c&o canal bicycle tour

C&O Canal Bike Tour

Explore the c&o canal towpath.

Spend 6-days riding along the Potomac River on a historic towpath through the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for 184 miles between Georgetown in Washington, DC and Cumberland, MD. Our C&O Canal bike tour spans the length of one of our nation’s oldest recreation paths, and you have the chance to explore this path at a relaxed pace! You’ll experience the iconic lush, green tunnel of trees over the bike trail as it transports you back to the early 1900s. Hundreds of original features, including locks, lock houses, aqueducts and other canal structures paint the history of the park’s role during the canal era. Throughout the trip, we will visit a handful of quaint towns along the path, intimately experiencing the region’s culture.

Tour Highlights

Great Falls of the Potomac

Antietam National Battlefield

Harper's Ferry

Paw Paw Tunnel

National Mall

Lodging Options

Town Hill Inn

Bay Farms B&B

Bavarian Inn

10 Clarke Place and Hollerstown Hill B&B

Day 1:   Arrive in the nation’s capital this morning to meet your guides and fellow riding partners for your C&O Canal bike tour. We will take a fun and scenic ride around Georgetown. We’ll hit all the classics – the White House, Capitol, National Mall, and more – and see some hidden gems as well. After our ride, we’ll retire to The Poppy Georgetown. Locally owned and operated, The Poppy Georgetown is the first luxury boutique guesthouse, positioned in the nation’s capital.

Day 2: After breakfast at The Poppy, we’ll load up and shuttle to the western terminus of the C&O Canal Towpath. Start your journey through Canal Place, the original location for Maryland’s first certified Heritage Area. Soon after leaving Cumberland, you’ll follow the forested path along the Potomac, completely immersed in the historic towpath. Along the path you’ll experience the 3119-foot Paw Paw Tunnel, before continuing on to Little Orleans. We will stay at a local B&B near the towpath.

Day 3:  Continue on the towpath again this morning at the Little Orleans trailhead. Spin through the deep-green tunnel of trees, passing by Big Pool and Fort Frederick. We’ll end our ride today in Williamsport, Maryland, home of the Cushwa Basin. T he Cushwa Basin was one of the few places on the Canal that a boat could turn around. Sitting on the Canal is a restored warehouse, dating back to the 1800s, that is now headquarters to a visitor’s center for the C&O Canal. We will have dinner and stay for the night in charming Williamsport.

Day 4: We have a short ride today so you can relax and enjoy this awesome section of the towpath. Ride along the Big Slackwater. This long, concrete pathway hugs the river against a tall rocky cliff. Canal boats once entered the river here as the mules continued walking along the towpath.  Just a few miles later, we’ll have the opportunity to explore Antietam National Battlefield. After visiting battlefield, you’ll check-in to the lovely Bavarian Inn and have some time to explore charming, historic Shepherdstown on your own for dinner. 

Day 5: Spin back across the Potomac River this morning to access the towpath again. In a few miles, you’ll arrive at the famous bridge across the river to Harpers Ferry. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this quaint, historic town before heading back to the trail for the rest of the ride.  Once we reach the Monocacy Aqueduct, we’ll load up and shuttle to Frederick, where we’ll spend the night. Enjoy one last dinner with the group in Frederick, then rest up for the final day’s ride tomorrow!  

Day 6: Return to the Monocacy Aqueduct today for your last day on the towpath! We’ll take a special stop at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. This well-designed park features a visitor center, replica canal boat rides, an overlook of the Great Falls of the Potomac and the Billy Goat trail. Many people consider the falls to be the most spectacular natural landmark in the Washington D.C. area. Here, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks and flows through the narrow Mather Gorge.  After seeing the falls, ride down the trail all the way to Mile Marker 0 in Georgetown!

Trip Information

Trip Length - Days

Tour Rating Active

Route Overview

Daily Mileage

Check In Location

Washington, dc.

Support & Gear Vehicle

E-Bikes Allowed

Required Specifications

• 50 pounds or less weight limit
• Class I pedal assist only
• Removable battery
• 5+ hour battery capacity

Minimum Age

4 Breakfasts | 4 Lunches | 3 Dinners

2024 Pricing

PP Double Occupancy

Single Supplement*

Bike Rental

*This is required if you are traveling solo or if you are traveling with someone but require separate beds.

RESERVE ONLINE BY DATE

Select your departure date and click to reserve your bike tour!

• Book May 12, 2024
• Book June 16, 2024
• Book Sept. 15, 2024
• Book Oct. 6, 2024
• Book Oct. 20, 2024

If your desired departure date is within 30 days, please call our office to book , it will be unavailable to book on-line.

Call 800-272-4141

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The Great Bicycle Tour of the Historic C&O Canal

A San Mar Family and Community Services Event

TGBT XXXVII July 13th-July 16th, 2024 Registration opens 11/1/2023!

This year we’re doing things differently to accommodate social distancing and other health safety requirements. But some things won’t change, such as: How much fun this event will be for all participants, and The significance of the fundraising efforts for children and families we serve. Read More

Learn about the 37th annual benefit ride for San Mar Family and Community Services.

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The 184.5 mile long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is located along the north bank of the Potomac River , starting in Washington, DC and ending in Cumberland, MD. The canal was built between 1828 and 1850, and it operated sporadically between floods until 1924. In 1954, US Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas organized an eight day hike up the canal's towpath in an effort to save it from being converted to a parkway. His efforts succeeded, and in 1971 the canal became a National Historic Park .

Today, much of the canal has been drained of water and reclaimed by the forest. However, the canal's towpath remains a favorite of hikers, joggers, and bicyclists. Like myself, many local cyclists have considered trying to bike the entire 184 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. I started biking large sections of the lower 60 miles with high school buddies back around 1981. (This was before ATBs so I used my "Sear's Best" Ross 10-speed). Since then, I've completed five "through trips". Thanks to the new Great Allegheny Passage Trail , it is now possible to ride 330 traffic free miles from Washington, DC all the way to Pittsburgh, PA, as we did in 2007 . You can also read about my earlier trips in 1995 , 2003 , and 2004 .

Before you start out on your epic journey, I strongly recommend trying some shorter trips to prepare yourself. The towpath is not paved (the surface is typically clay and crushed stone), so it is a bit rough. Therefore, you will need to build up some calluses on your butt before starting out (no joke). The first 20 miles is the most heavily used and is a good place to practice.

Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) — C&O Canal Bicycle Tour — 9 days!

October is fall foliage time — enjoy it with us on our adventure of GAP and the C and O! NEW for us- cycle into Washington, DC for a day to enjoy all the Capitol sights! One of Bicycling Mag's “Trips We Love” — our C&O Canal trip was honored in the December 2008 issue of Bicycling Magazine as one of "Fifteen Trips We Love."

• Trip Itinerary
• What's Included
• Additional Info

Day 1: Cycle to Washington, DC (25 miles)

A new tour itinerary! We will meet at the Gaithersburg Comfort Inn before noon-ready to ride! Those driving to the start will follow us down to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center where you'll park your cars for the week. Others flying in will get a shuttle ride. We're on our bikes and hit the towpath- 14 miles into Georgetown. Roger and Suzie have an exciting day planned to sightsee the "hotspots" of our Nation's Capitol- including the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, Consitutional Gardens, National Mall, Washington Monument, White House - all accessible via bike path and bike friendly streets. This evening we'll have a Welcome Dinner and comfortable stay at the Comfort Inn.

Day 2: Shuttle from Great Falls to McKeesport, PA (25 mile warm-up)

We'll rise early this morning for breakast- load our bikes and board the motorcoach headed for McKeesport, PA at the start of the Great Allegheny Passage. While in route you'll have time to look over our ride packets and maps, and enjoy snacks onboard. Upon arrival in McKeesport, we'll unpack bikes and start pedaling on flat-easy terrain. We stop in about 15 miles to enjoy a peek at West Newton — one of the "trail towns" and a historic community persuing exciting renovations. Just a few miles later at the Cedar Creek Park Trailhead, we'll take our exit from a long and fulfilling day and head for our comfy stay at the Comfort Inn-Belle Vernon and a terrific buffet dinner.

Day 3: Ohiopyle & Falling Water (39 miles)

After breakfast we hit the trail again — following the banks of the rugged Youghiogheny River — its beauty renowned in the East. We continue our adventure pedaling an easy cadence and taking in beautiful countryside when we reach the historic town of Connelsville for our lunch break. In the early 18th century European traders found great wealth in the fur trade here and later other natural resources — iron ore and coal would lay foundation for the prosperity of the iron and steel industry. We hope to make a visit to the Gibson House — the future home of the Connelsville Historical Society. More stretches of woodland cycling are enjoyed until we arrive at Ohiopyle — located at the confluence of the slopes of the Laurel Ridge and the "white frothy water" — the Indian meaning of Ohiopyle. Here we'll check in to our guest house and be shuttled to our visit to Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece — Falling Water.

Day 4: Meyersdale (44 miles)

We rise early for a hearty buffet breakfast and hit the trail. Following the breathtaking Casselman River Valley landscapes we find the charming trail town of Confluence. The locals boast that "the mountains touch the rivers" here. We'll take a break to explore this quaint community before heading back onto the trail. At Mile Marker 43 we reach the town of Rockwood and it's time for lunch. Once a thriving rail town when locomotives came steaming through town, now Rockwood offers us a hospitable respite along the trail. We'll stop by the Mill Shop Coffee Shop and bakery housed in a lovingly restored turn-of-the-century building that boasts a delightful vintage train circling an 80-foot track suspended from the ceiling. This year we are having a Pizza Party lunch at the Shop! As we approach our day's destination- Meyersdale — we partake of some of the most beautiful scenery of the GAP — one of our favorites being the 1900 ft. Salisbury Viaduct. We'll enjoy lodging at the Levi Deal Mansion and/or Morguen Toole where we'll also feast on a scrumptious buffet in the Inn's restaurant.

Day 5: Frostburg-Cumberland (32 miles)

We leave Meyersdale and start to climb — very slowly and gradually — to the highest point on the passage. At Milemarker 30 we cross the thrilling Keystone Viaduct and shortly therafter we are at the Eastern Continental Divide. From this point it's an exhillarating 10 mile downhill pedal along the trail and over the Mason Dixon Line towards Frostburg, MD. At Frostburg, we stop at the train depot for a snack or lunch, behold the famous Western Maryland train as it pulls into town, and hop back on our bikes to enjoy another 14 miles downhill along the new Allegany Passage Trail connector into downtown Cumberland — the terminus of the C&O Canal. We'll take time for a visit with a NPS Ranger and town walk with Cumberland resident, Meg Romero, to explore the restored downtown and Canal Place. That evening we enjoy a delicious dinner and lodging at the beautiful Holiday Inn.

Day 6: Little Orleans (43 miles)

Day Six- we wake to breakfast at the hotel and an early start on the first leg of our trip on the historic C and O Canal. At the midway point in Old Town, we'll rest at the canal park and enjoy a catered lunch by the lock.

Following the river, the towpath follows a zigzag route for another 10 miles until the famous Paw Paw Tunnel .

We finish our day at Fifteen Mile Creek in Little Orleans. Some of the more enthusiastic riders may opt to pedal the moderate 8 miles uphill, while others will be shuttled at the exit of the canal to a wonderful buffet dinner created by our hosts at the lovely Town Hill Bed and Breakfast . We'll continue the evening watching the sunset atop the Green Ridge State Forest and enjoy our wonderful accommodations.

Day 7: Hancock-Williamsport (40 miles)

Day seven starts off with a bountiful breakfast and beautiful pedal down the hill (or shuttle) to the canal where we'll resume south towards the once bustling canal town of Hancock, MD.

Suzie and Roger … bend over backwards to make sure that everyone is having a good time. ~ Lynn Reed

In 6 miles we'll be joining up with the new Western Maryland Rail Trail -an asphalt paved path reclaimed from the former Western Maryland Railroad providing a scenic and fast 14 miles into lovely Hancock. Here we'll stop by our friend Dennis Hudson's Bike Shop and then on to a tasty lunch at a nearby restaurant.

We depart Hancock enjoying the final 10 miles on the rail trail and exit — for a quick one mile pedal on road -to the entrance of Fort Frederick State Park. Here we'll break for refreshments and tour the fort guided by our host dressed in period attire from the French and Indian War.

Pedaling through North Mountain and sites as Four Locks and Dam No. 5, we arrive at Cushwa Basin and Williamsport, MD. Our group will meet with the Park Ranger and learn fascinating history about the Williamsport area (designated to be our Nation's first capital) and life on the canal.

We end our day at the newly remodeled Red Roof Inn, delicioius catered meal and entertainment by "Henry and June" at Desert Rose Cafe.

Day 8: Antietam-Harper's Ferry

We rise Saturday morning to a hearty breakfast and a full day of bicycle touring towards Harpers Ferry, W.Va. Our favored route is the 32 mile road cycle along quiet rolling backroads to visit historic Antietam Battlefield and if you like, an extra 5 miles for lunch in lovely Shepherdstown, W. Va. Other cyclists can opt to take the towpath all the way to Harper's Ferry for a 44 mile meandering route along the river. Whatever option is chosen, we'll pass many wonderful sights and enjoy a mid-way visit to historic Shepherdstown for lunch with Suzie and Roger.

One of the highlights of our trip is a visit by Rick Garland of "Oh be Joyful", who entertains us with his historical story telling and piano serenade at our lodging at the Cliffside/Quality Inn during dinner.

Beyond the obvious, good food, good company and fantastic organization, there was something more to the trip that made it special. It was the accomplishment. ~ Mal and Janice Dougherty, Massachusetts

Day 9: Great Falls- Homeward Bound!

Our final day-- we start bright and early with a buffet breakfast in the Cliffside restaurant and pedal back to the towpath. Our final day's route travels 45 miles — passing the towns of Brunswick and Point of Rocks.

Midway, we'll break for a bountiful picnic lunch by Suzie at the White's Ferry.

Just 15 miles through Besher Management area, Seneca and then Pennyfield and Swains Lock to a great finish at Great Falls Tavern .

• EIGHT nights lodging at inns hotels and guest houses
• All wonderful breakfasts and dinners, picnics and snack stops
• Shuttle for cyclists and transport for bicycles to the ride start
• Vehicle for luggage transport and route assistance
• Meetings with park rangers, visit to Falling Water, Fort Frederick visit, stop in Antietam, historic walking tour, entertainment & more!
• Ride packet with cue sheets, maps & items of interest

Trip Difficulty

The Great Allegheny Passage surface is made of packed crushed limestone surface and provides a smooth easy ride. As it was built on abandoned railroad beds it is nearly level. We will be traveling west to east and experience an average 1% slow/gradual upgrade.

The C&O towpath is flat and "very rustic" — most of the trail is hard-packed dirt with some areas mixed with small stones for traction. We'll be dropping 625' in elevation from near the Continental Divide all the way to our destination in Great Falls.

On several days we offer an option to leave the towpath to visit historic destinations, such as Antietam Battlefield, which requires cycling on public roadways. We are careful to select the safest and most scenic routes possible.

This trip is best suited for a cyclist with some experience or other active people who are willing to train to accomplish this 30-40 mile/day ride. Please note that even though the C and O Canal towpath is flat, the surface is hard packed and rustic in nature thus takes more effort and cycling ability than a paved surface.

Cyclists will be most comfortable and safe cycling a touring/hybrid bicycle with at least a 28-35mm tire with good tread. We can arrange for rental bikes upon request.

Getting There

Traveling by auto, your best driving directions are accessible through MapQuest .

If you plan to fly to the trip start, you will be choosing Reagan National Airport — the closest choice with excellent shuttle and metro services to the Great Falls area. Our trip starts early on Saturday morning, and we advise those that fly into Washington, D.C. or who plan to sightsee the Nation's Capitol with us to arrive either very early on Saturday morning or book a room for overnight on Friday(not included).

Additional Information

Please contact us for general trip information and registration information.

Upon registration we will send you a Welcome Letter full of pre-trip details including how to get you and bike to the trip start, bike rentals, suggestions on packing, trip area and contact information, cycling and travel websites to enhance your trip experience, etc.

E-mail Suzie to inquire about openings and with any questions about the tour. We love to hear from you!

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Your next adventure.

GAP Trail and C&O Canal Trail Bike Tour

Trip Overview

Join us for a seven-day bike tour through three states along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath. These two historic trails connect the forks of the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the tidewater of the Potomac in Washington D.C, with 335 miles of scenic, car-free, and nearly level riding. Though the grade is friendly, the miles are high. The 150 mile-long GAP Trail follows an abandoned railroad through tunnels and across viaducts through the Allegheny Mountains. In Cumberland, the trail joins the 185 mile-long trail C&O Canal Towpath. Meandering along the Potomac River, the towpath, which has 74 lifts to adjust for the 605 foot change in elevation, was constructed to make the river more navigable. The route is rich with history ranging from canal and railroad transportation to the Civil War. If you're ready to ride up to 50 to 60 miles a day on dirt and crushed-gravel paths, and you are yearning to meet the challenge of the full adventure from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, this tour is for you. Surfaces for this tour: 25% Paved and 75% Gravel.

From start to finish, check out the route.

Dates & pricing, prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. a deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. for weekend tours, the deposit is $300., what’s included.

6 nights' lodging, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners (you are on your own for 1 dinner). We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.

Where you stay along the way.

Guests say …

Quotes from guests about this tour:, images from this tour. click each to see it larger., follow us on instagram.

Mailing Address: PO Box 700, Woodstock, VT 05091 Address: 2520 W. Woodstock Rd., Woodstock, VT 05091 (800) 257-2226 | [email protected]

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Blaze Adventure Tours

C&O Canal Self-Guided Bicycle Tour

A self guided bicycle tour along the C&O Canal from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC. Tour includes options for 3, 4, or 5 day trips.

Pricing: $75

Rider Level

Intermediate-Advanced

Distance, Parcours, and Accommodation

36-64 miles daily, 3, 4, or 5 days, flat terrain, gravel surface. Daily mileage varies by itinerary (longer trip, shorter riding)

What’s Included:

• Full Itinerary
• Hand-picked campsites that have the best the canal has to offer (and avoids noisy areas)
• Gear Checklist
• Logistics for travel and safe parking
• Dozens of options for things to do, places to eat, and things to see
• Ride with GPS downloadable route with waypoints, places of interest, elevation profile, and mile marks

The Lowdown

Enjoy a gravel bike tour along the scenic shores of the Potomac River. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal traverses over 180 miles from historic Cumberland, MD to the heart of Georgetown in Washington D.C. For over 100 years, the canal was a transportation hub for the surrounding communities. Today it serves as a recreational reminder of local history and provides habitat for the resident wildlife. The tour will begin in historic Cumberland, Maryland.

This is an easy-medium difficulty tour. Expect easy terrain on crushed limestone and moderate cycling days. This tour is specifically designed to be well supported for beginners and is appropriate for anyone who is comfortable on a bike. Consider this a bike tour with a safety net. Keep in mind that the campsites are basic. Portable toilet facilities and water are available, but you will be staying right on the canal. You may miss a shower, but you’ll get the real towpath experience.

Go on an adventure and learn why the best way to see the world is by bicycle.

What You’ll Love

The C&O Canal is a quintessential summer ride for area cyclists. On this trip we will enjoy the gently sloped canal towpath as it winds through small towns from Western Maryland, to West Virginia, and all the way down to Washington DC. Shaded for long stretches in the “Green Tunnel” you will experience what it was like two hundred years ago for traders carrying goods to market along the canal. We can think of few better ways to spend a long weekend then cycling, camping, and campfires along the shores of the Potomac .

The Tour (abbreviated 3-day itinerary below, full 3, 4, or 5-day itinerary included with purchase)

Day 1 – Begin at the start of the C&O Canal towpath in Cumberland, MD. (recommended hotel list provided). The 58 mile first-leg will follow the C&O Canal towpath to Hancock, Maryland . Don’t miss the incredible river views and canal architecture along the way!

Day 2: Another 64 miles downhill along the towpath will take you to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia . The towpath passes by Antietam National Battlefield where one of the most important battles of the civil war was fought. This section of the canal has picturesque views as you pass the Big Slackwater Area.

Day 3: The final day will take you 62 miles from our campsite near Harpers Ferry to Georgetown in Washington, DC. No trip on the canal would be complete without a stop at the world famous Great Falls ! After a bit of meandering through Georgetown we will take you all the way to the elusive Mile Marker 0. Congratulations you’ve just cycled the entire C&O Canal Towpath!

Interested in other tours? Click here for our offerings! Need help training? Read our bicycle tour training guide

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Biking in the C&O Canal National Historical Park

A biker rides the towpath. Photo by: Tim Rowland

Biking is one of the most popular activities in the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP). The main spine of the Park, called the towpath, runs the length of the Park for 184.5 miles. The entire towpath is open for bikers, from Georgetown in Washington D.C. to Cumberland, MD. You can continue your ride to Pittsburgh, PA, on the 150-mile GAP Trail , which connects to the towpath in Cumberland.

• See parking lots to begin your ride
• Download the C&O Canal Explorer mobile app
• Download PDF Park maps

Rules for Towpath Bikers:

• Bike riding is permitted on the towpath, Western Maryland Rail Trail, Capital Crescent Trail, and Berma Road
• Biking is NOT permitted on hiking trails or off trail
• There is a 15 MPH maximum speed limit on towpath
• Ride single file
• Stay to the right except when passing
• Yield right of way to all pedestrians, horses, and mules
• Walk bikes over aqueducts
• Sound devices (bell, horn, etc.) are recommended and should be sounded within 100′ of approaching others
• Helmets are required in accordance with county ordinances. Children under 18 are required to wear helmets in Montgomery County, MD, and children under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets in other areas of the Park.
• See this page for guidance on e-bikes .
• Towpath Resurfacing

A biker on the resurfaced towpath. Photo by: Simon Barber

The towpath is in the process of being resurfaced , so you may find varying conditions in the Park. The resurfaced areas have been improved with with crushed limestone for a smooth ride suitable for any type of bike. The rest of the towpath varies in quality and may be very muddy after rain. A hybrid, gravel, or mountain bike is more suitable for these sections of the towpath.

• Learn more about the C&O Canal Trust’s role in funding the improved towpath surface.

More about Biking the C&O Canal

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• Plan Your Visit
• C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App
• Things to Do Along the C&O Canal

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C&O Canal/GAP

Level of support - fully supported.

Adventure Cycling’s fully supported tours — where all personal and group gear is transported by a vehicle each day — are larger groups (typically between 40 and 90 riders) who will camp together with occasional indoor overnights and enjoy catered meals. Indoor lodging options are often available at the participant’s expense (see “Accommodations” for more information). Learn More

Physical Difficulty - Level 2

A great option to get out and explore. The average daily mileage for the tour is 35-45 miles per day. There is a little more climbing involved, generally characterized by rolling terrain. An occasional hilly section may be part of the route. Average daily elevation gain is between 1000-2000 feet, with any single day total not exceeding 3000 feet. (Formerly Beginner+ tours)

Average Mileage: 30-45/day Average Elevation Gain Range: 1000-2000ft/day, high <3000 ft/day

This fall, you won’t worry about traffic as you ride your hybrid or mountain bike 330 miles on gently graded gravel trails from the heart of the nation’s capital north into Pennsylvania. Historically, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal served as a lifeline for early settlers. Today, it serves as a pathway to an unforgettable cycling experience.

We’ll begin with a visit to the National Mall, and then, after bidding adieu to DC, we’ll head through stylish Georgetown and deep into rural Maryland. We’ll visit Antietam National Battlefield, site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle, and Fort Frederick, a restored 1756 British outpost. In lively Cumberland, Maryland, we’ll move over to the Great Allegheny Passage, a stellar rail trail completed in 2006. Upon finishing in Pittsburgh, we’ll catch a shuttle back to Washington, DC.

Space still available

“Our tour leader was excellent+.” – Tour Participant

Day 1. Arlington, Virginia, 0 miles

We’ll gather just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, where we’ll meet our seasoned team of leaders and have our first map meeting, dinner, and overnight. If you arrive early enough in the morning, you’ll also have the opportunity to join us on a guided cycling tour of the National Mall.

Day 2. Arlington to Brunswick, Maryland, 59 miles

Our ride through history begins by pedaling across the Potomac River together and stopping to snap a group photo on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. After a few miles on the Capital Crescent Trail, with its dozens of joggers and cyclists, we’ll ride into deep hardwood forests and on to George Washington’s route west: the towpath paralleling the C&O Canal, a 184-mile-long National Historical Park. Soon you and your new friends will ride past Great Falls Park, where the Potomac River gathers speed and force as it tumbles over a series of jagged boulders in the narrow Mather Gorge. The farther we get from the nation’s capital, the wilder our surroundings become. We’ll set up our tents next to the canal.

Day 3. Brunswick to Williamsport, 50 miles

Today our group will ride a section of the C&O that runs along the Appalachian Trail. Maybe we’ll even catch sight of a few through-hikers heading north. Later we’ll take leave of our bicycles and walk up the steps and over the bridge spanning the Potomac to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, the place where the Civil War began. We may temporarily leave the C&O and pedal through a rolling farmscape to Sharpsburg and the Antietam National Battlefield. The peaceful atmosphere at Antietam today belies its place as the bloodiest one-day battle in American history, on September 17, 1862. We’ll wrap up today with a program by the National Park Service on the history of the C&O Canal and camp tonight just outside of Williamsport.

Day 4. Williamsport to Little Orleans, 46 miles

After a tour of Fort Frederick State Park, which preserves a pre-Revolutionary War British outpost, we’ll jump off the dirt-surfaced C&O and onto the Western Maryland Trail, a 22-mile, hard-surface rail trail. Next up is the quaint little town of Hancock, where Weaver’s Restaurant & Bakery serves what are reputed to be some of the very best homemade pies east of the Mississippi. We’ll set up our tents and later a local historian will give us even more insight into this fascinating area.

Day 5. Little Orleans to Cumberland, 45 miles

Today we will pass through the single most impressive structure on the entire C&O Canal: the Paw Paw Tunnel. Excavated between 1836 and 1850, this cool, damp, and mysterious passage burrows through the hills for some 3,100 feet. Our final stretch of the C&O Canal will take us into the beautiful town of Cumberland, with its friendly citizens and classic downtown pedestrian mall. We’ll also sample the frozen treats scooped up at the Queen City Creamery. At this half-way point, you’ll enjoy an indoor stay along with all Cumberland has to offer.

Day 6. Cumberland to Rockwood, Pennsylvania, 44 miles

First thing this morning we’ll pedal on the crushed limestone surface of the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail to begin a long but gentle uphill that takes us into the Allegheny Mountains. Our group will surmount the Eastern Continental Divide, which marks the division point between the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico watersheds. We’ll also cross the famous Mason-Dixon Line, going from Maryland to the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. Today’s ride proffers the best long-distance views of the entire tour and also presents the opportunity to pedal through another impressive tunnel, the 3,300-foot Big Savage.

Day 7. Rockwood to Connellsville, 49 miles

Early on, we’ll spin through Ohiopyle State Park, with its beautiful bridges and waterfalls, perhaps pausing to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s nearby architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater (a shuttle will be provided between Ohiopyle and Fallingwater). There’s also a wealth of terrific hiking trails in the state park in case you’d like to get off the bike for a while and stretch a new set of muscles. For much of the day, our group will follow the Youghiogheny (YOCK-uh-gay-nee), known as the whitewater mecca of the East. If autumn is in the air, we’ll inhale the hearty essence of duff decaying on the forest floors and the delicious scent of hardwood smoke wafting from farmhouse chimneys. You’ll set up camp right on the river’s edge outside the town of Connellsville.

Day 8. Connellsville to Pittsburgh, 57 miles

On this, our final day, we’ll pedal through the old mining towns of Dawson and Whitsett, as well as through Cedar Creek Park, and then ride out of the Allegheny Mountains toward McKeesport where the Youghiogheny and Monongahela Rivers converge. We’ll finish the ride at Station Square in Pittsburgh with an option to ride on to “The Point,” Point State Park, and back. After we convene, it’s time to enjoy a shuttle back to our starting point in Arlington. True, the trip may be over, but the memories of the traffic-free pathways you pedaled through one of the most historically important regions of America will stay with you for years to come.

Accommodations -

Meals - catered.

Our catering staff will provide all meals and rest stops will be located approximately every 25 miles. You’ll start each day with a hot breakfast, followed by a mid-morning rest stop to fuel you on to lunch. Another rest stop awaits you mid-afternoon and you’ll be rewarded each evening with a sumptuous dinner. Vegetarian and special dietary needs will be accommodated, though food selection may be limited in some locations.

Physical Difficulty -

Technical difficulty - easy to moderate.

Characterized by travel mostly on hard-packed dirt roads and trails, Easy to Moderate Technical Difficulty tours can typically be ridden on a rigid-frame bike with a tire size of 35–42mm. You may find some loose gravel/dirt on stretches of the route on tours with this rating. This technical rating may also be applied to tours with mixed paved/dirt surfaces.

Terrain - Rolling Hills

Tours with Rolling Hills are those that have a bit more climbing in them, but the grades are still fairly relaxed. We’ll typically see climbing of less than 1,800 feet per day and venture into the 2-5% average for grade. (19-38 vertical feet/mile).

Single Supplement: - $325.00

Know before you go.

Information for eBike riders : Because every rider, eBike, road condition, and elevation profile is different, it is ultimately up to the participant to judge best whether their battery will last through each tour day. We recommend using pedal assist in its lowest setting or off when not needed to maximize battery range. Bringing a second battery is also recommended and can be carried by staff on our fully supported events.

GAP, C&O Towpath, Katy, Ohio to Erie & more

Self-guided bike tour leader.

Noble Invention Bike Touring plans bike touring vacations across the country’s most scenic trails, like the Great Allegheny Passage , C&O Canal Towpath , Ohio to Erie Trail , and Katy Trail . Our comprehensive bike tour vacation planning and exceptional customer service means you’ll have an unforgettable bike trip experience.

Featured Tours

GAP 4 Day Tour

Bike the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) for your next adventure vacation. You’ll spend 4 days taking in the scenic waterfalls, woods and charming towns that dot this trail.

GAPCO 7 Day Tour

Bike the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath in in one full week. Enjoy this 7 day adventure and see the best of both trails.

Clinton 6 Day Tour

Beginning in Clinton and ending in St. Charles, this 6-day Katy Trail bike tour offers riders an exceptional taste of the Midwest, its history, people and food!

A Hub for All Things Bike Touring

The Spoke is a source of inspiration and motivation for other self-guided bike tour enthusiasts who are planning their next adventures. Read stories from like-minded individuals who share a love of biking. The Spoke is a resource and testament to the transformative power of travel, and a celebration of the beauty, diversity, and richness that self-guided biking delivers.

Why Do So Many Riders Choose Us?

Most all self-guided bike tour operators have a good knowledge of bike maintenance and repair. We all understand common logistics and luggage transportation. In fact, on some level, we all have a passion for bike touring. So why do so many choose Noble Invention Bike Touring over the host of other self-guided tour operators?

See How We Ride

With each revolution of the wheels, the world unfolds before you in a new and exciting way. The wind whips through your hair. The sun beats down on your face. All of it, reminding you of the freedom and joy that comes with self-guided biking. As you pedal through picturesque towns and breathtaking landscapes, the rhythm of the ride lulls you into a state of tranquility. Your mind clears. You become acutely aware of the sights, sounds, and smells that surround you.

Ready to Book a Self-Guided Tour?

We’ve made the process quite painless to reserve your next self-guided bike trip on the world’s best trail systems.

Trail Conditions

• Check the National Parks Service website for current C&O trail conditions.
• Check the Allegheny Trail Alliance website for current GAP trail conditions.
• We suggest that you also check the forum for any recent trail condition updates - and please post info there if you know if any issues.
• Potomac Conservancy

THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. Moscow River Boat Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Akvanavt Diving Centre

5. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

6. CheapRussia Tours

7. Kite School Kiteclass

8. SUP Center

9. Erwin. Reka

11. Easy Russia Tour Guide

12. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

14. Alfa Centr

15. Diving Club Divers

16. Sup Outdoor

17. MORE MOSCOW

19. Soho Sailing Style

20. Diving Center Crocodile

21. Mosparokhodstvo

22. Dive-Project

24. Kosinskiy Children Marine Club

25. Kayak Moscow

26. DIVECLUB CHE

27. FLOW Moscow

28. Moswake

29. Morskiye Volki

30. S-cruises

What travelers are saying

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

• My Russian Course

Ari Helderman

Hi, my name is Ari! I help people learn Russian through videos and blog posts where I share my experience. I've been learning Russian since 2016. I often get mistaken for a native Russian speaker, so I've learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn't if you want to speak Russian well . I'm here to help, so leave a comment with any questions!

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