Is it safe to swim in the C&O Canal?
Is it safe to swim in the C&O Canal?
Swimming. Swimming is not allowed in the canal waters and is prohibited within the Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD section of the Potomac River. Swimming in other sections of the Potomac River is discouraged due to hidden flood debris, deep holes, and possibly strong currents.
Are there bears on the C&O Canal?
We’ve had several sightings of black bears on the western portion of the towpath. Due to the dry weather, many animals including bears are migrating to the river and canal for water. One more point: NEVER get between a mother bear and her cub.
Are there snapping turtles in the Potomac River?
These large reptiles are almost exclusively aquatic: they occupy the canal and the Potomac River except for land travel during the spring and early summer for mating and nesting. Snapping turtles can be identified by their flat oval brown shell, wide flat head, bulky limbs and a long alligator-like tail.
Why is Billy Goat Trail closed?
Current Conditions Section A of the Billy Goat Trail often closes due to flooding. Under normal conditions, the trail is closed when the gauge at Little Falls reaches 5 feet and reopens when the gauge falls to 4.8 feet. However, under certain circumstances, the trail may be closed at lower levels.
Why is it illegal to swim in the Potomac?
It is illegal to go swimming in the Great Falls area of the Potomac River, an area also known as Mather Gorge. There are still extremely strong currents under the water that can pull the unaware swimmer down into the river’s depths.
How dirty is the Potomac?
Our hometown river is in the middle of a comeback and is cleaner than in decades past, but it remains too polluted for safe swimming or fishing. Thanks to decades of hard work following the Clean Water Act of 1972, many indicators of the Potomac’s health are trending in the right direction.
What animals eat snapping turtles?
Adult snapping turtles have very few predators but are sometimes attacked by river otters, bears and coyotes. In the southern United States, where their territory overlaps, snapping turtles are preyed upon by American alligators and alligator snapping turtles.
Which Billy Goat Trail is the hardest?
The Billy Goat Trail A is the most difficult, with near-vertical rock scrambling and precarious ledges. The other two sections are far easier, with some moderate scrambling on Billy Goat Trail B and a laid-back walk in the woods on Billy Goat Trail C.
How hard is Billy Goat Trail Section A?
This section of the Billy Goat Trail is by far the most demanding—but extremely rewarding for those who complete it. You’ll scramble and climb over angled rocks and boulders while taking in views of the frothy Potomac as it squeezes through Mather Gorge.
