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Francis Scott Key Bridge – Rock Creek Trail loop from Cabin John

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Rock Creek Trail loop from Cabin John

Moderate

3.3

(11)

riders

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Rock Creek Trail loop from Cabin John

02:01

33.3km

180m

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: August 13, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 2.89 km for 87 m

After 15.5 km for 68 m

After 17.5 km for 149 m

After 19.1 km for 90 m

After 30.2 km for 87 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

6.98 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 next to the lock have been restored and can be used as overnight accommodation.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7.29 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

9.32 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, plus easy access to the C&O Canal towpath which takes you all the way to Georgetown.

Tip by

15.1 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

15.1 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

17.0 km

C&O Canal Mile 0 and Tide Lock

Highlight • Monument

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.

Tip by

17.3 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rock Creek Trail is a popular spot for foot traffic. Starting from the parking lot off Virginia Avenue, the paved path follows Rock Creek, passing landmarks like the William Howard Taft Bridge and Peirce Mill. Along the route hikers can find picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Open year-round, the trail welcomes dogs, with some areas allowing off-leash.

Tip by

17.4 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

19.2 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 the District of Columbia's portion of the river. George Washington envisioned the Potomac as "the great avenue into the Western Country," and it played a central role in his life, serving as a vital hub during his era. For scenic views of the Potomac River on a bike, follow the Capital Crescent Trail, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail, or the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Tip by

33.3 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.1 km

11.2 km

3.11 km

2.54 km

759 m

512 m

Surfaces

12.7 km

7.86 km

7.83 km

4.31 km

448 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (80 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 13 August

32°C

23°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Francis Scott Key Bridge – Rock Creek Trail loop from Cabin John

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

Key Bridge Boathouse

Francis Scott Key Bridge

C&O Canal Mile 0 and Tide Lock

Rock Creek Trail

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Potomac River

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