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Swains Lock – Pennyfield Lock loop from Potomac

Swains Lock – Pennyfield Lock loop from Potomac

Moderate

4.8

(5497)

13,591

riders

Swains Lock – Pennyfield Lock loop from Potomac

02:26

39.5km

130m

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: May 7, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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4.44 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.

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10.7 km

Dierrsen Wildlife Management Area

Nature Reserve

14.3 km

Riley’s lock

Highlight • Monument

Riley’s Lock is a fun, happening place. Every time I pass by it is bustling with activity. There are two row boat clubs along Seneca creek. There are kayak, jet …

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14.7 km

Seneca Quarry Stone Mill Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Built in 1837 by the Seneca Sandstone Company, this mill was created to process the distinctive red sandstone quarried nearby. Today, the ruins, easily spotted by their red sandstone walls, …

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20.1 km

Horsepen Branch Primitive Campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

This campsite is designed for hikers and bikers, as it cannot be reached by car. It offers several amenities, such as toilets, water, a picnic table, and a grill. It's …

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26.3 km

Inlet Lock

Lake

30.3 km

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.

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39.5 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

30.1 km

5.65 km

2.01 km

684 m

637 m

301 m

112 m

Surfaces

30.9 km

5.87 km

1.61 km

564 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (50 m)

Weather

Today

Thursday 21 May

22°C

13°C

80 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 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.

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Swains Lock – Pennyfield Lock loop from Potomac

02:26h

39.5km

130m

Swains Lock – Pennyfield Lock loop from Potomac

Swains Lock

Riley’s lock

Seneca Quarry Stone Mill Ruins

Horsepen Branch Primitive Campsite

Pennyfield Lock

Nearby routes

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