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Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon – Pennyfield Lock loop from Virginia Square–GMU

Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon – Pennyfield Lock loop from Virginia Square–GMU

Hard

4.7

(2143)

6,446

riders

Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon – Pennyfield Lock loop from Virginia Square–GMU

08:35

157km

820m

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 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

28.2 km

Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

All told, this converted rail trail runs for 45 miles through Virginia. The surface is a mix of pavement and crushed stone. You'll also find a good few bike shops …

Tip by

28.9 km

Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon

Highlight • Rest Area

Bike shop right off the trail with coffee and beer. First time there was today, and I'll definitely be stopping by again.

Tip by

92.4 km

Dickerson Conservation Park

Nature Reserve

99.4 km

Ruins

124 km

Dierrsen Wildlife Management Area

Nature Reserve

125 km

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.

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134 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

135 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

135 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 …

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136 km

Widewater

Lake

143 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

148 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 …

Translated by Google •

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151 km

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

One of the best way to cross from Virginia over to the D.C./Maryland side: cycling over the Chain Cross Bridge. Offers fabulous views over the rough part of the Potomac, …

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157 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

70.7 km

39.2 km

27.1 km

13.9 km

5.37 km

1.02 km

Surfaces

53.8 km

50.6 km

45.9 km

6.10 km

850 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (190 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 23 May

13°C

9°C

68 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 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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Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon – Pennyfield Lock loop from Virginia Square–GMU

Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon

Pennyfield Lock

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

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