Giant maple tree sheltering Lock 26
Giant maple tree sheltering Lock 26
Highlight • Natural Monument
Giant maple tree sheltering Lock 26
Cycling
5.0
(13)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Tips
July 18, 2020
Cycling
June 4, 2024
Hiking
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Giant maple tree sheltering Lock 26
5.0
(4)
29
riders
62.8km
04:42
90m
90m
Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, a 39.0 miles (62.8 km) route that winds beside the Potomac River. You will experience a lush 'tunnel of trees' and predominantly dirt and gravel terrain, offering a varied ride with 306 feet (93 metres) of elevation gain. This journey takes approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes to complete, leading you past historic features like the impressive Monocacy Aqueduct, which carries the canal over the Monocacy River.
When planning your visit, be aware that the towpath's surface can be varied, with rough patches, mud, and roots, especially after rain. For this reason, road bikes with skinny tires are not recommended; gravel, hybrid, or mountain bikes with tires 32mm or wider are better suited for the trail. You will find numerous free hiker-biker campsites along the way, equipped with piped drinking water and portable toilets at frequent intervals.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath offers a unique journey along a historic waterway, allowing you to encounter hundreds of original historic features like locks, lock houses, and aqueducts. These structures serve as reminders of the canal's past, providing a rich historical context to your ride. The route follows the Potomac River, immersing you in a natural setting while tracing the path of this significant piece of American history.
5.0
(2)
5
riders
41.0km
02:31
210m
210m
The C&O Canal and Agricultural Reserve Loop offers a unique touring bicycle experience, blending the historic C&O Canal Towpath with the scenic Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. You'll navigate a primarily unpaved surface of dirt and crushed stone, often shaded by trees, with views of the Potomac River and historical structures like Lock 27, Spinks Ferry. The route is generally flat, but the varied terrain makes it a moderate 25.5-mile (41.0 km) ride, best enjoyed on a hybrid or gravel bike.
Plan for a ride of about 2 hours and 31 minutes, keeping in mind that the towpath can be bumpy and muddy, especially after rain. While specific parking for this loop isn't detailed, numerous access points exist along the C&O Canal. It's wise to check trail conditions beforehand and carry enough water, as services might be limited along the way.
This loop provides a glimpse into the rich history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which once served as a vital commercial waterway, alongside the tranquil landscapes of the Agricultural Reserve. The C&O Canal Towpath is part of a much longer trail system, offering a substantial long-distance cycling opportunity for those looking to explore further, connecting with the Great Allegheny Passage for an epic 330-mile journey to Pittsburgh.
58.7km
03:38
230m
230m
Cycle the moderate 36.5-mile Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath: Poolesville Loop, exploring history and nature along the Potomac River.
Details
Informations
Elevation 60 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Friday 12 June
35°C
20°C
-- %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: -- km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December