Nice change of pace hike. Parked at the PawPaw Tunnel Campgrounds and walked the trail to the tunnel. I hadnt realized how long the tunnel would be and at 3116 feet long it was pretty impressive. Walkway inside tunnel is very uneven and had puddles so make sure you have a flashlight of some sort and sturdy shoes on. Boardwalk on the other side was nice. Path past the boardwalk was muddy in spots but easy to go around the worst. Made it to the Sorrel Ridge Campsite before heading back. So some deer and lots of fall colors. Overall it was a nice quiet walk with only a few people, would definitely do it again

This is a unique spot with a trail with a great view of the Potomac. The tunnel itself is a short walking distance from the parking lot if you are not interested in the loop trail. I highly recommend bringing a flashlight. Cell phones are fine but not as bright as a flashlight and the walking path is uneven with holes and cracks in some areas. Watch your step! There is a short boardwalk path on the other side of the tunnel. There is also a campground by the parking lot.

Amazing, just wow! So glad I made the journey out in the freezing temperatures to see the tunnel snow covered and frozen over. Park at the paw paw tunnel parking lot and walk the .5 mile along the C&O trail to the tunnel. The tunnel itself felt like it was a .5 mile or so itself. There was a smell in there but it was very neat to walk through. Also, it was warmer inside the tunnel then out. Don't forget to bring headlamps or a flashlight.

I go backpacking all over the place. The one place I keep coming back to is the C & O Canal Towparh at the Paw Paw Tunnel. I begin my trips at the parking lot and hike through the tunnel. I will then go out to the one of the hiker biker camps on the other side. Sometimes the hike is out to the first camp which ends up only being a total of 2 or 3 miles. Sometimes I keep hiking and camp at one of the next two sites. That ends up being 7 - 8+ miles. No matter where I camp, I'm always experiencing hiking through the tunnel out and then back the next day. The Towpath with the tunnel and locks down the trail on the other side of the tunnel is a throwback in history. Even if you just come for the day, it is well worth the trip. As everyone states... bring a flashlight or headlamp. This review was posted January 2025, but the pictures were from October 2023 during one of my many trips.

An amazing short hike that was fun and beautiful. Not the easiest to find. Was told there are several ways to get there. We hiked down a small hill with switchbacks. Definitely take a flashlight to walk trough the tunnel.