Bike Washington’s  C&O Canal Bicycling Guide

Overnight Lodging

Trip Planning From which end should I start? Where can I leave my car? How many days to ride the entire trail? How do I get back to my car? Where can I stay overnight? Where can I camp along the trail? Is water available along the trail? Is food available along the trail? What kind of bike tires should I use? Can I rent a bicycle? Any tips for Scout leaders? What should I bring along? Trip Planning Mile-by-Mile Mileposts 0-10 Mileposts 10-25 Mileposts 25-40 Mileposts 40-50 Mileposts 50-70 Mileposts 70-82 Mileposts 82-106 Mileposts 106-116 Mileposts 116-130 Mileposts 130-150 Mileposts 150-168 Mileposts 168-184 Mile-by-Mile Trip Reports 2007 2004 2003 1995 Trip Reports Info-to-Go Print to Go Download GPS Waypoints Download to Phone/PDA Info-to-Go

Where can I stay overnight? If (after miles of rough ridin' and dust eatin') you prefer a hot shower, hot food, and a soft bed, then you can use the many motels and B&B scattered along the canal.

Major stops are conveniently provided every 30 miles or so. When we used the three day "econo" option, our overnight stops were at miles 61 and 124. Mile 61 is Harper's Ferry, WV, where we stayed at the now closed Hilltop House, which is sad because this was a neat old Hotel that provided a great view of the valley. However, there are several alternative options in town now, most of which are located at the top of a very large hill. Please check the list below for the most up-to-date information.

The towpath is located along Harpers Ferry Rd, just across the river from town. You can reach the town via a pedestrian walkway along one of the railroad crossing. If you wish to bring your bike an gear over to town, you will need to haul it up a staircase. However, racks are available to lock you bike if you just wish to walk over.

The second overnight stop was in Hancock, Md at mile 124. Here we stayed at Econo Lodge (now a Super 8 Motel 301-678-6101). This was a fine motel at the time, but I have not seen many favorable reviews as of late. They offer a continental breakfast, but no other food. There are several restaurant choices in town for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The following table lists all known Lodging choices along the towpath. Most are within a short bicycle distance from the towpath, but some will probably require a shuttle service. Also, keep in mind that during peak periods (like mid-October during the color change) hotels will book up fast.