The George Washington Canal, often abbreviated as the GW Canal, is a historic, artificial channel on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River near Seneca Falls. It was originally dug in 1785 and now functions as an island channel, offering a more intimate, small-river experience separate from the main, wide flow of the Potomac. This section is known for Class I-II rapids. The canal is a key feature of several popular paddling loops that involve crossing the Potomac River. Common access points for these trips are on the Maryland side at Violette's Lock or Pennyfield Lock, with trips often requiring a shuttle setup to Riley's Lock or Pennyfield Lock for a downstream take-out. The route from Violette's Lock involves putting in above Seneca Breaks, paddling across the Potomac to the Virginia side aiming for a landmark like the American Flag at the Trump Golf Course to locate the canal entrance. Navigating the canal exit is a specific challenge; it winds around islands and can be missed, which would require paddlers to continue across the river to their intended Maryland take-out. One popular loop avoids a shuttle by running the canal and then returning to Violette's Lock via either the flatwater C&O Canal or by attaining back up Seneca Breaks, for a total trip length of about three miles. Paddlers should be prepared for cold water immersion even in summer, as water temperatures can be in the mid-60s Fahrenheit while air temperatures are much warmer, making appropriate apparel like dry tops or wetsuits advisable, especially for children. Safety equipment including PFDs is required, and helmets are required for kayakers using spray skirts and highly recommended for all others on these trips. The area is valued as an easily accessible location for learning and recreational paddling near Washington, D.C.