Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

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

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

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

Moderate

3.0

(9)

riders

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

02:13

33.2km

80m

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: July 10, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 29.8 km for 68 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.23 km

Q Street Bridge Over Rock Creek Park

Highlight • Bridge

2.68 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 …

Tip by

9.60 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

16.9 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

21.9 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

24.8 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

27.0 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

29.5 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

29.5 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

33.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

23.8 km

6.34 km

1.38 km

1.24 km

355 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.4 km

7.86 km

6.69 km

2.46 km

372 m

186 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Saturday 11 July

31°C

22°C

92 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Nearby routes

Moderate

5.0

104

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Dupont Circle

03:21h

48.3km

170m

Moderate

5.0

101

Korean War Veterans Memorial – World War II Memorial loop from Potomac

03:24h

57.0km

290m

Moderate

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from Cabin John

03:34h

51.9km

230m

Moderate

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

02:13h

33.2km

80m

Moderate

Pennyfield Lock – Seneca Quarry Stone Mill Ruins loop from Pennyfield Lock Neighborhood Conservation Area

03:36h

41.7km

350m

Moderate

4.3

Swains Lock – Pennyfield Lock loop from Potomac

02:26h

39.5km

130m

Moderate

5.0

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Swains Lock loop from Cabin John

02:25h

34.3km

210m

Easy

4.0

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Widewater loop from Watts Branch

01:45h

24.2km

100m

Hard

4.0

U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

08:15h

142km

530m

Moderate

3.0

Herndon Caboose Park – Green Lizard Cycling, Herndon loop from Reston Town Center

01:51h

36.0km

190m

Moderate

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Van Ness–UDC

04:02h

68.1km

450m

Moderate

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

02:55h

49.4km

250m

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

Q Street Bridge Over Rock Creek Park

C&O Canal Mile 0 and Tide Lock

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

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Key Bridge Boathouse

Nearby routes

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️