C&O Canal/GAP Spring II

This spring, you won’t need to worry about traffic as you ride your hybrid or mountain bike some 330 miles on hard-packed, gently graded gravel and dirt trails from the heart of the nation’s capital north to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Historically, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal served as a lifeline for early settlers; today, it serves as a pathway to an unforgettable cycling experience. Starting in Washington, DC, we’ll enjoy a quick tour of the many historic monuments before striking out on our journey. The city quickly gives way to rolling farmland and sun-dappled woods. The farther we get from the nation’s capital the wilder our surroundings become. There will be plenty of off-bike opportunities throughout the tour, from Appalachian day hikes to visiting Revolutionary and Civil War battle sites.

With stellar car-free riding and gentle grades, this is an ideal tour for the first-time self-contained tourist or for the rider who wants to ease into the season.