The canal-building industry suffered from high land costs and persistent trouble in obtaining land titles. The canal finally reached Cumberland in 1850, eight years after the railroad. Plans for further extensions to the west were abandoned. It was used until 1924, when a flood destroyed it for the second time. The Towpath is now surfaced with earth and crushed stone and ribbed with tree roots.
Heavy rains can cause temporary washouts.
Packed dirt and crushed stone surface, 6-8 feet wide. The surface may not be suitable for thin bicycle tires, particularly outside of the Capital Beltway. D.C. The starting point is within the Capital Beltway. Go three blocks to Rock Creek Parkway ramp, on left, before the Four Seasons Hotel.