C&O / GAP Forum

We are planning to bike the C&O in a couple of weeks. If there happens to be rain in the week leading up to our trip, how long (roughly) does it take for the trail to dry out? We have a plan B in the event that rain cancels the C&O trip, but we would need to switch gears a couple of days ahead.

In my experiences, the C&O Towpath basically consists of three or, perhaps, four sections with respect to how it reacts to rainfall. The first section is between Cumberland and Little Orleans and the start of the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT). That section is basically the original compacted earth surface which becomes soft and or muddy with standing water puddles following heavy or extended rainfalls. It can take a few days to dry out and the puddles to disappear depending on the subsequent weather and whether certain trail areas are tree covered preventing sunshine to help dry out the trail.

Once you reach just beyond Little Orleans, you can shift to the paved WMRT which is not affected by the rain. If you elect not to shift to the WMRT, the Towpath continues via its original earthen surface but is not as affected by rain as the previous section. From the end of the WMRT to beyond Brunswick, the Towpath has generally been resurfaced with crushed gravel from which rain drains more quickly. Depending on the amount of rainfall, this section could still be ridden even during some rain and dry out in a day or so.

In the last section approaching DC, and especially, inside the beltway, the Towpath has not been resurfaced and reverts to its original earthen surface which does not drain well and leads to soft if not muddy conditions with puddles for a couple of days or more following heavy or extended rainfall. As you approach DC you can leave the Towpath and finish the ride into DC on the paved Capital Crescent Trail to minimize any exposure from Towpath itself.

“Drying out” is a relative condition depending on your tolerance and equipment to withstand the conditions. I would suggest that should there be any doubt, mudguards or fenders can be quite beneficial.

Others may have other experiences and I would invite them to share those and their opinions. Let us know your final decision and how it turns out. Others will be interested in knowing.

Thanks!! This was exactly what I needed to know!!

I am doing the GAP and CO starting September 24. Im going to rent a truck and do a one way to Pittsburgh, so is there a car rental relatively close to the trail where i can turn the truck in? I have only checked with Enterprise and they are only showing the airport location that will allow a one way return location. if thats the case is there a shuttle service or maybe a city bus that will get you to point state park after returning the vehicle.

First of all, late September is an ideal time to ride the GAP/C&O in my opinion.

While there is an Enterprise Car Rental location in downtown Pittsburgh at 55 11th Street (about 1/2 mile from Point State Park and the start of the GAP Trail) which is at the Greyhound Bus Station, I don't know if they will accept a one-way rental. I ride past there often. I'll stop there the next time I go past and inquire and let you know what they say.

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) System operates a route (so called 28X route) from the airport to downtown (corner of Liberty and Wood Streets) with only one stop in route. This location is even closer to Point State Park than the bus station, say, 1/4 mile. All the PRT buses are equipped with bike racks. Buses leave the airport every half hour for the 35-minute trip to downtown. The trip to town costs $2.75. Tickets are available near Baggage Claim Door 2 on the lower level of the terminal.

If I can provide any additional information about Pittsburgh or the GAP/C&O, just drop a note.

I know it’s not quite the starting point but Homestead has an Enterprise that we’ve dropped off at several times (one way) and it’s only a block or two from the trail. They are closed on Sundays though.

Thanks guys for the information! I am going to give both of these locations a call tomorrow. i know its still 5 months away but i dont want to wait until the last minute to get things in order. Thanks again

I have returned off a one-way rental at Enterprise on 11th St. in Pittsburgh. I rented an SUV at Reagan Airport in DC and dropped it at 11th Street 3 years ago. It was very convenient for starting the GAP southbound. There may be different policies for type of vehicle (eg, truck vs. sedan or SUV). The Enterprise office on 11th has limited parking, so they want vehicles that are easy/quick to rent in an urban market. Good luck!

I spoke with someone at the 11th street enterprise location today and he did say that a 1 way rental from DC is acceptable so I think thats what im going to do since i would like to do the entire trail. They also said that there is a bike lane on Penn Ave that runs into Point State Park.He said that its probably only a couple of miles from the rental location to the park... can anyone confirm if he is correct? thanks to everyone for the help.

Glad you were able to reach them. I stopped there a little after 4:00 pm today but they had apparently closed as no one was manning their desk. Indeed, it is 1.3 miles via the bike lane on Penn Avenue from that Enterprise office to the beginning of the GAP Trail in Point State Park at the convergence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers forming the Ohio River.

Have a great trip.

Is it possible to charge an electric bike at the campground?

There are no electrical services at the hiker/biker campsites along the C&O Towpath such as Horsepen Branch.

We are considering biking to Rockville, Maryland and taking the Amtrak back to Cumberland in April. From what I can tell, it's 9 miles from the C&O to the Amtrak on a busy street. Has anyone ridden this, and if so, how scary is it?

While I looked briefly at leaving the C&O Towpath to ride up into Rockville, I did not follow through as my itinerary ultimately changed. If you do ride that segment, please let us know what route you take and how it went.

Does Amtrak have bike service at Rockville?

Yes. Rockville is the last/first stop on the Capital Limited Amtrak train approaching/leaving Washington, DC.

end of June what daytime and overnight temperatures can be expected

Here are average high and low temps for June 25 for cities along the GAP and C&O trails:

Pittsburgh 82-63
Meyersdale 78-54
Cumberland 87-63
DC 85-65

TY

As noted in a previous post, the big Savage Tunnel will reopen for the 2024 season by noon on Thursday , March 28, 2024.

Hey, I know it's the first week of March but will start the GAP and C&O trails this weekend. Planning on camping and riding my old Niner mountain bike. Will be with my son who is strong and has a new gravel bike.
looking forward to the adventure and a bit worried about water not being turned on in the hiker-biker camps. Have a couple of collapsable jugs and means to water purify.
I have read that if muddy, the trail will be difficult but if it's nice, we take advantage of it. It's 65 right now in Northern Virginia, here's to a good weather window in March!
Any advise would be appreciated! best regards!

Rain is forecast in Pittsburgh Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend. There may be some snow as well Sunday as nighttime temps in the low 30's are forecast. Thus, starting in Pgh this weekend would not be pleasant. The GAP will likely be soft in general during and after the weekend and into early next week. Most of the outdoor water sources are still turned off but water is available at stores and shops along the trail. Wet weather is currently forecast the following weekend as well.

The forecast weather and temps along the trails are better for the weekdays next week. The NPS C&O website does not indicate that the pump handles have been returned yet.

I must confess, that I would strongly consider adjusting my itinerary in hopes of better weather and a more enjoyable trip. At the least I'd be looking at staying indoor one or more nights to warm up and dry out or at least know what options for such are available along the way. However, I'm just a soft old man.

PS: The Big Savage Tunnel is still closed fr the winter to my knowledge!

My understanding is that Big Savage tunnel will reopen on March 28. That is earlier than most years but might not be early enough for your trip in mid-March.

Thank you for the great advise. Believe were lucky. It was raining when we left the Pittsburgh Airport, and then snowed the next 2 days. We camped and stayed in BnBs.
The Savage tunnel was in fact closed, we rerouted, taking a cut through just beyond the Eastern Continental Divide. After passing the Divide, within a mile, take a hard left, go down a steep hill and up a steep hill, I pushed it!. The route came out on 160, Cumberland Highway. 160 was all down hill for nearly 10 miles. No cars passed us but it was scary fast for a mountain bike loaded with panniers. !60 ended at Barrelville. At the "T", we turned right and then left at woodcock hollow road, up a steep hill back to the GAP, but looking at a better map today, there may be a better route.
Best surprise of the trip was how much we enjoyed the entire length of the C&O (surface was faster than the GAP).
We missed the section from the Divide and the Savage Tunnel so have to get back there soon!

Vey glad that you’ve taken the time time to tell us about your trip

Suffice it to say I’m very impressed with your heartiness and perseverance in making the trip when you did and under those weather conditions. Further, you’ve sent me headlong into Google maps to try to follow your detour around the closed Big Savage Tunnel…not that I would ever consider trying it. :-)

Hopefully, you’ll get the opportunity go back and ride the GAP downhill section from the Continental Divide down through the Big Savage Tunnel and beyond and hopefully under more hospitable conditions.

For those planning ahead to ride the GAP Trail and especially for those doing so for the first time, I highly recommend you obtain and read the the book,

“The Great Allegheny Passage Companion” by Bill Metzger

It describes the trails’s topology and geology along with its history and development. The history of the railroads that spawned trail and the towns and features along the way are presented in an easily readable format. The maps, graphics and photos therein present a narrative in and of themselves.

In short, don’t just ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland as fast as possible with your head down. Look around as you ride and appreciate the trail’s history and features. This book will make the trip significantly more interesting and enjoyable.

To be clear, I have no relationship to the author and do not benefit from this recommendation in any way.

I was interested in getting a report on the condition of the C&O towpath and the GAP from anyone that has ridden it recently. I am mostly wondering about the technical difficulty as I am still on the mend after a knee replacement

The GAP rail trail and the C&O Towpath are some of the easiest of the longer distance bike routes. These trails are car-free and have no steep climbs now that the Paw Paw Tunnel has reopened. Aside from the first 19 miles leaving Pittsburgh and the 25+ miles of the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) that is parallel to the C&O Towpath around Hancock MD, the trails are typically smooth, crushed gravel. There are a few sections of the C&O towpath with some exposed rocks and roots but they are really issues. Hence these trails are not technical at all in my opinion. That said, the trails and especially the C&O Towpath between Cumberland and Little Orleans can become soft if not sloppy after steady rain fall.

If it gives you any peace of mind, I made the first of my ten trips between Pittsburgh and DC only eight weeks after my knee replacement and it was my butt and not my knee that caused the most discomfort. :-)

Correction:

"There are a few sections of the C&O towpath with some exposed rocks and roots but they are NOT really issues."

Riding the gap/co trail this summer. The entire ride should take me about 7-8 days. Older cyclist (70's), looking for anyone that wants to join me. Taking the Pittsburgh to Georgetown direction.

When during the summer are you looking to make the trip? Camping. hotels/BnB's or combination of both?

As previously posted, my Niece completed the towpath last Monday. While waiting to catch Amtrak's Capital Limited at Union Station, she had to fend off two separate attempts by vagrants to seal her bicycle. Again, no visible Amtrak/Metro DC Police presence. It was fortunate that she was able to fend off the attackers without the use of physical force. It used to be relatively safe to patronize Union Station in Washington DC but it appears that it too has degraded into utter lawlessness so cyclist beware. Travel in groups and don't leave anything unattended.

Just what I needed to hear as I leave for DC via train in a few days. I've been contemplating getting some pepper spray for stray dogs during my later ride through rural countryside but I guess I could use it at the train station and other places as well, if necessary.

Was the other incident at the MP0 marker behind Thompson's Boathouse?

Yes, she was trying to get to Mike Marker Zero at the boat house landed when she was attacked.

FYI, be very careful about defending yourself. The criminals are being set free while law abiding citizens are being prosecuted for the crime of self defense. Go figure.

My wife and I are planning to ride from DC to Pittsburg in June. We are planning a day outing in Washington the day before we start. I wanted to start at Mile Marker 0 but after reading about the homeless problems and lawlessness in that area I am seriously considering not starting there. Maybe more police presence would solve this problem.

I think you’ll be fine in that area. Yes, DC has crime issues just like any other large metropolitan area, but they tend to be random and not specific to Georgetown. Don’t let anecdotal stories interfere with your plans. Use good judgment and be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy your ride up to Pittsburgh.

The most dangerous thing at Mile 0 is making sure to steer clear of the rowing crew members when they’re hauling their boats between the dock and the Thompson Boat House! I’ve never seen homeless there on my many GAP/C&O trips there. This is not to say that no homeless person has ever ventured down there but this is not a regular homeless location.

As JM says, use the same judgement you would in any large city.

Enjoy the pre ride around the city, it’s a great cycling city, and enjoy your GAP/C&O trip!

John

I travelled through DC’s Union Station a week ago and did not encounter or see any issues inside the station. However, I was more vigilant than in the past and carried some pepper spray for the first time based on the earlier post.

Thanks for the info. I’ve never had a problem cycling in the US and I don’t expect that to change.

I am planning to hike alone on the GAP. Several people have told me to stop short of Pittsburgh because Homestead and McKeesport are very high crime areas, i.e. "14 people shot in McKeesport last weekend" is there any validity to these warnings.

In full transparency, I live in Homestead PA and ride/have ridden the GAP trail to and through Pittsburgh and McKeesport via Homestead multiple times a week for the last 10 years. Homestead and McKeesport were both vibrant, middle class communities during the heydays of the steel industry but began a period of steady decline when the mills here closed. While it is true that these towns have gained a reputation for a higher than average crime rate in metropolitan Pittsburgh, the GAP Trail itself does not pass directly through the portions of the towns where crimes there generally occur.

Incidents along the trail itself are rare. Further, and especially during the warmer touring season, there is a fairly steady flow of both cyclist and walker traffic on these trail sections offering a sense of vigilance and security with low risk.

If I were hiking and not familiar with the area, I would be most cautious in the last several blocks entering/leaving downtown Pittsburgh or across the Monongahela River in the Southside section of town though which the GAP and its alternate route into Pittsburgh travel. There are a handful of homeless encampments along the trails there. While it is not uncommon to see residents of these encampments I have never felt any risk of being accosted nor have I encountered any issues riding through these sections entering town. Further I, myself, have not heard of any incidents with cyclists or hikers.

That said, others may have a different opinions and experiences and, hopefully, they will provide their insight as well.

I live in the region and watch the news every night. I don't know what the person was referring to, regarding 14 shootings in one weekend. There are shootings throughout this region, like other cities around the country, but I don't think there were that many in McKeesport or any individual municipality in the Pittsburgh region, in a week, much less a weekend. It is tragic what is happening across the country, the horrible senseless killings. But I think that report is not accurate. I'm glad you are on this forum asking your quetsion. As someone else pointed out, the areas where shootings occur are not along the GAP Trail.

I've biked these areas many time and do not worry about crime. I am vigilant, I carry mace or pepper spray, not sure which it is. But I originally purchased that to deal with stray dogs on the Katy Trail in Missouri, which I used to ride on a lot when living there. I've never used it or even felt inclined to use it on a person. A couple of dogs, but not people.

Some areas you will pass in McKeesport do go by low income housing, but I see children outside playing, riding bikes, people casually walking in the area, people are friendly and I've never considered it a dangerous area.

I love the GAP trail from McKeesport to Homestead. You'll pass buildings from the industrial era that have been repurposed, go along the Monongahela River, go across a wonderful bridge across the river, you'll pass below Kennywood, and one of their roller coasters. It's a wonderful part of the trail. At Homestead you'll go by the Pump House and Water Tower. Stop and read about the historic battle between steel workers trying to unionize and the Pinkertons brought in by Henry Clay Frik to break the effort.

And then after Homestead you go past Sandcastle and an eagle nest viewing area. Bring your binoculars and try to spot the eagles. You'll go by the Steelers training facility, interesting pieces of equipment from Steel era, you'll go over the Hot Metal Bridge. There's so much to see.

By the way I'm in my early 70s. I see many people my age on the GAP trail in this region. I think the consensus is that it is safe.

I tried to contact the Four Seasons Guest Farm at the telephone number provided but it is no longer in service. Trying to plan an overnight stay in Marleton or Rockwood while riding the GAP. Looking for a campground that allow hammock camping.

I don’t have any further info about the Four Season Guesthouse in Markleton, but the only campground in Rockwood (Husky Haven) was closed over a year ago.

Rockwood is a very nice small town. It also had, about 12 years ago, a very active railroad passing through the town. Maybe that has changed. During my stay, trains passed through frequently blowing their whistle at multiple crossings at all hours.

The railroad through Rockwood is still quite active and loud as noted. Although, the Husky Haven campground there is now closed, there are still a couple of BnB's alongside the trail or a hostel across the river in town should you want to stay indoors.

Thank you for the timely replies and for the suggestions. What is the name of the hostel and how do you make reservations?

The hostel is named “Hostel on Main” as in Main Street. If you Google that name in Rockwood it will return its website at which you can book an accomodation.

I have a trek fx 2. I think this should work well. Let me know what you think. thx

After looking at the specs for the Trek FX2, it should be suitable for both the GAP and C&O trails. If you anticipate wet conditions you may want to consider adding fenders.

The Travelers Rest Hotel is still very much bicycle friendly. I stayed there during the Covid plandemic and found it to be very good for cyclists and affordable. It's called a hotel but is very similar to a hostel. They have good accommodations to keep bike and gear and the owner Paul and Mary Beth are very kind.

Just for information the Travelers Rest hotel is not directly on the formal GAP trail in to/out of downtown Pittsburgh on the north side of the Monongahela River. It is, however, just a couple of blocks off an alternate route in to/out of town on the south side of the river. It’s not an issue as long as you locate it and plan your ride accordingly.

From reading this forum briefly, it sounds like Rivnuts is the source for trail knowledge. I may have an opportunity to move close to the trails. I have a few general questions from a would be newbie.
1) What is the general trail season duration, Apr to Oct generally? Are services stopped during off season, like trail closed, trailhead access toilets, water and electricity? Also most lodging, stores, and services are closed during this time?
2) What governmental agency is responsible for both GAP & C&O? I realize they travel through several states. So if bad weather blows through and bridges are out or downed trees, trail is washed out how long does it take for the repairs?
3) Are there annual public funded organized group rides on the trail besides the private for profit companies?
4) Has there been a published report recently with data from public surveys that identifies the economic benefit of both trails?
I would appreciate any comments, Thanks
DSD

DS Douin:

I’m not “the” source but simply “a” source of information pertaining to the GAP and C&O trails obtained primarily from riding the trails since retiring. There are many others with greater knowledge of the
history and administration of these trails to whom I defer. That said, I will attempt to provide answers your questions as best I can, some of which are merely my personal opinions. Living along the trail outside Pittsburgh, I’m more familiar with the details of the GAP versus the C&O although I’ve done the entire ride several times.

1. The trail season is, as you suggest, generally April through October particularly for day or short overnight trips. In planning for several-day trips, however, late-April through late-October is probably a better season in order to avoid the likelihood of bad weather and trail conditions especially on the GAP where the more northern and higher elevation portions can see freezing temperatures and occasional snow. Also note that the GAP’s Big Savage Tunnel is typically closed from early December to late March and there is no detour.

The unpaved sections of the GAP and C&O trails can become quite soft or muddy with rain at any time. However, the initial 19 miles of the GAP leaving Pittsburgh is paved allowing year round riding except when the trail is snow covered.

Nearly all trailheads and free hiker/bike campgrounds are open year round. Many, if not most, of the water fountains/taps are shut off to avoid freeze damage during the winter and electricity does not exist even during the touring months at these locations. Some of the porta potties are removed during the winter but sufficient toilet facilities generally remain within reasonable distances.

Obviously, the hotels that are on or near the trails are open year round. Pay-to-stay campground and Air BnB availability along the trail can be spotty. The stores and commercial businesses in the cities along the trail are generally open year round although some have reduced hours of operation.

2. The GAP Trail is owned, administered and maintained by a network of trail associations although sections pass through some local and state parks along the route. The C&O Towpath Trail is a national
park administered by the National Park Service. Responses to fallen trees, landslides, washouts and other nominal trail damage are typically cleared/repaired within a day with faster responses closer to towns and trailheads. There are always scheduled maintenance projects that occur but are well publicized with noted delays or detours. While not common, more severe trail damage, closures and extended delays and detours may occur if/when the Potomac River floods along the C&O or if tornadoes pass through the trails.

3. Nearly all the various trail associations along the GAP have annual fundraiser rides, runs and festivals as well as ongoing donation requests. Since the C&O is a national park, there a no such fundraisers per se’. In fact, private businesses along but not on the trail itself are not permitted to advertise on the trail property.

4. While I’m sure there are a number of studies regarding the economic impact of these trails, the one that I’m aware of was one published for the GAP Trail at:

Tourism on GAP Drives $121 Million in Annual Economic Impact, Estimates Fourth Economy - Great
Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)

If this link does not work simply Google for “GAP Trail economic impact” and that report will be the first site returned.

This has been a long-winded response. There are always some specific exceptions to these general responses I’ve made. If you have other specific questions, feel free to post them or send me an email at
rivnuts@yahoo.com.

Best wishes and back to the football game.