The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath

The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath travels over 330 miles between Pittsburgh, Pa., and Washington, D.C.

The Great Allegheny Passage runs through the Appalachian Mountains and traverses rugged natural terrain dotted by small towns. It was the first inductee to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame and the forested canopy of the GAP offers relaxed cycling to invigorate the senses and unplug from your cares.

The GAP is followed by the incredible history and bustling energy of the C&O Canal Towpath. The canal stretches for 185 miles along an historic transportation corridor that utilized the Potomac River to travel from the East Coast into the interior.

With most of the Great Allegheny Passage being converted from abandoned rail beds, the crushed gravel surface is ideal for hybrid and/or touring bicycles, with an average grade of less than 1%. It runs slightly uphill as you ride south, then slopes downward into Cumberland at a grade of about 1.75%. The GAP is well-maintained and kept clear by volunteers and local municipalities (we provide information on how to further support these organizations with your trip materials). The C&O Canal Towpath is a dirt surface and bumpy, similar to a forest road, and is managed by the National Park Service. There is little to no grade on the towpath beyond the slight elevation changes at each lock. The majority of the trail is shaded and it is entirely off-road.

In additional to truly stunning scenery, highlights along the route include internationally-renowned architectural masterpiece Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Civil War-era national parks and battlefields; cast-iron truss bridges and historic stone aqueducts; and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Our Great Allegheny Passage – C&O Canal itineraries are designed to give you ample time to take in the sights along the way and experience the region’s natural beauty. It’s also possible to add on an extra night in Pittsburgh at the start or end of your trip and to add time around sites like Antietam National Battlefield.

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