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Reply to May Trail Conditions


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Reply to May Trail Conditions
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Greg from Round Lake Park, IL on 5/9/2013 5:05:06 PM:
I'm contemplating a spur of the moment trip to ride the C&O round trip starting in Cumberland. Two concerns--does rain soften the trail to the extent that you can't make a full day (60 or so miles) on a loaded bike? Or is it firm enough that you just have mud splattering, rather than sinking? Second, I read somewhere that there is a rockslide near Paw Paw that requires either hiking overland, or a detour by paved road. Is that still the case, and is it feasible for an old guy to lug a fully loaded bike up and over the path? Thanks for any info...I'm thinking of doing this early next week.....

 
lenny on 5/10/2013 4:12:36 AM:
The trail is open. As for rain, the puddles are huge and you and your equipment will be a mess. I have done this a couple of times and always got my mileage in.

 
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 5/10/2013 7:59:41 PM:
My wife and I, not being in the best shape of our lives....lol, did a 62 mile day on a day that it stormed in the morning. We did it but it was a little tough. I had to stop and clean our cassettes several times, they were so caked with mud. The mud really slowed us down. Paw Paw is open. You can find info. in posts below this one. Also look on C&O Canal Trust, (Google it). Good luck on your ride!

 
Hondo on 5/10/2013 8:35:58 PM:
Greg, if you are concerned about trail condition and are starting in Cumberland, why not do the GAP instead which has a smoother trail that drains water much better. Just a thought.

 
RICH PINKER from SALISBURY MD on 5/16/2013 6:30:01 AM:
I RODE THE C&O AFTER A HEAVY RAIN STORM THE TRAIL DOES GET SOFT BUT MANAGEABLE WITH FULL LOADED BIKE.AVERAGED 60 MILES A DAY.TOOK A LITTLE LONGER BUT DID IT AT AGE 60.