Discover the Untamed Beauty of Bear Island Potomac Gorge

Getting There

• Car

  From any location on the Billy Goat Trail, head towards the main entrance of the park. If you are at Section A of the Billy Goat Trail, take the trail back to the parking lot. Once at the parking area, drive towards the main road. You will need to exit the park and head towards MacArthur Blvd. Take a right onto MacArthur Blvd, and continue driving until you reach the intersection with River Rd. Then take a left onto River Rd. Drive for about 1.5 miles until you see signs for the Great Falls Park. Follow the signs to the visitor center, where you can park your car. Be aware that there may be a parking fee of approximately $20 for non-residents, which is valid for a day.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Bear Island Potomac Gorge using public transportation, you will first need to take the Metro to the Bethesda Station (Red Line). From Bethesda, catch the Ride On Bus #47 towards River Rd. & Seven Locks Rd. and get off at the stop for Great Falls Park. The bus ride takes about 30-40 minutes. From the bus stop, you will need to walk approximately 1 mile to the entrance of Great Falls Park. Once you arrive, you can access the trails leading to Bear Island. Note that this trip may take approximately 1.5 hours in total, and ensure you have some cash or a SmarTrip card for the bus fare.

• Walking

  If you are already at Section A of the Billy Goat Trail, you can take a scenic walk along the trail towards Bear Island Potomac Gorge. Follow the trail markers, and you will reach the riverbanks and scenic views along the Potomac River. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles long and can take around 30-40 minutes, depending on your pace. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as some sections can be rocky and uneven.