Find the top rated fishing trails in Winchester, 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.
My wife had a yen to do a through ride and chose the GAP trail as her goal.
We spent 5 days on the trail, starting in Pittsburgh, and finishing in Cumberland. Even with drizzling rain on several portions of the ride, we both count this as one of the best we ever rode.
The trail surface is so consistently even, it is easy rolling, especially once you cross the Eastern Continental Divide, where it steepens a bit, downhill. There was literally no trash to be found along the trail, and any debris from trees, like limbs, was quickly removed by the crews that do that. There were times when we rode many miles without seeing another rider, or crossing a road. Along the way we noticed many places to take a break, with benches or shelters, and near each trailhead you will find a bike maintenance stand, with tools and air pump. We stayed in Pittsburgh, Boston, Connersville, Confluence, Meyersdale, and finished in Cumberland. All the lodgings were very nice, and we left our vehicle at our hotel in Pittsburgh ( paid to park it there ) and hired a livery service to get us back from Cumberland to the steel city. If you are considering this trail, go do it ! It was great.
My wife had a yen to do a through ride and chose the GAP trail as her goal.
We spent 5 days on the trail, starting in Pittsburgh, and finishing in Cumberland. Even with drizzling rain on several portions of the ride, we both count this as one of the best we ever rode.
The trail surface is so consistently even, it is easy rolling, especially once you cross the Eastern Continental Divide, where it steepens a bit, downhill. There was literally no trash to be found along the trail, and any debris from trees, like limbs, was quickly removed by the crews that do that. There were times when we rode many miles without seeing another rider, or crossing a road. Along the way we noticed many places to take a break, with benches or shelters, and near each trailhead you will find a bike maintenance stand, with tools and air pump. We stayed in Pittsburgh, Boston, Connersville, Confluence, Meyersdale, and finished in Cumberland. All the lodgings were very nice, and we left our vehicle at our hotel in Pittsburgh ( paid to park it there ) and hired a livery service to get us back from Cumberland to the steel city. If you are considering this trail, go do it ! It was great.
The best part of the WOD is west of Leesburg, through Paeonian Springs into tunnels of trees, past farmland, ending at a fabulous barbecue place in Purcellville. Stunning in fall foliage.
Since my wife has 2 knee replacements, this spot is perfect. Maintenance is being performed (2024) so it is a little out of the norm. Trail runs along C&O towpath so switching is easy. Also eastern part close to facilities. Western part more remote. We love also the many parking areas available. Geocaches add to the adventure as well. Will return.
Rode from Cumberland to a parking area 23 miles outside of DC, camping at four of the campsites along the way. They have been doing a lot of work to improve the condition of this trail and it shows. Weather was perfect, but most sections seemed like they would still be pretty good even after some rain. There was one detour that was a tough push over really rocky roads for a few miles. Other than that, it was perfect.
We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.
I headed out of Pittsburgh Point State Park 8/6/2024 for a day ride to Homestead and back. I quickly ran into large homeless encampments along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail portion of the GAP. No one approached me but the trash, the smell of urine and tents almost on the trail were discouraging and I ended my ride and drove home. I might suggest anyone planning to ride that section of the GAP check the current conditions before proceeding. From what I found online once I got home was that it does not appear to be a short term problem. Other riders have commented on open drug use and the concern for unleashed dogs. I could not find a go around from local riders’ comments.
On the way down we rode the rail trail. It’s was 90% trees and concrete path. Hancock was a cute little town tho and we stopped at the Blue Goose Market that was cute. We rode the tow path on the way back and I thought that was slightly better for the scenery. It was a gorgeous day to be out but I’ve been on better trail.
We parked at lock 38 by Shepardstown. Trail is well maintained and gorgeous. Many bikers, runners and walkers out.Note it is a trash free park.
Most of this trail is not along streets. We often ride this trail round trip from Ballenger Creek Park to the other end which is near Dunkin Donuts. We often see deer. There are two bridges over Ballenger Creek, and an underpass at New Design Road which keeps trail users away from traffic. There are a few air pump and tool stands along the trail. The western half mile is on sidewalk along the road, with traffic light protection for crossing.
The amazing smell of the flowers at the start of the trail would be worth another ride for that alone. (We started at Welty Road Park.) Lots of hills, definitely a workout, some shade and some sun. The creek is absolutely beautiful.
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