One of the most popular long-distance bike routes in North America; this trip blends history, nature, and welcoming trail towns into a memorable, accessible adventure for cyclists of all levels. If you are looking for a First Time Tour, this may be your best option!
A classic, largely car-free long-distance bike route following historic canal and rail corridors from the nation’s capital to western Pennsylvania. The ride combines the C&O Canal Towpath (DC to Cumberland, MD) with the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) (Cumberland to Pittsburgh). The route is scenic, gently graded, and well suited for beginner to intermediate bike tourers.
A bulk of the trail is crushed gravel, so road bikes are not recommended. In terms of difficulty, this trail is suitable for All Levels, and could potentially be the perfect long distance trail for 1st-timers. In addition, both end points are major transportation hubs so logistics are not as big of a factor.
Difficulty Caveat:
Big Belly’s (Point of Rocks, MD): Great outdoor spot with American food. Directly off the trail.
Whistle Punk Farm Delicatessen (Brunswick, MD): Awesome filling sandwiches at this local deli. . Directly off the trail.
Kelley Farm Kitchen (Bolivar, WV): Intimate, down-to-earth mainstay for creative plant-based burgers, nachos, breakfast & more.. Directly off the trail.
718 Outdoors (Brooklyn, NY): This is an awesome local bike touring company that offers several supported tours and micro-tours in the Northeast region. While they are not specifically a shop, they are a great resource in case you need information or would like to do a ride with a group of people! . Online Business.
George’s Bike Repair (Bethesda, MD): Super talented repair shop. 1.5 miles north of trail.
Bridgeway Bikes (Brunswick, MD): Full service bike shop and repair. Directly off the trail.
Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle (Shepardstown, WV): Great bike shop that offers rentals as well. Directly off the trail.
Mile Marker 99 Bicycle Shop (Williamsport, MD): Cute little shop serving the C&O Rail Trail. Directly off the trail.
Cycles & Things (Cumberland, MD): . Directly off the trail.
Tracks and Yaks (Frostburg, MD): Local spot that offers bike tours on the trail. Great for beginners! They also offer this really cool cycling opportunity to have specially retrofitted bikes that move directly on the train tracks. . Directly off the trail.
Wilderness Voyageurs Rafting & Bike Tours (Ohiopyle, PA): Awesome spot for a 1 day detour that offers rafting trips. In addition they also sell/rent bikes. Directly off the trail.
Bikes Unlimited (Connellsville, PA): Bike Shop. Directly off the trail.
West Newton Bicycle Shop (West Newton, PA): Bike Shop with a sweet cafe upstairs. . Directly off the trail.
Lodging
Food & Water
Remoteness / Cell Signal
Towns will have reliable signal but could be spotty in rural stretches, especially on C&O. Plan ahead before heading out each day.
Best Time to Go
340 mi
5-8 Days
10000
United States
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