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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

Trikes in the Paw paw tunnel

Marianne Phillips from HILLSBORO on 2/14/2023 12:21:51 AM:
How wide is the trail through the Pawpaw Tunnel? Can a loaded recumbent trike, about 36 inches, get through?

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 2/14/2023 5:23:47 AM:
According to design documents from the Maryland Historical Trust, the towpath through the tunnel is 4 feet wide with its wood railing. From personal experience, walking a trike with racks and bags will make it through the tunnel. However, walking beside it while pushing it through could be a little awkward in spots. Riding rather than walking through isn’t a viable option. Further, you’ll likely need to wait until any oncoming travelers have exited before you enter.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 2/14/2023 2:11:55 PM:
Agree, walk any bike. It’s dark, narrow, and the surface is uneven and bumpy. If you have a light or a head lamp, that will be useful to help you see what you are walking on If you encounter an oncoming cyclist walking their bikes, one of you will have to just stop and let the other pass through as it’s a bit tight in there. Small chance it could happen but be prepared.

 
Marianne Phillips from HILLSBORO on 2/14/2023 7:58:48 PM:
Thanks for the information.

 
KOW from Odenton MD on 2/23/2023 2:16:58 PM:
I vested the tunnel twice last year, Summer and Fall, it was under construction. Walked to the end but the other end was closed. Does anyone actually ride/walk through the tunnel in 2023? Thank you.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 2/23/2023 7:21:08 PM:
The National Park Service’s website that announced the Towpath closure at the downriver end of the Paw Paw Tunnel some time ago continues to state that construction will extend through winter of 2022/23. Thus, hopefully we’ll be able to pass through the tunnel and beyond after that time without having to take the detour up and over. We’ll see.

 
KOW from Odenton MD on 2/24/2023 8:27:18 AM:
Thank you. The detour, up and over, is steep and narrow.