Rick from Grafton, Va. on 3/28/2015 6:08:38 PM:
The Tow Path is never really closed. People cross country ski during the winter months if there is snow. Most people choose to thru-ride starting around mid April when the water pumps are turned on. Trail conditions can be rough early in the spring due to a harsh winter (like the one we just had.) People have ridden the Tow Path on just about every thing from a high end road bike to a beat-up paper boy bike. A hybrid or Mt Bike with wider tires would be your best bet and a nicer (more expensive bike) might give you better service and fewer mechanical issues. If your planning to haul overnight gear like tent, sleeping bag, cook gear, etc. A better built bike would be a wise investment. I ride a Trek Mamba 29'er with 2" to 2.4" tires. Never had a mechanical issue other than tires. My wife and I met a group that had a ton of problems on the Tow Path due to extremely muddy conditions several had broken or bent derailers and other problems. They had a sag wagon so help wasn't far away. A nice well built durable bike will give you a comfortable, dependable ride.