C&O CANAL TOWPATH (C&O)

Description: The C&O Canal Towpath is an engineering feat from the mid-19th century that features historic locks, aqueducts, lock houses and tunnels on its route along the Potomac River. The canal played an important role during the Civil War as it was a dividing line between North and South. You can combine a tour of Antietam National Battlefield and Gettysburg National Military Park as a side-trip of your C&O Canal Towpath tour.

Questions in advance?  Contact us!

Website: Cheseapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
Distance One-Way: 184.5 miles
States: Maryland, West Virginia, Washington DC
End Points (West to East): Cumberland, Maryland and Georgetown, Washington DC
Type: Rail-Trail
Linear Trail: Yes
Surface: Dirt and crushed stone. It can be very muddy after rain with ruts and exposed tree roots.
Terrain: Flat
Vehicular Speed Limit: Not applicable

Road-Tested Bike Tours LLC plans your self-guided, self-supported bike tour, which offers you flexibility and independence while enjoying the company of others. Each day of your tour will be personalized with your needs in mind so that you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

After you book your tour, we will fine-tune the details with you. Your tour can be one-way, round-trip or a hub-and-spoke where you overnight in one location and cycle different routes each day.

We’ll let you know about the points of interest along your route; that way you can choose the daily mileage that allows you to visit historical sites, battlefields, plantations, wineries, craft breweries, or other side trips off the beaten path. You can also combine your cycling with other sports such as hiking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing and observing birds and wildlife.

You’ll reserve your accommodations based on our recommendations of the motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts that are located in the towns along your route. We can also identify camp sites if you prefer the moon and the stars above.

Once your decisions are made, we’ll summarize them in a personalized daily itinerary designed to carry on your handlebars. That way you won’t have to worry about a thing and you can relax and enjoy your ride!

Questions in advance?  Contact us!

*Combine with the Great Allegheny Passage and Western Maryland Rail Trail to extend your tour