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Hike the C&O Canal Towpath: Carderock to Great Falls

Washington, District of Columbia

4.5/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

6.28 miles

Elevation Gain

141 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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Added by The Outbound Collective

Wildflowers, wildlife, and river scenery--it's no surprise this is a popular trail. 

Park on the road adjacent to the canal as indicated on the map (see below). This is a popular trail which is dog friendly and accessible year-round. 

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Features

Mountain Biking
Running
Skiing
Hiking
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Hike the C&O Canal Towpath: Carderock to Great Falls Reviews

This is a great spot if you'd like to walk along the water and end up in Georgetown. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars nearby, along with a waterfront park area that is usually pretty crowded most times of the year.

I rode all 185 miles of this bad boy (Georgetown to Cumberland, MD) back in October 2016 and loved it. There is drinking water and a camp site every 8 miles or so and it's accesible by car every few miles. I biked the whole thing in two days...would recommend spending at least three or four days biking it in its entirety. The history was outstanding...amazing lock houses and civil war battles along the way. I camped and cooked along the trail, but it's easy to stop off in small towns along the way. I'm happy to answer any questions on logistics or otherwise.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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