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Conococheague Aqueduct – Dam Number 5 loop from Hancock

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Conococheague Aqueduct – Dam Number 5 loop from Hancock

Hard

2.7

(27)

riders

Conococheague Aqueduct – Dam Number 5 loop from Hancock

06:53

77.3km

150m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 23, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 71.5 km for 52 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.12 km

Little Pool Primitive Campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

nice site except for I-70 noise

Tip by

12.0 km

Lock or dam

Highlight • Historical Site

all kinds of stone structures on the c&o canal side. where the gravel lives, didn't know this was here. the gravel side of the trail goes for a couple hundred miles and has campgrounds and well water. Porta John's. very well thought out, and I really enjoyed the gravel side.

Tip by

22.6 km

North Mountain Primitive Campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

26.9 km

Little Slackwater

Highlight • River

38.7 km

Conococheague Aqueduct

Highlight • Bridge

49.9 km

Dam Number 5

Highlight • Monument

Dam No. 5 is located along the C&O Canal Towpath near mile 106, between Williamsport and Hancock, Maryland. Constructed between 1833 and 1835, it was built to raise water levels in the Potomac River and ensure a steady supply for the canal's operation. Like the other dams along the canal, Dam No. 5 was crucial for maintaining navigable water levels for canal boats, allowing them to bypass the river’s natural rapids and shallow areas.
During the Civil War, Dam No. 5 became a strategic target for Confederate forces, who attempted to destroy it multiple times in an effort to disrupt Union transportation and supply lines. In December 1861, Confederate General Stonewall Jackson led an attack on the dam, but despite several attempts, Union troops successfully defended it, keeping the canal operational.
Today, Dam No. 5 remains a picturesque and historically significant site along the towpath. The area is known for its scenic views of the Potomac, with rushing water cascading over the dam and wildlife such as bald eagles, herons, and fish frequently spotted.

Tip by

60.5 km

Big Pool

Highlight • Lake

Big Pool is located near mile 113 along the C&O Canal Towpath. Unlike the man-made sections of the canal, Big Pool is a natural body of water that was incorporated into the canal’s design to serve as a water storage area for boat operations. Spanning about 1.5 miles in length and up to 200 feet wide, it provided an easier passage for canal boats compared to the narrower, hand-dug sections of the waterway. Today, Big Pool is a peaceful and picturesque landmark for those exploring the C&O Canal Towpath. It is also adjacent to Fort Frederick State Park, one of the most significant historical sites along the towpath. Cyclists can easily take a short detour to visit the 18th-century fort, which was built in 1756 during the French and Indian War and later played roles in both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The fort’s well-preserved stone walls and reconstructed barracks provide a glimpse into Maryland’s frontier history.

Tip by

65.4 km

Licking Creek Primitive Campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

off trail, flat, secluded large site

Tip by

77.3 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

68.6 km

6.92 km

1.70 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

68.6 km

4.69 km

3.66 km

268 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Wednesday 15 July

38°C

21°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Conococheague Aqueduct – Dam Number 5 loop from Hancock

Little Pool Primitive Campsite

Lock or dam

North Mountain Primitive Campsite

Little Slackwater

Conococheague Aqueduct

Dam Number 5

Big Pool

Licking Creek Primitive Campsite

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