Attractions and places to see around Bakersville include 6 hidden gems waiting to be explored. The region offers a blend of natural beauty along the Potomac River and significant historical sites. Visitors can discover scenic viewpoints, historical monuments, and cycling paths. This area provides opportunities for outdoor activities and learning about local history.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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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.
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From this spot near McMahon’s Mill, you get great views of Big Slackwater. McMahon’s Mill used a steel wheel in the early 20th century to generate electricity. The mill closed in 1922 after a flood but was later restored by the National Park Service. Downstream from McMahon’s Mill, Big Slackwater marks where canal boats entered the Potomac River, avoiding the rocky cliffs by using pools behind Dam 4 and Dam 5. In 1996, flooding damaged the towpath, making this section impassable for over 15 years. Reconstruction began in 2010, and by 2012, the missing towpath section was restored, allowing visitors to travel the entire 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal once again.
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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.
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The peaceful Appalachian foothills and fields here are far removed from their bloody history. The Antietam National Battlefield commemorates a Civil War battle in 1862. You can explore the beautiful area around the Potomac River on a network of paths. There's a visitor centre, field hospital museum, national military cemetery and Burneside's Bridge.
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Sharpsburg, is a small town steeped in history. You can visit the Antietam National Battlefield, wander through the historic town centre and stop for an ice cream. It's a great place to stop for refreshments on a bike ride.
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The Bakersville area is rich in natural beauty, particularly along the Potomac River. You can enjoy scenic views from the View of the Potomac River from the Shepherdstown Bridge, or experience the river up close on the paved elevated boardwalk at Big Slackwater. The area around Dam No. 4 also offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Yes, the region is steeped in history. The most prominent historical site is the Antietam National Battlefield, which commemorates a significant Civil War battle from 1862. It features a visitor center, a field hospital museum, a national military cemetery, and Burnside's Bridge. Additionally, Dam No. 4, built in 1856, is an impressive historical structure crucial for the C&O Canal, and the nearby town of Sharpsburg is also a historical settlement.
The area offers excellent cycling, especially along the Potomac River. Big Slackwater features a paved elevated boardwalk perfect for cycling with fantastic river views. The Maryland side of the Shepherdstown Bridge provides access to the C&O Canal towpath, a popular route for cyclists. You can find various cycling routes, including touring, road, and gravel biking options, by exploring the Cycling around Bakersville guide.
Many attractions around Bakersville are family-friendly. The Big Slackwater boardwalk is great for walks and rides, and the View of the Potomac River from the Shepherdstown Bridge offers accessible scenic views. The Antietam National Battlefield provides educational opportunities with its visitor center and network of paths suitable for families. The historic town of Sharpsburg is also a pleasant stop for families, offering refreshments like ice cream.
For breathtaking views of the Potomac River, head to the View of the Potomac River from the Shepherdstown Bridge, which connects West Virginia to Maryland. Another excellent spot is Big Slackwater, where an elevated boardwalk offers fantastic panoramic views of the river. The area around Dam No. 4 also provides scenic vistas of the river and its surroundings.
The C&O Canal Towpath is a historic trail running alongside the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. From the Maryland side of the Shepherdstown Bridge, you can directly access the C&O Canal towpath. Dam No. 4 is also located around mile 84 of the C&O Canal Towpath, making it an accessible point for exploring this historic route.
Yes, Big Slackwater is a popular spot, especially on summer weekends. To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience on the paved elevated boardwalk, it's recommended to visit in the morning or on a weekday if possible.
Beyond visiting the attractions, the area around Bakersville is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on the C&O Canal towpath, explore the network of paths at Antietam National Battlefield, or simply take a scenic walk along the Potomac River. For more structured routes, consider the Cycling around Bakersville, Road Cycling Routes around Bakersville, or Gravel biking around Bakersville guides.
Dam No. 4, built in 1856, is a significant historical structure located around mile 84 of the C&O Canal Towpath. It was crucial for maintaining water levels for the canal's operations and remains an impressive monument along the Potomac River. The area is also known for its scenic views and wildlife.
Yes, the historic town of Sharpsburg, located near the Antietam National Battlefield, is a great place to stop for refreshments. You can wander through its historic town center and even grab an ice cream, making it a convenient break point during your exploration.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The scenic views of the Potomac River, especially from the Shepherdstown Bridge and Big Slackwater, are highly rated. The peaceful yet historically rich atmosphere of the Antietam National Battlefield also leaves a lasting impression, offering a chance to explore beautiful landscapes with a deep past.


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