The Great Eastern Trail's C&O Canal section offers a unique two-part backpacking experience that combines the flat, historical C&O Canal Towpath with the surprisingly remote ridges of Green Ridge State Forest. Starting from Hancock, Maryland (mile 125 on the C&O Canal), the GET follows the gentle canal towpath west before turning north into Green Ridge's rugged Appalachian terrain near Little Orleans. This 28.8-mile section is perhaps the easiest entry point to the GET, featuring free camping, regular water access, and minimal elevation gain along the canal before transitioning to more challenging backcountry hiking.
This route appeals to backpackers seeking a transitional experience between flat rail-trail hiking and true mountain backpacking. The C&O Canal portion provides historical interest with 19th-century canal locks, aqueducts, and the famous Paw Paw Tunnel, while Green Ridge offers solitude, wildlife, and technical trail navigation. Expect to see few other hikers once you leave the towpath, though cyclists are common on the canal section.
C&O Canal National Historical Park (No Permit Required): Hiker-biker campsites along the canal are free and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or permits needed. Camping is limited to one night per campsite per trip. Sites include a porta-potty, picnic table, fire ring, and hand-pumped water (turned off November 15 - April 15). The park operates under Leave No Trace principles and is trash-free—pack out everything you bring in.
Green Ridge State Forest ($10/night Permit Required): Backpack camping requires registration at Green Ridge Headquarters before your trip. Pay $10/night and submit an itinerary with all camper names. The forest has 100 designated primitive campsites (picnic table and fire ring only) available first-come, first-served. You cannot make advance reservations; check in at the 24/7 kiosk at headquarters. Campfires permitted except during drought conditions. Do not bring firewood from outside—purchase locally or gather on-site.
Additional Regulations: - Alcohol and marijuana prohibited at C&O Canal campsites - Pets allowed on 6-foot leash; pick up waste - Group size limits apply in both areas - The GET is blazed with white paint through Green Ridge
For C&O Canal information: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm
Optimal: Late April - May and September - October
Fall (September-October) is ideal, with comfortable temperatures, spectacular autumn foliage, fewer crowds, and functioning water pumps. October offers peak fall colors along the Potomac River corridor. Spring (May-June) provides budding trees, excellent bird watching, and pleasant weather before summer heat arrives.
Summer (June-August): Not recommended. The C&O Canal towpath becomes hot, humid, and buggy. Expect intense mosquito activity in low-lying campsites near the canal. Temperatures can exceed 90°F with high humidity. If hiking in summer, bring extra insect repellent and plan for early morning/late evening hiking.
Winter (November-March): Challenging but possible. Water pumps are shut off from mid-November through mid-April, requiring you to carry all water or treat from the Potomac River (reliable source but requires filtration). Snow and ice can make Green Ridge trails difficult to navigate. Shorter daylight hours limit hiking time.
Spring (March-May): Generally wet with muddy towpath conditions. Recent flooding has caused significant damage to portions of the towpath, including complete washouts at mile 165.9 near Oldtown. Check current trail conditions at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm before departing.
Water Sources: The C&O Canal section has hiker-biker campsites approximately every 5-7 miles, each equipped with hand pumps providing iodine-treated water. Between Hancock (mile 125) and Little Orleans (mile 144), expect campsites at Little Pool (mile 120), White Rock (mile 126), and Cacapon Junction (mile 133). Critical: Water pumps are turned off November 15 - April 15. Pumps occasionally malfunction—one recent report noted a missing handle at Little Pool. Always carry water purification tablets or a filter as backup.
The Potomac River runs parallel to the entire towpath and provides an unlimited water source if treated. In Green Ridge State Forest, natural water sources become less reliable. Creek crossings exist but depend on recent rainfall. Plan to carry 2-3 liters between reliable sources, especially in the forest section.
Resupply Options:
Hancock, MD (mile 125): Full-service trail town with grocery stores (Blue Goose Fruit Market & Bakery for fresh food), multiple restaurants (Potomac River Grill, Jimmy Joy's Log Cabin Inn, Buddy Lou's), hotels, B&Bs, outfitters (C&O Bicycle offers gear and shuttle services), and an NPS visitor center. Excellent for starting or resupplying.
Little Orleans, MD (mile 144): Minimal services. Bill's Place is a combination restaurant/bar/grocery that has operated since 1896 but keeps irregular hours ("open when it opens"). Limited pub grub menu (pizza, beer, ice cream). Do not rely on this as your primary resupply—it's a 40-mile stretch between Cumberland and Little Orleans with essentially no other services.
Resupply Strategy: Most backpackers carry 2-3 days of food from Hancock to complete this section. Bill's Place can supplement but not replace a full resupply.
Flooding (Serious Hazard): The C&O Canal experiences regular Potomac River flooding—it's a question of when, not if. The 2024 spring floods (May 14-16) caused extensive damage including complete towpath washouts, mud-covered sections, downed trees, and unstable ground. Mile 165.9 near Oldtown was completely destroyed. Even during normal conditions, the towpath can become impassable during heavy rain. Waters rise quickly—five rescues occurred in a single 24-hour period when hikers underestimated flood speed. Monitor weather forecasts and avoid the canal during heavy rain or snowmelt periods.
Navigation in Green Ridge: Green Ridge trails are generally well-blazed with orange and white markers, but blowdowns and stream crossings can obscure the route. Two blazes indicate a turn. Recent reports mention "tricky" blowdowns and multiple creek crossings in the final miles. Carry a detailed map and GPS, especially when transitioning off the obvious canal towpath.
Wildlife: Copperhead snakes are common along the C&O Canal, particularly near Washington but present throughout. They rarely bite unprovoked; watch where you step and give them space. Mice, squirrels, and raccoons are aggressive at campsites—hang food or use a critter-resistant bag like the Ursack. Ticks are prevalent in warmer months; perform regular tick checks for Lyme disease prevention.
Towpath Surface: The crushed stone and clay towpath becomes extremely muddy after rain. Some sections have been resurfaced with crushed limestone (smooth), while others remain rough clay with exposed roots. Waterproof boots recommended. Recent flood damage means portions may be washed out, debris-covered, or missing entirely.
Isolation in Green Ridge: Once you leave the C&O Canal and enter Green Ridge State Forest, expect complete solitude. Cell service is unreliable. The terrain becomes significantly more challenging with steep climbs and descents on single-track trails. Recent floods have closed some forest roads and campsites—call Green Ridge Headquarters at 301-478-3124 for current conditions.
Hancock, MD Trailhead (Mile 125): From Interstate 70, take Exit 3 (MD-144) and follow signs to Hancock. The C&O Canal runs directly through town with multiple access points. Park at the Hancock Visitor Center (301-678-5463) located in the historic 1785 Bowles House. Street parking also available. No parking fees. Hancock is 90 miles from Washington, D.C., 75 miles from Pittsburgh, PA.
Green Ridge State Forest Access: Green Ridge Headquarters is located on M.V. Smith Road off Interstate 68, Exit 64 (Fifteen Mile Creek Road). From I-68, follow signs approximately 10 miles south to headquarters. Roads are maintained gravel but can become rough; high-clearance vehicles not required but helpful. GPS: 39.6271°N, 78.3603°W.
Shuttle Services: C&O Bicycle in Hancock (301-678-6665) provides shuttle services for up to 6 riders. Wheelzup Adventures operates shuttles for cyclists and hikers in the Cumberland area. Most shuttles serve the popular GAP/C&O cycling route but will accommodate hikers. Arrange shuttles in advance, especially during peak fall season.
Nearest Airports: - Washington Dulles (IAD): 95 miles east - Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): 110 miles east - Pittsburgh International (PIT): 100 miles north
Public transportation is limited. No train or bus service to Hancock. Car rental or shuttle from airports required.
Camp Selection Strategy: On the C&O Canal, hiker-biker sites fill quickly on weekends during fall. Arrive early (before 4 PM) to secure a spot at popular sites like Little Pool and Cacapon Junction. If a site is full, the next one is typically only 5-7 miles ahead. In Green Ridge, scout several primitive sites before committing—some have better water access or wind protection than others.
Treat All Water: Despite iodine treatment in canal pumps, always use additional purification. Pump handles can be difficult to operate and require many pumps to get water flowing. The Potomac provides unlimited backup but requires filtration for bacteria and protozoa.
Timing for Solitude: Hike Sunday-Thursday to avoid weekend crowds on the C&O Canal. Once in Green Ridge, you'll likely have complete solitude regardless of day.
Pack for Transition: This trail crosses two distinct environments. The flat towpath allows for a heavier pack, but you'll appreciate lighter weight when climbing Green Ridge's 1,640+ feet of elevation gain. Consider a shakedown at Hancock to adjust your load.
Historical Interest: The C&O Canal portion offers constant historical features. Don't miss the 3,118-foot Paw Paw Tunnel (bring a headlamp), stone aqueducts, and preserved lock houses. The 184.5-mile canal operated 1828-1850 and features 11 stone aqueducts—walking this section is like stepping into 19th-century transportation history.
Critter-Proofing: Campsite rodents are notorious for getting into packs. Hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks, or use an Ursack-style bag. Never leave food in your tent overnight.
Check Flood Conditions: Before departing, call NPS at 301-582-0813 or check https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for recent flood damage reports. The towpath's condition changes dramatically after heavy rain.
Green Ridge Navigation: Download offline maps before entering the forest. The white blazes are reliable but blowdowns can temporarily obscure them. Two blazes = turn. Orange blazes mark some trails—confirm you're following the correct color for your intended route.
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