C&O / GAP Trip Reports

Share the knowledge and experiences of others who have already traveled the C&O and/or GAP, whether by bike, foot, or boat. Trips are listed in reverse chronological order.

Please contact us if you'd like to share your own journal, blog, or essay of a C&O / GAP trip.

Epic Solo Bike Ride 2022 Edition

Author: Mr Purple Paul
When: July 2022
Where: Cumberland to DC
Paul rides the C&O for a good cause (and checks off a bucket list item) in this daily blog of his trip. Lots of great photos and insights along the way.

https://gonewiththeschwinnblog.wordpress.com/2022/07/08/epic-solo-bike-ride-2022-edition-c-and-o-canal-towpath/?theme_preview=true&iframe=true&frame-nonce=97eedf4d67

Great Allegheny Passage: 2020 Edition

Author: Mr Purple Paul
When: June 2020
Where: Pittsburgh to Cumberland
Paul loved the GAP so much that he came back for more.

https://gonewiththeschwinnblog.wordpress.com/2020/06/23/great-allegheny-passage-pittsburgh-to-cumberland/

Solo Trip from Washington DC to Pittsburgh

Author: Sri Narayanan
When: Fall 2016
Where: Washington to Pittsburgh
Nice blog with lots of short videos

http://mundanemuses.blogspot.com/2016/10/washington-dc-to-pittsburg-bike-trip-on_27.html

Bike Camping on C&O Canal

When: Summer 2016
Where: Harpers Ferry to Washington

http://www.alltogetheroutthere.com/bike-camping-on-co-canal/

Gone with the Schwinn

Author: Mr Purple Paul
When: August 2015
Where: GAP: Cumberland to Pittsburgh

http://gonewiththeschwinn.blogspot.com/2015_08_01_archive.html

Seeing America at 10 miles per hour

Author: Bruce and Susan
When: 2015
Where: Pittsburgh to DC

https://gapcandobiketrip.wordpress.com/

Father and Son: Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal

Author: David Fritsch
When: July 2-11, 2009
Where: Pittsburgh to Washington
Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. via Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal, over 10 days

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=7928&v=6p

Charlie's GAP and C&O Solo Unsupported Trip

Author: Charlie
When: June 2008
Where: McKeesport to DC

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BikeWashingtonDC/message/11290

A Question of Grit -- Five Days on the Pittsburgh-to-Washington Bike Trail

Author: Franklin Toker
When: May 2008
Where: Pittsburgh to Washington DC

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08181/893250-109.stm

Pittsburgh to DC in Four Days

Author: MC, DA, & EQ
When: 2006
Where: Pittsburgh to Washington DC
A must-read for anyone planning this trip, loaded with links, photos, and planning tips

http://www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/2006-pittsburgh-dc-c&o-gap.cfm

3-person self-contained bike trip from McKeesport PA to Washington DC

Author: MC, DA, and EQ
When: May 2004
Where: McKeesport PA to Washington DC
This trip used the ATA trail, Great Allegheny Passage, and C&O Canal. The report includes numerous links and planning tips.

http://www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/0405biketrip.cfm