Bike Washington’sC&O Canal Bicycling Guide | Mile 115 thru 130 |
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The town of Hancock, Maryland highlights this section of the canal. During the heydays of the canal, Hancock was a major inland port. Today, it is mainly just a small junction town located in Maryland's thin neck between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. After the 12 long mile long, nearly arrow strait ride from Fort Frederick, this town is a sight for sore eyes!,
Located at mile 124, Hancock makes a great overnight stop when using the three or six day trip options. A Super 8 Motel is within a half mile of the towpath, and Cohill Manor B&B is about 1 mile west of town on Route 144. There are also several restaurants in town.
Other points of interest in this section include the Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct ruins, and the Round Top Cement Company ruins. The new Western Maryland Rail Trail runs parallel to the towpath between Hancock and Fort Frederick.
Access Points: From Maryland I-70:
Mile 124.1: Hancock, MD - about a 1-1/2 hour drive from the Washington Beltway.| Mile | Name | Info | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114.0 | Big Pool | West End | |||||
| 114.5 | Western Maryland Rail Trail (map) | Eastern Access Point. Trailhead located 0.7 miles downstream of this point at Route 56 | X | ||||
| 116.0 | Licking Creek H/B | 1.5 miles from vehicle access at mile 114.5. Located Near I-70 - Subject to traffic noise. | X | X | |||
| 116.0 | Licking Creek Aqueduct | ||||||
| 120.4 | Little Pool H/B (map) | Remote Campsite - No vehicle access. Located Near I-70 - Subject to traffic noise. | X | X | |||
| 123.0 | Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct | ||||||
| 124.1 | Hancock, MD | Several Stores and Restaurants. Very easy access from towpath | X | ||||
| 124.1 | Park-N-Dine Restaurant (map) | 301.678.5242: 189 E Main St | X | ||||
| 124.4 | Super 8 Motel (map) | 301.678.6101: Hancock, MD - Travel one block away from river and turn left on Main Street. Hotel is located on far side of overpass. | X | ||||
| 124.4 | Hancock Budget Motel (map) | 301.678.7351: Hancock, MD | X | ||||
| 124.4 | C&O Bicycle (map) | 301.678.6665: Hancock, MD - Full Service Bike Shop, right next to the towpath on Penn Ave. Also offers overnight bunk house. Closed Tuesday. | X | ||||
| 124.4 | Weaver's Restaurant (map) | 301.678.6346: A towpath favorite. Great deserts! 77 W Main St | X | ||||
| 124.4 | Lockhouse Restaurant (map) | 301.678.6991: 11 E Main Street | X | ||||
| 126.4 | White Rock H/B (map) | 1.2 miles from vehicle access at mile 125.2 | X | X | |||
| 127.4 | Round Top Cement Mill | ||||||
| 129.2 | Happy Hills Campground (map) | 301.678.7760: Private Campground - Full Service RV and Tent Camping (200 Sites). Cabins and Horse Stables available. 12617 Seavolt Rd | X | ||||
| 129.8 | Leopards Mill H/B (map) | 0.9 miles from vehicle access at mile 130.7 | X | X | |||
| 130.7 | Cohill, MD | Access from Route 144 via Willow Road | X |