more serene portion of the trail, but be forewarned that there is one section that is extremely difficult (and dangerous) even for adults. Don't accidentally get stuck on it with a 5 year old!

My thoughts exactly!!

Yes! That ledge is terrifying! Every time I do it I wonder how it doesn’t have some kind of rail or safety measure

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one that thinks 5 is WAY too young for (at least portions of) the billy goat trail? I am 38 and I still get terrified on that thing! There's that part where you basically have to rock climb above the water on all fours. Maybe you are thinking of a more serene portion of the trail, but be forewarned that there is one section that is extremely difficult (and dangerous) even for adults. Don't accidentally get stuck on it with a 5 year old!

YES! Agree...that part was terrifying and I wouldn't have wanted to assist a small child climbing the rockside as I was holding on for dear life!

[Anonymous]

Bringing back this thread because we hiked Section A today. It was fun with my 10 yr old and 2 teens.

Does anyone know the duration of Section B being closed?