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PM on 9/16/2016 12:41:20 PM:
Thinking of doing the C&O canal over my winter break in late December. I've done the whole trail before supported, but want to do it unsupported with a bit more of a challenge. Have lots of experience camping in the cold and long trips cycling but know the C&O canal will present some problems, most notably water and the tunnels. Have found they turn off the water pumps for winter and close the tunnels. Cannot find a specific date of when they do this. Was considering just using a filter and getting water from streams. Any thoughts or suggestions?
 
Keith on 9/16/2016 2:08:49 PM:
Since you're already an experienced cold weather camper, I think your biggest obstacles will be getting around the Big Savage Tunnel and the limited hours of daylight.

This is intriguing though ...
 
Really? on 9/16/2016 2:59:00 PM:
You're obviously in it for the challenge......do you have skis on your bike?
 
Willy from Arlington, VA on 9/16/2016 3:07:50 PM:
Ok - the Big Savage Tunnel (which is closed from sometime after thanksgiving until spring-check the GAP website for dates) is on the GAP trail, not the C&O.
I don't know if they close the Paw Paw tunnel in the winter.
 
Randy on 9/16/2016 8:25:12 PM:
They do close and block off the Paw Paw Tunnel. Don't know the exact date but it's before December. However, there is a trail where you can hike/walk your bike up over the Paw Paw Tunnel. That's the same trail the horses take. You mentioned the C&O. The Big Savage Tunnel would only affect you if you were riding the GAP Trail (past Cumberland, MD). As far as water. There aren't many streams and I would not take the water from the Potomac River. It's polluted!
 
Randy on 9/16/2016 8:30:20 PM:
Just a heads up since you mentioned December. The long range forecast shows signs this Winter could be snowy and cold for the Mid-Atlantic. Many storms track along the Mason Dixon line (MD/PA), so plan accordingly. Good luck!
 
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