C&O Canal Lock 5 — Attraction in Somerset

I regret to report that the trail is not smooth enough for anything but mountain biking. It is unfortunate that the trail and Beach Drive in Washington DC (which is closed to traffic on weekends and holidays for cyclists) are in such poor repair that I and other non mountain bike riders avoid them.

So, my rhetorical question is, what is the use of featuring a 185 mile protected bike trail in cycling magazines that is now only best for foot traffic? Foot traffic concentrates itself around the locks. All the points in between are unpopulated.

I am given to understand that the trail condition improves with the start of the Great Allegheny Passageway (GAP) in Hagerstown MD, but by the time I arrived at Harper's ferry, a mere 65 miles of the 185, I was well overcooked and swore off the C&O canal towpath 3 years ago. I borrowed a suspended fork bike to try it again this year and after 20 miles, I turned around and went home.

Beach Drive is pitiful as well. My new favorite 25 mile ride is to and around the Rockville Centennial Trail (a ten mile loop). I suggest...

A small park along the C&O canal. Interesting abandoned structures of the C&O canal are present. There are scenic trails for hikers running along the Potomac - the hiking trails are well maintained. Direct kayak access to Potomac by lock 5 is difficult but possible by a very steep rocky non-maintained trail if you can carry your kayak on your back. To conclude a neat place off...

The main reason people come here is to put in for kayaking Little Falls or hitting the kayak slolom gates. You can also walk soith on the C&O Canal towpath to the overlook or to go fishing. Watch yhe curb when you pull into the lot--low cars bottom out and do better driving over grass. There are 2 porta-a-johns....