Linking Up Indoor Lodging

Indoor Lodging

These are the B&Bs, hotels, motels and hostels that we know of near the trails. You’re probably riding this trail to avoid riding in traffic, so we identify lodging as close to the trail as possible. Unfortunately, there’s a 50-mile stretch northwest of Washington DC where the closest lodging is 5 miles off the trail, much of that distance in traffic. Be careful, or camp instead.

We are not personally familiar with most of the establishments. We present this information as a service; it is not a review or recommendation. When you make your reservations, ask for detailed directions for biking from the trail (not for driving directions from the highway). For a current list of lodging and other trailside services, check the ATA web site at http://www.ATATrail.org/.

Reminder: hotel and pay phones may have large long-distance surcharges. Remember to dial your long-distance service when you place calls from points along the trails.

Washington DC, Georgetown Area

We include only hotels within a few blocks of the C&O Towpath (either in Georgetown or near Rock Creek Park), plus the vastly less expensive DC Hostel.

Bethesda MD

At Fletcher's Boathouse, cross over to the paved Capital Crescent Trail and follow the trail for 4 miles into Bethesda.

Potomac MD

Leesburg VA

At Whites Ferry (C&O 35.5), take the ferry across the Potomac. On the VA side climb to US15. Turn left on US15 (heavy traffic, be careful), then stay on Bus US15. Continue to VA7 in Leesburg; most lodging is within a mile. W&OD parallels VA7 two blocks to the south. Make prior arrangements for shuttle service to Norris House Inn, Best Western, and Comfort Inn Suites.

Dickerson MD

Dickerson is the MD town nearest miles 35-45 of the towpath. Pleasant Springs between Barnesville and Boyds.

Brunswick MD / Sandy Hook MD / Harpers Ferry WV

Brunswick is across the canal nearly under the VA17 high bridge.  Georges Mill Farm B&B provides shuttle service from Brunswick.

Sandy Hook is across the canal on a path nearly under the US340 high bridge. Cross the tracks carefully. Trains are reported to be fast and quiet.

Harpers Ferry: Climb stairs beside the trail, cross Potomac River on pedestrian bridge. Think twice before planning to carry loaded bikes up these stairs; it will probably take two people or two trips.

Shepherdstown WV / Sharpsburg MD

Shepherdstown: Just after Lock 38 cross the canal and take the new ramp under the bridge uphill to the western side of MD34. Take MD34 (becomes WV480, then Duke St) to cross Potomac River on the high bridge. B&Bs are within a mile.

Sharpsburg: At Snyder’s Landing take Snyder’s Landing Rd to Sharpsburg. Alternate: At Lock 38 (C&O 73) take the new ramp under the bridge uphill to the eastern side of MD34. Take MD34 away from the river for 3.5 miles in traffic; we have reports that the shoulder is decent most of the way.

Williamsport MD

Hancock MD

Little Orleans MD

Town Hill is seven miles up a hill, but they’ll come get you; call from Bill's in Little Orleans. Buck Valley Ranch offers free shuttle to and from towpath.

Paw Paw WV

Take short hill down to a parking lot. Exit to MD51 (becomes WV9), turn left, cross bridge.

Cumberland MD

Cumberland and LaVale have many motels, but only two are near the trail. In addition, the Best Western and Rocky Gap will pick you up; ask them in advance.

Frostburg MD

From the trail head uphill on the switch backs to the railroad station. At the station turn left and continue uphill to the town. For Castle, exit trail at Paddy Baker Rd.

Meyersdale PA

Rockwood PA

The B&Bs marked “pickup” are 5-12 miles from the trail, with hills and traffic.  They will pick you up at the trailhead by prior arrangement.

Markleton PA

Up the hill; call and they’ll pick you up

Harnedsville PA

Confluence PA

Jacobs, Yough, and Sterner Sts are in the triangle of land between the Youghiogheny and Casselman Rivers.

Ohiopyle PA

Quiet House B&B is 8 hilly miles away; they will pick you up.

Connellsville PA

Dawson PA

Layton  PA

Smithton PA

At the Smithton parking lot (YRTN 39.3), take the ramp out of the parking lot, turn right onto PA981, and climb a mile or two to the motels. Fairway Inn will pick you up if you call. Another alternative is to go on to Cedar Creek Park, climb out in the park, and make your way along the highway to the interchange

West Newton PA

Buena Vista PA

Boston PA

Pittsburgh PA

Pittsburgh has many hotels. The closest to MP 0 at The Point is the Hilton. The closest to the downtown end of Eliza Furnace Trail is the Omni William Penn. The Westin is near the Amtrak station. The Holiday Inn Select, Wyndham Garden, and Hampton are in Oakland, near the north end of the Junction Hollow extension of the Eliza Furnace Trail. Appletree B&B is also near the north end of the Junction Hollow Trail and will shuttle bikers to McKeesport by prior arrangement. Holiday Inn Express and Morning Glory are in SouthSide near the trail.

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