KennyT

I'm planning a DC to Cumberland ride at the end of May and haven't been able to find out how people are getting around the Catoctin aqueduct closure. I figured since Memorial Day is coming up there should be a fair amount of traffic so was hoping to get a first hand account on the situation.


Thanks for any information you can provide about the detour and trail conditions

alan s 

When I rode it last year, out and back to Harper’s Ferry, it was difficult getting around that area. I went on the tracks one direction and across the creek the other direction. Neither was easy, but I think the creek was preferable. Kind of surprised that nothing has been done to provide a temporary solution. Your tax dollars hardly at work.

PedalingWalrus

A friend of mine finished two weeks ago and said he elected to cross the creek which during that time was only half a foot deep.

KennyT

So it sounds like nothing has really changed since the blowout. I guess it will have to be a game day decision. I'm familiar with the river level fluctuations (very high at the moment) in that area so it's good to know there is a possible backup on the tracks. And I won't take that route without extreme caution. I use to canoe in that area and remember the tension between officials and boaters trying to cross the tracks.

I'm also considering a route that involves using the W&OD from DC to Purcellville and taking 287/Berlin Pike to Burnswick. This will bypass the whole thing. I'm just mentioning this route in case anyone else was looking for other alternatives.

alan s 

The area is far away enough from Brunswick that unless a railroad person is in the area, you probably will not get busted by the railroad police for trespassing.

indyfabz

Thread reported to by friends on the CSXT police force.

Grunenteufel

Encountered this last year. Friend and I followed a few people along the train track route. I remember it was a little steep climbing up/down the rocky embankment. Could be tricky with a ton of gear but doable if nimble enough.

TheRef

What's the deal? A part of the trail impassible? Did I understand right?

spinnaker

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

TheRef

Thanks

jpescatore

I just posted an update in the NE Forum here with pictures. Short answer: water level is now low enough to do the wet crossing easily, but there were large trees down across the towpath downstream of the Little Catoctin washout.