Great Allegheny Passage KM 0 and C&O Canal Towpath Northern Terminus
Great Allegheny Passage KM 0 and C&O Canal Towpath Northern Terminus
Highlight • Trail
Great Allegheny Passage KM 0 and C&O Canal Towpath Northern Terminus
Cycling
5.0
(9)
Tips
March 18, 2025
Cycling
March 31, 2025
Hiking
August 19, 2025
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Great Allegheny Passage KM 0 and C&O Canal Towpath Northern Terminus
4.5
(4)
71
riders
141km
10:53
1,330m
1,330m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
58
riders
94.6km
08:26
230m
230m
This touring cycling route from the Paw Paw, WV Visitors Center to Evitt's Creek Campsite offers a deep dive into history and nature along the C&O Canal Towpath. You'll cycle through shaded, off-road sections, experiencing the unique challenge of a dirt surface that can be bumpy and muddy, especially after rain. The absolute highlight is the legendary Paw Paw Tunnel, a 3,100-foot engineering marvel that carves through a mountain, providing a cool, dark passage before opening up to stunning views of the Potomac River.
This difficult 58.8-mile (94.6 km) loop, with 749 feet (228 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 8 hours and 25 minutes to complete, making it a substantial day trip. You'll need a bike light for the tunnel, and a hybrid, touring, or gravel bike with wide tires (at least 32mm, 40mm or wider is better) is highly recommended for comfort and traction on the uneven surface. Road bikes are not suitable due to puncture risks and reduced stability.
The C&O Canal Towpath is steeped in history, following the route where mules once pulled barges, offering a journey through a preserved historical corridor. Evitt's Creek Campsite is a primitive hiker-biker site, one of many spaced along the towpath, providing basic amenities like chemical toilets and picnic tables for multi-day touring trips. The town of Paw Paw itself is a valuable stop for cyclists, offering amenities to refuel and rest.
5.0
(3)
36
riders
95.6km
08:38
250m
250m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 190 m
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Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h
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