At Vienna going west is less busy and less stops. I’ve done Shirlington (DC) to Vienna and it was too busy, with big intersections. When I ride during the weekday mornings there’s hardly anybody out, it’s the best time.

Rode C&O canal towpath from mile19 to mile36 and back in early June 2020. Experienced both surfaces (improved and original). I would say that the original is more visually appealing and friendly to walkers (less dust), and the improved is more friendly to bikers elbow and butt (less vibrations). On weekday there is not many people there and it’s great to enjoy the nature, get some exercises, and meditate, yes meditate!

I have been enjoying the C&O Canal towpath since I was a boy -- but I went for a bike ride yesterday (May 10, 2020) at the Monocacy Aqueduct and the path is now paved (I assume it's considered crushed stone). Yep, it's now "new and improved" -- not. One problem is that the trail now has a lower shoulder than the paved road. If you happen to get too close to the edge or pull off, you've got a bit of a dropoff which could be problematic. Another problem is that some of my fellow bicyclers seem to love the new surface as they now go flying even faster than before. Hiking on the paved trail is certainly not as nice as the previous dirt path. The feeling of getting away from it all has diminished and the trail has lost some of its charm. It no longer appears to be a path in the woods from a bygone era, but simply another bike trail. Pedestrians beware.

Got on part of this trail, while on western Maryland trail

We love coming down and riding on this trail, sign the book at the bike shop....

After reaching the eastern terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage, I picked up the C&O Towpath in Cumberland, MD back in 2018 (perhaps the Towpath has improved since then). Unfortunately, rainy conditions really seem to impact this path/trail more than other trails. Its gravel surface (which rides nothing like the crushed limestone of the GAP) was a mess back in July 2018. Rain aside, this trail is really, really bumpy which really had a negative impact on progress (I usually tour around 15mph, and struggled to make 9mph on this path). As soon as I had the opportunity, I departed this path for the Western Maryland Rail Trail without any regrets. In my touring experiences, the conditions on the C&O Towpath were some of the worst that I've ever encountered. It's truly a shame: this path would be so much more enjoyable if it were better maintained.

Nearby but feels far away. Flat for kids and pets.

The trail is pleasant, we went there last Saturday. You could enjoy Virginia Blue Bell, a special blue flower of the area. The stream is beautiful. You have choices of long or short routes. Recommend it!

A train wreck took the pedestrian walkway off the bridge. No up date yet as to when it will reopen. Check the Nat Park Service for updates.