A Life Lived on the C&O Canal By Doug Reigner, the one-and-only “GAP Trail Doug” He knows the trail from end to end like an old friend. 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. 46 / VISITMARYLAND.ORG
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2021 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 46
