Touring C&O Canal from Pittsburgh to D.C--advice needed

[ready2cycle]

I'm from Kansas and I rode from Cumberland to DC in June 2006. I flew to Alexandria, rented a car for 1 day one way to Cumberland, DC (Hertz), and rented a mountain bike in Alexandria for a week. I left my large suitcase that had my panniers in it at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria where I would stay for a few days when I returned from the bike tour. The hotel also had free shuttles to the airport/Metro station. I drove to Cumberland and stayed in a motel in Frostburg (5 miles away and much cheaper). The next morning I left the car at the gas station/Hertz place and started on the C&O that was only 2 blocks away.
I stayed in motels and B&Bs in Little Orleans, Hancock, Shepherdstown, Leesburg, Alexandria. The longest day was about 44 miles. The trail can get muddy after a rain. You can get some great info on bikewashington.org.
When I returned to DC, I rode from Alexandria to Mt. Vernon on the Mt. Vernon trail--seemed like it was downhill both ways, riding paved after 5 days on the C&O.

[bikerbarb]

I rode Pgh-DC last summer with my 3 kids age 13 -23. Started in McKeesport/Boston PA as the road to Pgh wasn't finished and although I did a scouting trip one Saturday, it wasn't pleasant and safe to take the kids on a fast road from the City of Pgh to McKeesport. We had a blast. You do need a bike with fatter tires and my 13 yr. old had shocks and had the most fun aiming for things I avoided. Fenders are important, too as it gets muddy when it rains.

We did about 60 miles/day over 6 days and stayed in guest houses and a rustic b&b, spending about $40/person per night for lodging. The best guide book to use with all the amenities available throughout the trail (growing no. of bike shops, places to stay, restaurants, etc.) is called TrailBook 2008-2009. It was $10 bucks locally but youcan order it from Fieldstone Press, 522 Handwerk Rd., Markleton, PA 15551 or through the Allegheny Trail Alliance website: 222.atatrail.org.

[AnnieBikes]

My husband and a friend completed the McKeesport-DC ride on Saturday. They had one day off and rode for 8 days. It has been very muddy and the Potomac was over the trail in a few places. They got REALLY muddy. He did not have a rear fender and wished for it. He said the riding was nicer on the Great Allegheny Passage. It rained so much, though, that instead of camping, they stayed in B&B's along the route. The book recommended above is definitely a good one to have. After getting to DC, they rode the Washington and Old Dominion to Leesburg, VA. He then went to Front Royal and got on the Skyline Drive and is now on the Blue Ridge Parkway and headed for North Carolina!!

Despite the weather, he really loved the ride. He is riding a Specialized Tri-cross bike outfitted with four panniers. The tires are 32's and he was glad for them in the gravel of the C&O which is much more rutted and less maintained than the GAP.

Have fun. It is a great ride! When he gets back, he will post a trip journal on Crazy Guy on a Bike. He is not carrying a computer so will do the whole thing when he returns.

[bouncybouncy]

Everybody says it is quite muddy...so What IS the best time of year to avoid the rain?

We have considered going either in June or maybe wait till October when hopefully the leaves are starting to change...???

[DebW]

We had fabulous weather last October. One morning of off and on drizzle, otherwise bone dry. You also get the ripe paw paws in October.

[Zen]

This is the wet time of year. Do it in July and your bike will be covered in dust (and so will you).

Keep in mind that the C&O is a National Park. There is no entrance fee and funds are tight. I think they do a great job with the resources available.

[Kalidurga]

Despite the weather, he really loved the ride. He is riding a Specialized Tri-cross bike outfitted with four panniers. The tires are 32's and he was glad for them in the gravel of the C&O which is much more rutted and less maintained than the GAP.

Actually, the C&O is a national historical park. It wasn't a smooth cinder-surface trail when mules were trudging along it, it was dirt and rocks and mud and tree roots much like it is today. It's also more subject to damage from river flooding than the stretches of the GAP that follow the Yock. The park service has had to resort to using gravel for repair work over the years as their budget has shrunk, but otherwise the C&O's maintained in as close to historical condition as possible.

I ride my Tri-Cross on it with semi-slick 30's and it's just fine (though I haven't done it with panniers). My only word of advice is: Watch out for the wasps

[bouncybouncy]

Thank you all for all the great info!!!

We will be in Idaho MTBiking in July so that is out! But trying to fit it in this year as a semi-cheap touring trip! We want to camp and if it rains that can be miserable!!! We also plan on touring with our furry babies (one in a trailer behind hubby and the other in a basket with me) so lots of rain could really put a damper on the fun factor! Will be researching pet-friendly accommodations but plan to camp for the most part...taking 6 days (figuring on about 60 miles per day...DC to Pitts...unless otherwise advised!)

I did purchase 2 books and have all sorts of links bookmarked but none have mentioned the BEST time of year! We do not have kids so school is not an issue! In fact I am hoping the best time will be when little ones are in school so we have more trail to ourselves! just sayin'

October will be a good month to venture that way!!! Maybe at the end of the month? Wonder if the temps are good? 40's at night are low but not too low...50-60's are ideal!

We are surrounded by parks & forests here in Asheville and try to support them as much as possible...totally understand the upkeep and all!!! I am sure as long as we have a safe, rather dry experience we will be grinning ear to ear!!!

[Zen]

In fact I am hoping the best time will be when little ones are in school so we have more trail to ourselves!

The groups of Boys Scouts on the towpath during the summer are a major PITA.
October would be good.