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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Easy

3.0

(17)

riders

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

00:53

14.2km

50m

Gravel riding

Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 10, 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

839 m

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

1.95 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

2.39 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

2.57 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.

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2.87 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

5.17 km

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

7.09 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.

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10.9 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 …

Tip by

14.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.1 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

14.2 km

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Wednesday 22 July

29°C

19°C

55 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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

Washington Aqueduct Observation Platform

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