| Cycling | |
|---|---|
| Location | C&O Canal Downtown Cumberland, Maryland to Lock 74 Allegany County |
| Trail Access | From I-68 take the Downtown Exit 43C. Follow the signs to the Allegany County Visitor Center/Scenic Railroad |
| Distance | 9.5 miles one way |
| Time | Half day trip |
| Trail | Packed stone surface |
| Skill Level | All abilities |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes |
| Hazards/Restrictions | Trail is not well suited for thin tires |
| Potable Water | Water pumps are available at hiker/biker stops along the way, approximately every 5 miles. |
| Natural Features | Scenic Potomac River -- Floodplain shoreline rich and abundant in wildlife including beavers, white-tailed deer, colorful wood ducks, great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, ospreys and occasionally bald eagles. |
| Historic/Cultural Features | The C&O Canal is a 184.5 mile towpath that runs along the Potomac River. This section of the canal runs through the Ridge and Valley Province in Maryland. The C&O Canal was originally created to operate as a conduit of eastern coal. The construction for the canal began in 1828 and was completed in 1850. The canal was still eight years from completion when the first railroad locomotive arrived here in 1842. The canal played a big part in the Industrial Revolution by providing a water-based highway for commercial trade. The railroad became a quicker, more efficient mode of transportation. The canal was susceptible to flooding and suffered extensive damage that finally led to the closing of the canal. For additional information on the C&O Canal, see the references listed below. |
| Bike Rentals/Services | Grouseland Tours, 814-784-5000 Rocky Gap State Park, 301-784-8403 |
| Camping | Drive in camping is available on the C&O Canal, 301-739-4200 Hiker/biker camping approximately every 5 miles, 301-739-4200 Primitive camping available at Green Ridge State Forest, 301-478-3125 Improved camping available at Rocky Gap State Park, (301) 722-1480, or 1-888-432-2267 |
| Other Points of Interest | Locks -- Lock Houses Scenic Potomac River |
| Other Accommodations | Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort, 1-800-724-0828 Town Hill Hotel Bed and Breakfast, 301-478-2794 Inn at Walnut Bottom, 301-777-0003 Rocky Gap State Park chalet and mini cabins, (301) 722-1480 |
| Fees or Permits | Camping Service Charge Camping Permit Required |
| Description | Enjoy this easy ride on a level trail with the C&O Canal and the Potomac River providing a "watchable wildlife" opportunity. Bikers can enjoy peddling to the North Branch picnic area. Visitors can stop and relax with a boxed lunch, then peddle back to Cumberland. |
ResourcesRecommended Gear and Safety Tips
- C&O Canal Companion, (Mike High)
- Land of the Living - History of Green Ridge State Forest and Eastern Allegany County(John Mash)
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal: A Guide to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, District of Columbia and West Virginia (National Park Service)
- Rocky Gap State Park homepage
- Tire repair kit or tube
- Bike pump
- Helmet
- Be aware of your skill level and make safety your constant companion