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Dmoney on 11/6/2015 5:39:22 PM:
Anyone tried after dark running on the path? Seems like it would be an awesome experience. Love to hear from anyone who has done this...as well as tips...?
 
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 11/9/2015 10:34:50 AM:
Years ago (early 70's) there was an article in Runner's World about a young kid in his teen's who ran the C&O over a course of about 3-4 days. He carried a small pack with minimal gear like a bivy/sleeping bag and trail bars. Of course he ran during the day and slept at night but if you can find the article I remember it being pretty interesting. My running days are behind me but I can tell you that I love to ride and hike trails at night. Just a totally different feel. Some of my friends refuse to ride at night so I'm usually solo but do leave info with my wife as to where I'll be.
 
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 11/9/2015 4:05:32 PM:
I would be very cautious about riding or running on the towpath in the dark. There are many places with steep dropoffs into the canal or side channels, very close to the edge of the path. It would be very easy to fall and get injured or worse either riding or running in the dark. If you do it, premium LED lighting is a must, with plenty of backup battery power.
 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 11/9/2015 9:49:54 PM:
Also, in most parts of the C&O, it's extremely dark at night. Like "can't see your hand in front of your face" dark. Anywhere outside of greater DC, you don't get the light pollution to give you even the faintest light to make out where you are. You're also on a trail that has lots of tree conopy making it darker at twilight. I would carry a backup light that you can get to easily if your initial light source goes out. I can't imagine biking or hiking at night between Hancock and Cumberland! Good luck on your trip!
 
Dmoney on 11/15/2015 4:49:14 PM:
Thanks everyone, I hear the advice. What I have been doing is starting when it's still daylight and then finishing up just at dusk.
 
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