Weekend C&O Canal & MOCO Bikepacking Adventure

Come join us for a thrilling weekend bikepacking adventure along the scenic C&O Canal and Montgomery County outdoors and single track! This event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature, be moderately physically active, have plenty of time to stare at the trees, and make new friends. We'll start our journey at Georgetown Waterfront Park and pedal our way through picturesque trails, enjoying the beauty of the canal, forests, county and surrounding landscapes.

Whether you're a seasoned bikepacker or new to the sport, this event is suitable for all skill levels. Pack your camping gear, snacks, and a sense of adventure as we embark on this unforgettable trip together. Don't miss out on this opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors!

The Details

Date/Time:

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 8:00 AM → Thursday, May 21st, 2025 4:00 PM (stay up to date in the Whatsapp group for time changes)

Days/Nights:

3 days/2 nights

Start/End Location:

Georgetown Waterfront, Washington D.C. → Georgetown Waterfront, Washington D.C.

Total Mileage:

125+ miles

Cost to Participate:

Camping Admission: $85 (early bird) $95 (regular)

Type of Adventure:

Unsupported, group bikepacking along the canal to Bald Eagle Island Hiker Biker Campsite at towpath mile 50.3 for Day 1 of the trip. Day 2 continues up and around, back to camping at Swains Lock at towpath mile 16.64.

Terrain:

The entire C&O Canal is slightly chunky/loosely packed flat gravel, and when we branch off into Montgomery County, there will be some paved roads and singletrack. A gravel bike is ideal for this path. There is pavement for the first few miles of the trail.

On day 2, you will be able to DIY your path for the day- I have ridden a few of the alternative DIY routes, but not all of them. I ask that you download the route to your phone for easier navigation while we are biking (so you can use it when not connected to wifi). Sometimes the group decides together what they all want to do, and some go solo!

Difficulty:

Intermediate. While the terrain and elevation profile is largely easy to ride on (some technical skill required for the singletrack), we will be biking for +/-5 hours each day. Decent fitness is required for this trip- this is not a race, but with lunch, rest and refill stops planned along the way, a 10mph pace with all these stops included will result in about 7 hours of moving day.

Gear Required:

A full gear list and detailed itinerary will be emailed to all participants before the start of the event. You should expect to carry everything that you think you will need on your bike for this trip. That includes, but is not limited to, a fully functioning bike, a tent, biking clothes and camping clothes, food and water, spare bike parts and tools, etc.. If you would like to see everything I brought to New Zealand for a 3 month tour (different from bikepacking, but packing lists are similar) you can watch a full breakdown here https://youtu.be/g60vVx2L2i8?si=nXkYML5pjf_DU2Yz.

FAQ

What will our lodging be for this trip? We will be staying at historic campsites with non-potable water, a porta-pottie, and a picnic table. During rain, they can get quite soggy/muddy. The Potomac River and the C&O Canal sit on either side of your campsite. 

How Do I Know If My Bikepacking Rig Will Work? I will send out a Google Forms that must be completed to ensure that your bikepacking rig is well suited for this trip. I know some people will be new to bikepacking, so I want everyone to have a basic guideline of what is expected to be in your setup! You can find some informational videos on this playlist I made to help you prepare for the trip!

Can I Rent a Bike/Gear? Short answer- no. This trip is dependent on you packing/bringing your own bike and gear. I will send out a gear/equipment list before departure to all registrants. I do have a limited bike/gear supply closet, so if there is something you need, I might be able to offer a bit of help!

Who Is This Trip Targeted For? Anyone can join, but this route is specifically suitable for beginner/intermediate cyclists/bikepackers, or people who simply want a bit of a chiller bikepacking trip, one with more downtime to enjoy the surroundings, but still some hours of pedaling to get a sweat going.

What Happens If It Rains? Unless there is torrential downpour and a gigantic storm looming, this event is rain or shine, so pack accordingly!

How Do I Get To/From The Event? You can take the Amtrak or fly into Washington D.C. the day before if you are coming from a further destination. The Amtrack/Marc (for Maryland folks) can take you to Union Station where you can ride about 3 miles to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. If you plan on driving in, I have no idea where you should park your car in D.C. (if you find a good solution please let me know so I can share with others)! I will tell everyone which Marc Train I plan on taking that morning- I think i usually catch a 7:15am?

What is your refund policy? If you cancel your trip 5+ weeks before our departure date, then you will get a full refund. If you are a no show or cancel less than two weeks before departure date, you will not get a refund (unless special circumstances occur). 

What are the chances/conditions that this trip will be canceled? All trips require a minimum of 5 guests to sign up. If fewer than 5 guests sign up, then the trip will be canceled and I will refund all tickets. I recommend booking a refundable Amtrak ticket.

Do you have any other videos to help me know what this event may look like? Yes! Please check out past group trips here, and other videos such as biking across the United States, New Zealand, and other adventures.