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C&O Canal Trail & Great Allegheny Passage Comments
Boy Sout Trip


Looking at taking a group of age 14+ boy scouts to cover the 185 miles of CO in 7 days next summer. Plan on camping and having a car support us with gear. Which is the best direction to go. ONly looking at about 30 miles or so a day some less with one day doing 50. Want to spend a good part of day each at antietam and harpers ferry. Any suggestions.
posted Jun 21 2012 12:02PM - Mike, Salisbury MD

My preference is to proceed eastbound from Cumberland. The prevailing slope is downhill (if only slightly), but over that number of miles you'll descend about 500 ft versus having to climb that same amount.

Also, prevailing winds tend to originate out of the west to southwesterly direction, so you'll have a pushing tail wind versus a headwind to push into. All in all, this makes this the better choice in my estimation, unless you reside around DC and prefer to start from your home area..
posted Jun 22 2012 11:14AM - speedster

I agree. It would be best to start at Cumberland, MD and head East/South toward Washington DC., (especially if the group is not unaccustomed to long bike-hikes.) Good luck and enjoy your trip!
posted Jun 25 2012 12:44PM - Randy, E-Town

    


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