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U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

Hard

4.5

(3809)

10,484

riders

U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

08:15

142km

530m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 8, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 27.0 km for 9 m

After 41.6 km for 9 m

After 42.3 km for 28 m

After 46.0 km for 15 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

11.1 km

Cabin John Stream Valley Park

Nature Reserve

20.0 km

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Highlight • Monument

One of the locks (#6 of 75) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. These should ensure the shipping traffic between Cumberland and Washington to transport coal.
The lock keeper's houses next to the lock have been restored and can be used as overnight accommodation.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

28.7 km

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Highlight • Viewpoint

The cycle path leading here offers magnificent views of the city at any time of the day or night almost along its entire length.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

32.4 km

Smithsonian Castle

Highlight • Monument

The Smithsonian Castle's construction was fininshed in 1855. And as visitors enter through the National Mall entrance they pass the crypt of James Smithson, who is the institution's founder.

It is usually free to enter The Smithsonian Castle, but starting in February of 2023 it is closed to visitors for a major renovation projected to take five years.

Tip by

34.5 km

U.S. Capitol

Highlight • Monument

The lesser-known east side of the Capitol. Here is the entrance to the underground visitor center and close to the headquarters of important institutions such as the National Library and the Supreme Court.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

46.0 km

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Highlight • Bridge

It's just a shame that cycling is only allowed on the paved road. The many earthy trails to the right and left of the road are very tempting for a mountain biker. Unfortunately explicitly forbidden.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

53.9 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

60.7 km

Widewater

Lake

62.4 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

62.7 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

73.2 km

Dierrsen Wildlife Management Area

Nature Reserve

97.7 km

Ruins

124 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

142 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

90.5 km

32.4 km

10.1 km

4.89 km

3.65 km

207 m

191 m

Surfaces

68.9 km

36.0 km

23.7 km

12.6 km

469 m

370 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 16 July

36°C

25°C

10 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Description

If you're an experienced gravel biker looking for a truly epic day out near Washington D.C., the U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville delivers a challenging and incredibly diverse ride. This difficult 88.2-mile (141.9 km) route packs in 1734 feet (529 metres) of elevation gain, demanding good fitness for its estimated 8 hours and 15 minutes duration. It's a journey that blends natural beauty, rich history, and varied terrain, making it one of the top rated gravel bike routes in Maryland for those seeking a substantial adventure.

What to expect on U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

This route is a masterclass in varied gravel biking, taking you from Rockville through suburban connections to the heart of the region's best trails. You'll spend significant time on the historic C&O Canal Towpath, where the surface ranges from well-maintained crushed stone to rougher sections with dirt, roots, and rocks, especially after rain. The highlight is undoubtedly Great Falls Park, offering dramatic views of the Potomac River cascading over rugged rocks, particularly at Horseshoe Bend. Expect wide gravel paths like the Old Carriage Road within the park. If your route extends towards the U.S. Capitol, you might encounter sections of the Capital Crescent Trail, which transitions from paved asphalt to crushed gravel. This long ride demands endurance and good bike handling skills for its diverse surfaces.

Planning your visit

Given the length and varied terrain, good preparation is key. Ensure your gravel bike has tires of 32mm or larger for comfort and traction, as surfaces can become muddy after rain. While the C&O Canal Towpath is largely flat, some paths within Great Falls Park can have steep, albeit short, climbs. Great Falls Park may have an entrance fee, so check ahead. This is a long day in the saddle, so carry ample water and nutrition. Starting early is advisable to make the most of the daylight and avoid potential crowds, especially on popular sections near Great Falls.

Trail details

Distance: 88.2 miles (141.9 km)
Elevation gain: 1734 feet (529 metres)
Difficulty: difficult
Estimated time: 8 hours and 15 minutes

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U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

08:15h

142km

530m

U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Smithsonian Castle

U.S. Capitol

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Pennyfield Lock

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