Originally Posted by
phughes
On the C&O you might have to ride a little farther off the trail to get food, but there are towns and grocery stores. I didn't find it difficult at all. You may have to plan a little, but it isn't hard. I ride the GAP often since I live near it, and honestly, it isn't difficult to find food. Once again, a little advance planning helps, but it wasn't hard.
I have a couple of apps on my phone which I use to find grocery stores. I've found them very reliable from Ohio through Michigan across Ontario and from Niagara Falls to Philadelphia and across Maryland. I've also used the same app in the southern Appalachias with good results. The app showed nothing along the C&O for very long distances without making major detours...I consider a 14 mile round trip to be a major detour on top of a 70 mile day.
There are also long distances on the C&O where you simply can't get off the trail for any reason. As you say, advanced planning helps...like carrying food because you can't just run to the grocery store on a whim.