Spring Ride Pittsburgh to DC with DC siteseeing
- + I'm planning on Spring 2025 ride from Pittsburgh to DC. Camping the entire way. I would like to do some siteseeing in DC on the cheap (never been). Trying to figure out where to stay, storing the bike...
Discussion started 12/06/24 2:48:16 PM by Ed N - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 12/06/24 9:18:47 PM)Ed N from Milwaukee, WI on 12/06/24 2:48:16 PM
I'm planning on Spring 2025 ride from Pittsburgh to DC. Camping the entire way. I would like to do some siteseeing in DC on the cheap (never been). Trying to figure out where to stay, storing the bike and gear? Do I get into town early, ride around to different sites, and then ride back to the first campground on the trail? Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks!
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 12/06/24 9:18:47 PM
The first campground (Swains Lock) on the trail is 17 miles from the end of the C&O and add another 3 to downtown. It’s doable but a rather long commute. Staying closer to town would be more convenient. Hotels are expensive but with some investigation and planning, you can find an AirBnB in the form of a room in a house for much less. Typically such places have a place to secure your bike and gear. You may not be immediately downtown but can usually use public transportation to get there. You’ll want to be cautious what part of town you stay in but you can assess the various neighborhoods with some research.
I did this successfully a couple of years ago. Just my two cents worth.
Amtrak Merging of Capital Limited and Siver Star Routes
- + See announcement below from Amtrak regarding merging of its Capital Limited and Silver Star routes.
Beginning November 10, 2024, Amtrak will temporarily combine its Capitol Limited (Chicago to Wa...
Discussion started 11/14/24 4:29:19 PM by Rivnuts - 0 repliesRivnuts from Homestead,PA on 11/14/24 4:29:19 PM
See announcement below from Amtrak regarding merging of its Capital Limited and Silver Star routes.
Beginning November 10, 2024, Amtrak will temporarily combine its Capitol Limited (Chicago to Washington D.C.) and Silver Star (Washington D.C. to Miami) routes to create the Floridian. The Floridian (trains 40/41) will operate on a similar schedule, make the current stops, and follow the same tracks used by the Capitol Limited (trains 29/30) among Pittsburgh, Connellsville, Cumberland, Harpers Ferry, and Washington, D.C., preserving the option of return trips for travelers along Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. So if you’re seeking to book a trip on the Capitol Limited after November 10, look instead on Amtrak’s website for the Floridian.
Big Savage Tunnel Closure
- + It has been announced that the Big Savage Tunnel will be closed for the winter on Wednesday November 27.
Discussion started 11/13/24 9:28:18 AM by Rivnuts - 0 repliesRivnuts from Homestead,PA on 11/13/24 9:28:18 AM
It has been announced that the Big Savage Tunnel will be closed for the winter on Wednesday November 27.
Planning a 2025 flip-flop bike ride
- + I'm planning a month long ride from Cumberland to Georgetown and back to Cumberland, possibly around beginning of April, and have two questions(more will come soon I'm sure).
What can I expect of w...
Discussion started 11/03/24 2:44:30 PM by TrailRider - 3 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 11/07/24 6:33:55 AM)TrailRider on 11/03/24 2:44:30 PM
I'm planning a month long ride from Cumberland to Georgetown and back to Cumberland, possibly around beginning of April, and have two questions(more will come soon I'm sure).
What can I expect of weather for the month of April in terms of cold vs warm?
Is there an area in Cumberland that I can park my car for a month without the risk of it being towed?
I know I could complete a back and forth trip in a week, but I'm in no rush, and I'm considering trying to camp at every hiker/biker campsite (skipping the drive ins) in one run. I know that scenario is near impossible unless I only ride 8 to 12 miles a day, and skip every other campsite.
So far, that's my plan. I'm sure it'll change between now and then.
roadie mark from redford mi on 11/03/24 4:11:37 PM
Hey 2025 rider:
Check with the Fairfield Inn people in Cumberland. Nice place. There is a bike shop on the boardwalk nearby as well. The proprietor may have some ideas about parking. A copuple of bike shops in town as a matter of fact. April might be a good time to ride.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 11/06/24 8:47:42 AM
Regarding the weather, I’ve responded previously that I believe May is a better time for such a trip. Limiting your trip to the C&O versus the GAP reduces your risk of encountering some quite cold weather. Race could be an issue however over the course of a month.
There is free, public parking under the overhead highway near Canal Place in Cumberland.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 11/07/24 6:33:55 AM
Rain not race in previous message.
bridge out?
- + Hello all:
Just recently completed the GAP. I had heard in Rockwood, PA that a bridge was out before Hancock on the C&O. Stairs were an alternative according to some cyclists. But can someone provi...
Discussion started 11/02/24 11:10:43 AM by roadie mark - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 11/02/24 7:34:23 PM)roadie mark from redford mi on 11/02/24 11:10:43 AM
Hello all:
Just recently completed the GAP. I had heard in Rockwood, PA that a bridge was out before Hancock on the C&O. Stairs were an alternative according to some cyclists. But can someone provide details?
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 11/02/24 7:34:23 PM
When I went through there in August, there was indeed a bridge out on The C&O. I jumped up onto the WMRT to get past that bridge. I did not incur any stairs there.
Towns & Services not working on website
- + Is anyone else having a problem with the Towns & Services tab on the bikecando.com website?.
Everything else is working fine but when click on Towns & Services it lets me pick a town then goes to a b...
Discussion started 10/28/24 4:15:32 PM by Kevin - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 10/28/24 4:35:46 PM)Kevin from St. Louis on 10/28/24 4:15:32 PM
Is anyone else having a problem with the Towns & Services tab on the bikecando.com website?.
Everything else is working fine but when click on Towns & Services it lets me pick a town then goes to a blank page.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 10/28/24 4:35:46 PM
It is working for me at this point in time.
ride back to baldwin
- + Hello everyone:
Riding the train back to Pittsburgh from Cumberland, MD on 28 October. The GAP was great. Perfect weather for it. I need a ride from the train station to Baldwin, PA with the bike a...
Discussion started 10/27/24 4:37:15 PM by roadie mark - 0 repliesroadie mark from redford mi on 10/27/24 4:37:15 PM
Hello everyone:
Riding the train back to Pittsburgh from Cumberland, MD on 28 October. The GAP was great. Perfect weather for it. I need a ride from the train station to Baldwin, PA with the bike at nearly midnight. Can anyone help? Will check back.
Amtrak bike service to Connellsville ?
- + Good afternoon, dear friends.
When I book a train from Washington to Connellsville I am given the option to add a bicycle. In the past, roll-on, roll-off service was available only where there was ba...
Discussion started 10/20/24 2:05:40 PM by Fred - 3 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 10/22/24 7:16:47 PM)Fred from Baltimore on 10/20/24 2:05:40 PM
Good afternoon, dear friends.
When I book a train from Washington to Connellsville I am given the option to add a bicycle. In the past, roll-on, roll-off service was available only where there was baggage service. There are no Amtrak humans at Connellsville, as I understand it. Perhaps the roll-off service is nonetheless available at "COV" because no local Amtrak personnel are needed - only a person on the train to hand the bike down to me.
Can anyone confirm that the roll-off service is available at Connellsville ?
Thanks.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 10/20/24 8:48:55 PM
Pittsburgers often take the train to Connellsville with their bikes and ride back to the 'Burgh so roll-on/roll-off service is available there as far as I know. You can call Amtrak to confirm however for your peace of mind.
Fred from Baltimore on 10/20/24 11:26:06 PM
Thanks, Rivnuts. That is the confirmation I was looking for. Unfortunately, when I called Amtrak the agent looked at the same booking program that I had looked at and said, "If they let you add a bicycle to your reservation, then it must be possible."
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 10/22/24 7:16:47 PM
I agree that if the Amtrak reservation system allows you to add a bicycle reservation for your selected route, then the origin and destination stations support bicycle loading and retrieval.
However, the converse is not true. That is, if the Amtrak reservation system does not offer a bicycle reservation on your chosen route and day it doesn't necessarily mean that bikes are not supported at the origin and destination stations. It may simply mean that there are no more bicycle reservations available on that day.
Pedaler's Rest in Confluence
- + The phone number being advertised for the Peddler's rest is not the current phone number, it is actually my personal phone number and I receive about 5 to 10 calls a week for people looking for Peddle...
Discussion started 10/14/24 11:15:16 AM by Stephanie - 1 reply (last reply by Fred at 10/20/24 1:58:14 PM)Stephanie from Johnstown on 10/14/24 11:15:16 AM
The phone number being advertised for the Peddler's rest is not the current phone number, it is actually my personal phone number and I receive about 5 to 10 calls a week for people looking for Peddlers rest.
Fred from Baltimore on 10/20/24 1:58:14 PM
Our sympathies.
YMCA in Cumberland
- + Spoke with attendant at the YMCA desk over the phone. Yes, warm showers and hot coffee in the a.m. Cannot set up tent on site until 6 p.m. due to school kid traffic nearby. Careful getting there it's ...
Discussion started 10/18/24 1:13:48 PM by roadie mark - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 10/19/24 6:04:48 PM)roadie mark from redford mi on 10/18/24 1:13:48 PM
Spoke with attendant at the YMCA desk over the phone. Yes, warm showers and hot coffee in the a.m. Cannot set up tent on site until 6 p.m. due to school kid traffic nearby. Careful getting there it's busy.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 10/19/24 6:04:48 PM
For clarification, I believe the after 6:00 PM set up time only applies to weekdays.
Closures
- + I am planning on riding the GAP and C and O from Oct 8-12 and my biggest concerns are if there are any closures on either trail. Please let me know if you are aware of closures or detours. TIA
Discussion started 09/21/24 2:01:20 PM by Mark Brown - 8 replies (last reply by Squirrel Hill at 10/08/24 9:05:39 PM)Mark Brown from Englewood, Ohio on 09/21/24 2:01:20 PM
I am planning on riding the GAP and C and O from Oct 8-12 and my biggest concerns are if there are any closures on either trail. Please let me know if you are aware of closures or detours. TIA
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 09/21/24 2:33:11 PM
There are none at this time on the GAP.
John from Hagerstown on 09/23/24 2:31:29 PM
Detour involving steps at Dam 5 on C&O. Can be a challenge if you’re solo and carrying gear. Otherwise, it’s clear on Gap and towpath.Just finished the route on 9-21.
Mark Brown from Englewood,Ohio on 09/24/24 1:50:50 PM
Thanks- I appreciate the updates.
Mark Brown from Englewood,Ohio on 09/25/24 12:22:51 PM
Thanks- I appreciate the updates.
roadie mark from redford mi on 10/06/24 7:14:39 PM
Mark Brown:
My departure date from Pittsburgh is 15 October. A camp stop the first day then probably one more down the road. Seen some rain coming about 18 October. I'm going as far as Harpers Ferry on this trip due to all the election stuff going on in Washington D.C. Keep me posted on your progress. Good luck.
Squirrel Hill from Pittsburgh on 10/06/24 9:31:40 PM
I just finished riding from Pittsburgh-DC (Thurs-Sat). The GAP was in good shape, if its regular slog up to the Eastern Continental Divide. (That day was powered by Coffee at Crawford in Connellsville, ending with Yuengling-battered haddock at Take Six in Meyersdale.) Despite the heavy rains last week, the C&O was also good to Hancock, with a posted detour at from Mile 106.8 to 106, up a flight of wooden stairs and along a temporary path.
Note that leaving Hancock on the Western Maryland Rail Trail will be a short trip, as work began on 10/3 from Mile 9 to Mile 2.9. Divert back to ol' bumpy, alas.
Things were smooth out of Brunswick to the Seneca Aqueduct at Mile 22.8. The trail is rock-hard (literally) from here, and there's a detour at Mile 11 that takes you up to the road for one half mile.
The new WWI Memorial near the White House is worth checking out (there are ramps). I rode to DCA, threw the bike in a rental car, and was home for dinner.
roadie mark from redford mi on 10/07/24 12:56:23 PM
Squirrel Hill:
That Yuengling battered fish n' chips in Meyersdale sounds good. I'm nearby for a camp stop. But your updates on the GAP were helpful. Concerned, however, about mud slogging on the CO with my 28" wheels. Appreciate it.
Squirrel Hill from Pittsburgh on 10/08/24 9:05:39 PM
I rode on 28" inch tires, and thankfully did not have any punctures or even slips. Some unexpected bumps on the C&O when my attention wandered, and the Paw Paw Tunnel felt rougher than in the past, with the echoing "pings" from my back tire making me nervous. The roughest part of the trail for me was the end - from Seneca through Great Falls until the Capital Crescent Trail. I traveled as light as possible (one pannier) but still carried two spare tubes and both a battery-powered and manual pump, as I was certain I'd have a flat. At Mile 0 I realized I had never even once needed to add air to the tires. May you be as fortunate!
C & ) trip
- + Hello,
Don't know if my message got sent through.
Just wanted to say I am leaving N.J. on Monday to drive down to Cumberland Md and have a room booked at the Fairfield In for Monday night then on ...
Discussion started 10/05/24 7:52:02 PM by EZ-DOES-IT - 0 repliesEZ-DOES-IT from Brick,N.J. on 10/05/24 7:52:02 PM
Hello,
Don't know if my message got sent through.
Just wanted to say I am leaving N.J. on Monday to drive down to Cumberland Md and have a room booked at the Fairfield In for Monday night then on to the Amtrak Tuesday to start my bike ride back to Cumberland Md from Washington DC on the C & O if anyone is interested in doing this ride with me reach out to me.
FYI Bikes are still available on the Amtrak.
So if you see and Oldman on a green felt gravel bike come and say hello.
Michael
My up Coming Trip
- + Hello everyone,
Driving down to Cumberland Md on Monday 10/7 got a room booked at the Fairfield inn right on the trail and getting on the Amtrak on Tuesday morning for Washington DC, got my Bicy...
Discussion started 10/05/24 7:45:27 PM by EZ-DOES-IT - 0 repliesEZ-DOES-IT from Brick,N.J. on 10/05/24 7:45:27 PM
Hello everyone,
Driving down to Cumberland Md on Monday 10/7 got a room booked at the Fairfield inn right on the trail and getting on the Amtrak on Tuesday morning for Washington DC, got my Bicycle all set for the train to start my C & O ride back to Cumberland MD if anyone is interested to do this ride with me let me know.
also if you see an old man on his Felt gravel back come and say hello.
Michael
Towpath conditions - 28 Sept 24
- + I am planning to start my ride to Pittsburgh from DC on 9/30. Looks like there will be more rain on top of all of the other rain we have had this last week. Anyone have any trail condition updates, ...
Discussion started 09/28/24 1:26:58 PM by John Simms - 3 replies (last reply by John Simms at 10/01/24 7:34:59 AM)John Simms from Vienna, VA on 09/28/24 1:26:58 PM
I am planning to start my ride to Pittsburgh from DC on 9/30. Looks like there will be more rain on top of all of the other rain we have had this last week. Anyone have any trail condition updates, especially on the dirt sections of the C&O between DC and Cumberland? Thanks!
John
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 09/29/24 8:53:48 AM
Given you are starting tomorrow and no rider on the trail at present has responded I'll provide what information exists (which you probably already have) along with my experience living/riding along the GAP and several rides on the C&O over the last 10 years.
There's a light rain in Pittsburgh this morning and is forecast to continue most of the day today as well as tomorrow morning. Tuesday and beyond look dry with clearing skies. As a result and excluding the first 20 miles on pavement leaving Pittsburgh, the GAP with its crushed stone will likely be soft with an occasional puddle or two.
Looking at Cumberland, a more steady rain is expected today with more rain and showers on Monday and Tuesday before clearing the rest of the week. Thus I would expect some sloppy conditions on the Towpath with puddles and some mud, especially between Cumberland and Spring Gap as well as between Paw Paw and Little Orleans where there have been no trail improvements made. The balance of the Towpath in route to DC where new surface improvements have been made may be a little soft but decent with improving weather and some sunshine to aid in drying out the trail.
Those would be my expectations if I was undertaking your trip tomorrow. Hopefully, someone on the trail presently can give you real time info. Enjoy your trip and be safe.
John Simms from Vienna, va on 09/30/24 7:23:52 AM
Thank you for your insights. I’m going to postpone this one.
John Simms from Vienna, va on 09/30/24 8:50:48 PM
Thank you for your insights. I’m going to postpone this one.
Heritage Inn, Paw Paw
- + Spent a great night in Paw Paw at the newly opened Heritage Inn. Great house, great breakfast. Take the turn off into town, cross the river, blue house with great front porch, one house up from the ga...
Discussion started 09/25/24 8:26:24 AM by Susan - 0 repliesSusan from Albuquerque on 09/25/24 8:26:24 AM
Spent a great night in Paw Paw at the newly opened Heritage Inn. Great house, great breakfast. Take the turn off into town, cross the river, blue house with great front porch, one house up from the gas station. Gas station has a grill, beer, etc. 304-359-0075
Heritage Inn, Paw Paw
- + Spent a great night in Paw Paw at the newly opened Heritage Inn. Great house, great breakfast. Take the turn off into town, cross the river, blue house with great front porch, one house up from the ga...
Discussion started 09/24/24 6:35:36 PM by Susan - 0 repliesSusan from Albuquerque on 09/24/24 6:35:36 PM
Spent a great night in Paw Paw at the newly opened Heritage Inn. Great house, great breakfast. Take the turn off into town, cross the river, blue house with great front porch, one house up from the gas station. Gas station has a grill, beer, etc. 304-359-0075
1828 Trail Inn Bed & Breakfast in Hancock
- + Fantastic stay, she’s for your bikes, great breakfast- don’t miss it!
Discussion started 09/24/24 6:27:42 PM by Susan - 0 repliesSusan from Albuquerque on 09/24/24 6:27:42 PM
Fantastic stay, she’s for your bikes, great breakfast- don’t miss it!
Address Needed
- + Does anyone know an address for the trail parking in Shepherdstown?
Discussion started 09/23/24 4:35:36 PM by Becky Biker - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 09/23/24 7:55:07 PM)Becky Biker from Barberton Ohio on 09/23/24 4:35:36 PM
Does anyone know an address for the trail parking in Shepherdstown?
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 09/23/24 7:55:07 PM
The C&O Towpath itself does not pass through Shepherdstown WV but rather runs along the Maryland side of the Potomac River opposite Shepherdstown. The closest street address to the trailhead there would be:
16334 Canal Road
Sharpsburg, MD 27822
Enter that address in Google Maps in satellite view and you'll see the trailhead there.
Alternatively, enter the following coordinates:
39.436501, -77.799560
for the trailhead.
luggage shuttle
- + Hello,
Curious about the cost of shuttling bike luggage on the C&O. Four day trip.
Thank you.
Discussion started 09/21/24 6:32:44 PM by Jack B. - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 09/22/24 3:10:22 PM)Jack B. from Swansea MA on 09/21/24 6:32:44 PM
Hello,
Curious about the cost of shuttling bike luggage on the C&O. Four day trip.
Thank you.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 09/22/24 3:10:22 PM
To be clear, are you looking for a single shuttle from one end of the C&O Towpath to the other, i.e. between Cumberland and DC, or multiple shuttles from town to town along the Towpath?
In either case, your best info would come from prospective shuttle operators unless others reply with recent experiences.
Place to stay near C&O in Potomac area
- + If adventurous, you might consider renting one of the Towpath Lockhouses near Potomac MD. You can find them on the Canal Trust website.
Discussion started 09/21/24 11:35:02 AM by Rivnuts - 0 repliesRivnuts from Homestead,PA on 09/21/24 11:35:02 AM
If adventurous, you might consider renting one of the Towpath Lockhouses near Potomac MD. You can find them on the Canal Trust website.
- + Looking for a place to stay near C&O in Potomac area. Our abnb canceled on us. If we could get across the Potomac River in that area would also be helpful, but it looks like that is not possible. Any ...
Discussion started 09/20/24 10:45:31 AM by Mike H - 0 repliesMike H from Watertown on 09/20/24 10:45:31 AM
Looking for a place to stay near C&O in Potomac area. Our abnb canceled on us. If we could get across the Potomac River in that area would also be helpful, but it looks like that is not possible. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks all
Pump station
- + Is it legal to park at pump station in Homestead?4
Discussion started 09/17/24 9:14:30 PM - 2 replies (last reply at 09/18/24 2:19:09 PM)anonymous on 09/17/24 9:14:30 PM
Is it legal to park at pump station in Homestead?4
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 09/18/24 9:08:22 AM
Yes and it’s encouraged albeit not foe overnight parking. It’s parking area is occasionally closed for special events held there on a particular day, usually a Friday or Saturday but there are a variety of other places riders can park in the adjoining shopping center.
anonymous on 09/18/24 2:19:09 PM
Thank you
Mosquitos
- + Son and I are doing GAP next week. We'd be camping and he will be using a hammock. Are the mosquitos bad this time of year and will he need a bug net for his hammock. He has the rain fly, but didn'...
Discussion started 09/15/24 11:43:06 PM by Ross - 2 replies (last reply by Ross at 09/16/24 7:23:21 PM)Ross from North Augusta on 09/15/24 11:43:06 PM
Son and I are doing GAP next week. We'd be camping and he will be using a hammock. Are the mosquitos bad this time of year and will he need a bug net for his hammock. He has the rain fly, but didn't know about mosquitos.
Thanks!
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 09/16/24 5:44:56 AM
Mosquitos are not much of an issue along the GAP as long as you camp in the maintained mown areas. Now the C&O is a different story until the weather gets colder.
Ross from North Augusta on 09/16/24 7:23:21 PM
Thank you. I did it several years ago and didn't remember mosquitos but wanted to make sure..
Cumberland to Pittsburgh
- + We will be riding the GAP from Cumberland to Pittsburgh at the end of this month, Sept '24. Are there any trail closures or detours that we should be aware of ?? Very much looking forward to this tri...
Discussion started 09/16/24 1:12:19 PM by Robert Mull - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 09/16/24 2:59:53 PM)Robert Mull from Hopewell Township PA on 09/16/24 1:12:19 PM
We will be riding the GAP from Cumberland to Pittsburgh at the end of this month, Sept '24. Are there any trail closures or detours that we should be aware of ?? Very much looking forward to this trip.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 09/16/24 2:59:53 PM
There are no actual or planned closures or detours at this time. The most recent detour between Adelaide and Dawson has ended.
GAP CLOSURE
- + Good News. Just saw this on the GAP's webpage. Closure Between Mile Markers 92 and 94.5 (GAP Mile 92) Cleared: Project completed on 8/31; GAP open for normal travel
Reported: June 3, 2024
Last Upda...
Discussion started 09/10/24 3:01:41 PM by Headband - 1 reply (last reply by Recreational Rider at 09/12/24 7:53:29 AM)Headband from Washington PA on 09/10/24 3:01:41 PM
Good News. Just saw this on the GAP's webpage. Closure Between Mile Markers 92 and 94.5 (GAP Mile 92) Cleared: Project completed on 8/31; GAP open for normal travel
Reported: June 3, 2024
Last Updated September 1, 2024
Recreational Rider from Cleveland,OH on 09/12/24 7:53:29 AM
Thank you for sharing! Than is great news!
Donges Drive In & Motel in Meyersdale
- + I see I reviewed the Donges Drive Inn way back in 2013. This time we (myself, my two brothers, my sister, a sister-in-law, and my wife) stayed at the Donges Motel while biking the great Allegheny Pas...
Discussion started 09/08/24 9:12:22 PM by Paul - 0 repliesPaul from Quincy, Il on 09/08/24 9:12:22 PM
I see I reviewed the Donges Drive Inn way back in 2013. This time we (myself, my two brothers, my sister, a sister-in-law, and my wife) stayed at the Donges Motel while biking the great Allegheny Passage. It was clean, quiet, and comfortable, just what I expect for a bike ride.
Harpers Ferry Hostel in Harpers Ferry
- + I’m staying there now. It’s called the Crosstrails Hostel and is not in Harpers Ferry. You have to go past mm 59 and double back up a hill to the hostel. Google tried to take me on Harpers Ferry Road ...
Discussion started 09/29/23 8:35:10 PM by Patty - 6 replies (last reply by WKR at 09/08/24 10:06:02 AM)Patty from Brownsville,MN on 09/29/23 8:35:10 PM
I’m staying there now. It’s called the Crosstrails Hostel and is not in Harpers Ferry. You have to go past mm 59 and double back up a hill to the hostel. Google tried to take me on Harpers Ferry Road to Sandy Hook Road cutting off before mm 61 to Harpers Ferry. These roads are closed and ther was no way to access them from the trail. It caused a heap of confusion. I’m glad i came this way because now I just have to go back down a hill and will be further down the trail. It used to be an American Youth hostel for 50 years a volunteer told me but they had staffing and other problems and shut down for a time in 2019. Now there’s a manager and several volunteers. You can make online reservations. It’s $30 to stay in the dorm. They have men and women’s dorms. They have a private room and camping too. They do host groups from time to time and then are not open to the public. I think it’d be better than the KOA cause you can stay inside out of the elements. You get a towel, blankets and sheets. They offered breakfast food too, but it didn’t say that on the website.
Rivnuts from Homestead PA on 09/30/23 4:35:30 AM
Patty: I’m a little confused (as is often the case). For me to be clear, if you were riding upriver, where did you cross over the railroad tracks to get to Sandy Hook Road without getting on Haepers Ferry Road near the railroad tunnel?
Please forgive my ignorance.
Willy from Alexandria VA on 09/30/23 2:32:57 PM
I believe that you would cross the railroad tracks closer to mm 58 where the Appellation Trail turns north off the C&O trail.
After crossing the RR tracks go to the left on Keep Tryst Rd. Go up the hill ~.7 mile turn left on Sandy Hook Road.
Another tenth of a mile after Sandy Hook Road is the Guide House Grill (great place by the way), a great liquor store.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 09/30/23 9:31:51 PM
"Ah said the blind man, now I see it". An uphill jaunt but doable. Thanks for that info. I'll be passing by that way next week in route from DC to Pittsburgh.
Barry from Hershey,PA on 10/01/23 2:03:24 PM
I just want to add my experience with the Hostel. Last Fall, I made reservations to stay one night at the Hostel. When I called to get directions, from the Harpers Ferry trail marker, I was told that there was not an opening that night. I explained that I already paid an overnight fee via credit card. The manager said sorry, but my reservation was cancelled, on the spot, and that I would receive a refund. We ended up staying at the KOA in Harpers Ferry. Despite phone calls and emails, I never got a refund from the Hostel. That is my experience and obviously do not recommend staying there.
Phil on 09/06/24 8:57:04 PM
I stayed at the Cross Trails Hostel last night. I’m surprised at the negative reviews here. Booking a dorm bed via the website was painless, and the staff had no trouble with my booking when I arrived. Directions from the trails (AT and C&O) to the hostel are on the website. The place is clean, quiet, welcoming, inexpensive, and exactly as advertised on the website.
The only exception worth noting is that the Hillside Restaurant reportedly 0.3 miles from the hostel has recently closed and decamped to Purcellville. This means you must either hike/bike back to Brunswick or Harper’s Ferry for dinner or buy some groceries in advance to cook in the hostel’s kitchen.
If you’re biking from downriver and plan to shop at the Weis grocery store in Brunswick (as recommended on the hostel’s website), be aware that hill up to the highway from the river has a 12% grade. A bit of a slog with a loaded bike at the end of a day’s ride…
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 09/08/24 10:06:02 AM
There are a few routes to get you to the weis from the tow path. I would do walnut st from the train station, right on georgia ave, left on brunswick st, right on valley trail (across from west end playground), bear left about 0.7 miles to stay on valley trail. This will take you out past the beach volleyball court onto potomac view pkwy, which is behind the weis. Of course, you've still got about 300' of elevation gain to deal with but I suspect most people riding the tow path will be more comfortable on this route.