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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
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trail updates
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Anna from NYC on 7/3/2018 9:49:08 AM:
does anyone have any trail updates for the c&o?
 
Scott from Silver Spring, MD on 7/9/2018 10:09:50 AM:
My kids (14 and 19) and I just rode the C&O from Cumberland to Harpers Ferry on June 29-July 3, having done the GAP. The trail was pretty well dried out, with paste-like mud in spots. It's much more varied in texture than the GAP, and prettier scenery, but be careful if you pull off next to spots on the canal with standing water, since it will be a mosquito fest. We sprayed deep woods off every morning, and it seemed to work. Also, there is a marked detour between MP-88 and MP-89, which the NPS says is 3.1 miles. We went ahead and stayed on the towpath, and there are two sections where you have to walk your bike over 6-inch sized stones. There was a detour also at Williamsport, which was fortunate for us, since we were staying there anyway. The detour takes you through town.
 
Ray from Ohio on 7/9/2018 12:06:13 PM:
finished i DC on 7-4-18 Gap is all good, C&O PAW PAW tunnel was open , don't take detour at mp-88 stay on trail you don't want to miss this section along river. Walked bikes up to rail line to get passed washout near Brunswick wasn't hard, everyone we talked to said roads were too dangerous. Mud on tow-path was tacky in spots but not real bad. was 98 degrees all week that was the hardest part.
 
Eirik Harteis from Taylorstown on 7/13/2018 12:44:41 PM:
I was just out on the towpath this morning. Culvert 82 (below Brunswick) is still out. There has been no work done on it. Three bikers were trying to get around by crossing the creek below the culvert. There were dealing with a great deal of water and mud. Above the culvert is a railroad bridge. There is little extra room if you choose to walk along the railroad tracks. I echo those who say taking the detour and biking the road is not a good option due to safety and hills. Whatever route you take, be careful and give yourself extra time.
 
Christopher from Toronto on 7/13/2018 6:06:07 PM:
We biked from Cumberland to Leesburg with 2 kids over many days from Sunday the 7th through the 12th, detouring around, 88, 89 was not needed, as only had to walk a few yards over stones (they were working on it as we passed). The closure at Brunswick did require a walk over stones on the side away from the rail. Thanks to Greg from 2 wheel escapes, who did not want to take our money, and assured us we could do it, an honest fellow. We did have to walk across stones, but our 9 year old and 10 year old did it easily, actually seemed easier and safer then the rails.
Trail did have some muddy spots, but no real issues.
 
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