MD Trail 17 Brunswick, Gathland State Park, Kennedy Farmhouse, Harper's Ferry E bike Lovers

See the route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37411992

29.8 miles. The picnic stop is Gathland State Park (17 miles into the trail). Toilets arein the beginning, middle, and end of the trail.

Come join us for an adventurous romp around the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers (ie Harper's Ferry)!

The GPS route can be found below (30 mi, 2500 ft elevation gain) - route MD 17
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37411992

We'll start in the Marc train parking lot in Brunswick, MD. There are restrooms about 1/8 mile away on the C&O Canal.

The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up, and we typically average 12 - 15 mph.

Bring a snack or lunch and water.

Mile 0 to 11.5: Brunswick to Gathland State Park. We'll bike through old town Brunswick and take a quick stop to see a WW2 M-5 Jeb Stuart tank. Next we'll meander through the valley toward historic Burkittsville, and make our way up the biggest climb to Gathland State Park, where we'll take our first break. Gathland has a large covered picnic pavilion, and indoor restrooms.

Mile 11.5 to 16.5: Gathland to South County park. We'll enjoy some fantastic views as we coast down South Mountain on our way to our lunch stop in South County park. The park has ample shade, indoor restrooms, a covered picnic pavilion, and you may even be able to charge your battery, if the outlets are 'on' in the pavilion. Please plan accordingly, in case the power outlets are off.

Mile 16.5 to 23.5: South County park to Harper's Ferry. We'll bike some scenic back roads on our way to the C&O Canal just north of Harper's Ferry. On our way, we'll stop at the Kennedy Farmhouse, which is where John Brown staged and planned his raid on Harper's Ferry. We may travel on the same roads that John Brown did on his fateful, but historically significant, raid.

Mile 23.5 to 30: Harper's Ferry to Brunswick. There is a fantastic train bridge (built in 1893 and still in use today) with a footpath that goes from the C&O Canal, across the Potomac, to historic Harper's Ferry, WV. There are bike racks on the towpath, and a host will stay with the bikes the whole time, so this is a great opportunity to take a quick tour of Harper's Ferry.

If you don't want to visit Harper's Ferry, you are welcome to stay on the towpath and relax in the shade, or you could keep going 6 more miles on the towpath back to Brunswick. You will not need navigational aids from Harper's Ferry back to Brunswick. This section of the towpath is extremely smooth, with a fine crushed gravel surface that would be suitable for any bike tire.

If there is any interest, we can go to Smoketown Brewery in Brunswick after the ride, which is marked as a POI on the route. They have delicious in-house brews, and a small selection of food. Sometimes there is a food truck as well. They have outdoor seating, and there is a bike rack directly across the street that is visible from the outdoor seating area. You could also leave your bike with your car, as the brewery is just a short walk from the parking area.

If you aren't interested in the brewery, consider grabbing a bite to eat at Beans in the Belfry, which is an old church that has been converted into a cozy cafe.

The terrain is all paved surface, except the last 6 miles on the C&O Canal. There is a good mix of shade and open valley riding.

Food and drink suggestions:
https://www.smoketownbrewing.com/
http://www.beansinthebelfry.com/

Historical further reading:
https://americangimuseum.org/the-firs...
https://johnbrown.org/
https://www.nps.gov/hafe/learn/histor...

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