Day 4 - Cumberland to Hancock

197 miles down
123 miles to DC

Cumberland, MD marks the junction where the Great Allegheny Passage meets the C&O Canal Trail. The Great Allegheny Passage, a relatively young trail at just around a decade old, is in excellent shape—its surface made of finely packed cinders that make for smooth riding. In contrast, the C&O Canal Trail follows the historic towpath of the old canal, and in many stretches, its condition leaves much to be desired. This 60 mile leg of the journey definitely tested our endurance. Fortunately, the terrain tips in our favor, offering a gentle downhill grade as we pedal alongside the canal.

For most of the day, the Potomac River flowed steadily to our right, while the historic C&O Canal traced our path on the left. Much of the canal still holds water, though in some stretches, only traces of its former structure remain. The terrain was largely flat, making for a fairly easy ride, but every few miles we encountered a gentle downhill slope—usually where the remnants of old canal locks marked the landscape.

One of the highlights was walking through the Paw Paw Tunnel, a remarkable mile-long passage carved through the mountain, where the canal itself runs directly through the tunnel. It’s a surreal experience—dark, cool, and echoing with history.

We’re continuing to experiment with video, using both a phone and a drone. Drone footage, while stunning, requires careful planning and setup—spontaneity isn’t really an option. Today, we managed to capture a shot with a bit of artistic flair. (See attached.)

Each evening, we gather for dinner and then come together for a short devotional. It’s a time to reflect on the day’s journey, share thoughts, and preview what lies ahead.Read more