Reply to Western Md. Rail trail

I was curious about access to the Hiker/Biker campsites on the C&O that is parallel to the WMRT..specifically.. Cacapon Junction, Leopard Mill, White Rock. Can you get to the from the rail trail..Absents of active R.R. and away from major roads...

See Dam 6 and Lock 54/55 just a stones throw north of Capacon Junction? That’s the interchange between the WMRT and the C&O. You’ll need to connect there. Not sure about the other two sites you asked about. Here’s a good map of the WMRT:

https://www.westernmarylandrailtrail.com/files/WesternMarylandRailTrail-2023-2024.pdf

Aside from the connections to the Towpath at each end of the WMRT, I’m aware of only two other places where you can crossover between them. One is at Hancock and the other is for the detour around the failed Polly Pond Bridge. While the Towpath and WMRT run parallel to one another, the terrain between does not allow indiscriminate crossover between them.

This is a more detailed description of the detour around the failed Polly Pond Creek bridge.

The bridge across Polly Pond Creek is closed. Park users should use the signed towpath detour directs them to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, which runs alongside the towpath. To take the detour, leave the towpath at Lock 56 (mile 136.2) using the causeway across the canal. Then, travel about 2 miles along the Western Maryland Rail Trail until you reach the bridge over Lock 55 (mile 134.1).

Thank you both for responding..I'd like to utilize a couple of those sites.. I'll contact the National Parks to see if they are still being
maintained and are ok to use due to detour..Thanks again..

Thanks Rivnuts.. I just figured out the detour...Did not realize it doesn't bypass any campsites..as always thanks for sharing your wisdom sir.

Doug red runner-- it appears that your question has been answered. I'd like to elaborate, as the info may be useful to others in the future. I will list the known connections between the WMRT and the Towpath. These are direct connections. I'll list them going "upriver".That's from DC towards Cumberland. The mileage listed will be on the WMRT. The corresponding towpath mileage can be determined roughly by adding 114. Ex--if I say the detour around poly pond is mile 20.1 on the WMRT, it's roughly 134.1 on the Towpath.

0.9--Erntsville road, this is where you exit the WMRT to reconnect to the Towpath when headed towards DC. If you continue to the end of the WMRT and reach the parking lot, you'll either have to backtrack, or head up the hill a mile or so on route 56, then go down thru fort Frederick state park.
3.1--little gravel lot, and you can see the gate and towpath
6.3--a few "steps" to go down and a short bridge. This is on the edge of the Little Pool.
9.1--look left and follow the road. Again, direct access.
10.4--first Hancock access right across from Buddy Lou's
10.7--second Hancock access. Bike shop located right off the path here with overnight stays behind.
16 to 18-- there are two access points on Deneen Road. Going upriver you'd have to leave to towpath on Seavolt road, then left on Deneen. Coming down river, you'd leave on Deneen. Check Google maps. Very easy to follow, and almost zero traffic.
20.1--look left and you can't miss it. This is the detour and it's marked on the WMRT.
22.3--left down gravel lane. This is the other end of the detour and is marked.
23.7--ta da, you've reached the end and have to connect to the Towpath at this point.
The paved WMRT (about 2.5 miles are on the Towpath) begins again at mile 26, so... That's 140.3-ish I think on the Towpath. WMRT continues for about two more miles. But, you'll wanna get off at Little Orleans. This is where Bill's place is. Go thru the parking lot on the right and under the overpass. If you continue to the end of the WMRT, there is no easy access to the Towpath. There is a dirt path if you so chose to navigate it. Some may find it challenging, especially if loaded down with gear.

Hope this is clear, and useful to someone in the future.

Wow thanks Dave I just read all this.. amazing info... Yes I'm going to screenshot and print this off.. very detailed.. wonderful info...