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Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Antietam National Battlefield

Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Antietam National Battlefield

Hard

3.4

(1)

riders

Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Antietam National Battlefield

09:07

115km

510m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel 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: March 28, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 26.5 km for 304 m

After 30.4 km for 304 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

12.2 km

Antietam Aqueduct

Highlight • Bridge

The Antietam Aqueduct, located at mile 69.4 of the C&O Canal Towpath, is a three-arch stone aqueduct that once carried the canal over Antietam Creek. Built in 1834, it is constructed from limestone quarried nearby and remains one of the best-preserved aqueducts along the canal. During the Civil War, it was near the site of Confederate troop movements before and after the Battle of Antietam in 1862. Though it suffered some damage over the years, it has been fully restored and now serves as a scenic and historic stop along the towpath, offering great river views and picnic spots.

Tip by

24.9 km

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Lock 34

Highlight • Historical Site

26.4 km

Harpers Ferry Tunnel and Railroad Bridges

Highlight • Bridge

From here, you can look up at the West Portal of the Harpers Ferry Tunnel. The tunnel is part of the B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing, which is on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in commerce, engineering, industry, invention, and transportation.

Tip by

69.1 km

Dam No. 4

Highlight • Monument

Dam No. 4 is located around mile 84 of the C&O Canal Towpath. Built in 1856, this dam was crucial for maintaining water levels for canal operations and remains an impressive structure along the river. The area around the dam is known for its scenic views and wildlife, making it a nice spot to pause before continuing on your ride.

Tip by

69.2 km

Dam 4 C&O

Highlight • Monument

Great spot to see the Dam.

Tip by

73.3 km

Big Slackwater

Highlight • Cycleway

Ride in the morning or weekday, if possible. can get busy on weekends.

Tip by

74.2 km

Potomac River Trail

Highlight • Trail

74.9 km

Big Slackwater View

Highlight • Trail

Big Slackwater is a deep, smooth area of the C&O canal. It is the place that canal boats used to be launched into the canal.

After a flood destroyed the canal path in 1996, a rasied canal path was reconstructed in 2012. It is now open to the public.

Tip by

115 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

89.6 km

15.3 km

4.55 km

4.14 km

1.62 km

179 m

Surfaces

86.5 km

11.9 km

8.31 km

7.52 km

773 m

255 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 (80 m)

Weather

Today

Monday 18 May

36°C

16°C

41 %

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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Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Antietam National Battlefield

Antietam Aqueduct

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Lock 34

Harpers Ferry Tunnel and Railroad Bridges

Dam No. 4

Dam 4 C&O

Big Slackwater

Potomac River Trail

Big Slackwater View

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