Frequently Asked Questions

Mountainside Bike Tours is a full-service bicycle touring company based in Cumberland, Maryland. We offer guided, self-guided, and custom excursion tours along scenic trails such as the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal.

We have been packaging bike trips under the motto “You Pedal, We Pamper” since the early 2000s and specialize in tailoring tours to individual or group preferences.

Our address is 108 Decatur Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. Phone: 301-722-4887 Cell/Text: 240-727-7039

We offer:

• Guided tours
• Self-guided tours
• Custom excursions for individuals, couples, families, or groups

Depending on the package, inclusions may consist of:

• Lodging (inns, B&Bs, hotels, cottages)
• Meals (breakfast, lunch, sometimes dinner)
• Shuttle and support services
• Luggage transportation
• Bike rentals
• Guide services or itineraries
• Access to local attractions and side trips

Yes. Some of our popular packages include:

• A Tale of Two Trails: a weekend experience combining both the C&O Canal and Great Allegheny Passage trails.
• Pedal, Pedal, Pedal: a more ambitious itinerary of 55–70 miles per day.
• A Pleasant Pedal: a moderate daily distance (27–42 miles), perfect for sightseeing.
• Sag It Your Way: you provide your own transport, and we assist with lodging, meals, itinerary, and shuttle services.

Yes — many of our tours are customizable. We can adjust routes, lodging, mileage, attractions, and support levels based on your preferences.

We operate tours along the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage.

• The C&O Canal Towpath follows the Potomac River and is relatively level, with gravel or packed dirt surfaces.
• The Great Allegheny Passage is built on former railroad beds, offering a mostly gentle grade (not exceeding about 2%) and a crushed limestone surface, passing through scenic gorges, bridges, and tunnels.

You can contact us by phone, email, or through our website to request a specific tour, discuss preferences, or choose from preset packages.

• Pricing depends on variables such as:
  • Duration of tour
  • Level of support and services (guided vs self-guided)
  • Lodging type and meals included
  • Distance and complexity of route
  • Add-ons like shuttle service, side trips, or bike rental

We do accommodate groups of various sizes. Pricing or discounts may apply depending on group size, season, and services.

Common methods include credit/debit cards, checks, or payment through your booking confirmation.

We can provide bike rentals as part of many tours, or you can bring your own if preferred.

On supported tours, we transport luggage between overnight stops. We also offer shuttle services for participants when needed.

Our tours can be tailored to different fitness levels. Moderate tours are great for casual riders, while more ambitious tours suit experienced cyclists.

Yes — among recommended practices:

• Bring a helmet, basic repair kit, and water bottle
• Wear appropriate gear and shoes
• Check weather forecasts and dress in layers
• Be aware of trail conditions (e.g. gravel, dirt, tunnel crossings)
• Inform us of any medical or mobility concerns ahead of time

Yes — we operate The Inn on Decatur and 9 Decatur Guest House & Hostel in Cumberland, which often serve as lodging for our tours.

Absolutely — many of our tour plans incorporate side trips, historic sites, train rides, canal boat rides, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and other regional attractions.

Please reach out to us by phone or email — we’re happy to answer questions, build custom tours, or help with planning.