C&O Canal Towpath: Georgetown to Fletcher's Cove

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath is a flat, historic path that follows the old canal from Georgetown in Washington, DC northwest along the Potomac River. The section covered here runs from the Georgetown Visitor Center at 1057 Thomas Jefferson St NW to Fletcher's Cove, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) one way, and takes roughly 1.5 hours each direction on foot. Elevation change is effectively zero, so the route is rated easy and suits first-time hikers, families and casual walkers. Trailhead access is in Georgetown. The DC Circulator or Metrobus serves the neighborhood, there is no Metro station in Georgetown itself, and street parking nearby is scarce and metered. The Visitor Center, reachable at +1-202-653-5190, provides maps and information, and the National Park Service charges no fee for walking this stretch. The towpath is compacted dirt and crushed stone, wide enough for walkers and cyclists to share, and it can be muddy after rain. Shade is generally good because trees line both sides of the canal, with the Potomac visible in glimpses to the south and rock outcrops and cliffs rising toward the north. Along the way hikers pass stone locks, the remains of canal infrastructure, aqueducts and footbridges linking to the riverfront, and the Georgetown waterfront at the start. Fletcher's Cove is the natural turnaround point and provides seasonal boat and bicycle rentals and a place to rest by the river. Water and snacks are available in Georgetown before the walk, but supplies along the path are limited, so carrying water is wise. Because the towpath is straight and well signed, there is little risk of getting lost, and bail-out points exist at several road crossings and footbridges. Bicycles are common, so walkers should keep to the side and listen for bells. Fall color and spring greenery are especially attractive.