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C&O Towpath Condition/Alternative
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Bob from Stow, Ohio on 8/9/2016 1:21:55 PM:
I am planning to do a Pitt/DC roundtrip later this month on the GAP and C&O Towpath. I understand from others that the C&O Towpath is not being very well maintained and that its condition may be pretty rough. I also heard that there is an alternative railway roadbed similar to the GAP that runs parallel to the C&O Towpath for part of the distance. Does anyone have any information about this alternative - where and how to connect to it and how long it is.
 
Carol from Paw Paw on 8/9/2016 6:41:35 PM:
I presume you are referring to the Western Maryland Rail Trail which runs 22 paved miles parallel to the towpath. Hancock is in the center so it is 11 miles east and 11 miles west of Hancock. In downtown Hancock if you stand on one path you are 1/2 block (and within sight) of the other. Contact me @ Wrenwood Inn (see Paw Paw - towns and services) and I can send you a map if you are interested. I think you will not find the towpath in that bad of condition. The 6-7 miles or so outside of Cumberland is a bit pot-holey and when it rains can be quite messy but overall the rest of the towpath is not that rough. Carol :)
 
Bob from Huntingdon on 8/9/2016 8:44:26 PM:
I have been riding the C and O all summer. Started at Georgetown and am now near Cumberland. Riding just once a week about 30 plus each time. Love the towpath. I think the towpath is in good shape unless there was a recent rain storm The Western Maryland is a great alternative but than you cant say you rode the entire C and O.
 
Anonymous on 8/9/2016 11:04:06 PM:
Rode DC to Pittsburgh last week. Lots of rain had passed through Maryland and the C&O was MUDDY! Rode it just fine...but it was work in spots. Love it though!!!
 
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