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Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Williamsport

Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Williamsport

Moderate

4.7

(7465)

14,915

riders

Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Williamsport

03:53

50.6km

160m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

8.44 km

Cumberland Valley campsite

Highlight • Rest Area

nice flat site, easy access to trail. Fairly quiet

Tip by

13.1 km

Big Slackwater

Highlight • Cycleway

Ride in the morning or weekday, if possible. can get busy on weekends.

Tip by

25.8 km

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.

Tip by

25.8 km

Dam 4 C&O

Highlight • Monument

Great spot to see the Dam.

Tip by

30.8 km

Potomac River Trail

Highlight • Trail

31.6 km

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 canal path in 1996, a rasied canal path was reconstructed in 2012. It is now open to the public.

Tip by

50.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

36.7 km

7.38 km

3.14 km

1.78 km

1.71 km

Surfaces

36.9 km

7.38 km

3.58 km

1.43 km

1.34 km

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Thursday 9 July

28°C

22°C

97 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Big Slackwater – Big Slackwater View loop from Williamsport

Cumberland Valley campsite

Halfway Point

Big Slackwater

Big Slackwater

Dam No. 4

Dam 4 C&O

Potomac River Trail

Big Slackwater View

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