Reply to C&O trail for my 50th birthday

Well, the plans are being made for June to celebrate my 50th on the C&O with two friends. Any insider tips I should know about…basically we want to leave a car at the traildea in Cumberland and go for 4 days to DC…nothing set in stone but we would most likely rent a truck to go back if we can’t do the train. I did the GAP about 7 years ago without any training, and am hoping to ‘wing it’ again. Besides a bivy and sleeping bag, what are the necessities? Also, any places I must stop at?

Thanks for any insights in making my trip more enjoyable.

This is just my two cents worth.. The low hanging fruit.. Easy stuff. LOL..The areas to stop and ponder..the man power it took to Dig this 184.5 mile long Ditch....plus maintain it.. Look up some of the history...Paw Paw tunnel alone is incredible..3118 feet long...brick lined..every aqueduct is a work of art..Plus ya have to stop in Harpers Ferry,Tons of history ..Lock your rigs on the racks by the bridge and walk over..
Maybe someone else can suggest if leaving your panniers on the bikes is Ok.. Believe that Damn no. 5 you have to walk down to. the diverted path goes right in front of the Lockhouse at Damn 5. it has some pretty extensive construction going on. Oh and before ya get to Harpers your gonna love the cement path from lock 41 down to Guard lock
no. 4 ... then you will hit Damn no. 4..Those are the easy ones.. guarantee there is a ton more.. Welcome to the half century club..
Great idea..member for 16 years come July

Michele:

You've asked two questions: (1) What are the "necessities" for making the trip and (2) what sites you should stop for. You also stated you will be riding with friends, camping along the way and plan to spend 4 days in making the trip.

As for "necessities" there are the obvious ones including: bike tools, parts (tubes and/or plugs), bike lock, shelter, sleep kit, clothing, first aid kit, sunscreen, toiletries, water, food and snacks. If you have specific questions regarding any of these, I can elaborate if you wish. I also ensure I have some cash, a credit card and my AAA card which can be used in an emergency mechanical situation. Lastly, make sure you protect your car key as it could be a long walk home after your ride. :-)

Aside from "necessities", some riders have personal "creature comforts" they like to carry as well including cooking gear, campsite amenities, photographic and audio equipment,

As for stops to make, those would depend on your individual interests. The Towpath itself is noted for its construction features, locks, lock houses, Civil War history as well as its wildlife and fauna. The Potomac River that accompanies the Towpath has its own set of interesting features including its dams, landings, pools, whitewater and, of course, Great Falls. Lastly there are the adjacent towns, their people and services that are quite nice. Doug has noted some noteworthy potential sites. You and your friends would benefit immensely from spending some time before your trip reading a little about the Towpath, the Potomac River, the Civil War and the towns along the way to better appreciate what you'll be riding near, through and to rather than just riding with your head down from one overnight stop to another.

My points of interest and places to stop are generally quite simple and typically historical ones but I'll list some for consideration. Some are across the river or off the trail itself such as the Antietam National Battlefield.

Cumberland - George Washington's Headquarters
Oldtown - Oldtown Schoolhouse Kitchen
Paw Paw - Liberty Gas Station, old Mayor's Office and Tunnel
Little Orleans - Bill's Bar
Hancock - C&O Bike Shop chicken coops, BuddyLou's Restaurant
Big Pool Lake and Fort Frederick State Park
Williamsport - Cushwa Basin
Sharpsburg - Antietam National Battlefield
Shepherdstown - Shepherdstown Sweet Shop
Harpers Ferry - the old section of town
Brunswick - Beans in the Belfry Coffee Shop
Point of Rocks - Old Train Station
Poolesville - White's Ferry Store and Grill
Great Falls Overlook
DC - Milepost 0s

These are just some of mine. Yours and others tastes will vary. I can offer some additional ideas if I know your general interests.





Various aqueducts along the Towpath

For what it's worth, A coworker's son had his panniers stolen while leaving his bike at the Harpers Ferry pedestrian bridge. Its a pain having to carry your bike and gear up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge but better be safe than sorry. As I said before, it could make for a long walk home.

What a great way to celebrate your 50th! Your necessities question is a little broad ... so if you are camping .. . mess kit, hygiene kit, first aid, bike repair. Happy to refine further if you have specific questions or concerns.

Place where you must stop. Compared to the GAP, the C&O is more steeped in history and cultural artifacts along every mile. I personally enjoy it more for that and if you are so inclined I would suggest picking up a book like the C&O Canal Companion:

https://amzn.to/4aIqG35

It will give you some context and might inspire some things to look for along the way.

Beyond the canal itself, town stops I always include:

WheelzUp Bike Shop in Cumberland.
Schoolhouse Kitchen in Oldtown.
Bill's Tavern in Little Orleans.
C&O Bike Shop in Hancock
Fort Frederick
Harper's Ferry (itinerary dependent, but if you haven't been before, I would include time for it)
Beans in the Belfry in Brunswick
Great Falls

Also, worth looking into the Lock Houses as a campground alternative for a night. Varying degrees of "glamp", but if you get into the canal history, staying in a lock house can add a real sense of authenticity to the experience.

I want to thanks you folks for these great comments. Just when I think I “know” the towpath, one of teaches me something new. That is why I keep returning to this forum. Thank you, Doug & Brian and, as always, Rivnuts.

Brian cited most of my sites to stop and visit along the C&O, but I’ll add a couple more. Note my tastes are quite simple an generally rooted in the history. How about:

Trailside paw paw fruit in season
George Washington’s Headquarters in Cumberland
The Mayor’s Office in Paw Paw
Buddy Lou’s in Hancock
Cushwa Basin in Williamsport
Antietam Battle Field in Sharpsburg (You might want to Uber to get there off the trail.)
Sweet Shop Bakery and the Blue Moon Cafe among other shops in Shepherdstown
Whites Ferry Store and Grill
The train stations in Brunswick and Point of Rocks
Great Falls Visitor Center

And lastly, of course,

Milepost 0


One perhaps unusual essential item would be your AAA card in case of a bicycle emergency although you’ll need to get to a public road for them to pick you up.

Lots to explore and enjoy.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.