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trail conditions DC - Harper's Ferry?
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KC from Washington DC on 4/13/2017 12:17:45 PM:
Hi everyone,
I'm wondering if someone can tell me what the trail is like from DC to Harper's Ferry, i.e. how smooth the trail is. We plan to bike with hybrid bikes, or similar, so they might not be great on rocky roads or in mud. Any idea what portion of the trail is paved for the first 60 miles or so (if any)? Thanks!
 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 4/13/2017 2:49:40 PM:
You'll be fine on a hybrid. No paved parts though. You might experience mud if it rained a few days ago (in spots). I did all of my trips on a hybrid. I just always expect mud and puddles and if I don't get them, then, hey, it's a bonus. :-)
 
lenny on 4/14/2017 7:16:21 AM:
Never drove anything but a hybrid. Rained at least one day, in each of the five times that I rode. Also I use non aggressive high pressure tire. More for speed than traction and do fine.
 
Leonard on 4/17/2017 9:59:51 PM:
Personally I prefer a Mountain Bike. Rolls much better on the rough terrain that is common in many areas of the C&O. There are stretches where there are heavy tree roots and some rock. You could get by on a hybrid, but for a long run, I'd prefer a Mountain Bike. I ride the trail in 40 to 50 mile stretches. Be sure to take along a spare inner tube and know how to change a flat. The area from Harpers Ferry to Shepardstown is beautiful. Trail is pretty good in that section. Enjoy!
 
Sergio from Orange County, CA on 4/25/2017 11:12:07 PM:
Does the trail get bad enough in early June that it would be advisable to take alternate routes like the Washington &Old Dominion trail if not on a mountain bike?
 
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 4/26/2017 9:24:30 AM:
A hybrid bike would be fine on C&O Canal. Tires are the more important consideration, and I would recommend at least 35 mm wide with some tread. Mud is likely the biggest obstacle you might encounter, and that depends on how much it has been raining.

I have ridden the entire C&O-GAP trail twice, both times on touring bikes. The first time I rode with 32 mm road tires (Panaracer Paselas), which were fine except for sections with mud or deep gravel. The second time, I rode with 35 mm cross tires (Clement LAS), and they worked great in all conditions.

Keep in mind that the section from Great Falls to Harpers Ferry is one of the most remote of the entire C&O Canal trail, with few places to get water or food. Make sure that you have bike tools and tire repair equipment. Bring plenty of water. From Great Falls to Georgetown is more accessible and heavily travelled but also one of the most beautiful sections. Allow plenty of time to appreciate Great Falls. There is a great place to eat there (Old Anglers Tavern), which is the ONLY place to eat for miles. It's rather expensive but worth it.
 
Rick Hancock on 4/26/2017 3:21:29 PM:
We biked the complete Passage/C&O this past Oct. The final day we biked appx. 46 miles from Harpers Ferry to Great Falls. Took about 5 hours 6 hours including lunch at Whites Ferry. There were no ruts, few wet spots, and 1 large tree we had to lift bikes over. Tree was appx. 2' in diameter. Trail was in exceptional condition and we had no rain except the last 8 miles when it poured! 2 of our group had 700X38's and the rest were running 29'ers X 2". No problem with any tires but we did break 2 chains.
 
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