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U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

Hard

4.5

(3809)

10,484

riders

U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

08:01

141km

530m

Gravel riding

Hard gravel 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 15, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 27.0 km for 9 m

After 41.0 km for 9 m

After 41.6 km for 28 m

After 45.4 km for 15 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

11.1 km

Cabin John Stream Valley Park

Nature Reserve

20.0 km

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Highlight • Monument

One of the locks (#6 of 75) on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. These should ensure the shipping traffic between Cumberland and Washington to transport coal.
The lock keeper's houses …

Translated by Google •

Tip by

28.7 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

32.4 km

Smithsonian Castle

Highlight • Monument

The Smithsonian Castle's construction was fininshed in 1855. And as visitors enter through the National Mall entrance they pass the crypt of James Smithson, who is the institution's founder.

It …

Tip by

34.4 km

The lesser-known east side of the Capitol. Here is the entrance to the underground visitor center and close to the headquarters of important institutions such as the National Library and the Supreme Court.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

45.3 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

55.5 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

60.0 km

Widewater

Lake

61.7 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.

Tip by

62.0 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 •

Tip by

72.5 km

Dierrsen Wildlife Management Area

Nature Reserve

97.0 km

Ruins

123 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.

Tip by

141 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

90.5 km

29.6 km

11.1 km

5.00 km

4.76 km

220 m

127 m

Surfaces

63.7 km

33.4 km

29.9 km

13.0 km

659 m

645 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 1 September

34°C

23°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 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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U.S. Capitol – Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls loop from Rockville

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Smithsonian Castle

U.S. Capitol

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Pennyfield Lock

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