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Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown

Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown

Moderate

4.9

(5253)

15,382

riders

Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown

02:38

50.5km

240m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.66 km

Calico Rocks campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

site is very close to train tracks. It can get noisy

Tip by

15.5 km

Monocacy Aqueduct

Highlight • Bridge

This is a lovely bridge over the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. It was built from 1829 to 1833 and is one of 12 such bridges to cross the canal. During …

Tip by

16.4 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A lovely gravel and dirt trail that remains in decent condition year round. With the canal on one side, and the river on the other, you are immersed in a lovely landscape with plenty of wildlife to see.

Tip by

17.6 km

Dickerson coal fired power plant

Highlight • Structure

The power plant is visible from the canal.

Tip by

19.9 km

Lock 25 Large Maple

Highlight • Natural Monument

19.9 km

Giant maple tree sheltering Lock 26

Highlight • Natural Monument

This amazing tree stands witness over this truly historic site and invites to stop for a picnic.

Tip by

29.9 km

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail scenic stretch (C&O Canal)

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Lovely, entirely flat compact gravel and concrete multi-use trail that runs along the Potomac River. This ground is perfect for running and offers glorious waterside and forest scenes throughout.

Tip by

39.4 km

Catoctin Creek Aqueduct

Highlight • Bridge

The Catoctin Aqueduct, situated along the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal in Maryland, was constructed between 1832 and 1834. The aqueduct served as a vital waterway infrastructure, allowing canal boats to cross over the Catoctin Creek.

Tip by

50.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

38.4 km

8.37 km

1.62 km

1.44 km

569 m

109 m

Surfaces

38.9 km

8.13 km

2.37 km

1.08 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (60 m)

Weather

Tuesday 23 June

26°C

17°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a gravel biking route that blends history with diverse terrain, the Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown is a fantastic choice. This moderate 31.4-mile (50.5 km) route, with 778 feet (237 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 37 minutes, offering a rewarding experience for riders with good fitness who appreciate a journey through varied landscapes.

What to expect on Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown

The route unfolds as a captivating journey, starting from Taylorstown and quickly immersing you in the region's rich history and natural beauty. You'll spend a significant portion of your ride on the historic Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath, known for its generally smooth gravel surface, but be prepared for some more rugged, dual-track sections, especially if conditions are wet. The highlight of the ride is undoubtedly passing the impressive Monocacy Aqueduct, a 500-foot, seven-arch stone structure, and the equally historic Catoctin Creek Aqueduct. Beyond the towpath, the loop incorporates rolling hills, particularly as you ascend Furnace Mountain Road, which is a

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Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown

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Monocacy Aqueduct – Catoctin Creek Aqueduct loop from Taylorstown

Calico Rocks campsite

Monocacy Aqueduct

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail

Dickerson coal fired power plant

Lock 25 Large Maple

Giant maple tree sheltering Lock 26

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail scenic stretch (C&O Canal)

Catoctin Creek Aqueduct

Nearby routes

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