What's The Longest Bike Path in The State of Maryland?

Maryland's Longest Ride: A Historic Journey on the C&O Canal Towpath

This epic trail holds the title of the longest continuous bike path in Maryland, providing an unparalleled journey along the Potomac River.

The Champion: The C&O Canal Towpath

The C&O Canal Towpath is a unique, unpaved trail that follows the historic route of the former Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.

• Length: The towpath stretches for an impressive 184.5 miles.
• Course: It runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The vast majority of this length is located within the state of Maryland, as it traces the northern bank of the Potomac River.
• Surface: It's important to note that the C&O Canal Towpath is not paved. The surface is primarily dirt and crushed stone, making it best suited for hybrid, gravel, or mountain bikes rather than road bikes with thin tires.

A Journey Through History:

Riding the C&O Canal Towpath is like pedaling through history. The trail is part of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Along the way, cyclists will encounter:

• Historic Lockhouses: Dozens of restored 19th-century lockhouses that were once homes for the canal's lock keepers.
• Locks and Aqueducts: The original engineering marvels that allowed canal boats to navigate elevation changes and cross over other waterways.
• Canal Towns: The path connects numerous historic canal towns like Great Falls, Hancock, and Williamsport, which once served as hubs for the canal trade.

A Key Connection: Joining the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)

One of the most significant features of the C&O Canal Towpath is its terminus in Cumberland, Maryland. Here, it seamlessly connects with the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), a 150-mile rail trail that continues to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Together, the C&O and GAP create a continuous, car-free trail of nearly 335 miles from D.C. to Pittsburgh.

Maryland's Longest Paved Bike Path: The Western Maryland Rail Trail

For cyclists who prefer a smoother surface, it's worth noting that the longest paved bike path in Maryland is the Western Maryland Rail Trail. This trail runs for approximately 28 miles from Big Pool to Little Orleans in Western Maryland. Interestingly, it runs parallel to the C&O Canal Towpath for much of its length, offering a paved alternative for specific segments of the journey in that region.

With its impressive 184.5-mile span, the C&O Canal Towpath is undeniably the longest bike path in Maryland. It offers cyclists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the history and natural beauty of the Potomac River Valley. While its unpaved surface requires the right kind of bike, the experience of riding through this historic corridor is an unforgettable adventure, connecting the nation's capital to the mountains of Western Maryland and beyond.

Sources:

• National Park Service (Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park)
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources (for information on Western Maryland Rail Trail)
• Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy (gaptrail.org)
• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
• Canal Trust
• Local Maryland tourism and cycling guides