Originally Posted by
alan s
I rode it a couple weeks ago on 700x40 Schwalbe Marathon Supremes. It was OK, but I prefer going even wider. Fenders are almost a must if it's wet. Best time for fall foliage is in the next 2-3 weeks.
For loose C&O surface some tread or even knobbies might help. I would also try a Thudbuster seatpost.
Fall colors vary a lot between DC/suburbs & higher elevations. Suburban tree colors actually have more variety for longer time than in the Blue Ridge where the native trees change earlier & faster. Peak for C&O foilage is probably about now I'd reckon esp since trees are already stressed by summer heat/drought.