Details
Distance
17.32 miles
Elevation Gain
505 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
This is a new adventure! Be the first to share your experience.
Join a supporting community of travelers and adventurers sharing their photos and local insights.
Added by Outbound
C&O Canal Towpath: Rileys Lock to Swains Lock is an out-and-back trail that is good for all skill levels located near Poolesville, Maryland.
Download Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
C&O Canal Towpath: Rileys Lock to Swains Lock Reviews
Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Hike from Riverbend Regional Park to Great Falls National Park
This hike utilizes the Potomac Heritage Trail from Riverbend Park to Great Falls National Park. This section is an easy, mostly flat trail that will take you along the Potomac until you reach Great Falls National Park.
When you reach Riverbend Park turn right into the parking lot. At the end of the lot you'll see the trail. They have also provided a box if you'd like to contribute to the park (...
Canoe from Algonkian Regional Park to Riverbend Park
Starting at Algonkian Regional Park and ending at Riverbend Park, this 8.5 mile canoe trip is a perfect way to get away from the traffic that is Northern Virginia. Paddling hard, people have completed it in 4 hours. It can easily be turned into an all day trip lasting 8 or more hours, if paddling is minimal and lunch breaks on islands are taken. This trip is best done as a "shuttle" with mul...
Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble
Washington & Old Dominion Trail and Broadlands Ramble is a point-to-point trail where you may see local wildlife located near Ashburn, Virginia.
Great Falls of the Potomac
Great Falls Park, located in McLean, Virginia, is a stunning natural area where the Potomac River cascades over a series of steep, jagged rocks, creating the dramatic Great Falls. This 800-acre park offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and rich history, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The Falls & Natural Features
The Great Falls...
Great Falls and the Billy Goat Trail
Just outside of Washington DC is a great hike and rock scramble you don't want to miss. Great Falls lies in both Virginia and Maryland and has beautiful views of the Potomac River.
Start out at the Great Falls Tavern parking lot (Maryland side), and keep in mind it is $10 to park here if you don't have a National Park pass. When facing the river, go left on the C & O Canal Towpath. You'll ...
Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop
Tucked inside the heart of Reston, Virginia, the Lake Anne Blue Trail Loop is a 1.65-mile loop with 274 feet of elevation gain winding through wooded terrain along the shores of Lake Anne. It's one of the more underrated walks in Northern Virginia — quiet, scenic, and easily accessible from the DC metro area.
The Trail
The Blue Trail loops around Lake Anne as part of the Reston Association ...
Discover
Community
© 2026 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy