Pennyfield Lock – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Travilah
Pennyfield Lock – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Travilah
2.7
(6)
32
riders
Pennyfield Lock – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Travilah
06:04
78.3km
420m
Mountain biking
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 28.7 km for 296 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
8.54 km
Bridge over Muddy Branch near Riley’s Lock
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
9.39 km
Pennyfield Lock
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
18.7 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
20.4 km
Widewater
Lake
28.8 km
Cedar Island Conservation Park
Nature Reserve
31.9 km
Little Falls Dam
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
32.5 km
Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Highlight • Monument
The lock keeper's houses …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
33.9 km
Dalecarlia Tunnel
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
39.8 km
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
51.1 km
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Lake
60.0 km
Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail
Highlight • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
71.7 km
Blockhouse Point Conservation Park
Nature Reserve
78.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
65.8 km
8.09 km
2.84 km
1.53 km
101 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
31.8 km
26.0 km
11.0 km
8.29 km
655 m
557 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (110 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Friday 26 June
30°C
20°C
32 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
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 endurance challenge on two wheels, the Pennyfield Lock – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Travilah is a difficult mountain biking route that delivers. Spanning 48.7 miles (78.3 km) with 1385 feet (422 metres) of elevation gain, this extensive loop will take you approximately 6 hours and 3 minutes to complete, making it ideal for experienced riders seeking a long day out.
What to expect on Pennyfield Lock – Dalecarlia Tunnel loop from Travilah
This route is a journey through varied landscapes, blending historic pathways with natural terrain. You'll spend significant time on the C&O Canal Towpath, an unpaved surface of packed clay and crushed stone that offers picturesque views of the Potomac River and historic canal structures. While mostly flat, this section can be rough and muddy after rain, so come prepared with a mountain or hybrid bike with wider tires. Later, the Capital Crescent Trail provides a smoother experience on its 10-foot wide asphalt path, leading you to the distinctive Dalecarlia Tunnel, a 340-foot-long brick structure with unique man-sized cutouts. Expect the difficulty to come from the sheer distance and sustained effort rather than consistently steep climbs, though trails around Travilah like the Muddy Branch Stream Trail can introduce more technical sections with roots and rocks.
Planning your visit
Given the varied terrain, a mountain bike or a sturdy hybrid with wider tires is essential, especially if there's been recent rainfall, as the C&O Canal Towpath can become quite muddy. The length of this loop demands good physical preparation and adequate hydration. While specific parking details aren't provided, starting from the Travilah area offers good access to this extensive network of mountain biking trails. Always check local conditions before heading out, particularly regarding trail resurfacing or potential mud on the C&O Canal.
Trail details
- Distance: 48.7 miles (78.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1385 feet (422 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 6 hours and 3 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free