The C&O Canal Companion

I can honestly say that this is the best guide book I have ever read (and I have read and used many of them). The first half of the book described the history, the engineering structures and recreational activities of and along the canal. The second part is a mile-by-mile guide of the entire canal itself, often cross-referencing the history and structures described in the first part. It really is wonderful as well as practical. Another strength of the book is that it uses many historical photos. As I hike the canal, I can use the book to compare the canal's present state with its historical renditions, which makes the hike all that more enjoyable! I like to also read the book at night after a hike so I can re-live and imprint my experience in my mind.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more about the C&O Canal, who is looking for a hiking guide, or even a mini-encyclopedia of the C&O Canal, or all of the above!

This is a perfect "winter time" product for those contemplating a hike or bike trip on the canal--or, in my case--a most enjoyable "return" to those days of yesteryear when I ran, hiked and bike tripped all or part of the canal. I will give it a rest and some months from now repeat the reading with great hope of returning to what is a glorious and wonderful experience--in my mind or in fact.

This summer, I started biking the C&O Trail starting at Cumberland. I wanted a book that would tell some of the history of the trail as well as providing good landmarks for Civil War crossings, etc... This book fit the bill. I looked for several books on Amazon, and I'm happy that I choose this one.The book is seperated into two parts, a general overview and history, and then a mile-by-mile breakdown of what to expect on the trail. I first read the history section and every night now before I head on the trail, I pull out the book and see what area I will cover the next day. The book has been great for planning with parking spots, etc...One suggestion that I can think of is to offer a book that starts in Cumberland instead of Georgetown because reading the book backwards is somewhat awkward (I realize that most people start from the Georgetown end, though). Additionally, it would be great to have GPS coordinates posted of the landmarks in addition to the mileage marker. I would love to be able to load the coordinates in my GPS so I know exactly where these landmarks are while biking.

Wonderful guide to the C & O Canal park that includes history and detailed information about the various mile marks. This edition is revised from the original. However, with the make-over of the Monocacy Aqueduct in 2005 and other changes the book should again be updated to include this information.Still this book covers every aspect of this unique national park that spans almost 185 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, whether you are a hiker or biker or just a traveler visiting the various sites along the canal.

The beginning is great for history buffs. The back is good for trail info. Boring read as I'm not a history buff. Wasn't sure how to "star" it. So I went with in the middle.

If you like to float, camp, hike or bike on the C&O you are missing out by not having this book. Have done three trips using this now.

Great book. Covers the history well and lots of explanation. A good read as well as useful information.

Wow...lots of research, great maps-EVERYTHING you need to know about the C&O. Did my ride last year from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh...Spot on, very helpful, tells you everything.