JourneyonaBike - (Shorter Version) West Half of C&O (&WMRT) Williamsport to Cumberland 11.19-20.24

[@TheMisterGriswold]

Say you'd like to do a 30 mile total out-and-back ride. What is the best part of the C&O for this?

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

Depends what section is closer. The immediate section comes to mind is Shepherdstown to Harpers Ferry (Md side). That's 25 miles rt. Of course HF has spiral stairs but if just the bike limited gear, carry bike up or lock it. 40 miler rt is Shepherdstown to Brunswick and back. Brunswick is easier access unless trains block u in or out of town. Another section is any part of the WM Rail Trail. Awesome trail recently repaved. Starts in Big Pool if drive and park. Ride 11.5 miles into Hancock, eat lunch and back. Or park at Ft Frederick on the lower side below the RR track. That adds a couple miles and you'd exit the towpath to WMRT (if want) at mp 114.5. A number of options. If you're into tent camping, that extends your options. I tented overnight at Hancock pavillion. A primitive park with electric and water. Bathroom is over at Sheetz during cold weather. YMCA at Cumberland on Kelly Rd has pavillion with electric. Might be a fee around $15 if not a member. Access to showers like a member when open. If you do tent camp, nicest campsite I like is mp 38 Marble Quarry. Primitive site but no train noise. About 35 miles from Shepherdstown mp 73. Saw 2 bald eagles gracefully glide through the campsite few years ago one with a fish in its talons. Talk about surreal. Another campsite and there are many free sites ever 4-10 miles...is mp 63 near Harpers Ferry. Right on the river for view. Mp 76 or 80 going west from Shepherdstown mp 73 are 2 nearby hiker biker primitive campsites. If you're near Paw Paw that opens up 15 miles to Little Orleans mp 141 and back. I like that area. Towpath is more remote & rustic but the mud slicks are hard pack gravel now. A secluded section. Cell service is spotty to non existent in parts. No towns other than Paw Paw but limited choices to eat. No restaurants i know of unless hit American Legion or Tiny's sometimes when open or a Mountain something store going further out of town. But closest is Liberty gas station for hot food or subs and Dollar General. Of course could ride Paw Paw parking lot west to about mp 173 Sping GAP campsite then back . You pass mp 166.7 Oldtown. On DC end, if you get to Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center at mp 14.3 ... you can cycle into DC and back. There's a detours currently at mp 11 area needing to push bike a bit. Great Falls rapids on the river is there too. Wall on the boardwalk 1/4 mile. Lock bike. Paved trail following the river once hit mp 3.1 ... takes a little navigation once trail turns into divided bike path but follow river to Thompson Boat Center for mile 0 post. Last 1/2 mile of towpath might still have reconstruction and a detour towards the river. Last 3 miles of towpath gets muddy after rain if stay on towpath at mp 3.1 option

[@TheMisterGriswold]

@@pppjourneyonabike5992 Thanks! 🚲