River Trail map (click to enlarge)
NOTE: Sections of the towpath, locks and other historical structures, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are constantly being closed due to damage and/or repair. When planning an adventure within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, make sure that areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.
Length: 2.1-mile loop (including walk back along the towpath)
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: easy
The River Trail begins at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and offers park guests an easy hike along the Potomac River. While the trail is officially only a mile long, this distance only considers its one-way length. Instead of retracing your steps on the return journey, make a loop out of the hike by walking back to the Visitor Center along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath.
The River Trail starts on the Potomac River side of the C&O Canal, so you can’t get to it directly from the parking area, but instead must cross the canal over a bridge by the Visitor Center. If the Charles Mercer canal boat is at the dock just downstream from Lock 20, which is located adjacent to the Visitor Center, you can use the bridge at the lock. If the boat has departed for a tour, this bridge is closed and you must walk a little farther downstream to another bridge at Lock 19. Once at the towpath, turn right and walk back upstream, passing the Washington Aqueduct Overlook on the way. The trailhead is on your left just past the overlook.
Start of the River Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
As the name implies, the River Trail follows very closely to the Potomac River at water level, not high above it on a bluff. The trail is flat and shaded by the forest. The trees, unfortunately, block the view of the river most of the time, though there are a few clearings.
Typical terrain along the River Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
View of the Potomac River from the River Trail in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Towards the very end, the trail veers away from the river and heads inland towards the towpath by following a small creek that empties into the Potomac.
Small creek along the River Trail as it makes its way back to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath
When you get to the C&O Canal towpath, take a right to return to the Visitor Center.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and towpath near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
The best part about hiking the River Trail is that you can get away from the crowds at the Visitor Center and the throngs of hikers on the Billy Goat A Trail, an excellent trail no doubt, but you might as well be hiking in downtown Washington, D. C. The River Trail lacks the danger of the Billy Goat A Trail, thus the lack of interest from the crowds. It is, however, the most relaxing trail to hike in the Great Falls area of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
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Last updated on June 26, 2024
