Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from Cabin John

Bike touring routes & trails

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from Cabin John

Hard

4.8

(5406)

9,897

riders

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Pennyfield Lock loop from Cabin John

05:10

62.2km

200m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very 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 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Cabin John Stream Valley Park

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

9.83 km

Widewater

Highlight • Lake

As you ride onto the wide canal bend, you’re met with serene water views—Widewater is a beautiful lake that serves as habitat for many bird and wildlife species. It’s an …

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11.4 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 …

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11.6 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.

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11.9 km

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Highlight • Trail

The Great Falls of the Potomac is a place with various rapids and small falls in the Potomac. The place marked here may only be entered on foot. Bicycles and dogs 😜 must stay outside.

Translated by Google •

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12.2 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

14.2 km

This towpath is as much about the journey as the destination. Cruise past historic locks, aqueducts, and shady woodlands along a trail with gentle grades and rich history. Pause at scenic river overlooks or old lockhouses for a quick rest.

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16.1 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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22.3 km

Dierrsen Wildlife Management Area

Nature Reserve

31.1 km

Horsepen Branch Primitive Campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

The Horse Pen Branch campsite is a hiker/biker campsite not accessible by car. Amenities include a chemical toilet, water, picnic table, and grill.

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37.3 km

Inlet Lock

Lake

41.3 km

Pennyfield Lock

Highlight • Monument

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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62.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types