C&O Home  GAP Home
The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
Georgetown/Washington Bethesda MD Potomac MD Seneca MD Poolesville MD Leesburg VA White's Ferry MD Point of Rocks MD Dickerson MD Brunswick MD Harpers Ferry WV Shepherdstown WV Sharpsburg MD Williamsport MD Downsville MD Big Pool MD Hancock MD Little Orleans MD Paw Paw WV Oldtown MD Cumberland MD Great Allegheny Passage C&O Canal Towpath Merchandise C & O Canal Towpath Trail Map
switch to GAP map Cumberland MD Frostburg MD Meyersdale PA Garrett PA Rockwood PA Markleton PA Ohiopyle PA Connellsville PA Perryopolis PA West Newton PA Buena Vista PA Confluence PA Harnedsville PA Dawson PA Smithton PA C&O Canal Towpath Sutersville PA Boston PA McKeesport PA Homestead PA Pittsburgh PA Great Allegheny Passage Merchandise Great Allegheny Passage Map
switch to C&O map

Reply to Bears on the C&O
Cancel and Return to Forum
Scroll down to see the discussion
All submissions are reviewed for appropriateness. We reserve the right to remove or edit any comment that we consider incorrect, misleading, or inappropriate, at our sole discretion. Please remember that this is a family-friendly website.
Subject:
Reply to Bears on the C&O
Your Name:

This does not have to be your real name. It could be a "screen name", your initials, or just leave blank.
Your Hometown:

Optional - it's just interesting to know where people are from
Email Address
Comment:
So we know you are a human, please answer this easy math quiz:
5 + 2 =
B765 on 3/25/2014 8:29:45 PM:
I am planning an overnight trip on the C&O this upcoming weekend. Is it advised to follow caution regarding bears when storing food on the C&O or are there little issues with them on the trail? Thanks!
 
Paul A on 3/27/2014 11:22:08 PM:
It's more likely that mice, and other small mammals, will get into your food than a bear. There's so many more of the little animals than bears it's a statistical likely hood.
 
Anonymous on 3/28/2014 7:57:45 AM:
If you are truly worried about bears you could purchase a can of bear spray.It works on bad people too.I carry a can.
 
Marcie on 4/1/2014 9:59:07 AM:
Follow standard Bear Safety practices when in Bear Country, like how you store your food at Camp sites. If you see a Bear it will most likely be from Little Orleans, MD to points North/West on the Trail.
Bear Spray is an effective deterrent for Bears and it works on bad guys too. It's a large can and shoots a spray like Wasp spray does. Regular Mace has been found to work as well.
I personally carry both Bear Spray and Mace when on trails in remote areas.
Be safe out there!
 
Marcie on 4/1/2014 10:03:42 AM:
One more thing. You can purchase Bear Spray at places like Gander Mountain and Cabelas. Usually it's back in the Firearms section. You may need to ask for assistance in finding it in some stores.
 
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 4/1/2014 8:34:54 PM:
I'm not saying it couldn't happen but the odds of seeing a bear along the c&O are really slim and I agree the best area would be slightly east and west of Little Orleans (most remote section.) Instead of worrying about bear spray I'd suggest a bear canister to carry/store your food. There are several sizes available although you might need to strap it to your rear rack instead of in your panniers. Garcia Machine is one company that carries them. Check Rock Creek, Campsaver, Travel Country, or just do a web search.
I've been hiking/biking the c&O for close to 30 years, I've seen bear tracks a couple of times, heard of a few encounters, but have yet to see a bear along the route. Just keep a clean camp, hang your food, and you shouldn't have any problems.
 
Randy on 4/7/2014 10:20:34 AM:
I've seen Bear Tracks which were "fresh" along the River just past Little Orleans in the Past. On another occasion I saw a large Black Bear on the trail about a mile or so before the Paw Paw Tunnel. I carry a whistle with me because sometimes they will scatter if they hear a loud noise. The Bear did move on and headed back up the hillside. There were berries on a plant near the trail where I saw it. I'm always cautious when I see a Bear that Cubs may be close by. Since those 2 encounters (they were different days and months) I always carry Bear Spray. I saw a Ranger on patrol on another occasion and when I inquired about Bears he did mention that he had also seen Bears on the Trail. So they're out there.
 
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 4/10/2014 11:31:18 AM:
Randy is right about carrying a whistle. Makes a lot more sense (at least to me) than trying to fumble around pulling out bear spray. Like I said, I've seen tracks and heard of a few encounters but have yet to be lucky enough to see a bear along the Towpath. Keep a clean camp, hang your food, and practice proper trail/camping etiquette.

 
Jeffro from Greensburg on 5/19/2015 1:20:34 AM:
One of our group saw a bear right at the Mason-Dixon Line. He was ahead of me and stopped. I caught up to him within 20 seconds and saw a black bear's backside running into the woods.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: C&O Home C&O Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2024 BikeCandO. All rights reserved.
BikeCandO and BikeCandO.com are registered trademarks.