Nigel Dardar from Hancock on 3/16/2013 10:11:07 PM:
Your question had 2 parts. In regards to your asking about mile marker 85, most of us refer to that area as Big Slackwater (downstream of Williamsport).That break in the C & O Canal is now 100% complete. No longer any need for any detour onto country roads at Big Slackwater. In regards to your possibly leaving the C & O Canal to visit Berkeley Springs, Berkeley is about 6 miles away from the Canal. No bike path to it. You travel on a busy Route 522. Perhaps best to arrange shuttle. Berkeley Springs is a great town, well worth the visit to Berkeley Springs. At that point on Canal you will be at Hancock (mile 124), you must visit Hancock. Also Fort Frederick at mile 112.1 is super. At mile 113 is Western Maryland Rail Trail, going West to Hancock it is smooth/level asphalt--Super Ride into Hancock from Ft. Frederick. If your goal after Hancock is to continue West past Hancock, stay on Western Maryland Rail Trail for 12 more smooth miles on asphalt before returning to C & O Canal towpath.