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

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

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

Moderate

4.8

(4672)

7,327

riders

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

03:25

47.5km

230m

Cycling

Moderate bike 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: March 20, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 29.6 km for 68 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

9.07 km

Great Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Enjoy easy access to the Great Falls, a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and expert kayakers. Though not exceptionally tall, the falls surge with force as the Potomac River carves through ancient, metamorphic rock.

Tip by

13.7 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

27.2 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

27.4 km

Mile Zero Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath

Highlight • Monument

If you are here in summer, you have the opportunity to explore Washington from the water.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

27.9 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

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.

Tip by

30.4 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 …

Tip by

34.6 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

47.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

28.4 km

17.4 km

927 m

397 m

295 m

140 m

Surfaces

19.9 km

17.2 km

9.99 km

533 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Thursday 7 May

19°C

11°C

-- %

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

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

Great Falls

C&O Canal Mile 0 and Tide Lock

Mile Zero Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Potomac River

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

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