Thursday, November 6, 2025

C&O end-to-end, miles 130-137

I parked at the small Cohill parking lot (it is unpaved, without a restroom) and hit the trail, uncertain of how many miles I felt like doing that day. The air was cool and autumnal, and whispers of mist crept along the Potomac River.

C&O, Mile 130-137

Just before Poly Pond, the towpath detoured onto the WMRT due to a bridge damaged in the flooding. I could see that the soil under the bridge footings had shifted, and the bridge sagged in the middle. I might be willing to try crossing it, but I could see why anyone with an ounce of concern of liability would close it. Luckily, this section of the WRMT was pretty.

C&O, Mile 130-137

I considered turning around at the Pearre Road parking area, about mile 136, but I didn't feel ready. Shortly after mile 136, the detour ended. I kept going until just before mile 138, where the WRMT temporarily joins the towpath, due to a closed tunnel. I returned via the WRMT all the way to the eastern end of the detour before towpathing it back to my car.

C&O, Mile 130-137

Ending here means that next time, I can't start exactly where I left off - the first time I have done this on my C&O journey. I either have to repeat the nearly two miles from Pearre Road, or backtrack.

C&O, Mile 130-137

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