Western Maryland Rail Trail
An approximately 28-mile paved former railroad parallels the C&O Canal, inviting an easy-grade ride or walk from Hancock and other access points.
Artwork inspired by Aaron Sopher
The Western Maryland Rail Trail follows a former railroad corridor for about 28 miles beside the C&O Canal. Its paved surface and gentle grade make distance feel inviting: a short stroll from Hancock works just as well as a longer bicycle ride. Trees, old transportation alignments, and glimpses toward the Potomac give this route a quieter rhythm than a mountain hike.
Choose an out-and-back distance; the route is not a loop. The main paved sections are wheelchair accessible, but one exception matters: Indigo Tunnel is closed to protect bats, and the signed bypass drops to the C&O towpath for roughly two miles on a hard-packed surface that can be muddy. Check the state map if that segment is in your plan.
- Route length
- About 28 miles
- Surface
- Mostly paved
- Hours
- Sunrise–sunset
Quick guide
- Choose a turn-around
- The linear route does not return you to your car.
- Mind the tunnel bypass
- Indigo Tunnel is closed to protect bats.
Know before you go
- Start in Hancock
- Pick a comfortable distance from a town access point.
- Watch the corridor
- The railroad and canal trace parallel transport stories.
- Use the signed bypass
- Do not enter the closed Indigo Tunnel.
- Return with daylight
- The state lists sunrise-to-sunset use.
Good to know
The trail is largely paved, but the Indigo Tunnel closure requires a towpath detour; after rain, that segment can be muddy.
Notice these
- Gentle railroad grade
- C&O Canal parallel
- Hancock access