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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
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Rough shape
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Sue from Buffalo on 10/6/2019 9:24:23 AM:
Friends and I would like to plan a bike trip next year, either spring or fall, to bike the GAP and C&O; however, we heard the C&O is in bad shape and not really maintained. We’re wondering your thoughts on this. We may skip the C&O and just do the GAP, as we’ve heard wonderful hints about the GAP, not so much with the C&O. FYI, we all have hybrids.
 
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 10/6/2019 12:05:53 PM:
The C&O can certainly be less enjoyable than the GAP, particularly in wet conditions. However, the history along the way is worth experiencing, at least once. Sections of the Towpath have, in fact, been improved. As noted in an earlier forum thread, the section between Shepherdstown and Brunswick has been resurfaced and is much smoother and with better drainage than its earlier, natural condition. I'm told that another section of the Towpath downriver from Brunswick has also been similarly resurfaced.

Also the WMRT that parallels the Towpath is a very nice, paved trail.

So, I guess it depends on your tolerance for some mud, roots and rocks.
 
DAN from JOHNSTOWN PA on 10/8/2019 1:53:56 PM:
Guys I set out to do both the c and o and the GAP trail Last year October 8th I made it 286 miles until I had rear wheel failure I will say the C and O path is definitely a lot rougher than the GAP however it is ok when the conditions aren't super wet some parts are not passable when it is soaked. The bugs are surprisingly bad this time of year so plan accordingly the bugs were a problem. the temperature is absolutely perfect though and the scenery and historic stops are amazing plan accordingly and research your stops and camp sites headlamps head lamps head lamps and maybe an extra headlight just in case.
 
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