Originally Posted by
Prowler
Keep in mind that the C&O is a historic path that was the Grand Old Ditch built almost 200 years ago. The path for small boys and mules. The NPS has to walk that fine line between historic preservation and public demand for “nice and smooth place to ride bicycles”. I can understand the much more primitive surface of the C&O in places. But, for me, it’s harder to ride. There is probably no best answer.
The NPS has answered the question in different ways at different sites: restrict the number and use of visitors - or improve facilities.
Turning large numbers of folks out on unimproved NP land seldom ends well.