# C&O Companion

> Travel

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/id457469128](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id457469128)

## Overview

- **ID:** `id457469128`
- **Platform:** Apple
- **Type:** Apple app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** James Menzies
- **Category:** Travel
- **Rating:** 3.30 / 5 (18 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.6.0
- **Last updated:** 2021-12-28
- **First published:** 2011-08-20
- **Size:** 2.91 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-23
- **Store listing:** [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/c-o-companion/id457469128)
- **Website:** [http://BikeWashington.org](http://bikewashington.org/)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://BikeWashington.org/canal/app/privacy.html](http://bikewashington.org/canal/app/privacy.html)

## Description

If you are planning a trip along the Chesapeake and Ohio Towpath, then don't leave without your C&O Companion.

The information found on the popular BikeWashington.org canal website is now available in an app.  Simply sync and go. No data connection required when you are on the path.

While on the towpath, the C&O Companion will display your current location, and will help you find amenities along the way.  It also has self-contained maps that do not require a data connection.

In the event of an emergency, the C&O Companion will help identify your location, and the quickest way to reach help.

Proceeds support the C&O Canal Trust Fund.

=======================================

Troubleshooting: Less than 1-in-500 users have reported one of these problems with the application:

a) Won't report location.  If your app is stuck on "Finding Location" (and you are not in airplane mode), then this generally means that you did not allow the C&O Companion access to your current location.  (A dialog box will ask your permission during first launch). This is easy to fix.  Just open the "Settings" application (this app came with your device; it has the gray "Gears" icon) and look for "Location Services".  Ensure that Location Services is ON, and that is has been enabled for the C&O Companion application.

b) Sync never completes.  Just one person reported that after pressing the Sync button, the download never completed.  This is most likely due to a corrupted database.  We fixed this by simply deleting the app and then using the iTunes application to reinstall the app from iCloud (no additional change is incurred for re-install).  This procedure wipes out the database so you can start over fresh.

## Rankings

- #298,444 — Overall

## Review summary

The app is a valuable trail companion for locating campsites, services, and planning on the C&O Towpath, with helpful distance and safety features. However, reliability issues—especially iOS sync crashes and occasional data corruption—along with outdated detour/amenity data and device compatibility concerns—reduce its dependability. When it works, it’s highly useful for navigation and trip planning.

### Pros

- Great for finding campsites and amenities along the C&O Canal towpath.
- Location-based information and distance to key points makes navigation easier.
- Helpful for planning daily trips (exits, meals, stores) and mile-marker awareness.
- Emergency buttons/safety features add practical value on the trail.
- Useful even with spotty cell coverage and with real-time canal access points.

### Cons

- Sync problems and first-use failures on iOS, leading to no data or maps.
- Instability: crashes and, in some cases, a corrupted database on iOS.
- Content/data not consistently up to date, with missing detours and amenities.
- Platform compatibility issues (iPad/iPhone differences; some devices report being iPhone-only).
- Occasional missing maps or data along with reliance on GPS map, reducing utility when data is unavailable.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/id457469128)