Yankee John from Vermont on 5/10/2022 10:20:02 AM:
There isn't much shade on the western part of the trail because the huge cottonwoods and other mature trees were taken down to protect the canal walls from roots. There are new plantings farther from the canal but it will be years before they provide meaningful shade. Riding on a hot sunny day without relief can turn into a slog. Plan on leaving early in the morning on those days before the towpath gets hot.