REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

A month earlier than usual, June 17-24, Rail-to-Trails Conservancy's Greenway Sojourn will be returning to one of our most popular routes: pedaling along the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage from Washington, D.C., to Pittsburgh, Pa.

You will meet & park in Pittsburgh where buses will transport you to the start of the trip on the C&O Canal in Washington DC. You will be riding west to Pittsburgh. Plan for a fun ride! 

This year the RTC has partnered with Wilderness Voyageurs (us) a professional bike tour operator to produce and manage the 2012 Sojourn.  We will be taking care of all of the on the ground logistics, and the pre-trip registration.  Please contact Wilderness Voyageurs with any & all questions regarding the Sojourn.  

If you have any questions, please call us with your details at 800-272-4141 or send us a note!

Sojourn Details                                                                                                                                               

Where to Meet?

The exact location is still being determined.  In general it will be in close proximity to downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Check- in will start at 7 AM on Sunday June, 17th.  Punctuality is crucial, because we must load riders, bikes, and luggage for a 9 AM departure. The check in location and parking and bus loading will all happen at the same place and time.  It is possible to meet us in Washington DC.  

Your Route (Click here for the detailed Itinerary)

Starting in Washington, D.C., Sojourners will pedal the scenic towpath through the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The park features many surviving locks, lock houses, aqueducts and other structures that help tell the canal’s story. Located along the route are many sites that have been integral to the development of the country: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Antietam Battlefield and restored Fort Frederick, the site of Maryland’s frontier defense in the French and Indian War.

The towpath surface consists of dirt and gravel. Most of the trail has an even surface, but expect to find

exposed tree roots and some rough spots. In wet weather this path can become very muddy. At Cumberland, Md., the route continues on the gently graded, mostly wilderness, Great Allegheny Passage. This improved crushed stone surface provides a smooth ride past friendly rural towns, sweeping mountain vistas, and the rushing Youghiogheny River. The dramatic engineering of bridges, tunnels and viaducts will wow rail-trail fans. With active rail lines often just across the river, passing trains are a reminder of the trail’s heritage.

For many more details and photos of the C & O Canal towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage, visit the Allegheny Trail Alliance’s Web site.   

Baggage & Bike Transport Bicycles will be transported on June 17 from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., via trucks.  Baggage will be transported from one overnight stop to the next via trucks. Riders only need to carry personal items during the day’s ride.  

What to Bring

Participants are limited to two bags, weighing no more than 40 total pounds. We strongly recommend durable water-resistant bags. Plastic bags or corrugated boxes will not be permitted.   

Overnight Stops

Participants will camp in tents they supply themselves. Campsites may be open fields, town parks or standard campgrounds along the route. A 20-bay shower truck with outside sinks will be available at each location. Portable restroom facilities will be at most sites. On a few nights, we will camp near town centers that offer many evening attractions. Musical entertainment, tours and lectures are planned along the route.   Comfy Campers will once again provide daily tent service for those who are interested. There is a seperate fee and registration process for these services.  Contact Comfy Campers

Cost

Adults: $975 a person.  
15 and Under:  $800

Meals

19 meals will be provided in the registration fee.

Bike Rentals

We have a limited number of bikes to rent for the Sojourn so we highly encorage you to ride your own bike. If you do not have a bike or are traveling from afar, please call us after making your reservation and we will accomodate as many people as possible.   

How to register for the Sojourn

1. You may register entirely on line by following the following link, Reserve your spot for the 2012 Greenway Sojourn  This process does require a credit card in the last step to make your reservation final.  

OR

 call Wilderness Voyageurs at 800-272-4141 to make your reservation over the phone , with a real human.

2. You will receive a confirmation following your reservation. Please open the link that says "registration form" and complete this form. Please note - every participant MUST complete their own form.  There are 2 waivers that must be electronically signed by each individual participant.

Check out more photos from the 2011 Rails to Trails Greenway Sojourn!