This next section of the C&O was a very typical section, with the only scenic standout being Dam #4 at the turnaround point. Otherwise, it was a forested tunnel with the river to the left and the dewatered canal to the right.
The weather was hot and humid, making a 16-mile (round trip) hike a bit much for my body, but I am eager to catch up to where I should be at this point in the year.
The other notable thing, and I am not sure if this is seasonal or a result of recent flooding, was that the sycamores were shedding bark in massive quantities. Not only did it litter the trail, I could hear and see it falling.
This section was still suffering a bit from flooding overall. It was totally walkable, but earth-moving machinery was parked along the trail. One of the campsites had a broken picnic table and a port-a-potty that hadn't been serviced since May 13. The next site had a port-a-potty that had evidently been flooded, was full of trash, and had a very full tank. I would be cautious camping, as limbs could still fall, and the port-a-potties may have left the ground less than sanitary.
My trip highlight was Dam #4, which I had few expectations of. It's very obviously man-made, but it is still an enjoyable roar. And the towpath has a cute covered bridge leading to the parking lot.
I did this one as an out-and-back, so while I walked 16 miles, I covered half as much trail. The next hike will be a relatively short one, since after that is an 11-mile stretch with no parking.
