Pedal and Paddle

Traverse 15 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage or more, you choose your route!

Explore C&O National Park and bike the C&O Towpath

Finish the excursion with a self-guided float down the Potomac

Mountain views, historic towns and fascinating geology are just some of the sights to take in as you coast downhill on the Great Allegheny Passage

Once in Cumberland, enjoy lunch (self-provided or visit one of the many restaurants within walking distance) before hitting the C&O Canal Towpath for the last leg of your biking journey. Travel at your own pace through the C&O Canal National Park to the North Branch launch site where we launch your kayak for a self-guided 4 mile float down the Potomac River.

Highlights

Bike along one of the most beautiful sections of the GAP-Great Allegheny Passage

All downhill from Frostburg to Cumberland

Cruise into the sweeping horseshoe bend, Helmstetter’s Curve.

Kayak 4 miles down the Potomac from the North Branch

Click the Tabs to Find Out More

Tour Details

Tour Details

Price

  • $49/person

Departure time

9:30


Meeting point

Check in at Frostburg Depot , Meet at Gene Mason Boat Launch 12:45


Availability

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Late May – Early October


Duration

Typically between 4- 6 Hours.


Participation requirements

4 years old minimum, children under 12 will need to wear PFD at all times and will be placed in a tandem kayak with a parent.


Included

  • Rental Cruiser (or BYOB-Bring Your Own Bike)
  • Single or Tandem Kayak

Not Included

  • Lunch – we encourage you to grab lunch on your own once in Cumberland before heading to the Towpath
  • Please notate that we only rent adult bicycles, children are welcome however would need to choose bring your own bike option

What to bring

  • sunscreen
  • water
  • snacks
  • small coolers
  • hat
  • rain gear

About your guide

Self-guided biking and kayaking. We will launch the kayaks and meet you at the take out. We will shuttle you and your bikes back to Frostburg.

What You'll Do & See

Park for free at the Frostburg Depot, check in inside at 9:30 and head down the mountain! Coast at your own pace down the mountain all the way to Cumberland.

This is an easy 19 mile ride most anyone can do. The first 15 miles are all downhill at a constant 1.75% downhill slope. After Lunch in Cumberland the last 4 miles along the C&O Towpath to the boat launch is a flat level trail.

Once you reach Canal Place Cumberland Station, feel free to check out the sites and grab lunch on your own. We suggest the Crabby Pig, Queen City Creamery, Baltimore Street Grille and Dig Deep Brewery if you would like to just grab a brew. They are all within a few minutes walk.

Head into C&O Canal National Park and enjoy a beautiful remnant of early transportation history.  You will be biking on the lifeline of the communities along the Potomac River and a section of the most beautiful portions of trail from Canal Place in Cumberland to the boat launch is approximately 3.75 miles.  Grab lunch if you wish at the numerous nearby restaurants around Canal Place or head straight into the C&O Canal National Park and start biking the towpath.

If you need a bike, choose the rental option and we will provide a basic cruiser bike with coaster brakes and a helmet for your ride.  (suitable for adults between 5” and 6”2’) If you have your own bike, choose the BYOB option.

Good to Know

This is an entirely self-guided excursion. We will meet you at the boat launch to launch your kayak fand collect your bikes and meet you at the take out to shuttle you back to Frostburg. It is your responsibility to make it to the boat launch by 12:45 or inform us of any issues along the way.

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