Hiking Trail Along C&O Canal Gets New Signage

OLDTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Hikers in the C&O Canal National Historical Park are getting a well-marked alternative to the Paw Paw Tunnel near Oldtown.

Rangers plan a dedication ceremony Friday afternoon for a series of wayside exhibits and directional signs along the Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail.

The trail is a rugged, two-mile footpath along the top of the hill overlooking the Potomac River. Builders of the canal tunneled through the hill to avoid a series of horseshoe bends in the river.

The new signage was installed with help from Frederick-based Eagle Scout candidate Michael Roth and members of Boy Scout Troop 799.

Rangers say the new markers enable hikers to learn about the tunnel construction while enjoying the natural features in a remote area of the park.

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