C&D Canal Path Proper

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Elkton, MD - Delaware City, DE

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Route Overview

Independent Brewing/Civic Cyclery Racing (IBCC Racing)

Any surface that I can ride with 2 wheels

45 mi.

1,015 ft.

Fairly easy, low elevation ride starting in revitalized Elkton, MD out and back to Delaware City, DE mostly along the newly completed Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail

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Route Details

# Route

This route is popular among local cyclists and runners when they want to get in a flat and fast, safe ride or run. It is mostly (99%) paved route that include the total Chesapeake and Delaware Canal @slice[Trail](d,14284.47,37252.29).  It is also a fantastic introduction to the northern reaches of the [Eastern Shore](https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/special/ten-best-kept-secrets-of-the-eastern-shore) - home of pleasant roads, boating, fishing, crabs and other great seafood options.  Start and finish in Elkton, MD, where there is plenty of street and parking @poi[lots](9725819) for little to no charge.  The route is not very steep, but with the length and weather, one should be prepared for a challenging ride. It can be done year round, but the early spring is my favorite.

You will start by going through some @slice[neighborhoods](d,132.48,3346.45) in Elkton before crossing @poi[Route 40](9725817) and reaching Route 213 and heading south toward Chesapeake City - with a slight departure through @slice[Locust Point Road](d,6481.11,9584.66) and @slice[Elk Forest Road](d,9706.83,13078.93).  These sections were added to break-up riding the Rt 213 shoulder and shows the rider some pretty farm land and forest views. You will @poi[cross](9725914) Rt 213 at approximately mile 8 and enter @photo[Hemphill Street](4896214), and then Lock Street to the @poi[C&D Canal Trail Head](9725823). 
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The Canal Trail is approximately @slice[14 miles](d,14343.46,37449.48) each way, and leads you right into Delaware City. Most of the trail has a @photo[middle line](4909395), but remember to **keep right** at all times, except when passing.  Avoid riding @photo[two](4909390) or more abreast, in case other users wish to pass you in either direction.

*Watch out for dog walkers and getting clothes-lined by a leash.*

The trail is very flat, and with favorable winds can be a fast ride in one or both directions. Three small **switch-backs** to take riders around obstacles; these will be the only hills along the trail and they can sneak up on you if you are hammering in a pace line.
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Once you reach Delaware City you can chose to explore this quaint town, or immediately retrace your path back to Elkton. There are numerous options for food at both ends of the route as well as mid-route choices.  Bring stuff or a pinic and stop at one of the  beautiful @photo[views](4898596) with bench seats immediately off the trail if you wish to stop and soak in the @photo[sights](4909396).  There are several historic sites to explore if you are so inclined along the eastern end of the route; such as the @poi[African Union](9725881) @photo[Cemetery](4909388), the @poi[Fort Delaware State Park](9732156) and the @poi[Fort DuPont State Park.](9732155)

You will pass under several unique @photo[bridges](4909420) that can all serve as @photo[landmarks](4909389) as you ride along the canal:
* @poi[Summit Bridge](9726692)
* @poi[C& D Canal Lift Bridge](9726695)
* @poi[William V Roth Jr. Bridge](9726693)
* @poi[St George's Bridge](9726734) [Best/safest option for crossing the canal - it has a dedicated bike lane in both directions]
#
# Notes

* A road or triathlon bike (23-25 mm tires) would be best for this route as the road is general smooth, there are few climbs (less than 1000 ft of climbing over 45 miles) and the ones you encounter will be relatively gentle.
* **Safety issues:** With this specific route you will have to @poi[cross Route 40](9725817) and @poi[Rt 213](9725914) which can be busy.
* There is plenty of shoulder along Rt 213 towards Chesapeake City, but remain observant for natural and man made debris.
* This is almost all paved, but occasional repairs to the Canal Trail may leave exposed dirt for a few days or weeks depending on the size of the repairs.  Waves and weather may also occasionally leave debris along the canal trail so keep your head up. 
* There are parallel gravel road options on the north and southern sides of the canal that I will post as seprate rides.
#

### Enroute rest stops, repairs and fluids

* There is intermittent water at some of the rest stops (@poi[here](9725829), @poi[here](9725828) and @poi[here](9725827)) along the trail, each have composting toilets, but it is best to ensure you bring two or more bottles of fluids and count on the restaurants for refills if you need them. 
* There have also been efforts to put repair stations at these rest stops, but I recommend you bring your own spare tubes, CO2/pumps and other general repair essentials. 
#
### Options

* You could make a shorter ride by starting and finishing at @poi[Schaefer’s Canal House](9725822), immediately to the west of the trail head, but their parking lots can be slammed during the warmer months. All the rest stops listed above have parking (no fees) and can also be used as start/finish if you are looking for a shorter route option(s).
* To lengthen the ride, you can follow Route 9 north out of Delaware City ride to New Castle and enter the [Jack A Markell Trail](https://www.traillink.com/trail/jack-a-markell-trail/) all the way into Downtown Wilmington Delaware!
* Another option to consider is taking a short ferry ride to @poi[Fort Delaware State Park](9732156) where you can explore the old fort before heading back to your starting point.
* You could also head north around mile 14 and explore @poi[Lums Pond State Park](9740909). **Note:** They even have a [zip-line](https://www.destateparks.com/GoPlay/GoApe) for the really adventurous.
* Another adventurous option is to turn south on Route 9 in Del City, and cross the @poi[Reedy Point Bridge](9726694) and explore even more of the Eastern Shore.
#
### More substantial food and fluid options

* @poi[Minihane's 1853 Land & Sea](9725819) - Revamped Steak house and so much more.  Friendliest place in Cecil County.
* @poi[The Elk River Brewing Company](9725820) - Also super friendly Nano-brewery with something new to taste almost everyday.
* @poi[East Main Cafe](9725821) - An equally friendly, newly renovated  coffee shop with delicious baked goods.
* @poi[Schafer's Canal House](9725822) - A local tradition! Maryland Seafood and hospitality right on the water.
* @poi[Grain H2O](9725830) - Craft Bar and Kitchen on the water.
* @poi[Crabby Dicks](9725826) - Another seafood spectacular in historic Delaware City. 
#

### Regional Websites of interest

* [Elkton](http://www.elkton.org/), MD
* [Chesapeake City](https://chesapeakecity.com/cd-canal-recreational-trail/), MD
* Trail Maps: [Maryland](https://www.traillink.com/trail/ben-cardin-cd-canal-recreational-trail/) and [Delaware](https://www.traillink.com/trail/michael-castle-trail/)
* [Fort Delaware State Park](https://destateparks.com/History/FortDelaware)

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C&D Canal Path Proper

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