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C&o Canal Mountain Bike Trail
Washington, District of Columbia
MTB TRAIL STATS
Avg Rating:    |
3 trail reviews |
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Status: |
Difficulty:  Easiest |
| Length: 183 miles | Global Rank: 933 |
| Tread: Fire Road | Configuration: Out & Back |
| Ridden: 27 | Wishlist: 12 |
| Avg. Speed: 12.63 mph | Avg. Time: 2hr 0min |
Directions:
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Description: The trail is a great, cheap, 3 day weekend (or less, depending how fast, and how far you want to go) getaway that runs the length of the C&O Canal, which would have extended to Ohio if it weren't for the railroads. It is primarily flat, with a slight upgrade to Cumberland from DC. The trail is about 183 miles long (one way), and past Great Falls (great scenic point), there are water wells at intermittent trailside campsites, as well as port-a-johns. The water is a little discolored, probably due to rust and iodine used to purify the water - it is safe to drink. The best view I've ever seen from a Port-a-john is a the Paw Paw Tunnel, where the trail goes 3/5 miles through a mountain - have a light - it's longer than it would seem, trust me. Best times to go are late spring, early fall for unreal seasonal color changes - bring a tent, your significant other, maybe a camera, and marshmellows. We rode the trail in a little over 2 days, camped trailside, bathed in the river (really friggin cold water), ate MRE's. There's food in Cumberland, Hancock, and Harpers Ferry primarily - plan to take at least 3 days to really take in all there is to see. Historic Harper's Ferry, the rapids along the Potomac, especially at Great Falls, the museums, canal locks, historic houses, trestles, etc. It's worth it - screw Disney. You can also purchase reading material dedicated to this trail - I'm not exactly a historian. For me, it's a great escape from the concrete jungle I live in. Avoid weekends when it's nice if tourists, and family scrimmage lines on the trails annoy you - up to Great Falls, the trail is very popular. As you head west, watch for deer, black snakes. Bring paniers, and have fun.
added in 2003 by guest
Description: The trail is a great, cheap, 3 day weekend (or less, depending how fast, and how far you want to go) getaway that runs the length of the C&O Canal, which would have extended to Ohio if it weren't for the railroads. It is primarily flat, with a slight upgrade to Cumberland from DC. The trail is about 183 miles long (one way), and past Great Falls (great scenic point), there are water wells at intermittent trailside campsites, as well as port-a-johns. The water is a little discolored, probably due to rust and iodine used to purify the water - it is safe to drink. The best view I've ever seen from a Port-a-john is a the Paw Paw Tunnel, where the trail goes 3/5 miles through a mountain - have a light - it's longer than it would seem, trust me. Best times to go are late spring, early fall for unreal seasonal color changes - bring a tent, your significant other, maybe a camera, and marshmellows. We rode the trail in a little over 2 days, camped trailside, bathed in the river (really friggin cold water), ate MRE's. There's food in Cumberland, Hancock, and Harpers Ferry primarily - plan to take at least 3 days to really take in all there is to see. Historic Harper's Ferry, the rapids along the Potomac, especially at Great Falls, the museums, canal locks, historic houses, trestles, etc. It's worth it - screw Disney. You can also purchase reading material dedicated to this trail - I'm not exactly a historian. For me, it's a great escape from the concrete jungle I live in. Avoid weekends when it's nice if tourists, and family scrimmage lines on the trails annoy you - up to Great Falls, the trail is very popular. As you head west, watch for deer, black snakes. Bring paniers, and have fun.
added in 2003 by guest 
NEARBY TRAILS
- Fort Circle Trail From Fort Dupont Park in Washington (6 miles away)
- Cabin John Trail in Bethesda (9.9 miles away)
- Wakefield in Annandale (10.6 miles away)
- Lake Accotink Network in Springfield (11.1 miles away)
- Great Falls National Park in Mclean (11.7 miles away)
TRAIL REVIEWS review this trail
reviewed by power_seen on May 21, 2009
I've been on this trail tons of times and it's more of a cruiser than anything. No obstacles or challenges in the southern section of this (between Georgetown and up to Great Falls). Certainly good to stretch the legs and get some great views. Definitely recommend taking a pit stop about 5 miles up the trail (after the Chain Bridge) and checking out the little trail to the left that will take you down to the river and let you get into the rocks on the banks.
reviewed by erictw83 on September 16, 2007
This isn't really a "mountain" biking trail. Its flat, its wide, its smooth, its a dirt road. But it is a great trail if u want to get out and spin with out dealing with cars. I gone for numerous 60-70 milers along here. The scenary is fantastic as the trail hugs the river. It's beautiful in the spring and fall. Yes it does get crowded with mother pushing baby strollers, but that's only if you ride near DC on a weekend afternoon. Try starting up near Poolesville and you get out there alone real quick in beautiful scenery. Bottom Line: Do this when you want a full day trip (or weekend) when u want to spin and relax somewhat or are looking strictly for a cardio workout.
Similar Trail: Buffalo Creek, CO
reviewed by kltbo on December 17, 2004
The C&O canal is a good family trail, no singletrack that I know of and very little of an incline. Gets crowded on weekends and such days. All in all a decent trail.
Similar Trail: W&OD
Additional District of Columbia Mountain Bike Info
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