Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
North America
United States
Maryland
Washington County

Bakersville

Attractions and Places To See around Bakersville - Top 6

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.

Best attractions and places to see around Bakersville

  • The most popular attractions is View of the Potomac River from the Shepherdstown Bridge, a viewpoint that offers…

Last updated: May 12, 2026

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 …

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Scenic views from the bridge crossing the bridge from West Virginia to Maryland. The MD-side of the bridge offers access to the C&O Canal tow path.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

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 …

Tip by

Save

Antietam National Battlefield

Highlight • Historical Site

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 …

Tip by

Save

Sharpsburg

Highlight • Settlement

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.

Tip by

Save

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Bakersville

Hiking around Bakersville

Cycling around Bakersville

Gravel biking around Bakersville

Road Cycling Routes around Bakersville

Tips from the Community

Jamie S.
April 23, 2025, Dam No. 4

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.

0

0

Jamie S.
March 20, 2025, Dam No. 4

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.

0

0

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.

0

0

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.

0

0

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.

0

0

Amy
September 18, 2022, Sharpsburg

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.

0

0

Scenic views from the bridge crossing the bridge from West Virginia to Maryland. The MD-side of the bridge offers access to the C&O Canal tow path.

1

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural attractions can I find around Bakersville?

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.

Are there historical sites to visit near Bakersville?

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.

What cycling opportunities are available around Bakersville?

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.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Bakersville area?

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.

Where can I find the best views of the Potomac River near Bakersville?

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.

What is the C&O Canal Towpath, and how can I access it from Bakersville?

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.

Are there any specific tips for visiting Big Slackwater?

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.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Bakersville's attractions?

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.

What is the significance of Dam No. 4?

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.

Can I find places for refreshments or a break near the attractions?

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.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Bakersville?

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.

Most popular routes around Bakersville

Hiking around Bakersville

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Garretts MillYarrowsburgSandy HookBrownsvilleDarganFort RitchieAntietamBoonsboroMount BriarTrego-Rohrersville StationHighfield-CascadeKeedysvilleRohrersvilleCavetownSmithsburgEakles MillGaplandPondsvilleEdgemontMaplevilleBreathedsvilleSharpsburgBeaver CreekGreensburgSan MarBagtownMount LenaMount AetnaFairplayJugtownRobinwoodHagerstownTilghmantonSt. JamesChewsvilleFunkstown

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Tilghmanton

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy