C&O Canal Hike

Shepherdstown to White's Ferry

 9 - 11 Aug 2008

We had a backpacking treat – three days hiking along the C&O Canal towpath.  As always the canal proved to be a great place to hike – abundant wildlife, great views of the Potomac River valley, and the interesting remains of a 19th century engineering marvel.  We started at Lock 38 opposite Shepherdstown, WV (Mile 72.8), hiked past Harpers Ferry, and ended up at White’s Ferry (Mile 35.5).

Getting ready to start - Sheperdstown                                                            The Antietam Creek Aqueduct

A lock with the lockkeepers house in the background

Night one campsite                                                                                          The view of the Potomac from our campsite

Ready to start day 2

Approaching Harpers Ferry                                                                                On the Potomac Bridge between the canal and Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry, WV

                                                                       Lunch in Brunswick, MD

 

               At the Catoctin Aqueduct - the aqueduct fell into the creek in 1973 - pieces are piled behind John awaiting a project to rebuild it.

                                                                                                                                           View from out campsite on Day 2

     Friendly owl at the campsite

 

Back on the trail                                                                                                    Lunch!

 

                                                                                                                              The Monocacy River Aqueduct - biggest on the canal

 

                                                                                                                            Milepost 39 - getting close to the end of the hike.

White's Ferry - end of the adventure (for the moment)