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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Van Ness–UDC

Routes

United States

District Of Columbia

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Van Ness–UDC

Moderate

2.8

(20)

riders

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Van Ness–UDC

04:03

68.1km

450m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: July 10, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 49.2 km for 159 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

8.90 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

13.5 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

16.4 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

21.4 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

28.3 km

Widewater

Lake

30.0 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

30.3 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

57.1 km

Meadowbrook Stables

Highlight • Structure

Established in 1934, Meadowbrook Stables is a historic horseback riding school located along the Rock Creek Trail. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds during summer hours, except for when …

Tip by

58.9 km

Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Like riding on a cloud, the new asphalt is A #1. Car free Saturday and Sunday, so watch out for pedestrians and ride away. Restrooms and waysides along the road.

Tip by

63.4 km

Rock Creek Park

Highlight • Forest

Rock Creek Park, spanning 1,754 acres, is a natural escape from city life, offering trails, wildlife, and historic landmarks. Founded by Congress in 1890, this national park features not only …

Tip by

68.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

29.4 km

18.0 km

11.9 km

4.44 km

3.35 km

1.08 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

35.2 km

16.9 km

11.0 km

4.05 km

661 m

394 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (130 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 14 July

35°C

19°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 3, 2024,Tuckerman - Glen road - C&O canal - Georgetown - Rock Creek park - Beach drive night ride

Waited till it was cool enough to do my gravel ride today and was rewarded with a beautiful sunset over the potomac.

March 3, 2024,Beach Drive to Rock Creek to Georgetown to C&O canal gravel adventure

Beautiful day today, but the trail was muddy and wet

Want to know more?

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

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Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Van Ness–UDC

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Horseshoe Bend at Great Falls

Start of the Great Falls Foot Trail

Meadowbrook Stables

Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park

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