Originally Posted by
axolotl
Nobody has addressed the C&O Canal towpath. In cooler temperatures, rain doesn't drain or evaporate as quickly as during hot weather. In November, if there has been any rain in the preceding days, the towpath is likely to be muddy.
There are road options to the C&O that are at least doable. Still a bit steep but nothing like Route 40.
Plus there is the Western Maryland Rail Trail that gets you out of the mud. Even if it is just a little bit.