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Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

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54% of weekends booked at top sites·Peak Jun–Aug·1 site

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The 1 most popular campsites at Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

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Site Carderock Picnic Pavilion

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Sleeps 200

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About this park

Carderock Paviion is just south of the Great Falls of the Potomac and Mather Gorge. These two stunning features provide an excellent example of local geology while showing the sheer force and power of nature.

Recreation
The most popular activity for Carderock Pavilion attendees is hiking the three sections (A, B and C) of the Billy Goat Trail, one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. There are also many woodland trails for beginners and experts alike. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland fishing license for those age 16 or older. Virginia licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.

Nearby
The Billy Goat Trail is one of the most popular and challenging rock hikes in the east. The Great Falls Overlook and Great Falls Tavern are a few miles upriver.

Facilities: There are picnic tables in or around the pavilion and electricity (four 110-volt outlets) is available for your use. There are two large grills outside the pavilion and a large fireplace within the pavilion. Water and portable toilets are located nearby. There is a softball field and an area for volleyball or relay games. Horseshoe pits are near the front of the pavilion. All are for your use during your event. You must provide the sports equipment, though poles are provided for volleyball or badminton.
Directions: Carderock Pavilion has no street address. Search Carderock Recreation Area with Google Maps, use GPS coordinates 38° 58' 18.0001" N 77° 11' 58.9999" W, OR follow these directions:.<ul><li>From I-495 in Maryland: 1. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls. 2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn left for parking lot 1 or turn right for parking lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2.)</li><li>From I-495 in Virginia: 1. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock. 2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn left for parking lot 1 or turn right for parking lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2.)</li><li>From Washington DC (Georgetown): 1. From the intersection of "M" Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road. 2. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 4. Turn left for parking lot 1 or turn right for parking lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2.)</li><li>Directions from I-270. 1. Take I-270 South toward Washington. 2. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia. 3. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway. 4. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls. 5. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit (on the right is the David Taylor Model Basin 9500 MacArthur Blvd., West Bethesda, MD 20817). 6. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign. 7. Turn left for parking lot 1 or turn right for parking lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between parking lots 1 and 2.)</li></ul>