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United States

District Of Columbia

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

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

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

Moderate

4.5

(2269)

7,772

riders

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

02:55

49.4km

250m

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 24.7 km for 87 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

11.2 km

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Highlight • Viewpoint

The cycle path leading here offers magnificent views of the city at any time of the day or night almost along its entire length.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

18.4 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

26.0 km

Glen Echo Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Glen Echo Park is an arts and cultural center, just north of D.C.. A formerly privately owned amusement park, it is now operated by the National Park Services. It’s open throughout the year to the public.

Tip by

29.4 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

29.7 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

32.3 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

34.5 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

36.9 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

37.0 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

49.4 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

25.1 km

18.1 km

2.28 km

2.10 km

1.62 km

191 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

26.1 km

12.7 km

5.12 km

4.67 km

488 m

349 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (90 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 27 June

26°C

21°C

80 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

Glen Echo Park

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Key Bridge Boathouse

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