The best cycling routes around Big Spring

Little Pool Primitive Campsite is a great spot tucked under the trees with just the basics: a picnic table, fire ring, and seasonal treated water. It’s free to use—no reservation or payment required—and includes a portable toilet but no other services. Little Pool, adjacent to the camp area, adds a picturesque touch, and if you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of trout surfacing in the early morning light.

A paved elevated boardwalk stretches out along the water, giving you a fantastic view of the Potomac River. This spot can get pretty popular on summer weekends.

Dam No. 4 is located around mile 84 of the C&O Canal Towpath. Built in 1856, this dam was crucial for maintaining water levels for canal operations and remains an impressive structure along the river. The area around the dam is known for its scenic views and wildlife.

Dam No. 4 is located around mile 84 of the C&O Canal Towpath. Built in 1856, this dam was crucial for maintaining water levels for canal operations and remains an impressive structure along the river. The area around the dam is known for its scenic views and wildlife, making it a nice spot to pause before continuing on your ride.

Dam No. 5 is located along the C&O Canal Towpath near mile 106, between Williamsport and Hancock, Maryland. Constructed between 1833 and 1835, it was built to raise water levels in the Potomac River and ensure a steady supply for the canal's operation. Like the other dams along the canal, Dam No. 5 was crucial for maintaining navigable water levels for canal boats, allowing them to bypass the river’s natural rapids and shallow areas. During the Civil War, Dam No. 5 became a strategic target for Confederate forces, who attempted to destroy it multiple times in an effort to disrupt Union transportation and supply lines. In December 1861, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson led an attack on the dam, but despite several attempts, Union troops successfully defended it, keeping the canal operational. Today, Dam No. 5 remains a picturesque and historically significant site along the towpath. The area is known for its scenic views of the Potomac, with rushing water cascading over the dam and wildlife such as bald eagles, herons, and fish frequently spotted.

Big Pool is located near mile 113 along the C&O Canal Towpath. Unlike the man-made sections of the canal, Big Pool is a natural body of water that was incorporated into the canal’s design to serve as a water storage area for boat operations. Spanning about 1.5 miles in length and up to 200 feet wide, it provided an easier passage for canal boats compared to the narrower, hand-dug sections of the waterway. Today, Big Pool is a peaceful and picturesque landmark for those exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. It is also adjacent to Fort Frederick State Park, one of the most significant historical sites along the towpath. Cyclists can easily take a short detour to visit the 18th-century fort, which was built in 1756 during the French and Indian War and later played roles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The fort’s well-preserved stone walls and reconstructed barracks provide a glimpse into Maryland’s frontier history.

Great food right on trail

From this spot near McMahon’s Mill, you get great views of Big Slackwater. McMahon’s Mill used a steel wheel in the early 20th century to generate electricity. The mill closed in 1922 after a flood but was later restored by the National Park Service. Downstream from McMahon’s Mill, Big Slackwater marks where canal boats entered the Potomac River, avoiding the rocky cliffs by using pools behind Dam 4 and Dam 5. In 1996, flooding damaged the towpath, making this section impassable for over 15 years. Reconstruction began in 2010, and by 2012, the missing towpath section was restored, allowing visitors to travel the entire 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal once again.