Big Pool

The Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Martinsburg offers a truly unique touring cycling experience, tracing the historic Potomac River. You'll navigate a blend of riverine landscapes and forested areas, with the standout feature being the Big Slackwater section itself. Here, the path runs on elevated concrete walkways, giving you the sensation of cycling directly over the water, a truly immersive way to experience the river's dramatic cliffs and natural beauty.

This is a demanding ride, covering 89.3 miles (143.8 km) with 2751 feet (838 metres) of elevation gain, requiring about 10 hours and 44 minutes to complete. It's rated difficult, and some unpaved sections may even require you to push your bike. Plan for an early start to make the most of daylight, and ensure you have very good fitness for this challenging adventure. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant cycling conditions.

What makes this route special is its deep connection to the C&O Canal's history and engineering. The Big Slackwater section, rebuilt in 2012, restored a continuous car-free path where canal boats once entered the Potomac directly. This innovative construction, drilling into bedrock for the elevated path, allows cyclists to appreciate the river's power and the ingenuity required to navigate this historic waterway.