4.8
(15)
402
riders
41
rides
Touring cycling routes around Ten Mile Creek traverse a landscape characterized by rolling terrain and a network of waterways, including the creek itself and nearby lakes. The area features a mix of open countryside and wooded sections, with routes often connecting small communities. Elevation changes are generally moderate, offering accessible cycling for various skill levels. The region provides opportunities for both leisurely rides and more challenging routes with longer distances.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
5.0
(1)
5
riders
25.1km
01:32
220m
220m
Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure with the Leisure cycling loop from Barnesville. This route spans 15.6 miles (25.1 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 711 feet…
5.0
(3)
66
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(2)
19
riders
44.7km
02:43
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
30
riders
16.9km
01:30
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
20
riders
15.3km
01:26
190m
190m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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As you ride onto the wide canal bend, you’re met with serene water views—Widewater is a beautiful lake that serves as habitat for many bird and wildlife species. It’s an ideal spot to pause, do some birdwatching, and soak in the calm before continuing your journey along the Potomac and the Chesapeake & Ohio canal.
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Old Seneca Schoolhouse is a small 1800s school building tucked near the trails in Seneca Creek. It’s a cool little stop if you’re riding or hiking nearby—feels like stepping back in time for a minute. Worth a quick look and photo.
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Lock 21, aka Swains Lock, is a lock house and campsite. It was built in the 1830s and transported items such as grain and coal between Georgetown and Cumberland. It was named after the Swain family and John Swain, who helped build the canal, and Jesse Swain, the lockkeeper. The family lived here until 2006.
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Lock 22, aka Pennyfield Lock, was built between 1829 and 1831, and the name came from the misspelling of the Pennifield family name. It has been restored and offers overnight stays to recreate the rustic feeling from that period.
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Located at mile 14.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath in Potomac, Maryland, Great Falls Park is a must-visit highlight for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike. A short boardwalk leads to the Olmsted Island overlook, where the Potomac River dramatically crashes over jagged rocks—one of the most scenic views near D.C. For hikers, the popular Billy Goat Trail offers three segments, with Section A featuring challenging rock scrambles and breathtaking river views. The historic Great Falls Tavern, built in 1829, now serves as a visitor center and launch point for seasonal mule-drawn canal boat rides. The towpath itself is flat and easy to navigate, ideal for walking or biking. Amenities include restrooms, picnic spots, and interpretive exhibits. Parking is available at the visitor center (fee required), or you can park for free at nearby Swains Lock and walk or ride 2.5 miles to the falls.
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These are hard to come by along the C&O canal and usually hidden. Always nice to know where to get water.
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Great Falls has a scenic Horseshoe Bend where the river curves in a horseshoe shape around a rocky outcrop. It's a nice spot to stop for photos on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail.
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Little Seneca Lake is a 505-acre reservoir in Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 1984 as an emergency water supply for the Washington, D.C. area, it also serves as a popular recreational spot within Black Hill Regional Park. The park features facilities for fishing and boating, with the lake stocked with species such as largemouth bass, tiger muskie, and channel catfish. The trails around the lake are open for hiking and mountain biking, which offer beautiful views over the water.
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There are over 40 touring cycling routes in the Ten Mile Creek area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. This includes 13 easy routes, 19 moderate routes, and 9 more challenging options.
Yes, Ten Mile Creek offers 13 easy touring cycling routes. A good option for a relaxed ride is the Leisure cycling loop from Barnesville, which is a moderate 15.6-mile (25.1 km) route with gentle elevation changes, perfect for those new to touring cycling or looking for a leisurely outing.
For more advanced touring cyclists, there are 9 difficult routes available. A notable challenging option is the Black Rock Mill – Pennyfield Lock loop from Boyds, a 39.7-mile (64.0 km) trail that features varied terrain and significant elevation changes, often taking over five hours to complete.
Many of the routes in Ten Mile Creek, especially the 13 easy options, are suitable for families. The region's generally moderate elevation changes and scenic countryside make for enjoyable rides. Consider routes that are shorter and have less elevation gain for younger riders.
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Ten Mile Creek are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the John Poole House – Seneca Schoolhouse loop from Boyds and the Little Seneca Lake loop from Boyds.
The routes often traverse areas with beautiful natural features. You can explore highlights such as Little Seneca Lake, the Seneca Creek State Park, and the Black Hill Regional Park. The region also features several viewpoints like the View from Sugarloaf Mountain and McCormack Overlook.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling in Ten Mile Creek, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 13 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes rolling hills and open fields, and the historical points of interest found along routes like the John Poole House – Seneca Schoolhouse loop from Boyds.
Yes, Ten Mile Creek's touring routes often pass through areas rich in history. For instance, the John Poole House – Seneca Schoolhouse loop from Boyds explores historical sites and rural scenery. The Black Rock Mill – Pennyfield Lock loop from Boyds also leads through historical mill and lock sites.
The moderate elevation changes and mix of open countryside and wooded sections make Ten Mile Creek enjoyable for touring cycling across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and scenic views, while summer can be great for early morning or late afternoon rides. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, the routes often connect small communities. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or regional transit options that might serve towns like Barnesville or Boyds, which are common starting points for these routes.
Many touring cycling routes in Ten Mile Creek start from or pass through small communities like Barnesville and Boyds, or near regional parks. Parking is generally available in these areas, often at designated park entrances or public lots within the towns. Always look for official parking areas to ensure convenience and safety.
Yes, the region offers several scenic viewpoints. Cyclists can enjoy vistas from highlights such as the View from Sugarloaf Mountain, McCormack Overlook, and White Rocks North Viewpoint, which are part of the natural monuments around Ten Mile Creek.


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