This point marks the start of the 185-mile C&O Canal Towpath Trail that runs from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Originally built as a way for mules to tow boats along the canal, it is now converted into a multi-use trail for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.

Alex

April 24, 2025

Hiking

The final (or beginning) mile of the C&O Canal stands here, next to the Tide Lock on the Potomac, the true birthplace of the canal. The spot is marked with a stone pillar. Stretching from Cumberland to Washington, DC, this route ends at Mile Post 0, where hikers and bikers can definitively mark the start or finish of their journey along the historic canal. The towpath follows the canal’s full 184.5 miles to its Cumberland, MD, terminus, often extending to 333 miles for those who begin in Pittsburgh on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail.

Routes here

Best routes to C&O Canal Mile Marker 0

4.5

(22)

501

riders

1. Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park – Mount Zion Cemetery loop from Ballston–MU

52.0km

02:25

340m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

3.9

(7)

492

riders

2. Mount Zion Cemetery – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from Dupont Circle

59.7km

02:41

380m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

4.6

(21)

364

riders

3. Key Bridge Boathouse – Capital Crescent Trail loop from Friendship Heights

26.9km

01:15

160m

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Saturday 21 February

13°C

5°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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Location: District Of Columbia, United States

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C&O Canal Mile Marker 0

1. Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park – Mount Zion Cemetery loop from Ballston–MU

2. Mount Zion Cemetery – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from Dupont Circle

3. Key Bridge Boathouse – Capital Crescent Trail loop from Friendship Heights

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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