C&O Canal - Paw Paw Tunnel Reviews

We visited Paw Paw Tunnel and didn’t the trail hike in addition to walking through the tunnel.

We started off from the Campground parking lot and near the sign for mile marker 156 ventured to the left of the trail onto a trail marked Tow Path Detour. It takes a long, gradual incline up the trail. At one point we reached a fork, one trail going up the other going down and realized the lower was where the Tunnel Trail actually began, right alongside the tunnel entrance.

The top of the trail meets a parking lot off Malcolm Road and then we started the descent.

By going this way - trail first and then tunnel back - we had a steady but less steep incline. The trail down for us had several switchbacks and very steep inclines. I was glad we went down that way and not up!

At the bottom of the trail it was probably about half a mile before reaching the tunnel entrance.

The tunnel has no lights so a flashlight (cell phone flashlight for the win) is a must! The path was just wide enough for single file in each direction.

Total the out and back hike going over the tunnel was just under 5 miles.

I’m not in great shape and the trail was tough but do-able. Having a hiking pole definitely was a help!

It was a bit of a drive getting there but worth the trip. Bring a flashlight and be prepared for some dripping water on your head. There is a .5 mile flat walk along the towpath to get to the tunnel. It is dark and cold in there, has a mysterious and historical feel to it. I just used the flashlight on my phone and it was plenty. Enjoyed shining my light on the wall and we saw some bats. Then we took the Tunnel Hill Road back. Took less than 2 hours total. Be sure to bring some water. The hike is not particularly strenuous but there are some narrow and steep parts. Beautiful views of the mountains and the Potomac River.

A bit out of the way but well worth the time to find it. Very interesting bike trail and history. Need to have a flash light for walking through the tunnel. Pictures on the far side of the tunnel are terrific back drops too. Lots of wildlife and photo opportunities. Very nice.

It's about a thousand yards long, cool, wet and dark -- like the girl of my dreams. About a two-mile round trip from the lot.

We absolutely LOVED our visit here to the Paw Paw Tunnel! After reading other folks reviews, we had a pretty good idea of what to expect! Those reviews were very helpful. BRING YOUR FLASHLIGHTS!!! You will need them if you plan to walk through the tunnel. Don't rely just on the flashlight on your cell phone. The light needs to be brighter than that. From our car we walked about 10 - 15 minutes to the opening of the tunnel. It is an easy walk. My husband and I are in our 70's and we had no problems at all. The walk through the tunnel was indeed 'deceiving' as other folks had indicated. It seems the other end is closer than it actually is. Having said that though, it was totally worth the walk through and out the other side. We got our feet a little wet. Some little puddles at both ends of the tunnel. Not bad though.From parking our car and having a leisurely walk to the tunnel, through the tunnel, and walking around a bit on the other side, we walked about 2 1/2 miles in total and took just over an hour. Totally worth it if you have the time. Make sure you notice the 'colors' on the ceiling as you enter the tunnel on the far side after having walked outside on the board walk a bit. They were amazing!!

Rode the C&O bike trail from Cumberland to Washington DC. The trail was more of a mountain bike trail than a smooth bike path. as compared to the GAP trail in Pennsylvania. The sights were enjoyable to see and we all enjoyed the time we spent together.

This is a very unique experience. 2500 feet long, pitch black, really rough road surface on the narrow pedestrian path that runs alongside the canal going through the tunnel. Walk your bike - don't even think about trying to ride this. There are potholes and puddles and dips and rocks, and you can't see them. Carry a flashlight or have a strong headlight on your bike. Very cool, just take it seriously and be prepared!

If you bike, walk your bike through unless you are very good. Great place to walk through. Fun to climb up over the enterance on the north end of the tunnel. Bring your camera.

If you haven't walked through the tunnel it's definitely worth it. Make certain to bring a bright flashlight or 2.

If you are travelling this section of the C&O Canal trail you'll encounter the Pawpaw Tunnel which is about 3000' long. The canal takes up most of the tunnel and the walking path is fairly narrow through the tunnel with a hand rail on the canal side. It's very dark and you will definitely need a flashlight when walking through as the floor is uneven and has many potholes that are usually filled with water. If you are biking the trail you will want to walk your bike through carefully. Very interesting experience walking through the tunnel just use caution and a flashlight.

I'm glad it was made, but the path is very rough. You need a light to safely navigate it if riding through it. Chronically wet wood boards on eastern side are quite slippery.

The Paw Paw Tunnel is one part of the C & O Canal National Park. The canal/park/trail runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. At the nps.gov website, look for the C&O Canal Historical Park. En route, we stopped at the C&O Canal NP Visitors' Center in Hancock, MD (only open limited days, usually Fri - Sun in the summer!), and we were glad we did. Relevant to this review, the helpful volunteer steered us clear of attempting to reach the tunnel via Cumberland. Rather, the best way to access the tunnel (if that's the only segment that you're interested in) is via Berkeley Springs, WV, taking WV 9 west into MD. The tunnel access point on the trail is not far over the state line.

All 4 of us enjoyed the walk through the tunnel. It was a welcome respite, by about 15 degrees F, from the heat of summer. Truly, it is a well-preserved representation of 19th-century engineering. I can concur with points made on this thread already -- first, it is longer than it looks; second, bring a flashlight; third, if you are on a bicycle, walk it through (I, a pedestrian, almost turned my ankle a couple of times).

Although there is a 2.5-mile, steep trail that goes through the housing that the workers used during the tunnel construction, we passed on that (after some debate!). Maybe next time...

When I got there, it was alot cooler than I thought it would be. I had seen pictures of it when I was younger and the tunnel looked alot shorter then it really is. It was really cool inside but it would be nice if there were lights on the inside. I had slipped and hit my knee on the concrete and it hurt, but it is a really cool tunnel and I would recommend visiting it.

It's cold, damp and dark. Dress properly and take a flashlight! It's a long hike from the parking lot to the tunnel then a long hike through the tunnel and then you have to turn around and hike back. It's not for the faint of heart!!!

Really cool, both entrances have large steps going up either side of tunnel for photo ops! 6 Million bricks used to line the tunnel! Took 14 yrs to build! Mostly built by immigrants! BRING A GOOD FLASHLIGHT, watch your step the walkway is pressed dirt and very bumpy, with large puddles could be dangerous if one is careless but sure am glad it is not commercially lit. You would really miss out on the incredible feat here. The canal is still watered too! I can not imagine riding my bike thru here that would be really stupid! So glad we got to experience it!

We dismounted our bikes and walked through this tunnel. I would highly recommend a flashlight or headlamp. There are a few holes in the dirt path. When you get to the center of the tunnel, you can faintly see the glow at both ends. I heard that this tunnel will be closing in November 2020 for repairs that may take a year or two. There is a path over the tunnel as well.

The hike with the bikes was a bit challenging in mid-90's temperature climbing over the tunnel. Make sure to have plenty of water. I have clip on shoes so it was tough sliding up and down the path.

From parking lot to tunnel is adout .6 of a mile the tunnel is about 3200 feet long bring flashlights and a bottle of water round trip about 2 miles give or take

This territory is for the mountain bikers for sure! The trail is very narrow and grass is almost growing over it and this was back in November! At that point also the tunnel was mostly boarded up with just enough room for a biker or walker to get through. The tunnel is what a lot of bike tourists love seeing, it's beautiful around the tunnel, also one of the few tunnels on the trail that has 0 lights whatsoever, so when you go riding you best have a light with you. There is also a trail that goes over the tunnel if you don't want to ride or walk, this trail is more or less for hiking, I don't think anyone has ever biked it.

very cool but a little scary to bike through. It is dark and though I had a light it is narrow and a little rough. It's an amazing engineering feat and a gorgeous location.

Tunnel is closed now for repairs!!!!!!!!

1st time going and loved it. Was nice bike ride for the family with 7 year old. A couple of best water falls on the far side of the tunnel. Will be back!

This is part of the C&O canal and currently is quite an attraction since it is also a part of new jogging and biking path. Park your car at the main parking lot or go through the bridge and park your car at the boat launching area. If you don't care to go through, just go out to the boat launching are to see the good view of the Potomac River.

I always like this tunnel. Especially thinking about the number of canal boats that had to travel through it to create the rope burns that are on the railings inside it. The lead up to it on the east end is fascinating.

This is a wonderful old canal tunnel on the C&O Canal, adding a bit of spookiness, a bit of history, and a bit of relief. Coming upon the tunnel on a hot day biking, it welcomes a wonderfully cool and dark place to cool off. It's dark and narrow in the passage though, and can be slippery, so be careful and watch for people coming the other way, especially on bike. Stop for a minute and check out the brickwork inside, shine your light into the water and see if you find any surprises. Enjoy.

The Tunnel was cut through a mountain for the C&O Canal and Towpath. It's fun to walk through it - it is very well maintained. You can hike back to the parking area over the mountain, which will provide amazing views of the Potomac River and surrounding mountains. There are also some ruins of the workers' village to be seen. The area is maintained by the National Park service, and has good parking, picnic tables, and port-a-johns. If you are planning to walk or bike along the towpath, this can be a good staging area - the canal goes through some remote areas on the DC area of Paw Paw and the towpath won't be as crowded as it can get in Cumberland.
There are no vending machines but you are just across the river from the tiny little town of Paw Paw WV if you need supplies from the convenience store there.
For those of us who are closer to armchair warriors rather than fitness fanatics, this is a great place to explore - you can see a lot with a mild walk or take a more strenuous hike over the mountain.

The parking lot for the Paw Paw Tunnel; C & O Canal National Historic Park is right off 51. It’s about a 30 min drive from Cumberland MD. At the trailhead you pick up the C & O Tow Path at mile marker 156.2 and head north to the Paw Paw Tunnel. The Paw Paw Tunnel itself is lined with bricks six deep. At 3,118 feet it was the second longest canal tunnel ever built in the US. It took nearly 14 years to complete. The entrance to the tunnel is 0.6 mi from the parking lot. When I reached the southern entrance to The Paw Paw Tunnel I hiked up the Mnt and came back through the Paw Paw Tunnel from the north side; it's about a 5 mile loop. What a nice hike. The Paw Paw Tunnel is very cool; literally. I was there on July 1st and it was mid 90s outside, but deep inside the tunnel is was moist and cool. North of the center is the wettest part of the tunnel; water is seeping through the ceiling there. I didn't have a flash light; so once inside the tunnel it's a little spooky; especially at the center. It's really dark inside. I was alone and didn't encounter anyone; so that added to the spookiness. :) While walking through the tunnel it is was really quite; except for the water dripping. I didn't encounter any critters inside so I wouldn't worry about that. The Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail is fairly strenuous, but a really nice hike. Once I reached the top; which is the crest of the Sorrel Ridge, I actually had cell service. While ascending the south side there are really nice views of the Potomac River, Paw Paw, WV and an old railroad trestle. The south side is the most strenuous. The northern side of the Mnt travels along what seems an old road and is a bit more level than the southern side. After traveling south through the Paw Paw Tunnel I decided to go back up to the top of the Sorrel Ridge to call the family :) What a great choice. It was about an hr from sunset and the forest was really quite. While standing at the top resting; I saw a Mother White tail deer and her fawn come up the Tunnel Hill Rd; very cool. It was a great time of day to be up there. While traveling back down to parking lot I saw a couple more white tails. Really enjoyed this hike; highly recommend both the Paw Paw Tunnel itself and the Tunnel Hill Trail.

When we came upon the Paw Paw Tunnel I was hit with a wave of fear. I am a bad claustrophobic and have difficulty in such instances. The tunnel is over 1/2 miles long and completely unlit. The path is not level but safe and I believe accommodates one directional passenger at a time. Just shine your bright light on the hand rail and go. At the end we were greeted by two feet deep of leaves - soaked puddle that drenched our feet so be aware. Do not forget a headlight or good flashlight!

We hiked the trail above the tunnel and went back through the tunnel. The trail is pretty hard but definitely worth your time. The tunnel was so interesting, both from historical and engineering point of view. Make sure you have a flash light with you and watch your steps in the tunnel. There were puddle which you can't see because it's pitch black about half way in the tunnel.

Seems to be cool in there most of the time. It is an amazing piece of history! Flashlight is a must it's longer than you think!

Walk your bike, as the signs say, and a light is recommended. This is a fun adventure into the past of the C&O Canal

This is one of my favorite destinations when I need to get away and take a hike. I enjoy the long windy road out there and the exhilarating traverse through the dark tunnel and the hiking trail up and overtop the tunnel.
This is a small portion of the C&O Canal that anyone can sample. Just park in the designated parking area that is located next to a large picnic area with grills and a large grassy area next to the Shenandoah River. Follow the signs to the Tunnel Trail/ C&O Canal and take a stroll enjoying the nature and history involved. Once you get to the tunnel itself you may want to bring out your flashlights, but I choose to go without just because it's such a thrill. After you walk through the tunnel you can keep walking the C&O canal toe path or venture up the hiking trail about 500 feet beyond the tunnel exit. It's quite a steep hike and I always get out of breath climbing to the top. Once it levels out the views are beautiful before you ascend the other side. The trail ends just at the beginning of the tunnel and you can head back to your car for a fun drive home!
Expect this venture to last a few hours if you take the trail up and over and bring a snack and lots of water since there is no food or water sources nearby.. unless you like gas station food. =)

It is nice to see something so momentous within easy walking distance.
Walk or bike or push your wheelchair along the path that was hand dug over a hundred years ago. Imagine the immigrants working long days in hot humid muggy summers or cold and windy winters with hand tools for long days.

Look at a tunnel that was hand dug before electricity and before computers and gps. Just amazing. And visit in different seasons...spring looks different from summer and winter. Fall is a favorite but I like winter because you can see farther into the forest without all the leaves.

Who would have imagined that this amazing tunnel was tucked away waiting to tell its fascinating story. I rode the C&O Canal and that is the only reason I knew this was here and I must say I was completely impressed. To imagine the people that built this tunnel has to humble you and make you appreciate what it took to settle in the early United States.

If you're going to walk the tunnel, bring a flash-light and be patient. It's dark and a narrow path!

We really enjoyed our afternoon at the tunnel. Then drove to the Alpine Village a short drive away for dinner. Very nice day. We wanted to walk back over the top of the tunnels and got lost. The path over the top is well marked at the start but if you walk through the tunnel first and would like to go over the top back, it's not marked well at all.

this is really cool, a tunnel through a mountain for a canal (there are also bridges on the C&O that carried the canal over rivers- imagine that, a bridge to carry a boat over a river)... the tunnel is very rocky, so watch you step, twist an ankle and medical help is quite distant for the eastern us. bring more than one light source, even in bright daylight the middle of tunnel is quite dark... while here travel along the rest of the river/canal for many historical points and scenic views

We didn't do the full hike over the tunnel since we had a little one in the stroller. We just went through the tunnel and back and it was pretty cool! Definitely make sure you bring a flashlight and wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty. There is a nice waterfall at the end of the tunnel that is great for photos!

Hiking to the tunnel is beautiful...bring a flash light....great for kids as well....hoping to see more of the C & O Canal soon.

Rode the canal from Cumberland to Harpers Ferry on a 3 day trip a couple of weeks ago for the first time. On previous visits I just hiked, but decided to see as much of the canal as I could on my bike. The trail is A LOT of fun, but it can be a little strenuous in places. Paw Paw was one of the sights I wanted to see and well worth the peddle. I reached it towards the end of day 1. Very unimposing, it sits back a little and the entrance is relatively small. The tunnel itself is LONG. 3,119 feet to be precise. It takes about 15 minutes to get from one end to the other. If you have a bike, walk it!! The path is a narrow ledge (about 4' wide) next to the canal, but there is a railing for safety. You may also feel a little more comfortable with a flashlight or your bike light on. Once you've walked a couple hundred feet in it gets very dark, very quickly!! Once you're towards the middle, darkness will literally drown out a weak light such as my bikes whimpy Micro light. Either end of the tunnel is a small little bit of sunlight and looks about 6 inches wide when you're in the very middle and NONE of that light reaches you. The brighter the bulb you have, the better. The path gets bumpy and slick due to the lime sediment from water dripping from above, so be careful. If you have a fear of the dark or confined spaces then this is NOT for you. There is a trail that follows the tunnel from above. However, I have no idea how long it takes or how long it is. If you visit, keep in mind the decades, lives and obstacles this tunnel took to complete. Also, if you can count how many bricks line the tunnel, the beer is on me!! Enjoy, it's a really neat place to experience.

My husband and I enjoyed our ride through the tunnel. We purchased headlights for our bikes which definitely made the ride easier. We have passed through the tunnel twice as we completed the entire C & O towpath trail, over a 5 year period. A must see!

I did the C&O solo by myself. Started from Foggy Bottom the day after Labor Day 2016. Someone that had done the trail before mandated that I bring a light for my bike which I did. Riding through this tunnel alone in the dark with just a bike light is an experience never forgotten. Walk? Ride? I rode but the surface is wavy and has to be taken at a slow pace. Wait for on comers to finish before you start. You can walk your bike with an opposing traveler but it would be difficult to ride past one another. I only stopped near the beginning to adjust my headlight and the other end is just a small point of light. An erie experience but very memorable. Do it...

If you have the time, this is a great little hike to see some history and get an interesting view of the river and the canals.

This tunnel has signs every where to walk your bike. Listen! I am experienced at riding in tunnels, had a light on my bike, but lost my balance as the tunnel is very narrow and bumpy and scraped my hand on the wall and did some major damage.

Loved the Paw Paw tunnel. It's amazing. Only a few people were around when we were there which just added to the experience. It's very deceptive. You can see the other end and, even though you know it's long, it doesn't feel that way. Until you get further and further into the tunnel and your eyes, even with a flashlight, start to play tricks on you. It's so dark. The path is a little uneven. It's quiet. Stop and shine your flashlight on the brickwork. It's amazing to think that the entire thing was built by hand. The railing is worn smooth in spots from the tow ropes. It's just one of those places that you need to see.

This tunnel doesn't appear to be very long, but looks are deceiving. The tunnel path is in the best shape I have seen in a very long time. There are minimal puddles. However, TAKE A FLASHLIGHT....DO NOT depend upon your phone to light the way. It is very dark. There is about an 8 foot drop to the canal, but the railings are stable.

I rode my bike through this amazing tunnel. A bit scary, but felt accomplished when I came out the other side. There is historic significance to the tunnel, so be sure to read all about it.

We had a great time exploring the tunnel and the area. You can find the parking area off of Rt 9 a few miles west of Berkeley Springs West Virginia. The turnoff is easy to miss, once you pass the sign for the tunnel, there is a small road next to a bridge where you should turn. Plenty of parking in the lot, free. Walk up the path to the trail and it’s about 1/2 mile to the tunnel, there are lots of signs pointing out the direction. Tunnel is cool, need a light, we used our cellphones and that was fine.

One mile of darkness is longer and more exciting than you might think. Loved the silence of the tunnel and the drip of water. Bring a flashlight!

Fun and interesting visit to the tunnel. Flashlights are a must. Wet areas and puddles along the path inside the tunnel. Great small waterfalls flowing on the east side of the tunnel due to recent rain. Also hiked OVER the tunnel on the paw-paw trail. Nice views from up above. Strenuous climb so you must be in shape to hike it.

Like much of the C&O Canal, the Tunnel scales back in the winter time, when large...corks? doors? wooden closures?...are placed at the openings. This isn't without good reason - helps preserve temps and conditions inside, but it's harder to see and appreciate what's going on inside. Overall, I'm a big fan of the Canal Trail, so this isn't a recommendation to avoid it, just a suggestion to time your visit, if possible. The history of the place is still great, and the natural setting is even better.

This is a very pristine part of Maryland, returned to the wild, but the path is well kept. Wonderful flowers and wildlife. We rode our hybrid bikes and can't wait to do it again.

Tunnel was interesting, fascinating history. Tunnel trail at end was our intention ... read good things about it. WE GOT SO LOST! Very poor signage. Followed a well traveled trail which eventually disappeared :-( We walked about 3 miles into the woods then ended up turning around and walking the 3 miles back to go back through the tunnel. We saw a sign on the way back, on the back of a tree, that indicated we had been well outside the park limits. Talked to other folks who had experienced the same thing. It was deer hunting season and our trek could have ended very badly.

Amazing experience to walk thru this tunnel 3/4 of mile in dark. Wear headlamp or have excellent flashlight. Beware of holes in path and other people on path who are not prepared. Can be scary for children.

The tunnel is one of the highlights of the trail. You can feel the cool air as you approach. Great place for photo ops. Be careful as you go through...

Very interesting walk. Long but not difficult.

Things to think about:
You really want a flashlight. With our smart phones we were able to walk safely but the light was insufficient to see detail in the walls or water.

There will be water along the pathway. We were able to mostly step around it you should probably wear shoes that you don't care if they get wet.

Be mindful of your flashlight beam. Even the small light on your smart phone will blind people whose eyes have adjusted to the darkness if you shine it directly into their face.

If you can't make it to the other end of the tunnel WITHOUT a cigarette you probably shouldn't even try. The air hangs heavy in the tunnel.

A fun part of a bike ride on the C&O.
Flashlights are a must. Exciting to walk through this historic tunnel.

I'd recommend for the adventurous. Not for anyone clausterphobic, or afraid of dark places. Also watch out for the bikes. Each person in the party needs to carry a flashlight with fresh batteries so they can see and be seen.

Didn't look that long, but it did take a while to go through. WALK your bike, the surface is very irregular.

If you want to try a unique hike, this is it. As the info states, its 3118 feet long. That didnt sound long to me until I walked it with co-workers. You definitely need a cell phone light at minimum.

We visited here on Sunday for something to do outside because the weather was so nice. We enjoyed the trip thru the tunnel but it was very dark and wet in spots and hard to see (cell phone flashlight came in handy) It's amazing how much work by hand was done to build this. When we got to the other side we were happily surprised with a waterfall coming off the hillside from all the rain the day before.

This is a great place to visit history. By walking though ,it takes you back in time.You can almost feel what it was like to have the canal boats many years ago.

Bring a serious set of flashlights. It's dark, damp, muddy, and windy, but well worth it. Kinda creepy.

My wife collects the NPS stamps and we visited the entire C&O canal stops. The Paw Paw tunnel was built to cut about 6 miles of bendy river travel out of the route. Its pretty impressive to see.

We went to this park with my daughter and two grandkids, walked inside the long tunnel and had a a great little picnic. Our picnic site was very close to the river bank

Very interesting piece of history. This tunnel is 3,118 ft. long and when you first enter the tunnel it doesn't seem too long but we timed our walk and it was about 14 minutes to walk through. I cannot emphasize enough that you need a flashlight. We used the flashlight settings from our phones and it worked but next time around, we will definitely bring something brighter! We parked at the Paw Paw Campground and it was half a mile to the entrance. There is a trail that goes around it but warning signs saying it was a steep and strenuous 2 miles and to have proper equipment (we were not wearing hiking boots and the day was wet so we didn't do it). Would definitely do it again next time we are out that way!

We were staying in an Airbnb, not far from here. We (5 grands from 11-16, grandpa and myself) did this 2 different times, and had fun each time. we all took flashlights as it gets pretty dark the closer to the middle of the tunnel that you get. We just enjoyed being together, walking and talking as we went. Saw a snake a couple different times, but the beauty of it was worth even my seeing the snake, which I hate.

Riding the c&o canal from Cumberland to Washington is a must and the beautiful scenery and river shots along the way are amazing. The hotels and b&b are awesome and the Bavarian inn exceeded expectations. One can take the train with your bike from Washington to Cumberland and spend the night in Cumberland a wonderful town, then head back to Washington on your bike . Along the way you go through the paw paw tunnel and it is awesome. Would recommend the Fairfield inn in Cumberland , visiting fort Frederick, trail inn in Hancock, and the Bavarian inn is a must in shepherds town

This is a great place for an easy walk and to see a piece of history.

Make sure you take a flashlight. You may not need it, but the path has some uneven surfaces so you may want it to see it better.

This is a true American engineering masterpiece not to be missed. Worth the time and trouble to get there by bike or car or on foot from Paw Paw nearby.

184 mies to Georgetown, DC. Pleasant path along the canal. Some shade, picnic areas along path. At the start there is a bike rental store, and a coupe of small, pleasant restaurants.

I'm so glad I read the reviews on this tunnel before going, or I may not have realized how crucial a flashlight is in order to safely and fully enjoy this old architectural marvel. Without light I would not have seen the different colors in the bricks, the markers in the middle and the airshafts, and I surely would have stumbled on the uneven walkway. The walk from the parking lot to the tunnel is short but picturesque, especially at this time of year as the leaves are changing colors on the trees. The walk through the tunnel itself is amazing when you keep in mind how it was built. The darkness of the tunnel makes it just a tiny bit spooky, but in a fun way. We were a little disappointed that the Paw Paw Falls (just outside the far end of the tunnel) were really only a small trickle, but maybe they are better in the early spring. We will just have to go back and see. Also, there has been a (recent?) large land/rock slide shortly after the far exit of the tunnel on the left, so you need to be extra careful on that part of the trail. I don't know if the park service cleans those kinds of things up, but I hope so, as it seems to be blocking some of the water flow. This was definitely worth a visit and will receive a return visit from us.

Quick decision to break up a trip, dropped off the road to the parking lot. Nice walk to the tunnel along the old canal, LOTS of frogs talking, late afternoon. The tunnel is really interesting, be aware that I'm an engineer, but really neat! Used my cell phone light, no issues, nice and cool in the tunnel. Pretty small waterfall on the opposite end, worth going all the way through.

It's really cool that this engineering was done almost 200 years ago and can still be used today. I mean, there are a lot of similar pieces of transportation infrastructure elsewhere in the world that need to be retired much sooner than that!

But, speaking as a bicyclist, the towpath would benefit from some resmoothing or repaving. It's very bumpy and even with a headlamp I couldn't see all the bumps and potholes. If the towpath roadbed here were smoother you could probably ride your bike through the tunnel. As it is, even walking it is annoying.

All in all it's really cool. It's just old infrastructure and the National Parks Service hasn't done a great job of maintaining it.

Such a incredible bit of history close to the city of Cumberland, Maryland. Definitely make time to walk the entire length of the tunnel and back, but be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Watch your step as the ground along the towpath is uneven and eroded in places.

This tunnel punches a canal and its towpath 3/5 of a mile through a solid rock mountain. The fact that it was completed in 1829 using black powder, mules, pick and shovel is simply amazing! It is part of the C&O Canal N.P. The towpath allows walkers and cyclists a chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and peaceful woodlands along the Potomac in one of the most otherwise congested sections of our country. The inside of the tunnel is pitch black. There are many mud puddles, dripping walls, potholes and other very rough spots. There is a handrail, but DO NOT RIDE your bike through here, or you risk injury. The dark is disorienting even with a bright flashlight, and the footing is treacherous even if you are pushing your bike through. Take your time and meditate on what persistence our forbears had while constructing this marvel with only the most primitive tools. Remember, this canal was George Washington's idea! Imagine that!

This is one of the top 2 or 3 places on the C&O canal. The tunnel itself is a fascinating optical illusion as it seems to get longer as you enter it. Make sure you bring a flashlight, you won't think you need it until it is too late and be aware that it will be cold in the tunnel and your feet will get wet.. The surrounding area has excellent hiking and the C&O itself is an annual destination for me. Highly recommend for a day trip, might be a bit tough with young kids as the tunnel could be upsetting.

Our family of four with two teens enjoyed our visit. We walked through the tunnel and then took the trail over the hill and the tunnel. I forgot the name. It was about 3-4 miles total. It said it was strenuous but we didn’t think so. We enjoyed it. The ports potty was very clean and I was thankful for that. Beautiful view from the top of the hill.

The tunnel was interesting and fun. This was a great diversion on a road trip to Pittsburgh. The tunnel was refreshingly cool and probably feels great on a hot day (although the weather was unusually chilly when I visited). It was interesting to read about the construction of the tunnel, look at the weathered bricks, and think about all of the hands that touched those bricks during construction. Really a cool stop and well worth it.

Not for the claustrophobic. Bring a strong flashlight and walk your bike. Floor is uneven. Watch for oncoming hikers and bikers.

Long, long tunnel, a flashlight is needed to enjoy the almost mile long walk through the tunnel. The tunnel is located right past Paw Paw, W,Virginia on the Maryland side.

beautiful trail, beautiful views, some rough areas and loose gravel, all pretty flat, paved Western Maryland Rail Trail is an option from 2 miles south/east of Little Orleans to 2 miles north/west of Fort Frederick; plenty of water and hiker/biker camp sites along the way; people will help you get your loaded bike up the spiral staircase to Harpers Ferry

It's a tunnel - long and dark. Both ends were boarded up except for the bike path entrance at each end - take a flashlight.

The PAW PAW tunnel was part of the adventure of the GAP / C&O ride. If I took the time, might have hiked one way and biked the other. Must bring light and walk bike - very dark in tunnel and you do not want to crash and fall into the canal.

Would not have made a special trip from far to visit though.

What an amazing place this is! Go & see it ... but take a minute or two to read it's history online first. The interpretive signage there isn't able to scrape the surface of the history of this place - once you read about it's history, struggles, cost and consequences, you will be awe-struck when you walk through it and think about it all and what went into it. Don't miss it, take your camera too. Wildlife, serenity, beauty & history on the C&O right next to the Potomac.

Definitely check out this tunnel when in the area.

Be sure to bring a flashlight with you -- there are many puddles on the path, especially near the western entrance to the tunnel, and there's nothing quite like planting your foot completely in a puddle in patch darkness.

A real marvel of engineering for its time.

The 1/2 mile tunnel is mostly dry and cool and feels really good on a hot summer day. The cement path is along one side of the brick tunnel, and you will have people coming from the opposite direction right next to you or possibly people passing you from behind. The path is "flat" but uneven with some areas that dip down that you could twist an ankle in or step wrong off the higher pavement if you don't have a flashlight. A metal guardrail protects you from falling into the canal. A few areas were a little muddy from the water dripping down the tunnel. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is is farther than it appears.

We brought a good head lantern but a flash light would work fine too.

In the time of COVID-19 in June 2021, no one was wearing a mask since it was outside. You are passing within a foot of other people, and I was wondering how good the air flow was 500 - 800 feet in the tunnel, since I did not feel any breeze. We had about a dozen people pass us from the other direction and no one wore a mask and many people said "hi." I am vaccinated and didn't get sick, so I guess it was okay, but if you are unvaccinated or more cautious, then bring a mask.

We were camping in Green Ridge State Forest. We started from Tunnel Hill up on the mountain at the Tow Path detour parking lot on Green Ridge State Forest. We parked at the wrong parking lot (not the tunnel parking lot further down) and the dirt roads were very rutted with water going down further so we were a bit worried we would get stuck even with an SUV.

We started the trail from the parking lot at 900 feet. We walked down around 250-300 feet down the path. At the bottom on the left was a dip and a bridge. Turn left to the tunnel. The right was to the parking lot we thought we were going to but it looked much further than we hiked.

It took about 30 minutes for us to walk down the mountain trail to the tunnel. It was a nice hike looking down at the trees and river at times. (Note for the not so in-shape: It took me an hour to go back up the mountain trail, since I was stopping so often to catch my breath).

You need good traction on your shoes - not rocky but some areas of loose pebbles and you are walking down a mountain.

Short level walk to entrance. Porta potties at parking lot and near entrance to tunnel. You can bike or walk. Must walk your bike through tunnel. Wet puddles be careful and bring a flashlight. Walk way not totally smooth. After the tunnel there is some nice rock formations to view and some water in the canal. Nice way to spend a morning.

It was very cool to cycle through this original tunnel from the old railway. Its a good idea to make sure you have lights on your bike, though I did not and did not have too much difficulty.

This is a must do . Don't try it without lights. Very disorderienting.
We tried to ride thru on our bikes but decided not to risk it after about 200 ft into it

This is a fun bike ride but it is bumpy and narrow. I would not take younger children through on bikes but they would be fine to walk. You need a flashlight because the middle part is quite dark.

Hadn't been for years, glad we went back. Boys enjoyed it! They were amazed by the history on the signs, all done by hard working men not machines. Didn't appreciate that when I was younger. Hope to go again this summer~

Loved hiking this trail trying to envision it when it was in operation with animals towing the boats down the canal. Was neat to walk through the tunnel on the trail and immerse myself in what was the lifeblood of transportation prior to the railroad.

I appreciated the history lesson about the tunnel, the stonework at the open entrance, and the views from the bypassing ridge trail.

The east / north end of the C&O trail out of the tunnel is closed so it is not possible to bike the tunnel until work on the rock walls at that end is completed. The bypass foot trail is an attractive and somewhat steep path over the top of the ridge that the tunnel goes through.

Signs warn that the bypass path is steep and footing is poor in places. Important to have good footwear for this and step carefully, particularly if it has rained recently.

I hope to live long enough for the trailwork to be completed so I can bike through this tunnel. The C&O trail is wonderful for biking or flat walking.

We drive through Paw Paw on our way from Virginia to Washington, PA. This is a pleasant stop at the National Park. From the parking lot, you can do the hike in about an hour, round trip. When we got there, the tunnel floor was very wet, and lots of dripping water overhead. We weren't dressed for going through the tunnel, but it was a nice little hike up to it and very picturesque. If you bring bikes, there is a 6 mile bike trail. Also a more challenging 2 mile hike over the tunnel. Ideas: bring a flashlight, bug spray, wide brimmed hat or even a small umbrella and shoes with good traction. And of course, a camera!

We decided to hike in this area and enjoyed the approximately 3.5 to 4 mile loop. From the parking lot at the campgrounds we walked towards the tunnel and just before the entrance we followed the tunnel trail to the right. We climbed along the river with excellent views, then headed inland thorough a nice forest. As we approached an old road at the top of the hill, there were trail markings to guide us through any confusing areas, then there were some interpretive signs for the remainder of the trail. These pointed out nature as well as information about the working conditions for the laborers who built the tunnel. At the end of the trail we made a left onto the tow path and soon came to a boardwalk. The scenery with the rock faces on each side was outstanding. As we approached the tunnel I got out my headlamp and we walked through the tunnel which was quite long. The uneven areas and mud puddles were no big deal but I agree with all the poster s that each person should have a bright light as it is very dark. Emerging through the tunnel we returned to the towpath and 0.6 miles back to the parking lot. This is an enjoyable hike with some mild to moderate vertical rise ( no more than 400 feet) and easy terrain.

We were unsure what we were getting into when we arrived but fell in love views once we were there. The history of the tunnel was interesting but we were amazed by the beauty and engineering. A flashlight is recommended through the tunnel but a cellphone camera light will suffice. The optional trail was a very steep 3 miles with amazing views but will be a lot of work for people not in good shape.

The experience of Riding or walking your bike through the paw paw tunnel is a function of the weather. We had a very nice weather day. Read the signs on the west side of the tunnel explains how & why it was built, very interesting. You walk through on a walkway with a railing (where the donkeys would have walked) the canal itself through the tunnel is below the walkway and filled with water the day we went through. We used headlamps which was very helpful to see the ground under our bike wheels.

Beautiful and very impressive structure. Even more amazing when you consider when and how it was built. If you're biking, you'll need to walk the path. The east end of the tunnel leaves you in a ravine that is a beautiful hike. We're planning to go back for a longer trip so we can hike the path over the top of the tunnel, hike the ravine to the river, then come back through the tunnel.

Rode this trail from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown for our honeymoon. OK, we were spoiled after riding the GAP previously, but really! Riding over tree roots, mud puddles, potholes and rocks was not easy! First day, the longest, till you get to civilization, about 60 miles. We stayed at B&B. Poorly marked. They don't allow advertising. Thank goodness we came upon someone right by Uncle Bill's Place. We were hungry and wet. We would have never known about the place if it wasn't for that man. I'm glad we experienced it once, but we will NEVER ride it again. Very remote, slow going.....good luck.

If you are a transportation history buff, or love impressive engineering feats, you must go to Paw Paw. To realize this was built all by hand over 150 years ago is mind boggling - running a canal through the middle of a mountain is pretty much unthinkable, even today. Yes it is dark (take a flashlight), yes it is damp and a bit muddy (wear sturdy shoes), yes there are a few bats (ignore them and they will ignore you), and no you shouldn't try to ride your bicycle through the tunnel (walk it like the signs say). But even if you aren't a through hiker/biker on the canal path it is well worth the half mile flat walk from the parking lot to experience this bit of history.

There is a dangerous wood bridge outside the tunnel that is raised off the trail - important to dismount bike and walk over this bridge.

Wear boots and dont look at the walls because there are bats there. Take a good flashlight! It is an amazing thing to see and appreciate what went in to building it

I had heard of the Paw Paw Tunnel but always believed it was a rail tunnel, presumably for the B & O Railroad. After parking my car in a lot, we walked about 1/4 to a half mile and I discovered it was actually a waterway tunnel built as part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. We started in without flashlight and the length appeared to be less than it actually is. The walkway is along the old towpath, protected from the canal by a wooden railing. At times the path was a bit wet with puddles that can be avoided if you bring along a flashlight.. The tunnel is actually more than a half mile long and seems longer if you're in the dark with nothing but a stream of light coming in from both ends. . Instead of returning by the same route, we walked about a quarter mile beyond the exit to a sign that poiunted to an over mountain trail. The sign warns that the hike is steep and strenuous, but we found it to be a beautiful way to get away from it all and commune with nature. While steep, anyone in fairly good shape should be able to make the hike. It makes for a nice contrast to repeating the return wlak back through the tunnel.

So scary! So dark! Such a bumpy ride! Take a light! If you cannot see well in the dark....walk your bike! Did I say that it was very bumpy?
Look for a paw paw to eat!

Most interesting to see how the canals worked, and what life was like for canallers. Museum was informative and the walk around the old canal was enjoyable.

We read about the history of this tunnel and had to check it out while we were in town, glad we did. It was very interesting to see that this was built by hand, and knowing it took 40 years - WOW! Take a flashlight!! Its very dark in the middle and the path inside is very uneven so your knees will feel it at the end. We did not venture too far off the walkway so not sure how far the path continued to go. The cyclist coming through as we were walking towards the exit were great, they were walking their bikes towards the wall to allow us plenty of room to get by and let us know there were two more behind them. We really appreciated that. Thanks guys! Overall very cool place to see.

This is a part of American history! Come prepared with good walking shoes and a flashlight. Be careful...bikers often ignore the warniings to walk their bikes through the tunnel.

I walked my bike through the tunnel, the ground was uneven, wet and dark, everything a tunnel should be;) I had a light on my bike and one on my head, seemed to be sufficient, the coolness of the air in the tunnel was a relief from the hot day.

If you're hiking or biking through the tunnel be sure and bring a light. It's so dark that in the middle you can't see the light at each end.

It's worth the time to check this out for the historical value. Reading the signs is helpful, but watch for a time when Canal guides lead tours. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

The tunnel was completely open all the way through even though there will still signs indicating that the west entrance was closed and through traffic to go over the hill It's impressive given that it was completed in 1850. It took about an hour to walk from the parking lot to the west side of the tunnel and back. Looks are deceiving. When you first enter the tunnel you can see the other side and it doesn't seem very far. It is quite dark in the center of the tunnel, but on a bright sunny day it wasn't pitch black. You definitely need a flashlight, however.

So first: the area is under construction due to landslides which means that you can enter and walk through the tunnel but that you have to turn around and walk back out the way you came instead of continuing on to the trail.

I really enjoyed this tunnel and this hike. I had a headlamp in preparation. I couldn't imagine doing this hike without some type of light.

It's a unique experience inside as it feels like you're in a cave walking along the path. There are mushrooms growing and even some water dripping throughout.

The floor is a bit uneven, so be careful with that.

Once you leave the tunnel the way you came there is a trail that goes up the side and goes over the tunnel and back towards the campground parking lot. Some nice views from up there too!

I would definitely recommend this hike.

The aw Paw was a highlight of the C&O towpath ride (other than the great falls). It's long dark and a bit scary to go through (don't forget a light!)

We walked through the tunnel and back. VERY interesting experience. I echo earlier reviewers - a flashlight or headlamp is a must...for several reasons. First, some bikers don't heed the warning to walk through the tunnel. If you aren't carrying a flashlight, they won't see you until they almost run over you. Even though we were carrying a flashlight and thus at least minimally visible, we almost got mowed down by a guy in a Lance Armstrong shirt and (separately) a pack of boyscouts. (What would Lance do? NOT be an inconsiderate menace, I'd bet!) Second, the flashlight is criticial if you are at all interested in looking at the construction of the tunnel. Third, about half-way through the tunnel there is a damp section which is growing baby stalagtites from the ceiling. Pretty neat stuff. Fourth, sections of the path are uneven. Without a flashlight, you could easily trip and fall.

In all, definitely a unique experience. And, the air inside is about 10 degrees cooler than outside so was a refreshing walk on a warm day!

Just outside of the little village of Paw Paw, Maryland is a man-made manufacturing feat. The Paw Paw tunnel on the now-defunct C&O (Chesapeake & Ohio) Canal system is a sight to see. This "hand-dug" tunnel has plenty of history for all the history buffs and is located in beautiful scenery. There is a half-mile walk along the original tow-path to the tunnel, from the nearest parking area, but the crushed gravel path is wide and level. The walk to the tunnel is pleasant through wooded areas and glimpses of the Potomac river can be seen through the trees. According to several websites, since this is part of the National Park System, Park Rangers provide tours--usually on Sundays. The tunnel itself is touted as one of the "Wonders of the World" since it is the largest man-made structure on the historic canal itself--and all built by blasting powder, hand and mules in the mid-1800's. The tunnel is deceptively long at 3,118 feet (950 m). It is mostly dry but with occasional drips and resultant mud-puddles. It is a unique experience to walk in this drippy blackness, knowing that there is a canal of water next to you and although you can see the light at the end of the tunnel, it seems to take forever to get there! Luckily there is a wooden rail to keep you from inadvertently walking into the canal and the tow-path is well-maintained. Once out on the other side, it is a sight to see the loose shale "cliffs" on each side of the canal as well as man's attempts to prevent the shale from sliding down on the canal and path.

Take good shoes--that you wouldn't mind getting a bit muddy--and a flashlight. Be prepared to meet many bicyclists as this is part of a fairly popular biking trail. There is a primitive campground on the Paw Paw side if you would like to spend more time in this area.
recommended websites:
http://www.berkeleysprings.com/tunnel.htm
http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGN153-010
http://www.ehow.com/how_4489362_explore-paw-paw-tunnel-maryland.html

To get there:
Follow WV Route 9 south, then west from Berkeley Springs. Pass through the small town of Paw Paw, West Virginia, then cross the Potomac into Maryland. Route 9 becomes Route 51. Just after crossing the river, watch for a well-marked turnoff to the trailhead for the Paw Paw Tunnel.

My wife and I walked the trail from the parking lot to the tunnel, then did the round trip in the tunnel (about 6200) feet. Yes, we did have to use our cell phone flashlights. The floor was a little uneven, but it wasn't too bad, and there is a pretty sturdy guardrail.

Even today, building a tunnel like this, with modern equipment would be tricky. I'm kind of amazed that people with just primitive tools built this between 1836 and 1850.

We went to the Paw Paw Tunnel on Sunday August 21.

The walk from the parking lot to the actual tunnel is about 6 tenths of a mile according to the sign. The walk is easy though, very flat as it goes along the canal bank.

The canal is mostly dried up, you can see the river on the right, nice view through the trees.

The tunnel is interesting, be sure to bring along a flashlight. We didn't have one and you could see enough to walk through, but you could not see the puddles of water.

One weekend there are guided ranger tours twice a day through the tunnels at 1:30 and I think 3:30 but the last weekend was the week before. I would have like to have had a guided tour, oh well, maybe next time!

If you want to go over the tunnel you can but the sign said it's a not an easy hike and is about 2.1 miles to go over the tunnel.

Back at the parking lot there are only portable toilets and the one I used was really nasty, had I been a woman would have had to try another. There are picnic tables also but looks like you are supposed to have a permit. Only one was being used though by a group of boy scouts. There was also a picnic table at the tunnel and a pump for water at the tunnel too that worked. Didn't drink it but came in handy when my granddaughter got mud on her legs.

All in all, a nice walk, and you get to take a walk back in time through history. Not a bad way to spend a few hours on a Sunday Afternoon!

This is an awesome place to checkout with kids. I have been there lots of times with scouts and I always look forward to it. Don't forget your flashlight!.

The tunnel is great fun, and can be traversed safely. I rode, slowly, holding a flashlight in my hand in addition to my bike light - there is no tunnel lighting. Other riders walked their bikes, and if I'd encountered another rider I'd definitely have dismounted. Don't miss this!

My wife and I have cycled the C&A three times and going thru this tunnel is always a high light. It is incredible to think about the engineering and all the labor involved to get this tunnel done back in the day. A treasure indeed.

We drove down to Route 51 from highway 68 and were both confused and disappointed. Google maps directions (old town road) were flat wrong and ended in a private road. Needless to say, we saw neither the tunnel nor a single sign for it.

In order to drive back to highway 68 the only roads throughout Green Ridge state forest were gravel roads for about 10 miles. Max speed is about 20 mph.
Therefor we recommend avoiding this point of interest unless you have local insight on the access to the tunnel.

Paw Paw Tunnel was a extraordinary experience
we rode bike from Old town to the tunnel and then with flashlights walked through the tunnel--enjoyable and a great nature adventure

Thinking about how and when this tunnel was built leads one to really appreciate the people behind the development of it. you will need a light to go through the tunnel.

I wasn't expecting the tunnel to be boarded up and looking like some place I did not want to go into with my kids... I brought a little LED flashlight and it wasn't nearly enough to even get us to the middle.
Without the sunlight it was really too dark and the kids were getting spooked...me too. We might try again in warmer weather when it is open to the air and sun...or just bring a real flashlight duh!!!

My husband I started just upstream from the Paw Paw Tunnel and biked to Little Orleans. I enjoy visiting historic public works structures and I was looking forward to visiting the tunnel. At my husband's suggestion we wore headlamps and I think they are worth wearing if you have them. It leaves your hands free if you are pushing a bike. And if you have a bike you SHOULD be pushing it. The walkway is very uneven and narrow and since the path is along the side of the tunnel the 'ceiling' is sloped. If you plan do wear a headlamp take care not to blind people coming the other way. Due to the extreme dark small puddles and uneven spots are hard to see even with a light. I suggest taking your time and enjoying the cool quiet.

We followed the C & O trail south of the tunnel to Little Orleans. If this is your plan (it is a beautiful section of trail) then know that you will not have mobile phone reception most of the time. Oh- and if you don't like snakes note that we saw two ON the trail in this section. We accidentally almost ran over one (black racers, though, not poisonous). I recommend a visit to the Paw Paw Tunnel and this part of the C & O Canal trail. It is beautiful and serene.

The tunnel is easily accessible, with a nearby parking lot and about a 10 minute walk to the tunnel on the bike trail.

The tunnel is imposing and you really appreciate the amount of work that must have gone into building it. The canal through the tunnel has water in it, which is also neat, as it makes the history more realistic.

As for the tunnel itself, definitely bring a flashlight or two. A good flashlight, not a dollar store piece of junk. The tunnel is dark and the ground is not entirely even. When you go on the tunnel, the other end looks deceptively close it's not. Probably a good 15 minute walk, with a few stops to take in the tunnel. When you get to the other side, do it again. You can feel the breeze in the tunnel and sound really carries one way.

A neat spot for forgotten history.

You need a flashlight or headlamp to see where you are going. The ground surface is uneven and can be wet at times. If you are biking the tunnel, I would STRONGLY recommend walking your bike through the tunnel. And if there are people going both ways it is required.

What can I say? It's a giant tunnel blasted and dug through 3000 some feet of solid rock. Pretty amazing to walk through this historic tunnel on the towpath and see the millions of bricks put in place over 150 years ago. Exploring the tunnel with flashlights in hand was a blast.

We biked the C&O canal from Cumberland to the Paw Paw Tunnel in one day. We walked our bikes through the darkness of the tunnel. I would recommend a headlamp or flashlight, we did not have anything and the experience was interesting and thrilling. I would recommend this as a highlight of the canal.

We have visited the tunnel a few times first with our kids when they were little and now with our grandchildren. This time, since it was just the 2 of us in our early 60s, we opted to go in and thru the tunnel and then return via the trail over the mountain. We had our usual flashlights and headlamps and off we went. Pretty quiet this time of year and no others in the tunnel. Exited the tunnel and walked another 100 yards or so to the trail. The trail is well marked and well maintained. Most of it heading back to the start area was a wide path/road. Yes it became steep at times but we took our time, stopped for a few breaks and were rewarded with great views of the river and Paw Paw, WV. As we came down the mountain the trail became narrow but it was very easily navigable the entire route. The sign says 2 miles on the trail and two hour hike one way in length. But from start to finish (in the parking area) and making stops to catch our breath and take a few pics we did the ENTIRE out and back in just about 2 hours. So it is easily doable. Don't let the signs scare you. It IS steep in parts but the footing is excellent. We had on hiking shoes which was a good idea but it can be done in tennis shoes. So recommend you go in and return via the trail. We plan to bring our 6 year old granddaughter back here and do the hike.

Very nice short walk from the parking area to the tunnel. Very dark midway through the tunnel, so u need a light. It's amazing that this tunnel was constructed in 1850!!!!

-We stopped here on our road trip through the area
-its about a 20min walk from the parking lot
-the path upto tunnel is wide, which allowed us to bring a stroller (hiking Stroller) on it
-but once in tunnel it is alittle more narrow.
-We simply used our cellphone for flashlight and worked good.
-Tunnel wasn't that busy when we visited (a SUN, aprox 5pm)
-We brought our 3yr old, but kept him in the stroller, in the tunnel... as path can be uneven, and we didn't want him to get off path, and fall into water

This is an amazing engineering feat for its day. However, the tunnel is not lit, and the surface is very rough. You really do need to walk your bike in the tunnel.

Yes, bring a flashlight. Wear good boots, and bring a camera, too. Portable facilities near both ends, and fixed water pumps. Places to have a picnic lunch.

Be sure to bring a flashlight and DO NOT attempt to ride your bicycle through the tunnel. The surface is uneven and unpredictable.

This was a fantastic venue to check out during a recent trip down the C & O canal. Take a flashlight to get through the tunnel as it is longer than you expect. Must see!!

Only re-opened days earlier due to a landslide, we walked through the tunnel using headlamps (high advised) and then hiked around the mountain. The history of this tunnel and its construction was so interesting.

loved this we took our kids and a bunch of our family we all loved it. we want to go again soon. very nice walk

Paw Paw Tunnel was originally a canal that boats and horses went through. You can still see drag marks in the wood railing from ropes. There are markers on the wall that indicate mileage. Make sure you take a flashlight and wear waterproof boots. Definitely recommend layering clothes, it can be chilly.

My wife and I biked from Cumberland to Little Orleans and this tunnel was a great break from the heat and the riding!! So unique!!
You have to walk through the entire tunnel as their are no lights, so bring your own light. Then also the path is narrow and the ground is not level, so please don't try to ride.
Walking in the temperature is very cool and the history of this tunnel is pretty amazing too! Would highly recommend going in this tunnel at least once!

I have visited the Paw Paw tunnel, on the C&O Canal, at least 70 times. If you know the C&O Canal which runs from Georgetown, DC to Cumberland Maryland a trip of 184.5 miles. To me the Potomac river valley is a magical place. Bike, hike, kayak, canoe, or fish it's all here. The tunnel has a lot of history and although off the beaten path (about 30 minutes from Cumberland Maryland or 45 minutes from Berkeley Springs WV) it is well worth the visit is you love history. The tunnel is unique in that it is the only tunnel on the Canal. It's part of the national park system and admission is free. The walk from the parking to the tunnel entrance is about 3/4 of a mile. The nearby town of Paw Paw, WV offer services like B&B, restaurant fuel etc.

A place I have wanted to go to for many years and it did not disappoint. From the Paw Paw tunnel to the historic hike over the tunnel. The various fauna and the views from different points. Perfection .
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Parts of the trail are very scenic, unfortunately the trail itself is so full of rocks, sticks and potholes that you'd best keep your eyes on the ground and off the scenery! I was informed that the trail was in as good a condition as anyone had seen it when I was on it. I'd hate to experience it when the potholes were filled with water and mud! The Paw Paw Tunnel is about a half mile walk in the dark. Take a good light with you. Certainly nothing worth going out of your way for. If you're looking for a great trail to ride your bike on, then ride the Great Allegheny Passage! Not only is the surface in a much better condition, but it doesn't have a stagnant canal full of mosquitoes and snakes running along next to it!

It s particularly hot and humid when we visited the park, so entering the tunnel was a blessing. The coolness inside was wonderful. The history of the construction is amazing, you can imagine the mules trodding the path you walk along dragging the heavily laden boats through the pass that cut off six miles of canal travel. It was great to see how well visited the site is, we saw families walking, people riding bikes, different languages being spoken. Being free is a plus for anyone. A few walked without light, and we tried that briefly but having the flashlight on made the walk more comfortable, and oncoming traffic can see each other and adjust their position to accommodate each other. People were friendly. It's a lovely walk, flat and accessible. We did not make the over mountain hike. The seepage from the roof may dampen you, and there may be puddles you may or may not be able to avoid but it was a great time and we were glad we went.
There were a couple of people camping there, it's a lovely open campground.

Not much to say about this, except that it is an old historical tunnel. Very neat ... jumping back in time. Neat architecture for the time. Little difficult to ride a bike through, as it is bumpy.

Great to see how the engineers of the past came up with a way to go through a mountain!

Very cool trip. Tunnel is quite a accomplishment. It is still well preserved and we'll visited. Take a flashlight when you are half way in It is total darkness even during the day.. Try it late in the day or evening for a real experience!.

I wouldin't go too far out of your way to visit, but it's an engineering marvel when you consider it was all dug by hand.... 1/2 walk from parking area and another 1/2 mile through the tunnel... no real need to walk thru it, first 10ft is like the last 10ft.... very bright flashlight is a must.

We walked it but now we wish we had our bikes. The trail is amazing and beautiful. What a blast!!! Bring flash lights for the tunnel! The sounds and darkness is amazing!

A cool hike to take with kids of all ages. The tunnel is dark and damp and has water dripping from the ceiling occasionally. The two-mile hike over the top of the tunnel is nice, too, but strenuous on the way up. There's a nice overlook of the Potomac River on the western half of the trail. I would recommend (if you want to do both) hiking the mountain trail first and then taking the tunnel as a cool-down reward trip back to the parking area.

We cycled thru this tunnel on our way from Hancock to Cumberland. We rarely walk our bikes, but since we had no light and the trail thru the tunnel is uneven and narrow, we chickened out and got off our bikes! We were unfortunate to share our experience with 30 noisy school kids on a field trip. But I could not help thinking what fun it was for them. The tunnel is so long, 2/3's of a mile, that the mid point is pitch black! The eastern entrance was lovely with the red and gold of the autumn leaves reflecting in the water.

One of the most interesting features of the C and O tow path, which I bicycled this August. A long unlighted tunnel more than 3000 feet long with a foot path next to canal. Surface is too rough to bike through and bikes should be walked. Also need at least a small flashlight, especially to avoid puddles and bad footing. Very narrow path and board walk on east side of tunnel requires some care to ride. An amazing public works project from the 19th century.

The Paw Paw Tunnel was built as part of the C&O Canal (along the Potomac River between Georgetown in Washington, DC, terminating in Cumberland, Maryland). At a particularly twisty part of the river, the canal builders decided that instead of following the river's bends and turns, they would make a short-cut by digging a tunnel through a mountain. Now, hikers can walk along the canal to the tunnel and all the way through -- quite a dark and scary journey along the narrow tow path, with uneven pavement beneath your feet, water dripping on your head in places, the canal one side and the curving walls of the tunnel on the other. It's one of the best hikes you'll find anywhere. Be sure to bring a large flashlight with a bright, wide beam (i-phone flashlight app will NOT be sufficient). Although it's a straight shot and you can see the light from the tunnel end all the way through, the distance is longer than you might imagine and the hike takes longer than you might anticipate. And then, of course, you have to do the hike in reverse to get back!

We drove about two hours, maybe a little more to get there. Very worth the trip. The tunnel is a lot longer than it seems when you are walking though it. Bring a flashlight (or use your phone)! We just walked through the tunnel and back, not on any of the trails. I got a lot of nice photos of the scenery. Very pretty in the fall.

This was my sixth opportunity to pass through the Paw Paw Tunnel over the past 20 years. It remains a very exciting experience and a cool example of the industrious nature of those who constructed the C&O. Over this span of time, however, the condition of the path inside the tunnel has deteriorated quite a bit. DO NOT attempt this without an adequate headlamp or powerful flashlight. The uneven surface of the path could be hazardous.

On our recent tour of the area, we took a short detour to check out another section of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal—you know, the one George Washington envisioned to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the Ohio River and, ultimately, the Mississippi. While his dream of a grand waterway didn’t quite pan out as planned, the canal did become a vital transportation route and is now a National Historic Park.
This time, we set our sights on the Paw Paw Tunnel, a remarkable 5/8-mile-long bypass that was painstakingly built by hand to save boats from navigating six miles of meandering horseshoe bends in the Potomac River. Last used by barges in 1924, the tunnel is still in excellent shape, allowing visitors to walk through along the old towpath—though you’ll need a flashlight and a little nerve, as it’s supposedly haunted. No ghosts showed up to spook us, but we can definitely see some shadowy corners where they might be lurking.
The C&O Canal itself stretches 185 miles from the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, MD, and the towpath remains intact and well-maintained for walkers, runners, and history buffs. It’s a lovely, peaceful spot—except, perhaps, for those ghostly barge captains. Unfortunately, the railroad industry muscled in during the canal’s construction, cutting its journey short at Cumberland, about 100 miles shy of its intended terminus near Pittsburgh. Still, they made the most of it, with a system of 74 locks that allowed coal from the Allegheny Mountains to be hauled to the coast. A grand vision, slightly derailed—literally.

The tunnel was over 2 miles long. It got very dark inside, Make sure you have a flash light.It is a little uneven terrain inside. So be careful. Watch your footing.

Very quiet area for walking/biking along the tow path. Inside the tunnel, which is an engineering marvel, is very uneven for same. Canal area is dry and overrun but still a lovely nature spot. Old house is on premise but unmarked with camping allowed. Porta potties available as well.

OK, so three of the four of us cycled through the Tunnel, against the rules. It was late October and there were no other people around, so we didn't risk meeting anyone half-way. And we did have headlights on our helmets. Lights are essential if you want to risk the ride (at your own peril), as are steady nerves and a low gear to keep pedalling over the bumps, which are not that bad really, just a little, well bumpy.

The tunnel is well worth a ride or a walk through; it's a very interesting piece of industrial history. Heading east, we loved how it opens into a cutting and onto the ride along boards until you hit the gravel trail again.

I wouldn't want to be riding or walking through when there are parties and groups around, but cycling the trail in late October avoids that.

Recommended!!

What beautiful views from atop of the tunnel. We hiked this in early June - we did not have a gflashlight to go through the tunnel, but we managed. We then hiked back over the tunnel following the well marked path.

We cannot wait to go back again and take the kids!

Cycling through this you need really good lights and good balance.
It is really uneven i places and there can be a lot of puddles... quite a thrill when it it over

We decided to do this walk on a whim. Really glad we did. The tunnel was much longer than expected, darker than expected- flooring was uneven with some puddles, so had to use my cell phone flashlight. We opted to take the ridge path back which was strenuous. Had I known the difficulty, I probably would not have done it, but now, I' really glad I did. It was really beautiful. The entire walk took us about 3 hours to go a total of about 4 miles. Really great walk!

We ride the C&O trail every year and the tunnel is one of the highlights! It does require a flashlight or a light on your bike as it is very dark inside.

We were looking for something non-traditional to do for our 13th wedding anniversary, so we awoke this morning and googled "creepy hikes near me" and came across an article for the Paw Paw Tunnel.

Thank goodness we had a flashlight because a little over half way in, we saw a snake on the ground. I like to be aware of where all terrifying things are at all times. 😂 We heard a very scary moan at two separate times while walking through. No one else was in or near the tunnel. It freaked the puppy out, who then had to be carried the rest of the way.

Paw Paw.tunnel checked all the boxes. Not crowded, easy walk, creepy, close to western Loudoun. Now our kids want to go visit after hearing of our adventure today.

Took this walk in the spring. The tunnel part was so dark-like you couldn't see your finger in front of your face for several yards, just kept walking and walking, wondering when you were going to get out. Did have a small flashlight. The whole thing was pretty much very narrow with the stream on the one side and the steep bank (while out of the tunnel) on the other. I felt very enclosed, and couldn't wait to get out of there. I think this would be a hard trip for children. You couldn't see much during the walk. The park before you get in the tunnel was nice. Hardly no one around. I have been on several walks on the trail but this one was not as desirable.

This 3,118 mile tunnel was built to avoid a five horseshoe bends in the Potomac River. Construction started in 1836 and the tunnel open in October, 1850. Over 3,000 German, English and Irish immigrants helped build this tunnel which contains over 6 million bricks in 5 and 6 layers. Today is remains one of the world's longest tunnels and was one of the greatest engineering feats of its time! A four foot walkway allows visitors to walk through the tunnel - bike riding is prohibited and headlamps or flashlights are necessary.

Not sure why I had to look under Cumberland to find this attraction on Trip Advisor. The entry and parking lot for the tunnel is in/just outside Paw Paw. So it should show as an attraction for Paw Paw.

This tunnel was part of the C&O Canal. It was carved through the mountain by hand and black powder then lined with bricks. It has the canal and a towpath along one side which can be used to walk the length of the tunnel. They do warn you to bring a flashlight so that you can see your way through the just over 3,000 foot tunnel.

It was amazing that this tunnel could be created at the time it was with the available tools. There is also a path that goes over the tunnel where you can see where the workers lived. However, I was not up to taking this trail when we were there. Perhaps I will come back and do it in the future.

There is a parking lot just outside of Paw Paw. By the parking lot there is a camping area (for a fee) and the path to the tunnel itself (no fee for the tunnel).

I had heard of this tunnel but had trouble locating the actual entrance. I did not realize at first that this was part of the National Park System. When I would search the NPS site, I would be sent to a general C&O canal park information page. However, searching with Google for Paw Paw tunnel I was directed to the NPS page for the tunnel itself (and a very interesting PDF brochure on the tunnel and its history).

And when in the area of Paw Paw, this did show on the GPS but as part of the C&O Canal park.

PDF brochure is at http://www.nps.gov/choh/upload/pawpawbrochure_final.pdf

Only real attraction website seems to be the one covering all of the C&O Canal.

Its .6 of a mile from the parking area to the tunnel. The tunnel is long, dark, narrow, and awesome. There is a hand rail on the water side, and the mountain on the other side...the ground is far from level, there are potholes and ripples and puddles galore...it is wide enough for an off road stroller to navigate...at the other end, if really lucky...you are greeted by a waterfall....a little further down the trail are more water trickles, and then the trail head to go OVER the tunnel...this is the path of most resistance...steep and hard with great views....our group chose to split up, the adventurous went over, the rest back through...we met at the same time on the other end.

It was great to have the Paw Paw Tunnel open for us to ride through instead of us having to push our bikes over the mountain. This was my first time going through the tunnel and it was a nice experience. Well worth the trip and to learn about its history.

We came here for a bike ride on a nice crisp fall day. The canal leading up to and from the tunnel was in great shape as was the inside of the tunnel. We had flashlights this time to make it more enjoyable as we walked our bikes through the tunnel (we were able to inspect the construction and see some bats hanging!) but we have done it without flashlights and while it is dark it's not un-navigable!

Amazing to see what people could accomplish so long ago.Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight.

The tunnel is officially closed because of consolidation works. However, they have compassion for the visitors. Therefore we could walk inside for some feet from the side of the Paw Paw camping ground (the entrance is at short walking distance from the car park). They don't work during Saturday and Sundays, so one could also penetrate more deeply. However the risk is to be hit by falling bricks due to the vibrations of the works. Visitors should wear an helmet. A torch is also required to prevent stumbling. There is no water in the canal because of the works in progress.

We were cycling from Pittsburgh to Washington and had to go through the tunnel. It was quite an experience, very dark,lots of pot holes, dripping water. I guess if we had proper lights it would have been better. Part of the experience

I had some great times here with Some really great friends!!! I've not been there in years.. I hate it makes you put a date of July 2013..it sucks u can't put your own date on here!!

We visited here with the family. Adults and kids alike loved it. You will need a flashlight, the tunnel does get pitch black less than 1/2 way through. Good solid shoes are recommended as well. The tunnel has a few spots that are wet and slushy. Trails around to hike as well. A definite stop when in the area!!

I have hiked or biked the entire C&O Canal from Cumberland, MD, to Washington, DC. The Paw Paw tunnel was one of the high points. You can drive very close, hike the tunnel, return, and have a picnic lunch. If you like history, the C&O Canal is for you.

Thankfully, 2 other travelers told us to walk our bikes through & so glad they did. It is kind of scary going through here - but you must if you are biking the C&O. Have lights on your bike &/or head!! Very dark when you get to the middle.

Walked about halfway into the tunnel. Had rained for most of the morning so was very wet at the entrance. However, about 15 feet in it was dry. Interesting to see the way the tunnel was constructed and imagine what it must have been like to use the tunnel regularly.

Impressive architectural work and how the tunnel was built. Great bike ride! We saw deers on our pathway...beautiful site. I would recommend wearing hiking boots slushee and wet inside the tunnel.

This trail is fun and beautiful-- even on the hottest day of the year! Most of the trail is shaded and runs along the river. The tunnel is nice and cool. You definitely want a flashlight and you will need to walk your bikes. Your shoes will get a little wet, too. The trail is rough for road bikes but if you have wider tires it's not bad and really fun. We were there on a weekend in July and saw only about a dozen people.

While hiking the C&O canal, we passed through the Paw Paw tunnel. It was an engineering feat and historically interesting. You will definitely need a flashlight; it is dark inside! If biking, it is recommended that you dismount for yourself and others in the tunnel (the path narrows dramatically).

We drove through the quaint town of Paw Paw to get to Paw Paw tunnel in July 2011. It is a nice short walk through a very dark tunnel. We would have had a much better experience had we not forgotten flashlights ! There were a lot of puddles that we could not spot in the dark. Try to come early, there is a park ranger who stays till 3 or 4 pm only.

Went through the Paw Paw tunnel while on our C&O bike trip. Nothing like it anywhere. Take a flashlight because you will need it.

I have always wanted to hike the paw paw tunnel. Made a special trip across WV to hike it. Tunnel was too dark even with miner's headlamps and the walk surface very uneven. Lots of deferred maintenance. Glad I finally hiked the tunnel. Can check it off my list now.

Since the 1800's transportation in the USA has certainly come along way. It will be worth your time and effort to visit this historic site as it is a party of USA history lost in time. It will put things in perspective on the various transportation methods we all take for granted these days. A must see if you care about history just like I do. Despite coming from Canada I like history no matter what part of the world I visit!

The canal in this area is beautiful. The historical sites along the trail are amazing.
There is ample parking, picnic tables sporadically along the trail, areas to skip rocks, etc.
You do have to walk your bikes through the tunnel, and like most, it's damp, dark, and has puddles along it.
It is definitely a must-see section on the toe-path.

We were told NOT to ride our bikes through the tunnel, and as we first entered the tunnel, I wondered why as it seemed quite rideable, IF you had good lights and could identify other riders. But once we were in the tunnel, we saw some very uneven surface and some good mud puddles. I agree that it's much smarter to walk it.

There's historic information posted outside the tunnel. It's fun to walk through. Photo opportunities abound at the entries.

You have to admire the folks who built the Paw Paw Tunnel. There was no machinery and dynamite would not be invented for several decades. It is best to WALK through the tunnel rather than ride if you’re on a bicycle. Remember to have your flashlight handy too! It gets really dark inside and wet. One consolation during the summer, the temperature inside is very refreshing.

Don’t expect the NPS to do any big upgrades on the towpath. Their philosophy is to let it revert back to its natural state… Ahhh. The canals natural state was manmade, manicured, and a well maintained towpath for the mules.

George Washington first came up with the idea of the C&O canal, and after the civil war, the veterans operated the locks. One can walk through the tunnel that is located between Oldtown and Paw Paw. The Paw Paw Tress can be seen along the path. They bear a banana custardy fruit, which is the largest indigenous fruit on the east coast.

The tunnel is 0.6 miles away from the parking lot. I think the tunnel itself is longer than the trail leading up to it. It is a gorgeous place, but you have to have a flashlight when walking through as it gets very dark halfway through. Bring your sanitizer, because the port-a potties here don't have any. The best things in the world are free!

I biked the C&O canal (all 184.5 miles over a couple of years). My last push to finish was a 60 mile weekend based out of Paw Paw, WVa. The tunnel is an area I recommend walking your bike. Even with a light you get a little disoriented in the long dark tunnel. Take a flash light. Sing a song - it echoes! When you come out be sure to look at the entrances as both sides are very beautiful.

For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed going here. Whether to camp or simply to walk the canal and tunnel forme a hike, it is truly one of my favorites. Bring flashlights, glow sticks or your lighting of choice. It is a kid friendly place but just be mindful that there is the potential for trips, slips and falls. There is even enough room on the pathway for strollers. Pack your family up and head down.

It is a tunnel. It is dark, damp, and a little difficult to navigate. If you want to travel through it remember to take a light and I would recommend walking your bikes.

The Paw Paw Tunnel was supposed to be closed, but at the end there was a crane blocking the exit. However, we snuck our bikes under it and then rode on the lovely trail on the other side. We saw several locks - very interesting!

Wonderful little excursion. It's worth the walk through. I read a couple places that it is too dark to go through. We didn't think so. We used our cell phone flashlight which was fine. It's peaceful at the other end and was a nice surprise to see the waterfall.

This tunnel was fantastic. The engineering and construction of this wonder is amazing. Don't try to be a hero and ride through it, however. The surface is slick limestone and one wrong bump will send you into the canal. I also brought along a small handheld flashlight which I used to guide two of us through the tunnel

I love Paw Paw tunnel. It is historic, authentic and long. They are about 2/3 finished with repairs. The end of the tunnel has dripping and puddles. It is slow to finish because they are doing a thorough job. I have been here in all seasons, and always return when I am close by. Take your flashlight!!! Walk your bike through the tunnel, or you may experience severe vertigo in the dark, in the middle.

Bring a light because some people have dogs. Historically, when have you ever seen a canal go through a tunnel?

I have hiked and now biked (walked bike) through the mile long tunnel. Temp of the tunnel is in the 60 degree range. Bring a flash light or head lamp. The light at the end of the tunnel is NOT as close as it seams. The trail/walkway itself it gravel and uneven. There are holes and puddles throughout.

Cool tunnel made all the more special by knowing the history. If you can, read about it in the C&O Canal Museum in Cumberland before coming. Much better if you know the history. No bathrooms but there are port-a-potties. Carry in, carry out, no facilities. Camping available.

The Paw Paw is an impressive early 19th century engineering feat. Hand dug and brick lined, it was a massive project for its era. A nice break from grinding on the C&O trail.

Before you enter the tunnel there is an interpretive sign that explains the construction of this tunnel. It is worth the read. The tunnel itself is dark, no lights. Take a flashlight. If you are claustrophobic I'd avoid this walk. It is even more so in the winter when one end is boarded up, with only a doorway for an entrance. This reduces the light in the tunnel even further. The wall curves in at you and there is a railing on the opposite side. The walk is about 3/5ths of a mile, one way. There is a trail up mountain over the tunnel if you care not to walk back through the tunnel. It is a bit of a hike and it's up the mountain. Last time I walked the trail it wasn't well marked.

There is parking a few tenths of a mile from the tunnel. It is directly adjacent to canal so accessing the tunnel is a pretty simple affair. There are paw paw trees along the canal and they bear fruit in late summer, early autumn. This is a National Park so I'd not take them from the park. It is still interesting to search them out.

Cycling the towpath in the Cumberland area is enjoyable 3 seasons a year. Nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife: local and migratory birds, deer, small critters, turtles and an occasional snake. Fitness buffs will love the exercise AND the clean mountain air. History buffs will find lots to learn. Cumberland is a small town with much to offer: great lodging and a variety of eateries.

Check the status because you currently can't get close to the tunnel (we'd been told you could go to the entrance, but we couldn't). You have to go up and over the Tunnel Trial, but you get a nice view.

Kids will love the dark and wet tunnel. For safety, bring a flashlight and imagine mules on your footpath pulling barges. It's a quick round-trip walk (probably an hour), and the roads in are not direct, but the drive is lovely if the day is fair. Lots of s-curves and a few overlooks for picture-taking. This is a nice half-day outing to an unusual historical site.

The Paw Paw tunnel is a great short hike through a very dark tunnel with water dripping from above. I would strongly recommend bringing a flashlight although my kids love the scariness of walking through the darkest part of the tunnel without illumination. I would also recommend wearing boots or sneakers--there are huge puddles to wade through that are gross if wearing flip flops. Bikes have to be walked through the tunnel. No bathrooms, just port-o-potties. There is a primitive camping area there which is a favorite with scout troops.

Great family day. Seen lots of wildlife. Great ride. Took snacks plenty of places to take a break. Will do again.

Make sure you have bright lights when you go through the tunnel. It get dark really fast as soon as you enter. The walkway is narrow. I've seen bicyclists venture through the tunnel pulling one wheeled Bob trailers. I wouldn't risk trying to do so with a two-wheeled trailer. The approaches can be slippery after a rain storm.

I was a little intimidated after reading all the reviews about how dark and cold it was going to be - and of course warnings about puddles etc. Well - we went prepared - with 50 lumens head lamps (3 for $10 at Home Depot) and it was wonderful! Just like the rest of the canal - the Trust does a wonderful job in maintaining the path. The puddles were small, rare and easily avoidable. If you look before you step every time, they are NOT an issue at all. Definitely worth it.

This tunnel is CLOSED for repairs -- which means bicyclists have a 2-mile over-the-top hill climb to look forward to. Very steep and pushing your bike all the way. We cheated and rode DOWN the eastern side -- but it was scary.

When this tunnel is open it is VERY good !!! Have your significant other along as it can be very romantic -- and scary and drippingly creepy all at the same time.

If history is your thing or you like to walk a visit to Paw Paw Tunnel is a great way to pass a few hours. The tunnel was dug by hand

As a longtime admirer of towpath canals, the Paw Paw tunnel was on my bucket list for years. I was finally able to make the trek and found it to be well worth the travail. As another reviewer mentioned, to truly appreciate the significance of this great engineering artifact one must do some reading. But to traverse its length, a strong LED flashlight is highly recommended as the unlighted tunnel is dark and the footing uncertain due to dips and puddles on the towpath walkway. There is an alternate path that will take you over the spur elevation, but parts are steep and shouldn't be attempted by those without some reserve stamina and good footwear. Bicycles must be walked through the tunnel for safety reasons.