First Hike-Thru – Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal

First Hike-Thru of the Great Allegheny Passage + Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath: 355 miles from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh, PA.

In June 2013 the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) was completed. The 150 miles of uninterrupted trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland (MD) are now connected to the 184.5 miles of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath (C&O), creating the longest non-motorized trail in United States, from the National Mall to the Point State Park crossing the Great Appalachian Valley.

Recently inaugurated, rapidly earned media recognition as an adventure and family destination, due to the amazing sights and the historical background. It’s considered as a bike trail that allows to connect both cities in 7 days. However it’s almost impossible to find any record of thru-hiking journey made.

Starting September 13, I’m planning to make a thru-hiking from the Lincoln Memorial Pool and after 21 days arrive to Pittsburgh. From the National Mall, crossing numerous cities and historical sites, through the Cumberland Valley in the Great Appalachian Valley, to reach the Point State Park on October 3.

The journey is not expensive, since a lot of free campgrounds are located during the C&O, not that much in the GAP. Nevertheless, since I don’t have the necessary gear and equipment, I am forced to find a sponsor to cover the cost.