C&O Home  GAP Home
The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

Damn no.5 Potomac..


Go to Forum
Doug red runner from Westminster on 4/13/2026 2:49:05 PM:
My wife and I had an amazing ride starting from Williamsport MD. heading up river on the towpath.. Saturday 4/11..Virginia Bluebells for miles on both sides. plus Dutchman's Breeches and Paw Paw blooms everywhere.. very few people.. I knew the Damn construction had a path diversion. My wife and I are in our mid to early 60s...most of the path by the Inlet Lock and lock house were packed woodchips with modest uphill and down hill.. butttt getting back to the pathway after walking our bikes through most of the chipped path we came upon a set of steps. roughly 15 to 20 steps..not much if your just carrying your bike.. we both had 20 pounds plus in pannier/handlebar bag weight. plus a bit of fatigue..LOL..Only our second time out..this year..her first time with front panniers. She did amazing..planned on a trip up to 4 locks area and set up a couple Amok hammocks and lounge, eat rest etc...decided to turn around head back... at last my question//
is it possible to stay on Damn no. 5 rd. and access the towpath around locks 45,46.. I know the road looks steep initially from diversion start.. does it level off. also was wondering if anyone had an aprox. timeframe on Damn 5 construction. Looks incredible what they have completed so far