Find the top rated fishing trails in Front Royal, whether you're looking for an easy short fishing trail or a long fishing trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a fishing trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Rode from Cumberland to DC in Sept 2026. Trail surface has been upgraded most of the way with crushed stone. A big improvement over the dirt, mud, and single track I encountered 6 years ago when I last rode this trail. The only sections without smooth crushed surface were just East of the Paw Paw Tunnel (5 miles), between Hancock and Licking Creek (10 miles) and between Great Falls and Georgetown (15 miles). You can bypass the rough section East of Hancock by using the Western Maryland trail. You can bypass the last 5 miles into Georgetown on the Capital Crescent trail.
Just completed the C&O Canal Towpath in September 2026, riding west from DC to Cumberland. Overall, this was an awesome trip and I’ll definitely be recommending it to others. I thought I was pretty well prepared, but there were a few things I learned along the way. I lost the trail in Georgetown thanks to a combination of detours and GPS error, so keep an eye out when you’re leaving DC. If you’re taking Amtrak, also expect that your train could be delayed by up to an hour or more. I was running 40s at 35 PSI, and I’d say the trail felt reasonably smooth about 75% of the time. The rest ranged from chunky and rough to exactly what you’d expect from an old canal towpath. One thing I absolutely wish I had packed was something for stings. Near the end of the trip, I had something chasing me and managed to get stung right in the neck. Definitely not how I pictured finishing the ride. Also, if you’re planning on stopping in Harpers Ferry, check the current construction situation before counting on it as a stop. Of all the towns I passed through, Brunswick was probably my favorite. It was clean, nice, and felt like a great place to stop and reset for a bit. One unexpected bonus: in three days, I never had to use a port-a-john. That alone deserves a five-star rating. Overall, I loved the trip. The scenery, history, towns, and feeling of being completely disconnected for a few days made it well worth doing. I’m already looking forward to doing it again!
This is one of the most beautiful bike trails I have ridden. We rode this trail on a Monday. It was recently paved and runs for 24 miles before connecting with the C&O Canal Tow Path. Many times, we would ride for 4-6 miles before passing another biker. About 90% of the trail is shaded and very flat. We parked at the eastern end in Big Pool less than ½ mile off interstate 70. There are primitive restrooms at this location. Additional porta pots are around the 9 and 20-mile markers plus restaurants and gas stations in the town of Hancock. There is a bike shop in Hancock just off the trail and I was told by another biker they rent ebikes. Even though this trail is over 100 minutes from my home I plan to ride it 1-2 times a year.
I enjoyed the ride. A lot to see and do since trail goes through part of Luray. Good parking areas and friendly people along trail.
We were just passing through the area and wanted to do a quick bike ride. Began at the Big Pool trailhead (MM0). Cycled about 8.5 miles before turning around. This section of the trail was nicely paved and shaded. As others mentioned, the one drawback was at about MM2, the trail parallels the freeway and it is quite noisy. However, we were aware of this when we started. If I was passing through the area again, I would try another section of the trail.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
We went on a Sunday at the end of May. The weather was perfect and the trail was impeccable. We didn’t go the entire way- we went 15 miles up and then turned around so we didn’t see the tunnel. The honeysuckle was in bloom and the entire trail smelled heavenly. We stopped for lunch at Buddy Lou’s - it’s right on the trail and we highly recommend it. We sat outside on the balcony for lunch and could watch the other cyclists and runners on the trail while we ate in the sunshine. The trail is pretty shaded in many spots so even in warm weather you’d have a comfortable ride. I was surprised, considering the perfect weather and what a great trail it is that it wasn’t busier. This is 10 out of 10 for a great trail experience.
This is one of the nicest trails out there. Lots of elevations changes and a nice brewery ( caboose brewery) along the way. I did the upper end a few weeks before and the lower end later. Lots of rest stops and bathrooms. Nice towns until you get to the dc area and it all looks the same.
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
I did an up and back 35 miles. Great paved trail and. It many people at this end. Looking forward to riding the rest. I hate dc traffic
The Washington & Old Dominion is the best trail hands down. It is also one of the busiest trails that hosts running clubs, cycling clubs, nature walkers, neighborhood walkers, walking and biking commuters and is at its busiest before 7 am in extreme heat.
What makes this 44 mile trail so unique is the amenities that sit along side of it making it the best trail to plan an activity on with family and friends. Just pick a city that you want to visit and you can find convenience stores adjacent to the trail within walking distance as well as myriad of restaurants for all ages, ice cream parlors, grooming services, bike shops and over the past few years breweries have been added to the scenery right on the trail.
The location is prime to the cities of Northern Virginia with access to getting into Washington DC to see the monuments and Hains Point. Nothing beats the W&OD Trail!
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