Originally Posted by
alan s
The towpath is maintained and improved on a regular basis. Sometimes it takes a while to fix the trouble spots, many years in some cases, but that is part of the charm. IIRC, it took around 20 years to fully repair the damage caused by Hurricane Agnes flooding in the Widewater section near Great Falls. Paving would destroy the historical character of the towpath. It is a National Park, not a rail trail that is paved over. The organic nature of the towpath makes it far more interesting to ride, than for example, the GAP.
Also, the free parking area in Cumberland is for both the GAP and C&O users. Originally for the C&O, in fact.
Leave the C&O as is (except for routine replacing missing bridges and washouts). It is unique. Paved routes are literally everywhere, relatively smooth rail trails are not everywhere but still around. There are large sections of paved trail parallel to the C&O around Hancock. Nice but I'm glad they left the C&O in tact around it.
/soap-box mode/
My experience with paved over trails.. Most are cheap quick jobs and within a few years they become mine fields of 45 degree 3 inch high root bumps that are far worse to pass over than anything I've ever seen on a limestone/gravel path, even for people who it was originally intended for like strollers and walkers. I wonder how many people on foot twist an ankle or face plant in the autumn when the hazards are covered with leaves.