Towpath Mileposts 0 to 30

0.0: Mile Marker 0: Located next to the original Watergate, on the Potomac shoreline, right next to Thompson Boat Center. Accessible only from the boat center.
0.1: Thompson's Boat Center: 202.333.9543 - Bicycle rentals (day trips only) - located about a two blocks south of the towpath trail head, right on the river shore, at the corner of Rock Creek Pkwy and Virginia Ave.
0.1: Tabard Inn: 202.785.1277 - Located in Dupont Circle Area. 1739 N Street, NW
0.1: Washington DC Hostel: 202.737.2333 - Located at 11th and K Streets, NW (near the Convention Center).
0.1: Washington Harbour: Several outdoor cafes along the waterfront.
0.3: Start of Towpath: Just south of the Pennsylvania Ave and Rock Creek Pkwy intersection. Continue downstream via the Rock Creek Bicycle Trail.
0.5: Georgetown Visitor Center: 202.653.5190 - National Park Visitor Center. Canal boat rides available. 1057 Thomas Jefferson St, NW, Washington, DC 20007
1.0: Key Bridge: Easy bicycle access to Rosslyn, VA, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Reagan National Airport. Many inexpensive hotels.
1.6: Georgetown University: Access via tunnel underneath the Canal. Near intersection of Canal and Foxhall Roads.
3.1: Fletcher's Cove: 202.244.0461 - Snack Bar. Single-speed bike and boat rentals. Nice area for a picnic. Parking available.
3.6: Capital Crescent Trail Trestle: This former railroad trestle now carries a very popular paved trail to downtown Bethesda, MD. Easier access point at mile 3.1. It is about 4 miles uphill to Bethesda.
4.0: Chain Bridge: Last bicycle river crossing to Virginia until Milepost 34.5
4.7: Maryland State Line
5.0: Lock #5: Modern footbridge over parkway to Ridge Drive near the corner 61st Street.
5.4: Lock #6: Parking area along Clara Barton Parkway
5.4: Lockhouse 6: Stay overnight in a real lock house. Modern kitchen, bath with shower, central heat and AC. Book online.
5.8: Little Falls Pumping Stations
7.0: Lock #7: Parking area along Clara Barton Parkway
7.7: Cabin John Bridge: Free standing stone arch bridge, located about 0.25 mile away from river (via footbridge). Access to MaCarthur Blvd, but difficult with bicycle.
8.4: Cabin John: Cabin John Shopping Center (at MaCarthur and 79th St) located about 0.5 mile away from river (Deli / Store). Cross lock and follow wide path to left. Becomes paved Riverside Ave. Follow thru tunnel and continue 79th St.
8.8: Lock #10: Parking area along Clara Barton Parkway
8.8: Lockhouse 10: Stay overnight in a real lock house. 1930s kitchen, bath with shower, central heat and AC.
9.3: Capital Beltway (I-495)
10.8: Carderock Recreational Area: Picnic, rest rooms, water. Very easy access from I-495.
11.5: Marsden Tract Campground: 301.299.3613 - PERMIT REQUIRED - reserved for civic/scout organizations only. $20/night. Call for permit.
11.5: Footbridge: Water on opposite side of canal. Access to MaCarthur, 0.1 mile west of Brickyard Rd. Loading only - No Parking.
12.4: Old Angler's Inn: Popular free parking area across from Old Angler's Inn on MaCarthur Blvd. VERY Crowded. Access to optional Berma Rd route.
13.0: Bill Goat Hiking Trail A: South Entrance: Excellent 1.7 mile hiking trail along Mather Gorge. Rejoins towpath at Milepost 13.8 Recommended if you have time, but strenuous. No Bikes.
13.8: Widewater Stop Lock: This structure is used to prevent flood damage downstream. Provides access to Berma Rd, via stairs.
13.8: Bill Goat Hiking Trail A: North Entrance: Excellent 1.7 mile hiking trail along Mather Gorge. Rejoins towpath at Milepost 12.8 Recommended if you have time, but strenuous. No Bikes.
13.9: Mary's Wall: 75 foot wall down to river. Provides overlook to Mather Gorge. During big floods, the river rises about 10 feet over the towpath at this point!
14.0: Great Falls Overlook: Follow footbridges 1/4 miles out to overlook. Sorry NO BIKES allowed. Bike racks available.
14.3: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center: 301.767.3714 - National Park Visitor Center. Operational Lock #20 located here. Paid parking available. 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
14.3: Great Falls Snack Bar: Hotdogs and burgers. Located in large parking area.
16.6: Swain's Lock #21: Five Campsites - nearby vehicle access. Newly restored lockhouse is now available for lodging with full amenities.
17.5: Montgomery County Pumping Station
19.7: Pennyfield Lock #22: Parking Lot - Access to River Road at Esworthy Rd
19.7: Lockhouse 22: Stay overnight in a real lock house. Rustic, no heat, electricity, or running water. In fact, 3 miles from nearest water source.
21.0: Blockhouse Point cliffs: Towpath extends out into the river while passing some scenic cliffs.
22.1: Violettes Lock #23: This lock also marks the end of the watered canal basin. With a few exceptions, the canal basin is mostly abandoned upstream from this location.
22.8: Rileys Lock #24: Parking and access to River Road.
22.8: Seneca Creek Aqueduct: The first of eleven aqueducts along the towpath. The north arch was destroyed in 1973 by a thunderstorm flash flood.
26.0: Horsepen Branch H/B: Hiker/Biker campsite. 1.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 27.2.
27.2: Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Area: Remote access via Sycamore Landing Rd, 0.75 miles from River Rd. Public hunting area. In July, check out the Sunflower fields during peak bloom.