Potomac River – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

United States

District Of Columbia

Potomac River – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

Moderate

5.0

(1968)

6,176

riders

Potomac River – Crossing Over the C&O Canal loop from Dupont Circle

02:06

33.5km

130m

Gravel riding

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

Last updated: November 9, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 30.2 km for 68 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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3.15 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 …

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3.85 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, …

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8.61 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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10.6 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

22.4 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 •

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25.2 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.

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29.9 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.

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31.0 km

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.

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