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Which direction to bike C&O?
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B. on 4/16/2024 1:32:35 PM:
Hey everyone - I’m heading out bikepacking the C&O in late May and still deciding which direction to go (Georgetown > Cumberland, or Cumberland > Georgetown). I’m seeing conflicting ideas online, so wanting to gather some more recent thoughts. Could anyone share some pros and cons? Thanks so much.
 
B. on 4/16/2024 2:16:38 PM:
A quick follow-up: I live in DC and will be renting a UHaul / SUV one-way for transport either to or from Cumberland. I’m taking my time and making it a leisurely ride over 4 days with various stops. I’ll be staying at campsites along the way each night. Not sure if it’s better to start or end at “home in DC!
 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 4/16/2024 3:34:45 PM:
This is a recurring question with no definitive answer. If it were me, I’d schedule my trip to try to incur the driest conditions on the Cumberland end upon departing/arriving there.

If you wanted to consider using Amtrak for the one-way portion of your trip, you should check to see in which direction both seats and bike reservations are available.

Otherwise, the choice of direction would be a pickem in my opinion. I’m sure others may have some other thoughts/recommendations.
 
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