Hiking and Biking

Picture of People Biking Hiking & Biking

Hiking and biking along the towpath are excellent ways to see the park. Hiker-Biker Campsites are located from Swain's Lock to Seneca (see camping). Several park areas have interpretive trails and other hiking opportunities.

Great Falls area hiking trails map and trails description are available in pdf, each document is 8.5x14 inches. The documents are in Adobe Acrobat format, to download the newest version of the Acrobat Reader, click here.

Bicycle riding is permited only on the towpath. The surface of the towpath is for the most part an even hard-packed dirt trail. The towpath can be very muddy following heavy rain. Bicyclists should carry tools for repairs.

Please follow these basic biking regulations:

15 MPH maximum speed limit on towpath

Ride single file

Stay to the right except when passing

Yield right of way to all pedestrians, horses and mules

Walk bikes over aqueducts

Sound devices (bell, horn, etc.) are required and should be sounded within 100' of approaching others

Helmets required in accordance with county ordinances. Children under the age of 16 required to wear helmets.

Bike Detours

Mile 13 to 13.6- Widewater near Great Falls: use Berma Road on the berm side of the canal between Old Angler's Inn and the Stop Lock above Lock 16.
Mile 84.5 to 88.5- Northbound take Dam 4 Road to Dellinger Road to Avis Mill Raod. During times of high water, continue on Dellinger to Neck Road, right on Neck Road, left on Falling Waters Road to towpath at mile 94.4. Reverse these directions southbound.

Canal Tour

Bike trip along Canal