Bike Monocacy Aqueduct to Brunswick

Here’s an easy 26-mile out-and-back ride that offers casual cyclists a nice day traveling through Piedmont floodplain forest and beneath the cliffs at Point of Rocks. For experienced cyclists, it’s just long enough for a morning ride. With a stop in Brunswick, you can visit the Brunswick Railroad Museum and C&O Canal Visitor Center on weekends.

To find the trailhead from I-270 in northwest Montgomery County, take Exit 22, Route 109 South toward Barnesville. At the T intersection, turn right on Barnesville Road, then left on Mt. Ephraim Road at the end of Barnesville Road. Go about a half mile and turn right on Mouth of Monocacy Road. You will cross Dickerson Road, Route 28, and follow the woodsy road down to the river. Follow signs for towpath parking (not the boat launch).

Once you are on the Towpath, there are several points of interest along the trail to Brunswick from C&O mile 42.2 to mile 55 in Frederick County:

0.0 Monocacy Aqueduct.

2.4 Nolands Ferry picnic area.

5.5 Calico Rock Campsite.

6.0 Point of Rocks.

8.1 Bald Eagle Campsite.

8.7 Lock 29.

9.3 Catoctin Aqueduct.

12.5 Brunswick Railroad Station

Once in Brunswick, you can explore the quaint downtown area. Brunswick is a small community known for its railroad history and its location on the Potomac River and C & O Canal. Today Brunswick is a small city with a big heart and proud history.

Camping: Calico Rocks Campsite, C&O Canal mile 47.7; Bald Eagle Campsite, C&O mile 50.3. There is also camping in Brunswick.

Parking and Facilities: parking, privy and food available at Whites Ferry Store; parking, food and shops in Brunswick.

Options: If 25.5 miles is too much of a stretch for you, start your ride at Point of Rocks.

 

Region: C&O Canal Towpath
Activity: Bicycling