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United States

District Of Columbia

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

Moderate

4.7

(9941)

12,117

riders

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

02:16

35.0km

140m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 8, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 3.25 km for 68 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.98 km

Lock 2

Lake

2.43 km

Capital Crescent Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Capital Crescent Trail follows the north shoreline of the Potomac river downstream into Washington, D.C. Currently the trail is around 7 miles long, but there is an extension planned for the near future.

Tip by

3.64 km

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is a paved path across the bridge with metal railings separating pedestrians/cyclists from vehicular traffic. It feels safe but it can be a little loud. The views are beautiful.

Tip by

3.70 km

Key Bridge Boathouse

Highlight • Rest Area

Boathouse where canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented. Great way to explore the Potomac shoreline up and down stream.

Tip by

4.06 km

Potomac River

Highlight • River

The Potomac River, stretching 405 miles from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, ranks as the fourth-largest river on the East Coast. Swimming is prohibited in …

Tip by

9.52 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, …

Tip by

24.7 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 •

Tip by

25.0 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

27.5 km

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Highlight • Bridge

It's just a shame that cycling is only allowed on the paved road. The many earthy trails to the right and left of the road are very tempting for a mountain biker. Unfortunately explicitly forbidden.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

29.8 km

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the trail offers a scenic stretch along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Originating as a vital trade route facilitating the transport of coal, lumber, and agricultural goods, …

Tip by

35.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.6 km

12.0 km

2.01 km

1.75 km

461 m

181 m

Surfaces

12.9 km

9.69 km

6.38 km

5.12 km

544 m

130 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Tuesday 9 June

29°C

17°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 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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Francis Scott Key Bridge – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

Capital Crescent Trail

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Key Bridge Boathouse

Potomac River

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail

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