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United States

District Of Columbia

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Dupont Circle

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Dupont Circle

Moderate

3.5

(23)

riders

Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Dupont Circle

02:57

48.2km

180m

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: August 12, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 24.0 km for 52 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.33 km

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is a paved path across the bridge with metal railings separating pedestrians/cyclists from vehicular traffic. It feels safe but it can be a little loud. The views are beautiful.

Tip by

3.75 km

Potomac River

Highlight • River

The Potomac River, stretching 405 miles from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, ranks as the fourth-largest river on the East Coast. Swimming is prohibited in …

Tip by

18.1 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

20.4 km

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

24.3 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

24.5 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

24.9 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

26.0 km

Widewater

Lake

37.8 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 …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

40.7 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

48.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

32.7 km

11.5 km

3.42 km

368 m

255 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

19.3 km

15.7 km

11.4 km

1.22 km

380 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Monday 17 August

31°C

23°C

72 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Francis Scott Key Bridge – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Dupont Circle

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Potomac River

Great Falls

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Great Falls Park on the C&O Trail

Lock 15 – great view near the Great Falls

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

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