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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

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Tfitz from Carlsbad on 7/19/2021 3:57:09 PM:
What is the most amazing section for a cruise maybe a 15 or 20 mile for an out and back? I am interested in doing it in mid September.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 7/21/2021 6:31:02 PM:
I see that none of the people local to that area have responded as yet so I'll offer my opinion having ridden the C&O a half dozen times.

I believe the most scenic venue on the C&O is the Great Falls and worth a visit if you have not already done so. I'd start at the Carderock Recreation Parking area outside DC and then ride 4 miles northwest to Great Falls. You could continue riding northwest (upriver) toward White's Ferry which unfortunately is not operating at this time and decide when to turn around and head back.

Another option is to ride the WMRT which parallels the C&O. You could start in Hancock and ride 10 miles or so upriver toward Little Orleans and back. Then pass through Hancock and continue downriver on the WMRT to Big Pool. The WMRT is paved and tree-lined most of the way which would make this trip easy and rather scenic, especially in the fall.

This is just my two cents worth. I expect those that ride the C&O much more will have some other suggestions.

 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 7/22/2021 9:49:56 AM:
If you really are from Carlsbad, and will have a rental car, and are only going to ride one time, I'd suggest driving on over to someplace on the GAP like Meyersdale or Ohiopyle.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 7/22/2021 10:37:23 AM:
I agree with Bill from Houston but took the title of your post literally which cited the C&O and not the GAP as well.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 7/22/2021 7:04:47 PM:
I agree with Bill from Houston but took the title of your post literally which cited the C&O and not the GAP as well.

 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 7/27/2021 2:01:57 PM:
Rivnuts is correct as always, and I do apologize for being non-responsive, and not suggesting a section of C&O.

But what I really meant is, even if you are staying in Washington, D.C., I'd suggest driving to Meyersdale or Ohiopyle and riding a piece of the GAP rather than riding any part of the C&O. And most especially if it has rained any time in the past three days.