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Michael Wise from Sitka, Alaska on 8/24/2013 11:24:13 PM:

I'm thinking of hiking the C&O canal in Jan/feb 2014. Does anyone know if campgrounds and other services are available in winter months?

Anonymous on 8/29/2013 7:39:34 AM:

I think it would be a beautiful hike in the winter. Having said that, I believe they may have the water hand pumps locked.Just not sure so check into that.

Paul A on 8/31/2013 11:15:19 PM:

I hiked the C+O starting in March of 2011. The hiker/biker campgrounds should be usable BUT the park service removes the handles from the water pumps in winter. I walked into several towns along the way just to get water even when I didn't need resupply. It'll add some miles but not an unreasonable amount. I was also able to yogi water from people out for a walk or a bicycle ride. I say go for it!

ammc from Dallas, TX on 9/11/2013 10:06:37 PM:

I hiked the Katy trail this summer, and am now wanting to do the C&O/GAP (may check out the C&O in just a couple weeks). It seems that campsites might be sparse...but I see many have hiked the trail. Where is the best hiker info? Thanks!

Paul A on 9/11/2013 10:20:37 PM:

I used this web site and the TrailBook to plan my hike. You can find the book at http://www.atatrail.org/store/proddetail.cfm?CFID=4241084&CFTOKEN=34878395&ItemID=90&CategoryID=3
It was easy to plan since you go past so many towns right along the trail. The C+O has places to camp every 5 or 6 miles. The GAP is a little more difficult and I did have to stealth camp a few times, as well as stay at all the regular campsites along the GAP. Just know that you'll be able to cover lots of miles a day, if you want to, since the trail is so flat

Anonymous on 9/25/2013 2:17:39 PM:

The Mid-Atlantic can get some good snowstorms and icy conditions in the January and February time frame. That is also the period when this area gets the most chill. Keep in mind, if you hiked this time of the year, you would pretty much be on your own in case anything would happen.

Paul A on 9/26/2013 12:27:59 AM:

Since the original poster, who asked the question, is from Alaska I'm assuming that he's a seasoned winter camper, and in the outdoors you've always got to figure that you're on your own. And on the C+O you're never far from civilization. He might need snow shoes, or other traction aides, and have to camp in a foot or two of snow.

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