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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from North Bethesda

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from North Bethesda

Moderate

5.0

(5179)

10,737

riders

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from North Bethesda

03:02

51.8km

380m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel 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: April 30, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Wall Local Park

Cabin John Stream Valley Park

Watts Branch Stream Valley Park

Cabin John Regional Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

9.16 km

Cabin John Stream Valley Park

Nature Reserve

13.6 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

18.2 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

20.4 km

Widewater

Highlight • Lake

As you ride onto the wide canal bend, you’re met with serene water views—Widewater is a beautiful lake that serves as habitat for many bird and wildlife species. It’s an …

Tip by

21.5 km

Lock 15 – great view near the Great Falls

Highlight • Viewpoint

Not too bumpy or overcrowded, but do expect to find people and cyclists on the path!

Tip by

22.0 km

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Highlight • Waterfall

Located at mile 14.3 on the C&O Canal Towpath in Potomac, Maryland, Great Falls Park is a must-visit highlight for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike. A short boardwalk leads …

Tip by

22.2 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

22.5 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

26.7 km

Swains Lock

Highlight • Historical Site

These are hard to come by along the C&O canal and usually hidden. Always nice to know where to get water.

Tip by

31.5 km

Pennyfield Lock

Highlight • Monument

Lock 22, aka Pennyfield Lock, was built between 1829 and 1831, and the name came from the misspelling of the Pennifield family name. It has been restored and offers overnight stays to recreate the rustic feeling from that period.

Tip by

40.0 km

Adventure Conservation Park

Nature Reserve

51.8 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.4 km

17.6 km

9.06 km

5.52 km

670 m

585 m

Surfaces

26.7 km

18.7 km

5.62 km

363 m

345 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (20 m)

Weather

Sunday 17 May

31°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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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from North Bethesda

Great Falls

Widewater

Lock 15 – great view near the Great Falls

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Swains Lock

Pennyfield Lock

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