Key Bridge Boathouse – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from West Falls Church–VT
Key Bridge Boathouse – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from West Falls Church–VT
5.0
(1911)
16,960
riders
Key Bridge Boathouse – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from West Falls Church–VT
02:02
42.5km
300m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
Tips
Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route
After 18.8 km for 213 m
After 20.6 km for 199 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
13.4 km
Key Bridge Boathouse
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
14.3 km
Old Stone House (Washington, D.C.)
Highlight • Historical Site
Source:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Stone_House_(Washington,_D.C.)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
15.7 km
Q Street Bridge Over Rock Creek Park
Highlight • Bridge
27.0 km
C&O Canal Mile Marker 0
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
27.8 km
Capital Crescent Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
42.5 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
29.5 km
6.06 km
3.12 km
2.16 km
1.28 km
436 m
Surfaces
33.5 km
8.09 km
566 m
207 m
160 m
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Elevation
Highest point (120 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
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Saturday 27 June
28°C
21°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Key Bridge Boathouse – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from West Falls Church–VT is one of those road cycling routes that truly delivers a varied experience, blending urban charm with natural beauty. This moderate 26.4 miles (42.5 km) route, with 982 feet (299 metres) of climbing, takes around 2 hours and 1 minute to complete. It's perfect if you're looking for a dynamic ride that offers a great escape without venturing too far from the city, especially if you appreciate diverse scenery and historic landmarks.
What to expect on Key Bridge Boathouse – C&O Canal Mile Marker 0 loop from West Falls Church–VT
You'll start on the smooth, paved Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, enjoying its tree-lined sections and suburban views. As you approach the Key Bridge, prepare for expansive views of the Potomac River and the historic architecture of Georgetown. Once across, you have a choice: the initial rough gravel of the C&O Canal Towpath near Mile Marker 0, or the smoother, paved Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) which runs alongside it. The CCT offers a more road-bike-friendly experience, winding through wooded areas and past historic locks, with a gradual uphill climb towards Bethesda before returning. This route offers a dynamic cycling experience, transitioning from structured urban trails to natural riverside settings, making it suitable for road cyclists who enjoy varied terrain and scenery.
Planning your visit
This loop kicks off from the West Falls Church–VT area, likely near the Metro station, offering easy access to the W&OD Trail. While the C&O Canal Towpath starts at Mile Marker 0 in Georgetown, road cyclists will find the paved Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) a much more enjoyable alternative for the initial miles. Be aware that the CCT can get quite busy, especially on weekends, so an early start is always a good idea to enjoy a less crowded ride. The route involves urban cycling sections, so be prepared for road crossings and potential pedestrian traffic.
Trail details
- Distance: 26.4 miles (42.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 982 feet (299 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 1 minutes
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