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Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from Bethesda

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from Bethesda

Easy

4.9

(4624)

15,808

riders

Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from Bethesda

01:51

29.0km

150m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 6.54 km for 303 m

After 13.3 km for 68 m

After 17.0 km for 90 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

7.86 km

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Highlight • Bridge

It's just a shame that cycling is only allowed on the paved road. The many earthy trails to the right and left of the road are very tempting for a mountain biker. Unfortunately explicitly forbidden.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

10.1 km

Fishing Shore Beach

Highlight • Beach

Nestled beside the Capital Crescent Trail, this cozy fishing beach along the Potomac River invites cyclists to stop and recharge. A perfect spot to take a breather from your ride.

Tip by

13.0 km

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This is a paved path across the bridge with metal railings separating pedestrians/cyclists from vehicular traffic. It feels safe but it can be a little loud. The views are beautiful.

Tip by

15.0 km

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Highlight • Viewpoint

The cycle path leading here offers magnificent views of the city at any time of the day or night almost along its entire length.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

15.5 km

C&O Canal Mile 0 and Tide Lock

Highlight • Monument

The final (or beginning) mile of the C&O Canal stands here, next to the Tide Lock on the Potomac, the true birthplace of the canal. The spot is marked with …

Tip by

17.1 km

Potomac River

Highlight • River

The Potomac River, stretching 405 miles from the Potomac Highlands in West Virginia to Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, ranks as the fourth-largest river on the East Coast. Swimming is prohibited in …

Tip by

29.0 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

24.8 km

1.99 km

1.22 km

659 m

254 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

24.0 km

2.37 km

1.97 km

573 m

130 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (110 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 1 September

35°C

23°C

14 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from Bethesda

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Fishing Shore Beach

Francis Scott Key Bridge

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

C&O Canal Mile 0 and Tide Lock

Potomac River

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