Find the top rated wheelchair accessible trails in Hagerstown, whether you're looking for an easy short wheelchair accessible trail or a long wheelchair accessible trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a wheelchair accessible trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I just returned from my third ride on the Western MD. I've ridden the entire trail and it's great to get in a half century ride. Starting from Little Orleans one can ride west a short distance to a gate at a high bridge over the Potomac River. West Virginia has not completed any of the proposed section to the west. Riding back east after a short distance you reach the blocked off Indigo Tunnel. The tunnel is blocked due to endangered bats. A zig-zag ramp leads down to the C&O Towpath. You ride the towpath about 2.5 miles and take a similar zig-zag ramp back up to the Western MD. Except for this detour the entire route is paved asphalt. There are areas of either frost or root heaves but not too bad. When the leaves are off there are nice views of the C&O Towpath, the canal and the Potomac. Most of the path is in the woods with a few fields here and there. At times the trail runs along a high, narrow path pretty high above the river. There are historical markers, some benches and a small shelter or two. The first, and only town on the trail is Hancock, MD. It is about half way between the endpoints. There are the regular amenities not far off trail such as a few fast food joints and a Sheetz. The top attraction for trail eats is Buddy Lou's right on the trail and at a cross-over to the C&O. Needless to say it gets busy in the summer. Buddy Lou's isn't open every day however so plan accordingly. There is also a bike shop in town right by the trail. After Hancock its a fairly straight run to the end at Big Pool. Some this section is close to I70 and some very close (less than 20 ft) so there can be a bit of traffic noise. This is my least favorite part and would probably rate the trail at 4.5 stars if I could. At Big Pool there is a parking area plus some benches, a restroom and a bike repair station. It's a nice place for a lunch break if you're doing a round trip. All together I can wholeheartedly recommend the Western MD. We have even used it as the half of a loop with the other half on the C&O.
I enjoyed being able to get used to my Catrike Villager on a paved trail, close to a town yet still adjacent to farm fields and Antietam Creek. I was able to practice shifting gears on various uphills and downhills. I will definitely visit this again!
I can’t describe how much I love this trail. It goes longer than anyone could ever want and the people are courteous and everyone looks to be having a great time.
This is a very good trail. It would be better if it went through the old tunnel and was extended over the Potomac with the existing bridge. Very remote from the little orleans side.
In the last week of October 2022, while heading to N. VA. to attend a hobby show,
I decided to bring along the bike to sample some bike trails along the way.
First stop was the Cardinal Greenway. Next I transited to N.VA via Ohio, Pennsylvania,
W. Va & Maryland. Oct 27 2022, I took My first ride on the "Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
National Historical Park" towpath (here after 'C&O'). By comparison to other trails I've
done, this trail is packed gravel, so a change of wheels/tires was in order. The surface
reminded Me of the Forest Service roads at De Soto NF, so I felt right at home. My start
point was Carderock Recreation Area. The access road actually goes through a tunnel
'under' the canal & towpath! This is milepost 10.5. From there I went west toward mp 16.6,
Swain Lock (lock 21). On the way you will encounter 'the Great Falls' of the Potomac. Stop
and check out the walkway to the Olmsted Island & Falls Overlook. Spectacular, and this is
just 10 miles west of Wasington DC! I then visited the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center, then
returned to Carderock for lunch. After a break, I headed east getting as far as mp 7 (lock 7),
before returning to Carderock. I was running out of time, & decided to save the rest of the
east leg for another day. [21 miles total, and lots of sightseeing!]
After visiting the 24th "International Paper Modelers' Convention" 2022 (the point of the road trip)
on Sunday, Oct. 30th, I decided to Return to the 'C&O', and complete the eastern leg. Starting at
the Lock 8 parking area, walking the bike down a flight of 'stairs', I started the ride at mp 8.3 in the
Seven Locks area, heading east. Soon encountered the Capital Cresent trail, which crosses the C&O
on an old railway bridge, then runs parallel into the city. Just for comparison, I rode the Cresent, which
is asphalt, into town, and the C&O out. With a brief hour of sightseeing by bike around the National Mall
(because I was there) then back to the start. 3 hrs/22 miles. Will return again, as this was just a recon
ride [the whole C&O is 184.5 miles] I only scratched the surface!
We stopped here 9/22 en route to biking the C&O - what a treat! The cinder surface was well maintained: smooth sailing for our hybrids. varied and beautiful scenery, historical placards along the trail. . Logistics were fantastic: Plenty of parking in Shippensburg, drinking water and clean restrooms at both ends. 2- hours round trip, finished at sunset, followed by takeout Vietnamese dinner from Rice+Pho. Next am we took self-guided walking your of Shippensburg, also worth doing Rice+Pho.. wandered around historic Dientuen smShippensberg next day for an hour or so Thanks
I walked this trail 10/7/2022, and it was amazing! I went as soon as I got off work to clear my head and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. There are very scenic views of Lake Bernard Frank as well as wildlife and foliage. Trail is well maintained. There were courteous cyclists who warned they were near, as well as kids stopping by the lake to enjoy a packed lunch. I suggest walking this trail to clear your head and get some steps in!
Not that hard of a trail not sure why people say it's not a good trail did 24.11 miles of it start to finish and then back to the start A+++ in my book
Deep, sloshy, watery mud track; not even a trail. What a shame the National Park hasn’t improved this area. The GAP trail going northwest toward Pittsburgh is a dream to ride.
We have ridden the GAP in its entirety, we have ridden a large portion of the KATY trail, we have ridden the emerald necklace in OH, thousands of miles of trails - BUT, this gem is one of my top 5 favorites because of the kaleidoscope of scenery and experience. You start in a bustling college town at a fantast parking area. They thought of everything in less than a football field of space - parking, bike tool station, car charging station, a train car museum, bike lockers! and spacious bathrooms that seemed spotless!! Then you take off on the trail and its very well maintained, people are very friendly and then you roll through rural tree lined areas then farming communities. Its simply wonderful. I highly recommend this trail as a must do as equal to the Big name trails!
Great trail. Shaded for most of the route. Asphalt for all but two miles. The two miles goes around a spectacular tunnel that is closed for some reason. Very little cell service in little orleans which made it hard to find a he parking spot. The trail potentially could go over the Potomac to paw paw and connect to the cno. That has been scrapped for now. Most roots are Marked on the pavement which helps. You are on your own from Hancock to little orleans. Very remote.
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