Dam Number 5 – C & O Bicycle, Hancock loop from Williamsport
Dam Number 5 – C & O Bicycle, Hancock loop from Williamsport
2.8
(2)
60
riders
Dam Number 5 – C & O Bicycle, Hancock loop from Williamsport
07:08
85.5km
190m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel ride. Very 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: March 30, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 3.13 km for 61 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
3.16 km
Cushwa Basin
Lake
14.9 km
Dam Number 5
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
25.5 km
Big Pool
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
30.3 km
Licking Creek Primitive Campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
30.4 km
Lock or dam
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
43.5 km
C & O Bicycle, Hancock
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
43.6 km
Tip by
49.8 km
Little Pool Primitive Campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
67.2 km
North Mountain Primitive Campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
83.8 km
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Lake
85.5 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
79.8 km
3.18 km
1.94 km
454 m
124 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
79.9 km
1.99 km
1.83 km
1.80 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 10 June
30°C
19°C
71 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a serious day out on two wheels, the Dam Number 5 – C & O Bicycle, Hancock loop from Williamsport is a challenging gravel biking route that delivers. This difficult 53.1-mile (85.5 km) loop, with a modest 614 feet (187 metres) of elevation gain, will take you around 7 hours and 7 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for experienced riders ready to tackle a long-distance journey along historic waterways, making the difficulty of C&O Canal Williamsport Hancock bike trail more about endurance than steep climbs.
What to expect on Dam Number 5 – C & O Bicycle, Hancock loop from Williamsport
The route largely follows the C&O Canal Towpath, offering a varied ride. You'll find sections of smooth, crushed limestone perfect for cruising, but also rougher patches with dirt and roots, especially after rain, so a hybrid, gravel, or mountain bike is definitely recommended for the C&O Canal Dam Number 5 terrain. The scenery is a highlight, with picturesque views along the Potomac River, particularly around Dam Number 5 where you might spot bald eagles and herons. You'll also pass through diverse ecosystems like pine woods and wetlands, all while encountering historical structures such as locks, aqueducts, and old lockhouses that tell the story of the canal's past.
Planning your visit
This loop is a significant undertaking due to its length, so plan accordingly. The town of Hancock, an official "trail town" along the route, offers convenient amenities like bike shops, lodging, and restaurants if you need a break or an overnight stop. Remember there's a 15 MPH speed limit on the towpath. For some sections, you can even use the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail as an alternative, which parallels the C&O Canal and offers a different riding experience for those exploring Williamsport to Hancock C&O Canal bike trails.
- Distance: 53.1 miles (85.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 614 feet (187 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 7 hours and 7 minutes
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