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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Cabin John

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Cabin John

Moderate

2.5

(21)

riders

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Cabin John

02:25

34.3km

210m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Cabin John Stream Valley Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

4.16 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

8.80 km

Great Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Enjoy easy access to the Great Falls, a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and expert kayakers. Though not exceptionally tall, the falls surge with force as the Potomac River carves through ancient, metamorphic rock.

Tip by

11.0 km

Widewater

Highlight • Lake

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 …

Tip by

12.1 km

Lock 15 – great view near the Great Falls

Highlight • Viewpoint

Not too bumpy or overcrowded, but do expect to find people and cyclists on the path!

Tip by

12.5 km

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Highlight • Waterfall

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 …

Tip by

12.7 km

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Highlight • River

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.

Tip by

13.0 km

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Great Falls of the Potomac is a place with various rapids and small falls in the Potomac. The place marked here may only be entered on foot. Bicycles and dogs 😜 must stay outside.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

15.3 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Highlight • Trail

This towpath is as much about the journey as the destination. Cruise past historic locks, aqueducts, and shady woodlands along a trail with gentle grades and rich history. Pause at scenic river overlooks or old lockhouses for a quick rest.

Tip by

17.2 km

Swains Lock

Highlight • Historical Site

These are hard to come by along the C&O canal and usually hidden. Always nice to know where to get water.

Tip by

34.3 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.7 km

4.38 km

1.68 km

1.13 km

373 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

27.0 km

4.23 km

3.04 km

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Tuesday 19 May

35°C

21°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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

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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Cabin John

Great Falls

Widewater

Lock 15 – great view near the Great Falls

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Swains Lock

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