Backpacking Pittsburgh to DC

[James and Amy]

We recently backpacked the Great Allegheny Passage and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Tow Path trails between Pittsburgh and Washington DC. This was a fun and very easy walk anyone can do. A trip report can be found at: https://doingmiles.com/2024-10-pitt-dc/

James and Amy

 

[wsp_scott]

I've had this on my list to bike, but never thought about hiking it.

 

[canadug]

Nice!! I absolutely love your website....It has given us some great ideas! We did a variation of your Spiller Canyon Loop in August this year.

 

[hikeer]

I've ridden this and it is a really fun ride. It might be a bit monotonous to walk, although I'd imagine that the C&O would be more pleasant with lots of little things to see that would be easy to miss on a bike.

 

[James and Amy]

hikeer,

Thanks for the observation. I think that your are correct in that some people might find the route somewhat monotonous. It certainly did not offer the grand vistas, solitude, and habitat and terrain variety that many of our walks have had.
However, we found the trip to be quite enjoyable for a couple of reasons. First because the path is so well maintained, we could spend almost all of our walking time looking around and enjoying the environment instead of constantly watching where we put our feet. We personally also greatly enjoy the process of doing a long backpacking trip. All the routine of dealing with route finding, locating desirable campsites, setting up and enjoying the day's end in camp and so forth are part of why we do what we do.
As long as people have a clear expectations as to what the route offers and doesn't offer in terms of an outdoor experience, we recommend giving it a try.

James and Amy