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Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from West Falls Church–VT

Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from West Falls Church–VT

Moderate

3.0

(10)

riders

Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from West Falls Church–VT

03:03

53.1km

250m

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 segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 13.7 km for 4 m

After 34.5 km for 15 m

After 38.8 km for 9 m

After 38.9 km for 6 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.36 km

West End Park

Highlight • Rest Area

West End Park sits right off the W&OD—an easy spot to roll in, catch some shade, and take a quick break. The path has a few root bumps, so slow …

Tip by

14.6 km

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This section of the trail offers a scenic stretch along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. Originating as a vital trade route facilitating the transport of coal, lumber, and agricultural goods, …

Tip by

19.3 km

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

One of the best way to cross from Virginia over to the D.C./Maryland side: cycling over the Chain Cross Bridge. Offers fabulous views over the rough part of the Potomac, …

Tip by

26.7 km

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Lake

31.7 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

34.5 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

38.8 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

39.2 km

Key Bridge Boathouse

Highlight • Rest Area

Boathouse where canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented. Great way to explore the Potomac shoreline up and down stream.

Tip by

39.2 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

53.1 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

27.9 km

20.6 km

2.04 km

1.77 km

723 m

Surfaces

24.9 km

12.5 km

7.86 km

7.67 km

226 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 15 July

38°C

23°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Crossing Over the C&O Canal – Francis Scott Key Bridge loop from West Falls Church–VT

West End Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail

View of the Potomac River from the Chain Bridge

Lock 6, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Crossing Over the C&O Canal

Potomac River

Key Bridge Boathouse

Francis Scott Key Bridge

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