Hanover, PA Wheelchair Accessible Trails and Maps

1358 Reviews

Looking for the best Wheelchair Accessible trails around Hanover?

Find the top rated wheelchair accessible trails in Hanover, 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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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
60 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

B&A Trail

13.3 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

BWI Trail

12.4 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Ballenger Creek Linear Trail

4.2 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Concrete

Butterfly Acres Trail

0.5 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

184.2 mi
State: DC, MD
Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt

Cumberland Valley Rail Trail

15.8 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

Ed Miller Memorial Trail

2 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Elizabethtown Connector Trail

0.3 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Farmingdale Trail

4 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Grass

Gettysburg Trail

3 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Great American Rail-Trail

3743.9 mi
State: DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY
Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone

H & F Trolley Trail

1.1 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Heritage Rail Trail County Park

27.4 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Hollow Creek Greenway

1.7 mi
State: PA
Crushed Stone, Gravel

Jones Falls Trail

12.4 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Kissel Hill Commons Trail

1 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail

2.9 mi
State: PA
Cinder, Dirt, Grass

Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail

19.6 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Matthew Henson Trail

4.5 mi
State: MD
Asphalt
Accordion

Mount Airy Rails to Trails

1 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Patuxent Branch Trail

4.35 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Rock Creek Trail (MD)

16 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

19.9 mi
State: MD
Crushed Stone, Dirt

Trolley Line #9 Trail

1.5 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Warwick Township Linear Park Trail

1.2 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail

7 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Belmont Trail

0.5 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Capital Area Greenbelt

24 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Cinder, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Carl Henn Millennium Trail

10.7 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Concrete

Chambersburg Rail-Trail

1.6 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Cumberland County Biker/Hiker Trail

2.2 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone

Fielding Belt Trail

4.3 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel

Greater Lancaster Heritage Pathway

1.2 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Gwynns Falls Trail

19.7 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Heritage Trail (PA)

0.4 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Herring Run Trail

2.5 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Dirt

Intercounty Connector Trail

8 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Manheim Township Bikeway

0.7 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Northwest Branch Trail

17.4 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Dirt

Brighton-Reidenbaugh Park Trail

0.5 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Broad Street Greenway

0.9 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Concrete

John Overstreet Connector

1.5 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail

13 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway Trail

2.5 mi
State: MD
Crushed Stone

Ma & Pa Community Greenway

1.44 mi
State: PA
Crushed Stone

Northwest Corridor Linear Park

0.7 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Warwick Township Highlands Trail

2 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Concrete, Grass

Gettysburg Inner Loop

1.03 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Carroll Creek Path

3 mi
State: MD
Asphalt, Concrete

Haydn Manor Trail

0.25 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Lancaster Bible College Path & Stoner Park Path

2 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete

Landis Valley Road Sidepath

1 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Lime Spring Trail

1 mi
State: PA
Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel

Little Paint Branch Trail

6.4 mi
State: MD
Asphalt

North Gettysburg Trail

0.88 mi
State: PA
Asphalt

Olde Hickory Village Trail

0.25 mi
State: PA
Asphalt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
Overview The paved 13-mile B&A Trail connects the Chesapeake Bay cities of Baltimore and Annapolis. Along with extensive historical markers, this trail features the Planet Walk, a multi-mile...
MD 13.3 mi Asphalt
Overview    The only trail in the U.S. fully encircling an international airport, the BWI Trail, also known as the BWI Hiker-Biker Trail, hosts walkers, bikers, runners, and aviation enthusiasts...
MD 12.4 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Ballenger creek Linear Trail is a 4.2 mile greenway in Frederick County Maryland. Constructed by both local developers and the county government, whose goal was to connect the community, the trail...
MD 4.2 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Situated near the south end of Lititz borough, the half-mile long Butterfly Acres Park Trail follows a restored wetland and small stream, connecting two neighborhoods. A smaller segment, which is...
PA 0.5 mi Asphalt
Overview Following the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Towpath traverses the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for 184.2 miles between Cumberland, Maryland, and the Georgetown...
DC, MD 184.2 mi Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt
Overview The Cumberland Valley Rail Trail rolls 15.8 miles through a bucolic valley that’s hemmed in by the Blue and South Mountains in south-central Pennsylvania. Running from Shippensburg to east...
PA 15.8 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Named in honor of the late Ed Miller—a longtime caretaker at Renfrew Park and Museum and member of the Waynesboro Historical Society and Renfrew Institute—the Ed Miller Memorial Trail connects three...
PA 2 mi Asphalt
The first section of the Elizabethtown Connector Trail officially opened in May 2015. Although just shy of a mile this trail provides such beautiful scenery that you'll feel like you could stay...
PA 0.3 mi Asphalt
Actually a small network of multi-use trails, the Farmingdale Trail has recently been extended through The Crossings mixed-use development and now connects several neighborhoods in the northwest...
PA 4 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Grass
Not to be confused with the nearby Gettysburg Inner Loop, the roughly 3-mile Gettysburg Trail is a paved walking trail that connects the Visitor Center to important locations on the battlefield, the...
PA 3 mi Asphalt
Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY 3743.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone
Overview  The Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park runs along the Patapsco River for 2.5 miles between Ilchester Road and Lost Lake. The heavily wooded paved trail passes by various...
MD 2.5 mi Asphalt
Sitting on the corner of East Main Street and Alley 5 in Thurmont is a green and white one-story building. Murals decorate its walls, depicting the history of the famous Hagerstown and Frederick...
MD 1.1 mi Asphalt
Overview The Heritage Rail Trail County Park (HRT) runs between the Pennsylvania–Maryland state line and York, Pennsylvania. Most of the trail has a crushed-stone surface, although portions of the...
PA 27.4 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Hollow Creek Greenway follows its namesake waterway through scenic woodlands and valleys, offering a quiet oasis in the suburbs. The trail provides an important link between neighborhoods, schools...
PA 1.7 mi Crushed Stone, Gravel
Overview Running north to south for over 12 miles along the Jones Falls Stream Valley, the Jones Falls Trail is one of the Baltimore region’s premier urban trails. Combining pristine forested...
MD 12.4 mi Asphalt
A part of Manheim Township's network of multi-use greenways, the mile-long Kissel Hill Commons Trail extends across the mixed use subdivision for which it is named in the suburbs north of...
PA 1 mi Asphalt
The short, tranquil LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail follows its namesake creek closely, LeTort Spring Run, through a mix of deciduous trees and lowland marshes bristling with tall grasses and cattails....
PA 2.9 mi Cinder, Dirt, Grass
Overview The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail travels for 19.6 miles in three distinct segments through Pennsylvania's Lebanon Valley. A majority of the route is unpaved, most gravel-surfaced, except for...
PA 19.6 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel
The Matthew Henson Trail runs along a paved surface (rough in places from tree roots) through a narrow band of forested green space between the Rock Creek Trail just south of Veirs Road and Alderton...
MD 4.5 mi Asphalt
Accordion
Overview Mount Airy Rails to Trails (R2T) is currently 1 mile long split into two unconnected half-mile sections. Following a former railroad corridor, it will one day span nearly 4 miles across...
MD 1 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Gravel
Overview    Spanning over 15 miles on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is a tranquil and easy-going meander between the towns of Bainbridge, Marietta...
PA 15.9 mi Asphalt
Maryland is home to two Paint Branch Trails, this one in Montgomery County and another farther south in Prince George's County. This Paint Branch Trail offers a well-shaded, paved pathway...
MD 2.3 mi Asphalt
Whether by wheel or foot, many off-road trips in southern Howard County involve the Patuxent Branch Trail. Opened in 1997, the 4.5-mile regional trail connects to an extensive network of local trails...
MD 4.35 mi Asphalt
Overview Rock Creek Trail forms a winding path, at times narrow, through the urban greenway of Rock Creek Regional Park. The trail extends between Needwood Lake northeast of Rockville, MD, and the...
MD 16 mi Asphalt
Overview The Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts because of its proximity to populous Baltimore and its relatively flat course, which winds along river...
MD 19.9 mi Crushed Stone, Dirt
The first thing you may notice about the Trolley Line #9 Trail is the boardwalk that curves between the bluffs of massive rock. The granite was hand cut in the 1890s when the electric streetcar rails...
MD 1.5 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Warwick Township Linear Park Trail is a joint project of Warwick Township and Lititz borough. The pathway extends from Market Street north, following the Santo Domingo Creek, to Newport Road....
PA 1.2 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Overview The 7-mile Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail runs from Ephrata west to Lititz in Warwick Township, following the former Reading and Columbia Railroad, which began service in 1863.  About...
PA 7 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Constructed as part of the Belmont subdivision/Shoppers At Belmont mixed use development, the Belmont Trail is part of Manheim Township's growing network of multi-use greenways and the latest of...
PA 0.5 mi Asphalt
Closure Notice: The Capital Area Greenbelt will be closed south of the PennDOT Building in Phoenix Park for the foreseeable future. The recommended detour uses S. Front, Sycamore, Cameron, and Shanois...
PA 24 mi Asphalt, Cinder, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Gravel
Overview The Carl Henn Millennium Trail is Rockville's bicycle beltway. The paved 10-mile loop connects residential neighborhoods, parks, shops, restaurants, and more. About the Route The...
MD 10.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Chambersburg Rail Trail is a 1.6 mile paved urban trail that connects neighborhoods just a few blocks west of the community's central business district. Starting at South Main Street (Route 11),...
PA 1.6 mi Asphalt
This gently winding trail in Pine Grove Furnace State Park passes along the shores of two lakes and through the woodlands of Michaux State Forest. Pine Grove Furnace began operating in 1764 to take...
PA 2.2 mi Asphalt, Cinder, Crushed Stone
The Fielding Bank Trail gives residents of Boiling Springs access to a couple nearby parks without having to travel along local roads. The trail begins at High Street the west end of town and...
PA 4.3 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel
Currently just over a mile in length, the Greater Lancaster Heritage Pathway looks, at first glance, like most of the other multi-use trails that have been built across the Lancaster suburbs over the...
PA 1.2 mi Asphalt
Overview The Gwynns Falls Trail is a nearly 20-mile continuous corridor that winds through dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods, parks, and historical and cultural landmarks and the...
MD 19.7 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
Part of the township's ongoing efforts to create a network of multiuse greenways, Manheim Township's Heritage Trail begins at Valley Road and extends south, along the eastern boundary of Landis Woods...
PA 0.4 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The 2.5-mile Herring Run Trail is a neighborhood gem that runs through Herring Run Park, a scenic 375-acre stream-valley oasis in Northeast Baltimore. This loop trail, bordered by Harford Road to the...
MD 2.5 mi Asphalt, Dirt
Maryland's Intercounty Connector Trail serves as an important commuting route across Montgomery County and Prince George's County. It gets its name from the Intercounty Connector (also known as State...
MD 8 mi Asphalt
Part of Manheim Township's growing network of multi-use greenways, the Manheim Township Bikeway begins off Kissel Hill Road, immediately north of the intersection with Landis Valley Road. Heading...
PA 0.7 mi Asphalt
Part of Manheim Township's growing greenway network, the paved, multi-use trail begins at the access road to the Manheim Township Community Park and loops around athletic fields and a playground at...
PA 2 mi Asphalt
Overview The Northwest Branch Trail travels a sylvan setting through a string of parks in the Maryland suburbs northeast of Washington, D.C. The 17.4-mile greenway connects the...
MD 17.4 mi Asphalt, Dirt
Located in northern Manheim Township, the Brighton-Reidenbaugh Park Trail is a link in the suburban Lancaster County municipality's growing network of multi-use trails. The trail consists of 3...
PA 0.5 mi Asphalt
The Broad Street Greenway in York is anchored by the Alexander D. Goode Middle School at one end and Hannah Penn Middle School at the other. The bike-ped corridor parallels Broad Street in the heart...
PA 0.9 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The John Overstreet Connector is a 1.5-mile trail segment that links the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and BWI Trail. The short—but vital—trail is named after Overstreet, a retiree from Glen Burnie,...
MD 1.5 mi Asphalt
The Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail, named for a local resident who died in a bicycling accident, offers a safe paved route through Derry and nearby communities. It begins in a rural area just south...
PA 13 mi Asphalt
Maryland's Susquehanna State Park is recognized for challenging hiking and biking trails, camping facilities, rock outcroppings, boating, a museum and restored historical sites. But none of these...
MD 2.5 mi Crushed Stone
Meandering 1.4 miles through the borough of Red Lion, this section of the Ma & Pa Community Greenway is called the Red Lion Trail. Following a disused railway corridor for part of its route, this...
PA 1.44 mi Crushed Stone
Northwest Corridor Linear Park is a short paved pathway that winds its way among the city streets just northeast of the city square. The pathway functions as community park for residents of downtown...
PA 0.7 mi Asphalt
A link in the region's burgeoning network of multi-use greenways, the Warwick Highlands Trail connects several subdivisions, shopping centers and a hospital on the west side of Warwick Township, just...
PA 2 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Grass
The Gettysburg Inner Loop is a network of multi-use trails and signed, on-street bicycle routes, paralleled by sidewalks for foot traffic, currently being built around the perimeter of the historic,...
PA 1.03 mi Asphalt
Overview The Carroll Creek Path runs for 3 miles through the heart of Frederick, MD. About the Route The Carroll Creek Path leaves off in the north from Rosemount Ave., near the Schifferstadt...
MD 3 mi Asphalt, Concrete
One of a growing number of local greenways connecting points in the Lancaster suburbs, the quarter mile long Haydn Manor Trail arcs from Wayfaring Way to Camas Lane in the northeast corner of the...
PA 0.25 mi Asphalt
Part of Manheim Township’s growing network of greenways, this multiuse trail is located in the southeastern part of the suburban municipality. At its eastern end, this paved trail encircles Stoner...
PA 2 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete
Part of Manheim Township's growing greenways network, the Landis Valley Sidepath is an asphalt, multi-use trail that begins at the Manheim Township Bikeway on the south end of the Landis Valley...
PA 1 mi Asphalt
Currently about a mile in length, the Lime Spring Trail is envisioned to connect several residential communities to the nearby Lancaster suburb of Rohrerstown as well as to shopping centers, office...
PA 1 mi Asphalt, Concrete, Gravel
This bike and pedestrian path threads through the park of the same name. The trail exists in 2 sections: the northern segment begins in the Fairland Recreational Park and winds south, eventually...
MD 6.4 mi Asphalt
Part of the Gettysburg area's growing trail network, the North Gettysburg Trail begins at the north end of the borough at the northwest corner of East Broadway and Old Harrisburg Road. The asphalt...
PA 0.88 mi Asphalt
This short, quarter mile long trail winds through meadows on either side of Landis Run, connecting the Olde Hickory Village condo complex with the Worthington subdivision. The trail is one of several...
PA 0.25 mi Asphalt

Recent Trail Reviews

Newport and Shermans Valley Railroad Trace (formerely Little Buffalo)

Nice historic Trail

December, 2024 by vicki1960

While in the area, at Little Buffalo State Park, we visited this trail. Trailhead and parking below the dam. There is a covered bridge and old mill there. Trail is flat and goes approx 1 mile. Surface is gravel. Interesting stop to see the historical items. We were there the end of December and the trail was decorated for a Christmas Holiday walking tour. In the state park there are picnic areas and a swimming pool up above the lake.

Cumberland Valley Rail Trail

Peaceful and straight

December, 2024 by terriannjma_tl

It was a foggy damp day. Very light traffic on the trail except in Shippensburg. Very, very well maintained! Some of the gravel is deeper in areas than others, which when wet causes substantial drag on the tires. Total of 26 1/2 miles from end to end as out and back.

Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park

Corrections

December, 2024 by jdh2425

garailroader is correct - There is no legal parking on the west end (Ilchester) of this trail. The trail simply "dead ends" at the edge of Ilchester Road, making it appear that that would be the beginning of the trail for people parking along the road, under the railroad bridge, or even across the river on several pull over spots. Unfortunately, the entire area is a no parking zone, and the powers that be expect people to park in the park (there is an entrance fee) and use the trail from the east end at Lost Lake (or park near the swinging bridge and cross it to join the Grist Mill Trail). Also, the article above mentions abandoned railroad tracks. These tracks are not abandoned and are still active. There are a few trains per day.

Accordion

Stony Valley Rail-Trail

Good and not so good 11/24

November, 2024 by mherr628

I rode this trail for the first time in awhile . Resurfaced since last time I rode it . Rode 11 miles out and back . Nice that they resurfaced but stones are too BIG . And it’s crowned in the middle slightly . I noticed a lot of drain culverts along the way . Should help with washouts . The surface isn’t great but it is rideable with a hybrid or gravel bike . Peaceful ride . Didn’t see another human the whole time . Don’t ride in warm weather since I encountered a few rattle snakes previously . If you like hiking you can ride about 3.5 miles in from Goldmine Rd. And pick up the Appalachian trail . Although the signs are incorrect as far as direction . The one marked north goes south and vice versa .

LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail

Ran the Trail today in a light rain. Enjoyable and easy run through farmland and woods.

November, 2024 by djemmyers

Ran the Trail today in a light rain. Enjoyable and easy run through farmland and woods.

Mount Airy Rails to Trails

peaceful stroll through quaint railroad town

November, 2024 by jim905

Plentiful parking downtown and at Watkins Park on Route 27. East section is picturesque along smooth gravel, decked, and paved sections between interesting rock formations with varied vegetation. Museum in original train station depot is opposite beautifully restored caboose where right of way ends. To reach west section must walk north on Main Street and west on Prospect Road past castle to Hill Street entrance. West section is nicely paved with benches and trees carved with nature scenes. Also can walk up Hill Street, down Baker Street, and ascend stairs behind shops to reach Main Street. This will be a five star trail once the rail connecting east and west sections becomes accessible!

Rock Creek Trail (MD)

amazing bike trail

November, 2024 by bwjcgtc4kb

If your from Montgomery County this trail is perfect. You get to see so many beautiful parks, open meadows, dense forest, and it’s all along the bank of rock creek. The trail is well labeled so it’s difficult to get lost. The trail also passes by the Mormon temple, where you get to see A pearl White Castle in the distance of the trail. One thing I found challenging was the trail after rain, due to all of the trees the trail gets slippery from fallen leaves and dirt, be careful. Other than that a beautiful trail 9/10.

Farmingdale Trail

nice trail until we got off the pavement

November, 2024 by chanda.montoya

Nice scenic trail. Took a solid wheel scooter and a e-mountain bike. Everything was good until we ran out of pavement. Do not recommend for scooters or roller blades, Otherwise beautiful!

Conewago Recreation Trail

Super rough with large rocks, go to Lebanon valley rail trail instead

November, 2024 by captinbandwagon_tl

The portion of the trail in Lancaster County the Conewago trail is in horrible condition. The trail surface is repeatedly filled in with 2A aggregates. The surface of the trail is not suitable for bicycles or even for jogging I recommend you skip the section entirely and proceed to the portion as a Trail in Lebanon County, call the Lebanon valley rail trail, which is far superior & surface is lime, stone dust, very Smith.

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

Just finished 40 miles today. Great trail for riding bike on. I started in Ashland and rode just into PA. line, then turned around and back to Ashland. I have completed the whole trail at different times over the past 30 years.

November, 2024 by bosshauls

Just finished 40 miles today. Great trail for riding bike on. I started in Ashland and rode just into PA. line, then turned around and back to Ashland. I have completed the whole trail at different times over the past 30 years.

Enola Low Grade Trail

Enola Low Grade is excellent

November, 2024 by jcarey52

My wife and I parked at designated parking 3 miles east of Quarreyville and road to the end of the trail at Turkey Hill preserve. The trail is maintained and in excellent condition. I will note that when parking at this spot as of 11/01/2024 there are trail closed signs and there is still some paving work to be completed. However, the section being worked on is only 2 miles long and is easily rideable. If you want to park at the next location a bit west of this spot you will miss this. Note there are several areas to park along the trail and all have excellent parking and there are many benches, picnic tables, and port-a-johns along the length of the trail. There is no access to water, so, bring it with you. From where we parked to Turkey Hill preserve parking is 22 miles one way. This entire length of trail is in excellent condition and very enjoyable. Heading east from where we parked we were told (as we did not ride east) work is still being done on the trail and it is not in the same pristine condition. We have ridden many rail trails across the United States and highly recommend this one.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Rough with Rider-Beware Hazards

October, 2024 by morgan.paul511

I biked from Pittsburgh to DC (GAP and C&O trails combined) 9/8 thru 9/14/24. This review is for the C&O only. Weather – excellent. Scenery- beautiful. Accommodations – very good. Trail surfaces –highly variable from narrow dirt paths laced with muddy holes to relatively smooth, hardpacked dirt to loose gravel (better for a pickup truck than a bicycle!). From 10 miles south of Great Falls into DC the trail/road was especially rough. I was riding an Off-road bike with 40 MM wide tires and momentarily lost front tire stability in MANY spots due to loose gravel (especially on the sloped paths leading into & out of lock areas). My biggest safety concern were the numerous concrete bridges over creeks & culverts that had ZERO guard rails, warning signs or even yellow paint. The bridge widths were narrower than the trail requiring the biker to NOTICE and move more to the center for safety. If a biker went off the side of any of these bridges, I’d expect serious injuries or worse. The worst safety hazard was at Lock 38. Approaching the lock from the southwest side, the (main) trail leads right across the top of the lock wall- that is 3 to 4 ft wide with only an outer rail – very dangerous. The drop off to the grassy floor below was about 7-9 feet straight down. I was in a group of riders that suddenly saw this “tightrope” situation and jammed on their brakes. (Nobody realized we should have diverted onto a narrow, unmarked path that led downward through the lock.) Fortunately, everyone stopped safely; walked their bikes down a slope and on to the safe path through the bottom of the lock. A simple, cheap sign could prevent the near-miss accidents at this spot.
I’m really disappointed that this National Park hasn’t (at least) marked these safety hazards. Considering all the hazards and the rough gravel, I think this C&O Towpath trail merits 2 stars.

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