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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from East Falls Church

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from East Falls Church

Hard

2.9

(22)

riders

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from East Falls Church

05:29

82.2km

500m

Gravel riding

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

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Seneca Creek State Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

14.7 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

21.5 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 ideal spot to pause, do some birdwatching, and soak in the calm before continuing your journey along the Potomac and the Chesapeake & Ohio canal.

Tip by

22.6 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

23.1 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 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.

Tip by

23.3 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

23.5 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

27.8 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

32.6 km

Pennyfield Lock

Highlight • Monument

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.

Tip by

35.2 km

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park

Nature Reserve

45.6 km

Inlet Lock

Lake

48.2 km

Dierrsen Wildlife Management Area

Nature Reserve

72.5 km

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Highlight • Monument

One of the locks (#6 of 75) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. These should ensure the shipping traffic between Cumberland and Washington to transport coal.
The lock keeper's houses next to the lock have been restored and can be used as overnight accommodation.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

82.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

60.1 km

10.5 km

3.98 km

3.75 km

2.50 km

1.46 km

Surfaces

53.1 km

17.0 km

7.86 km

4.32 km

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 21 May

21°C

14°C

75 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 22.0 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 – Pennyfield Lock loop from East Falls Church

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

Swains Lock

Pennyfield Lock

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

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