Doug Reigner 2020-12-15 06:01:22
Hiking Maryland’s C&O Canal towpath is a perfect way to reconnect with nature and learn about our nation’s history. I’ve traveled the length of the C&O for the past decade, and whether you’re an endurance hiker aiming to take on the entire 184.5 miles or a day-tripper just looking to get away, the opportunities are limitless. Constructed between 1828 and 1850, the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) Canal operated for nearly a century as a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River. Today, the old towpath—originally traveled by mules towing barges down the canal—is preserved as a National Historical Park that begins in Georgetown and follows Maryland’s state line across the river from Virginia and West Virginia. LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN Embarking on the C&O Canal towpath feels like you’re stepping back hundreds of years in time and miles into the wilderness. Best of all, it’s both relatively level and incredibly versatile, meaning you can stay on the gravel and dirt main trail or take a rigorous side trip. With so many trailheads, you’ve got nearly unlimited choices to start your hike. These are some spots you won’t want to miss. GREAT FALLS At Great Falls (Mile 14.4), the Potomac makes one of the steepest and most dramatic descents of any eastern river. Witness the surging, pounding rapids and the courageous kayakers often seen testing their skills against this cataract of the East. Visit the historic Great Falls Tavern, once a popular hotel for Washington dignitaries which now houses one of the C&O’s seven visitor centers. Also nearby is the Billy Goat Trail, a more intense hike known for birding. WILD AWAITS So close to urban centers, the C&O remains home to abundant biodiversity, including more than 120 species of birds, endearing mammals, fascinating amphibians like the hellbender—also known as “snot otters”—and the “Allegheny alligator.” Oh, and we can’t forget turtles. At times, the water’s edge can look like a turtle conga line. Ditch the headphones and let the drumming of woodpeckers, the whistles of songbirds, and the calls of bullfrogs be your soundtrack. If you’re lucky, you may even catch sight of a majestic bald eagle. EXPLORE THE PAW PAW TUNNEL One of the most well-known sites of the C&O is the Paw Paw Tunnel (Mile 155.2-155.8). Constructed with 6 million hand-laid bricks, this engineering wonder travels more than a half-mile through mountain stone. Bring a flashlight if you plan to venture through it. I also recommend taking to higher ground on the two-mile-long Tunnel Hill Trail for breathtaking views of the Paw Paw Bends. HISTORY COMES ALIVE The C&O is dotted with dozens of historic structures built in the 19th century. For a firsthand experience of what life was like back then, spend the night in one of the seven authentic lockhouses thoughtfully preserved by the C&O Canal Trust. Each can accommodate up to eight people and is furnished from a different era to tell a story about the canal’s development. SLOW DOWN AND RELAX There’s no shortage of campgrounds along the C&O. At the Brunswick Family Campground, you can rent a cabin on the water or hook up an RV. While there, I like to cool off with a sundae at Towpath Creamery. Other can’t-miss spots to eat along the way include Buddy Lou’s Eats, Drinks & Antiques in Hancock and Cumberland’s Crabby Pig for fresh seafood and barbecue. Whether you’re looking to go the distance or just take in a change of scenery, put Maryland’s C&O Canal towpath at the top of your list. Once a transportation marvel, it remains an ideal spot for recreation, exploration, and memory making. Hikes in Maryland Loch Raven Reservoir – Just north of the Baltimore Beltway, here you’ll find miles of pristine trails and water vistas. Catoctin Mountain State Park – A variety of trails for every energy level lead to stunning mountain overlooks, wetlands, and an up-close view of nature. Annapolis Rock – Also known as Black Rock, this popular section of the Appalachian Trail can be moderate to challenging, but the views are worth it. Calvert Cliffs State Park – 13 miles of gently branching trails lead to these beautiful cliffs overlooking the wide expanse of the Chesapeake Bay. The cliffs are a world-class fossil hunting destination rife with eons-old sharks teeth you can take home. Terrapin Nature Park – Spanning Kent Island, this all-in-one easy adventure on the beautiful Cross Island trail winds though forest, farmland, and shoreline.
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