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Great Falls Overlook – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Great Falls Park

Routes

Running trails & routes

Great Falls Overlook – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Great Falls Park

Moderate

2.9

(22)

runners

Great Falls Overlook – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Great Falls Park

00:40

6.38km

40m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

610 m

Washington Aqueduct Observation Platform

Highlight • Viewpoint

Washington Aqueduct was constructed back in the mid-1800s by the Army Corps of Engineers to provide water to Washington, D.C., and is still used today. The observation platform for the …

Tip by

1.13 km

Great Falls Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a spectacular waterfall on the Potomac River. Water gushes over a series of jagged rocks and flows through the Mather Gorge.

Tip by

1.50 km

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Highlight • River

Great Falls has a scenic Horseshoe Bend where the river curves in a horseshoe shape around a rocky outcrop. It's a nice spot to stop for photos on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail.

Tip by

2.08 km

Lock 15 and View of the Potomac River

Highlight • River

Lock 15 marks the beginning of the "Six Locks" series, which raises the canal 50 feet past Great Falls. Built from red sandstone boulders transported from Seneca, these locks differ …

Tip by

2.76 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Extending for 184.5 miles along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, this trail was initially constructed for mules to tow boats along the waterway. However, it has since transformed into a remarkable hiking trail, offering picturesque views along its entire length.

Tip by

4.35 km

No bridge too far

Highlight • Trail

5.43 km

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Great Falls of the Potomac is a place with various rapids and small falls in the Potomac. The place marked here may only be entered on foot. Bicycles and dogs 😜 must stay outside.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6.38 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.08 km

1.23 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

2.85 km

1.93 km

723 m

632 m

141 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Wednesday 6 May

23°C

15°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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Great Falls Overlook – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Great Falls Park

Washington Aqueduct Observation Platform

Great Falls Overlook

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Lock 15 and View of the Potomac River

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath

No bridge too far

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

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