Around Harpers Ferry there will be some pedestrian traffic along the towpath here. A few miles down the towpath we will pass by the Antietam Battle Ground. This is a bumpy section of the towpath. Luckily, a few miles more and we will enjoy a very pleasant, newly repaired, and paved section of the path that runs along the river.
By mid-day we should reach Shepherdstown WV. We will have to ride/walk up a steep hill to cross the Potomac. Here I like to stop for lunch at the Blue Moon Café. The outdoor setting is wonderful and the food is good. I am sure you will enjoy it (weather permitting). Bring a light cable lock for your bike because the bikes will be out of our sight while we eat.
Towards the end of the day we will reach the Western Maryland Rail Trail with almost 10 miles of paved trail before reaching our final destination for the day, Hancock, MD. There is a bike shop here if needed and good restaurants to eat at, but they all close early so don’t be late!
Ken Whittaker