The C&O Canal Towpath is a great spot for a scenic, mostly flat family bike ride on a cool summer day.
The trail starts in Georgetown and follows the Potomac River 184-miles to Cumberland, but there are plenty of sites just outside of Gerogetown to keep kids interested.
Ride to Fletcher’s Boathouse, at mile 3.1, and rent kayaks, rowboats and fishing gear to use on the river. For a longer bike ride, continue 14 miles along the towpath to Great Falls, where the views of the falls are spectacular and easily accessible via a boardwalk trail.
Park on the Georgetown waterfront for the day or take the towpath from Great Falls National Park.
For more about the towpath, check out this list of five bike paths that lead to fun places.
For other bike trails perfect for families, check out this list of seven trails in the area perfect for families.
For more summer fun ideas, check out our 100 Days of Summer page for daily family activities and our daily calendar of events.
