Once again we are thrilled to lead an exciting overnight adventure along the C&O! Remember, all you do is ride. We prepare great meals for you and haul your gear.
Wednesday, October 23 – -Saturday, October 26, $385
Call 301.663.0007 with any questions or to register.
9am: Leave Cumberland, shuttle to Thompson Boat House in Georgetown. Boxed lunch will be served.
Day 1: Ride 54 Miles– From C&O Canal mile marker 0, Georgetown, to Brunswick Family Campground, Brunswick, MD, mile marker 54.
Leave your car in Cumberland, Maryland and we’ll transport riders and gear to Georgetown, Washington D.C., mile marker 0, where a delicious lunch spread will be served, trailside snacks selected, and memorable photos taken. After an informative briefing, you’ll enjoy riding past the Georgetown Visitor’s Center, the Capital Crescent Trail, Fletchers Boat House, several locks, a number of historical houses, and a Canal Quarters, all in the first five miles! Soon you’ll be enjoying the cascading rapids of Great Falls at mile marker 14, one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington D.C. area. Next, it’s on to White’s Ferry at mile 35.5 which is a great place to stop for a refreshing drink while watching a working ferry boat shuttle motorist, cyclists, and pedestrians to Leesburg, Virginia. From here you will pass the Monocacy Aqueduct at mile 42.2 and the Point of Rocks tunnel at mile 48.4 before you ride into The Brunswick family Campground at mile 54 where you can relax, enjoy a warm shower, and quick bite to eat. This evening you’ll be celebrating a great ride while dining out in in historic Brunswick. Hotel option: The Travelodge in Brunswick.
Day 2: Ride 45.4 Miles– From Brunswick Family Campground, Brunswick, MD, mile marker 54, to, Williamsport, mile marker 99.4.
It’s going to be a GREAT day! We’re serving up the coffee at 7am, preparing your farm fresh homemade breakfast, and putting a smile on your face as the trail calls you to ride! In just 8 miles you’ll see the Harpers Ferry, WV footbridge that crosses the Potomac River at mile maker 60.7. Take a moment to enjoy the breath-taking views from the scenic bridge, spend some time in the historic Civil War town, and grab an ice cream before heading down the trail again. Next up is the Antietam Aqueduct at mile 69.3 and Shepherdstown at mile 72.8. If you feel up to crossing the bridge, this great little town is the oldest in West Virginia and offers an exciting mix of old and new. Don’t spend too much time sightseeing though because Big Slackwater at mile 85.6 offers 2.7 miles of unobstructed views of the Potomac River that you won’t soon forget. Then it’s on Williamsport at marker 99.4 where we’ll stay tonight. Explore the town, get a drink, put your feet up and rest at the Desert Rose Café or another fine establishment. We have a super fine evening planned tonight that we think you’ll truly enjoy. Hotel option: Red Roof Inn, Williamsport.
Day 3: Ride 56.7 Miles– From Williamsport, mile 99.4 to Paw Paw, WV Campground mile 156.1.
If you thought yesterday was fun, you’re going to love today and it starts with our delicious homemade breakfast. Maybe we’ll serve pancakes with hand cut hash browns. Maybe you will smell omelets with fresh, thick-slice bacon, or we could surprise you with another amazing treat! It all starts at 7 am so get your coffee, stow your gear, pump your tires and listen up for the briefing. Today you can take a quick side trip of only 0.3 miles to Fort Frederick State Park at mile 112.1. Built in 1756 it offers a glimpse of history and a Visitor’s Center with gifts, flush toilets, showers, and snacks! Pay attention, because at mile marker 113 we’re leaving the dirt path of C&O Canal for the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) that parallels the canal for 22.5 really fast miles! Along the way you’ll pass through Hancock, Maryland (C&O mile 124.5, WMRT exits 9-11) where you’ll want to stop for a bite to eat. After leaving Hancock and exiting the WMRT it’s back on the C&O where you’ll soon pass the Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct (mile 136.6) on your way to Little Orleans at mile 140.9 which is known for Bill’s Place and the famous “dollar bill ceiling,” a bar and grill that’s almost as famous as the Canal itself! As if Bill’s wasn’t enough, you’ll soon be looking into the 3,118-foot, pitch-black Paw Paw Tunnel that runs from mile 155.2 to 155.8! This amazing work of human achievement is one of the major features of the canal so get out your camera, turn on your headlight and enjoy the show. At this point if you’re tired, excited, happy and grateful for the ride, you’re not alone because it has been a GREAT DAY and you made it to our camp for the night! Set up your tent, grab a snack from our trailside kitchen, and refresh yourself with a cool drink and well-deserved rest. Hotel option: a local B&B.
Day 4: Ride 28.4 Miles– From Paw Paw, WV, mile marker 156.1 to Cumberland, MD and the C&O Canal Terminus, mile marker 184.5.
Rise and shine! By now you have made some new friends, laughed around the campfire and enjoyed the fullness of the C&O Canal experience so today you’ll have an easy ride into Cumberland MD. Enjoy the day, take in the scenery, and look for us as you ride into town. We’ll be standing by to greet you, take your photo, and offer whatever assistance we can provide to make even this last day special. Pack up your car, tour the town, grab a bite to eat and be sure to tell your friends how successful you’ve been!