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Where can I stay overnight? If (after miles of rough ridin' and dust eatin') you prefer a hot shower, hot food, and a soft bed, then you can use the many motels and B&B scattered along the canal.

Harpers Ferry, WV

Major stops are conveniently provided every 30 miles or so. When we used the three day "econo" option, our overnight stops were at miles 61 and 124. Mile 61 is Harper's Ferry, WV, where we stayed at the now closed Hilltop House, which is sad because this was a neat old Hotel that provided a great view of the valley. However, there are several alternative options in town now, most of which are located at the top of a very large hill. Please check the list below for the most up-to-date information.

The towpath is located along Harpers Ferry Rd, just across the river from town. You can reach the town via a pedestrian walkway along one of the railroad crossing. If you wish to bring your bike an gear over to town, you will need to haul it up a staircase. However, racks are available to lock you bike if you just wish to walk over.

Hancock, MD

The second overnight stop was in Hancock, Md at mile 124. Here we stayed at Econo Lodge (now a Super 8 Motel 301-678-6101). This was a fine motel at the time, but I have not seen many favorable reviews as of late. They offer a continental breakfast, but no other food. There are several restaurant choices in town for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

The following table lists all known Lodging choices along the towpath. Most are within a short bicycle distance from the towpath, but some will probably require a shuttle service. Also, keep in mind that during peak periods (like mid-October during the color change) hotels will book up fast.

Lodging along the Towpath
MileNameInfo
0.1 Tabard Inn (map) 202.785.1277: Located in Dupont Circle Area. 1739 N Street, NW
0.1 Washington DC Hostel (map) 202.737.2333: Located at 11th and K Streets, NW (near the Convention Center).
5.4 Lockhouse 6 Stay overnight in a real lock house. Modern kitchen, bath with shower, central heat and AC. Book online.
8.8 Lockhouse 10 (map) Stay overnight in a real lock house. 1930s kitchen, bath with shower, central heat and AC.
16.6 Swain's Lock #21 Five Campsites - nearby vehicle access. Newly restored lockhouse is now available for lodging with full amenities.
19.7 Lockhouse 22 Stay overnight in a real lock house. Rustic, no heat, electricity, or running water. In fact, 3 miles from nearest water source.
30.9 Lockhouse 25 (map) Stay overnight in a real lock house. Rustic, no heat, electricity, or running water. Nearest water is 0.3 miles downriver at campsite.
49.0 Lockhouse 28 Stay in a real lock house. Rustic, no heat, electricity, or running water. Nearest water is 1.4 miles upstream. Close proximity to active railroad, so earplugs are a must for sleeping.
55.0 Georges Mill Farm B&B (map) 540.822.5224: Lovettsville, VA - about 5 miles south along Route 287.
60.7 Quality Inn (map) 304.535.6391: 25 Union Street, Harpers Ferry, WV - about 1.5 miles from towpath. From the historic area, follow Shenandoah St to Rt 340, then go right on the wide shoulder for about 100 yards. Hotel will be on the right. This avoids the hill on Washington St.
60.7 The Town's Inn (map) 877.489.2447: This recently renovated inn is the only lodging in Lower Town Harpers Ferry, and closest option to the Towpath. 21 beds in 7 rooms. 179 High Street, Harper's Ferry, WV
72.8 Bavarian Inn (map) 304.876.2551: Directly across river via Route 34 Bridge. Probably one of the nicest places to stay along the towpath.
72.8 Thomas Shepherd Inn (map) 888.889.8952: Cross Route 34 Bridge. About 1/2 Mile past Bavarian Inn
72.8 Clarion Hotel (map) 304.876.7000: On the far side of town, past the Thomas Shepherd Inn.
72.8 Comfort Inn (map) 304.876.3160: Cross Route 34 Bridge. Right onto Route 45. Located on right at 2001 Maddex Square Drive.
76.8 Jacob Rohrbach Inn (map) 301.432.5079: A Bed and Breakfast in Sharpsburg, MD - About 1 mile from trail, near Antietam Battlefield. 138 W. Main St.
76.8 Antietam Guest House (map) 301.992.9767: Quiet location in Sharpsburg, just one block off Main Street. Locked bike store. Great food nearby
99.4 Red Roof Inn (map) 301.582.3500: Williamsport, MD - Located about 1 Mile from the towpath, along Potomac Street (Route 11)
99.4 Bay Farms Bed and Breakfast (map) 301-875-5032: Located in downtown Williamsport, just two blocks from the towpath. 14 N Conococheague St.
99.4 Elmwood Farm Bed & Breakfast (map) 240.707.0772: A relaxed and comfy farm stay experience, located 2.5 miles outside of Williamsport, MD. Shuttle service available. 16311 Kendle Road.
108.7 Lockhouse 49 Stay overnight in a real lock house. Electricity with baseboard heating and stove, but no running water. Water pump nearby.
124.1 1828 Trail Inn (map) 301.678.7227: Hancock, MD - Bed and Breakfast located just one block from the trail. 10 West Main Street.
124.1 Riverrun B&B (map) 301.678.6150: Probably one of the closest accommodations to the towpath, and several recommendations from 2010 travelers. 7 South Taney Street.
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.
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 and snacks. Open 8am to 6pm daily.
140.8 Town Hill Hotel B&B (map) 877.696.2794: Located on top of Town Hill Mt providing beautiful vistas. About 8 miles from Little Orleans. A shuttle service is available, with multiple pickup points. But for extra credit, bike the 1,300 foot climb yourself!
151.1 Three Otters Eco Retreat (map) 304.947-5446: Some really unique lodging options are available, just across the river from the towpath. They also offer convenient canoe ferry service.
156.2 Canal Cabins Towpath Lodging (map) 301.338.3678: Small Cabins with Bathhouse. Cross the bridge into Paw Paw take first right on dirt road (Louie's Ln) follow fence line and cabins will be 100 yards on the left. 143 Louie's Lane, Paw Paw Wv
156.2 Bikepath Bed and Bath (map) 304.947.7236: A lower cost lodging option in Paw Paw, run by a C&O Canal Steward. Fully licensed, health dept. inspected, clean and well reviewed. 109 Winchester St.
184.5 Ramada Inn Cumberland (map) 301.724.8800: Conveniently located near the C&O and GAP trail heads. 100 South George Street
184.5 9 Decatur Guest House and Hostel (map) 240.727.7039: A more economical lodging option. Operated by the Mountainside Bike Tours and Inn on Decatur folks.
184.5 The Inn on Decatur (map) 301.722.4887: Operated by the folks at Mountainside Bike Tours. Only 3 blocks from downtown. 108 Decatur Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
184.5 Fairfield Inn (map) 301.722.0340: Located right next to the trail, just south of the interstate.