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United States

District Of Columbia

Dalecarlia Tunnel – Swains Lock loop from Tenleytown–AU

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

Dalecarlia Tunnel – Swains Lock loop from Tenleytown–AU

Hard

4.9

(6586)

13,134

riders

Dalecarlia Tunnel – Swains Lock loop from Tenleytown–AU

04:11

68.5km

510m

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: July 10, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 20.4 km for 92 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.04 km

Dalecarlia Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

The Dalecarlia Tunnel runs the Capital Crescent Trail under the Washington Aqueduct and MacArthur Boulevard. It was built in 1910 as a railway tunnel and is now over 100 years old.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.45 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

10.4 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

15.1 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

16.8 km

Angler's Inn parking lot

Highlight • Parking

The lower parking lot near the Potomac River is a popular spot for kayakers and provides the best access to Billy Goat Trail sections A and B. There are restrooms and a water refill fountain. It fills up quickly on weekends and holidays, often by 7 a.m., so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.

Tip by

22.7 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

24.7 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

29.5 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

30.1 km

Pennyfield Lock Neighborhood Conservation Area

Nature Reserve

32.3 km

Blockhouse Point Conservation Park

Nature Reserve

46.8 km

Washington Aqueduct Observation Platform

Highlight • Viewpoint

Washington Aqueduct was constructed back in the mid-1800s by the Army Corps of Engineers to provide water to Washington, D.C., and is still used today. The observation platform for the aqueduct is right next to the C&O and grants you views across the expansive Potomac River. Just across the trail exists a collection of other historic sites.

Tip by

68.5 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

33.5 km

20.6 km

7.47 km

5.95 km

754 m

304 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

31.6 km

23.2 km

10.7 km

2.74 km

302 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 16 July

37°C

27°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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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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Dalecarlia Tunnel – Swains Lock loop from Tenleytown–AU

Dalecarlia Tunnel

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Great Falls

Angler's Inn parking lot

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Swains Lock

Pennyfield Lock

Washington Aqueduct Observation Platform

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