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Big Slackwater View – Big Slackwater loop from Martinsburg
10:27
135km
670m
Cycling
Hard bike 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: May 27, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 22.8 km for 54 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
22.6 km
Potomac River Reservoir
Lake
34.3 km
Dam Number 5
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
44.1 km
Fort Frederick State Park
Nature Reserve
65.6 km
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Lake
87.6 km
Big Slackwater View
Highlight • Trail
After a flood destroyed the …
Tip by
88.3 km
Big Slackwater
Highlight • River
88.4 km
Potomac River Trail
Highlight • Trail
89.2 km
Big Slackwater
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
93.4 km
Dam No. 4
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
101 km
Horseshoe Bend campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
113 km
View of the Potomac River from the Shepherdstown Bridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
135 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
68.8 km
27.2 km
20.1 km
10.4 km
4.25 km
4.14 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
69.3 km
46.1 km
12.9 km
3.77 km
2.85 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (160 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
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Today
Friday 10 July
29°C
21°C
55 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an epic day out on two wheels that blends historic waterways with challenging road cycling, the Big Slackwater View – Big Slackwater loop from Martinsburg is a difficult touring cycling route that delivers. Spanning 83.8 miles (134.8 km) with 2212 feet (674 metres) of elevation gain, this journey will take you approximately 10 hours and 27 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for advanced touring cyclists seeking a long, rewarding ride with diverse scenery and a true test of endurance.
What to expect on Big Slackwater View – Big Slackwater loop from Martinsburg
The route offers a fascinating contrast, starting with the renowned Big Slackwater section of the C&O Canal Towpath. Here, you'll glide along a unique concrete walkway that hugs the Potomac River, offering continuous, dramatic views of the water and tall rocky cliffs. This section, a testament to engineering, feels like riding directly on the river, a far cry from other parts of the canal. However, don't let the flat towpath fool you; the larger loop originating from Martinsburg includes significant elevation changes and potentially varied terrain outside the canal, making it a genuinely difficult ride that demands good fitness. You'll pass historic canal structures and the charming canal town of Williamsport, experiencing both smooth surfaces and potentially more rugged segments.
Planning your visit
Given the route's length and difficulty, planning is key. The C&O Canal section is accessible year-round, but the full loop's varied terrain means fair weather is best for tackling the entire distance. Start early to allow ample time for the 10 hours and 27 minutes estimated duration, especially if you plan to explore any of the historic sites along the way. While the C&O Canal Towpath is generally well-maintained, be prepared for potentially unpaved sections on the broader loop. There are no specific permits required for cycling the Big Slackwater loop, but always carry enough water and snacks for this extensive journey.
Trail details
- Distance: 83.8 miles (134.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 2212 feet (674 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 10 hours and 27 minutes
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