Personally, I find the C&O much more interesting to ride than the GAP. I haven't ridden it for many years though. I ride the GAP often since I live near it. Based on stories, I was prepared for the C&O to be a pain. I was riding a LHT with Continental Contact City tires, in 1.5". I was riding to DC, into Hurricane Irene. Needless to say, it was a bit wet. I had no issues, and truly enjoyed the trail. There is much more to see on the C&O, as compared to the GAP. Yes, the surface on the GAP is "nicer," but the C&O is great.