By TopShelf on April 07, 2010
The C&O Canal is a great ride, but it's not for everyone. It's not a smooth, paved urban trail. It's a double-track dirt or gravel path over most of its length, and it can get muddy. But if you want to have an adventure beyond where the pavement ends - this is a great trail. For anyone contemplating doing this trail, be sure to check out the Bike Washington web site for the trail which lists campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, bike shops and a lot more for the 184.5 miles of the trail. As for being rough going after a rain - it can be. It shouldn't be attempted with a street bike. But it was not a problem with my trusty steed - a 1995 Schwinn Searcher Express with 700 x 38C tires.
By mad56 on March 02, 2010
I rode threw there this past summer on my way from Ohio to DC. The C & O and the Allegheny were the best trail I have ever ridden. The Allegeny was a bit smoother than the C&O. The C&O looks like it could be very miserable if it is raining. Fortunately I had dry weather. Camping was plentiful and there were great things to see. For the comment about tire size, I use a touring bike (Trek 520) with 700X32 Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires and they worked great.
By figaro on January 23, 2010
We took a 260 mile trip both ways from Brunswick to Cumberland, late last summer. Very nice campgrounds and
they have old fashioned water pumps( water very rusty) would suggest boiling water before consuming. Very nice trip would suggest anybody do it. most scenic and relaxing campsite was devils backbone