Bike Washington’s  C&O Canal Bicycling Guide

Parking and Access Points

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 leave my car? While enjoying your overnight trip down the towpath, the last thing you want to worry about is your car. This section provides some tips about where to leave your car so you don't need to worry.

Map of Cumberland Trailhead

Cumberland, MD: In Summer 2001, a new long term parking lot was established near the Cumberland Trailhead. This lot is located under I-68. The first time I saw the lot, I was immediately concerned. The lot is fairly isolated and has no visibility from the Visitor Center. After the first year, it seems the word is "so far, so good". There has so far been no reported break-ins or vandalism.

If this fact does not reassure you, then an alternative parking suggestion would be the public parking garage located two blocks north of the visitor center, at the corner of N Mechanic and Frederick Streets. Unlike the long-term lot, the parking garage will cost you some money ($4 per day). When I asked the parking attendant if they had any "crime problems" with overnight parking, he said no. He then directed my attention to the other side of the street. The main police station is located right across from the garage!

Long-Term Cumberland Lot

Great Falls, MD: Many people like to leave their cars at the Great Falls Visitor Center, which is located 14 miles outside Washington. The lot is very easy to get to from the Capital Beltway (Exit 41), and it's out in boonies. The problem with this lot is that it's 14 miles outside of Washington! If you're going to do the towpath, you've got to do the whole thing! <grin> Besides, downtown Washington is a great city to see by bicycle.

Now, I perfectly understand if some folks are freaked out by the thought of driving in a "big" city like Washington (it's really not that bad). If this is the case, then your best bet would be Great Falls. Just be sure to check in at the Visitor Center to let them know you are leaving your car overnight.

Mount Vernon trail passes Reagan National Airport parking lot.

Washington, DC: If you leave you car at the Georgetown end, then your best bet would be to use one of the many underground parking garages. There is one on just about every block. However, this option will a bit pricey. The garage at the corner of M and Water St was charging $14 per day (I expect the rates vary).

An alternative to the downtown parking garages is the long-term parking lot at Reagan National Airport. This lot only charges about $9 per day, and is easily reached from the George Washington Memorial Parkway and I-395. This lot is located about five miles south of the Georgetown Trail Head, but it is a really wonderful bike ride along the Potomac River using the Rock Creek and Mount Vernon Trails. This map will help show you the way.

The following table lists all "reasonable" access points along the towpath. Most of these locations have some parking accommodations. Generally speaking, overnight parking is discouraged at most of these access points. However, if you would like to leave your vehicle overnight, I suggest you contact the nearest Visitor Center. This lets the park rangers know which vehicles are legitimately parked.