Mile 14.05 - There's a bridge across the Potomac and a boardwalk around Olmstead island, accessible only by foot.  Here's the view from the top of that bridge, further proof of the need for a canal if there was any hope at all of bringing goods across the Potomac.

The way to the overlook is on this boardwalk. You may walk only on the boardwalk or some dire disaster will befall the fragile ecology of Olmstead Island.

At the end of the boardwalk, there's an overlook. You can see the Potomac and rest on the big rock.

The view of the Potomac from the overlook. You can see how difficult passage by a boat here would be, a kayak can barely make it through these waters. This is why they needed to build a canal!