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Waterfalls

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Waterfalls

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Highlight • Waterfall

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Name: Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail
Rating: 2

Recommended by 14 cyclists

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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Location: Potomac, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States

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Top cycling routes to Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

4.7

(12)

235

riders

1. Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from Court House

48.9km

04:25

200m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.4

(5)

137

riders

2. Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Monocacy Aqueduct loop from Barnesville

129km

10:07

450m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

5.0

(5)

riders

3. Pennyfield Lock – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Broad Run Farms

37.2km

03:27

90m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Jamie S.

May 12, 2025

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.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Friday 12 December

3°C

-4°C

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See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Potomac, Montgomery County, Maryland, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Rocky River Section, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Swains Lock

Purplehorse Beach and Mixed Rock Formations

River Trail (Mather Gorge), Great Falls Park

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

LOVE Sign on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Olmsted Island and Great Falls of the Potomac

Riverbend Park – Potomac River View

Lock 15 and View of the Potomac River

Great Falls Overlook 2

Great Falls Overlook

Angler's Inn Lower Parking Lot

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

1. Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from Court House

2. Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Monocacy Aqueduct loop from Barnesville

3. Pennyfield Lock – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Broad Run Farms

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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