c&o canal - paw paw tunnel

It's worth the time to check this out for the historical value. Reading the signs is helpful, but watch for a time when Canal guides lead tours. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Cycling the towpath in the Cumberland area is enjoyable 3 seasons a year. Nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife: local and migratory birds, deer, small critters, turtles and an occasional snake. Fitness buffs will love the exercise AND the clean mountain air. History buffs will find lots to learn. Cumberland is a small town with much to offer: great lodging and a variety of eateries.

We decided to hike in this area and enjoyed the approximately 3.5 to 4 mile loop. From the parking lot at the campgrounds we walked towards the tunnel and just before the entrance we followed the tunnel trail to the right. We climbed along the river with excellent views, then headed inland thorough a nice forest. As we approached an old road at the top of the hill, there were trail markings to guide us through any confusing areas, then there were some interpretive signs for the remainder of the trail. These pointed out nature as well as information about the working conditions for the laborers who built the tunnel. At the end of the trail we made a left onto the tow path and soon came to a boardwalk. The scenery with the rock faces on each side was outstanding. As we approached the tunnel I got out my headlamp and we walked through the tunnel which was quite long. The uneven areas and mud puddles were no big deal but I agree with all the poster s that each person should have a bright light as it is very dark. Emerging through the tunnel we returned to the towpath and 0.6 miles back to the parking lot. This is an enjoyable hike with some mild to moderate vertical rise ( no more than 400 feet) and easy terrain.

This was my sixth opportunity to pass through the Paw Paw Tunnel over the past 20 years. It remains a very exciting experience and a cool example of the industrious nature of those who constructed the C&O. Over this span of time, however, the condition of the path inside the tunnel has deteriorated quite a bit. DO NOT attempt this without an adequate headlamp or powerful flashlight. The uneven surface of the path could be hazardous.

We were told NOT to ride our bikes through the tunnel, and as we first entered the tunnel, I wondered why as it seemed quite rideable, IF you had good lights and could identify other riders. But once we were in the tunnel, we saw some very uneven surface and some good mud puddles. I agree that it's much smarter to walk it.There's historic information posted outside the tunnel. It's fun to walk through. Photo opportunities abound at the entries.

If you're hiking or biking through the tunnel be sure and bring a light. It's so dark that in the middle you can't see the light at each end.

Cycling through this you need really good lights and good balance.It is really uneven i places and there can be a lot of puddles... quite a thrill when it it over

I biked the C&O canal (all 184.5 miles over a couple of years). My last push to finish was a 60 mile weekend based out of Paw Paw, WVa. The tunnel is an area I recommend walking your bike. Even with a light you get a little disoriented in the long dark tunnel. Take a flash light. Sing a song - it echoes! When you come out be sure to look at the entrances as both sides are very beautiful.

Didn't look that long, but it did take a while to go through. WALK your bike, the surface is very irregular.

As a longtime admirer of towpath canals, the Paw Paw tunnel was on my bucket list for years. I was finally able to make the trek and found it to be well worth the travail. As another reviewer mentioned, to truly appreciate the significance of this great engineering artifact one must do some reading. But to traverse its length, a strong LED flashlight is highly recommended as the unlighted tunnel is dark and the footing uncertain due to dips and puddles on the towpath walkway. There is an alternate path that will take you over the spur elevation, but parts are steep and shouldn't be attempted by those without some reserve stamina and good footwear. Bicycles must be walked through the tunnel for safety reasons.

Cool tunnel made all the more special by knowing the history. If you can, read about it in the C&O Canal Museum in Cumberland before coming. Much better if you know the history. No bathrooms but there are port-a-potties. Carry in, carry out, no facilities. Camping available.

I have always wanted to hike the paw paw tunnel. Made a special trip across WV to hike it. Tunnel was too dark even with miner's headlamps and the walk surface very uneven. Lots of deferred maintenance. Glad I finally hiked the tunnel. Can check it off my list now.

Rode the C&O bike trail from Cumberland to Washington DC. The trail was more of a mountain bike trail than a smooth bike path. as compared to the GAP trail in Pennsylvania. The sights were enjoyable to see and we all enjoyed the time we spent together.

I had some great times here with Some really great friends!!! I've not been there in years.. I hate it makes you put a date of July 2013..it sucks u can't put your own date on here!!

This was a fantastic venue to check out during a recent trip down the C & O canal. Take a flashlight to get through the tunnel as it is longer than you expect. Must see!!