C&O / GAP Forum

The GAP trail website has announced another imminent closure of a portion of the GAP Trail as described below

“Somerset County will deploy contractors to completely redeck the Pinkerton Low and High Bridges and the Harnedsville Bridge as soon as all required permits are submitted, beginning as early as November 1, 2022. This $2.4 million project will require closing the Great Allegheny Passage to all travelers between the parking areas at Markleton (mile marker 50) and Harnedsville (mile marker 59) for approximately two months, depending on the severity of winter weather.

This major rehabilitation project will include removing the entire wooden decking systems of all three bridges, including the aging railroad ties once installed by the Western Maryland Railway, since the decking and ties are nearing the end of their useful lives. Contractors will install new concrete slabs which will last generations. Currently, Somerset County is waiting for final permit approvals, which could arrive at any time, and then contractors will get started. We are hopeful that the project can be completed over the winter so that this nine-mile section can reopen as soon as possible in the spring of 2023.

Please note that this section of the GAP will be completely closed to all travelers. The project area will be extremely dangerous; there will be no deck system on these bridges, each of which traverse the Casselman River, and they will be completely impassable. Additionally, there will be a steady stream of construction vehicles and heavy equipment running on this section of the trail. There will be no posted detour; please enjoy other sections of the GAP.”

Note that the Mt. Savage Tunnel will be closing around early December as well although an exact date has not been announced to my knowledge.

The GAP website now reports that the Mt. Savage tunnel will close for the winter on December 1.

Ooooo, that's bad news regarding the Pinkerton bridges. Any kind of ridearound looks...intense.

Pinkerton, Harnedsville Bridges to be Redecked; Nine-Mile Closure

An update on this closure has been posted today on the GAP website. It appears that the update is now a projected contractor's completion of this work for the end of March.

If you are planning an early season trip through this section, you should monitor the GAP website for further updates since there is no detour around this work.

A reminder of this closure was posted today on the GAP website. Riders beware.

The GAP website posted an update to the subject alert today. The salient portion of the update would appear to be the following sentences therein.

“Crews are currently awaiting a final delivery of materials and must resurface sections of the GAP that have been rutted with vehicular traffic. They are now aiming for early or mid-April depending on weather.”

This update provides a new estimate for completion of the work and reopening of the trail. Note that often such resurfacing of the trail results in a softer surface early on especially after rains until the trail is more compacted by use. Time will tell.

BE ADVISED: As of 3/25/23, the link for Williamsport Red Roof Inn that you will find on the Williamsport page of BikeC&O.com takes you to the Red Roof Inn in Williamsport, PENNSYLVANIA !, not the location in MD.
Check to be sure the link has been corrected before you reserve. Don't make a reservation there and expect to have a room when you finish your day on the canal.

The following GAP closure update was announced in the GAP website yesterday with an estimated trail reopening date of April 28.

"Contractors deployed by Ohiopyle State Park closed the Great Allegheny Passage between mile markers 68 and 69, which lies between Ohiopyle and Confluence, on February 13.

This closure is required in order for cranes to remove and replace an aging culvert that carries water under the GAP to the Youghiogheny River. The project area is extremely dangerous and entirely impassable. Additionally, there is a steady stream of construction vehicles and heavy equipment running near this section of the GAP.

Please note that this section of the GAP is completely closed to all travelers. There is no detour available because of the narrow and steep conditions in this remote location. Work is expected to be completed, and the GAP reopened in this area, by April 28; weather-permitting, it will reopen sooner. Look for updates on this page, and during this project, please enjoy other sections of the GAP.

This is the last of five similar projects inside the park since 2022, and the only one that requires crews to close the GAP to all travelers. These improvements will help Ohiopyle State Park avoid catastrophic failure of these culverts and much lengthier, unplanned closures.

Thru-travelers may wish to consult an outfitter regarding shuttle-for-hire services to transport you between Ohiopyle and Confluence. Examples include the following: Bill’s Car Service, WheelzUp Adventures, Maple Leaf Outfitters, Wilderness Voyageurs, or Yoder’s Guest House."

This complete closure without detour was reiterated today in the GAP website. I speculate that this alert was reissued because some approaching tourists were unaware of it and/or upset given the lack of a detour.

I've recently encountered a number of riders leaving Pittsburgh in route to Cumberland or DC that are unaware of the various closures along the GAP at this time including the Big Savage Tunnel which will not open until 3/28.

My last reply mistakenly stated that the Big Savage Tunnel would be reopened on 3/28 rather than the correct date of 3/31.

The GAP website reported the following short detour today:

"Contractors will be installing a rainwater catch basin and drain line under the Great Allegheny Passage at the Smithton parking lot and trail access area between March 3 and 10. This work will require bicyclists to dismount and walk a few hundred feet though the adjacent parking lot. Construction vehicles and heavy equipment will be present on and across the GAP in this location. Please slow down when you approach, remain alert, take caution walking through the parking lot, and show courtesy to those performing this critical work."

The GAP website reported yesterday that this work has now been completed and the trail is now fully open at this location.

You're a treasure, Riv.

The question comes up again: Is the 1828 Trail Inn open ? The URL does not work and therefore the info@1828... address does not work.
If the location is open, please let us know how to reach you.

Should you not get a specific forum member response, you might consider contacting the Hancock, MD Chamber of Commerce whose contact info is on the internet.

CORRECTION: 1828 Trail Inn IS in business. They open this year on April 18. The posted phone number DOES get you to them (301-678-7227). I cannot open the website listed on bikecando.com, but the email address is supposed to work: info@1828-trail-inn.com

I'm planning on hiking the trail from Cumberland to Georgetown starting about mid March, and wondering... with the recent warm weather Cumberland and the surrounding areas have had, will the pump handles go on sooner, or will I still need to carry water for the time being.

Typically the National Park Service returns the pump handles at the H/B sites in mid-April. The NPS C&O website lists the status of these remote water faucets on their website. You can check their status there. They are all currently shown as "off" as expected.

I would certainly plan on carrying water and augmenting/refilling it at commercial outlets along the way. You may get lucky if the pump handles are returned early but I certainly wouldn't plan on it unless you see such on the NPS website.

You could also filter the river water if that's something you are comfortable doing with the right filter equipment.

Local new media reported today that Harpers Ferry Road across the Potomac River from Harpers Ferry will be closed for repairs soon. This is at mile marker 61.5 on the C&O Canal Towpath between Locks 33 and 34. While the towpath itself will not be affected/closed, those trying to get through there by car will be affected. A single lane is expected to be repaired by early summer for use by emergency vehicles. Completion of construction for use by the public would follow thereafter.

I'm considering parking my vehicle at the Georgetown end of the trail, taking the train back to Pittsburgh, then riding to DC. I like to have the shuttle at the beginning of the trip.
Do you have any recommendations on parking near Georgetown?

This question has been asked a few times on this forum and I’ve not seen a response as to where you would find free parking in DC. In the past some have suggested parking at Reagan National Airport might be your best option. You can easily ride your bike from Georgetown to Reagan Airport. The economy lot there charges $19 per day and a reservation is recommended.

Hopefully, a reader living in DC can give you a better/cheaper response.

This question has been asked a few times on this forum and I’ve not seen a response as to where you would find free parking in DC. In the past some have suggested parking at Reagan National Airport might be your best option. You can easily ride your bike from Georgetown to Reagan Airport. The economy lot there charges $19 per day and a reservation is recommended.

Hopefully, a reader living in DC can give you a better/cheaper response.

As a DC area resident I concur with Rivnuts.

"Economy" parking at Reagan National is most likely your least expensive yet secure parking.

Free longterm parking in Georgetown DC? To quote Tony Soprano "fuggetaboutit".

The GAP website announced today that the Big Savage Tunnel will reopen on the afternoon of March 31.

How wide is the trail through the Pawpaw Tunnel? Can a loaded recumbent trike, about 36 inches, get through?

According to design documents from the Maryland Historical Trust, the towpath through the tunnel is 4 feet wide with its wood railing. From personal experience, walking a trike with racks and bags will make it through the tunnel. However, walking beside it while pushing it through could be a little awkward in spots. Riding rather than walking through isn’t a viable option. Further, you’ll likely need to wait until any oncoming travelers have exited before you enter.

Agree, walk any bike. It’s dark, narrow, and the surface is uneven and bumpy.

If you have a light or a head lamp, that will be useful to help you see what you are walking on

If you encounter an oncoming cyclist walking their bikes, one of you will have to just stop and let the other pass through as it’s a bit tight in there. Small chance it could happen but be prepared.

Thanks for the information.

I vested the tunnel twice last year, Summer and Fall, it was under construction. Walked to the end but the other end was closed. Does anyone actually ride/walk through the tunnel in 2023?
Thank you.

The National Park Service’s website that announced the Towpath closure at the downriver end of the Paw Paw Tunnel some time ago continues to state that construction will extend through winter of 2022/23. Thus, hopefully we’ll be able to pass through the tunnel and beyond after that time without having to take the detour up and over. We’ll see.

Thank you.
The detour, up and over, is steep and narrow.

I just tried calling the number and got voice mail but they didn't identify the location as the River House. Someone's private residence? Anyway, I left my number. May or may not hear back.

I don’t know what your itinerary is but, if you are bike riding on the C&O Towpath, getting to Great Cacapon WV where the River House is/was located would be a long bike ride to the other side of the Potomac River. Under the Towns & Sevices tab in this website the address of the River House is:

10 Rock Ford Rd
Great Cacapon WV

If you are looking for an indoor place to stay in Little Orleans you may want to consider the Town Hill Bed & Breakfast. It’s located a ways up the steep hill from the Towpath but they offer a shuttle for you and your bikes.

Is there a best time of year to cycle the C&O and GAP trails? We were planning on the middle of June. Thanks

June is a great time to go. Weather is unpredictable (as is any other summer month) but June is warm. Should see a few fellow thru cyclists doing Pitt to DC. July and August are also good but could be even warmer. September (early) is still warm but has shorter days and noticeably less people on the trail.

John

Thanks John

John W's response is valid although I personally prefer late May or early September. Not as hot as mid-summer and fewer bugs. :-)

Wife and I are thinking of a 2-day round trip from either Dickerson or Point of Rocks to MP 0. Does anyone know if there is safe overnight parking at either place?

Thanks.

Since Point of Rocks is an operating station for MARTA trains, there is a large parking area there that appears to be well lit and safe. . You don’t see the trail from here but it’s just across the RR tracks.

While there is a power plant at Dickerson, there’s no apparent parking along the trail. Of note, there is the old, abandoned whitewater course at Dickerson that was used to train prospective US Olympians several years back.

Perfect. Thanks. Point of Rocks it is.

You can see that parking lot at Point of Rocks Station if you use the satellite view in Google Maps.

You can see that parking lot at Point of Rocks Station if you use the satellite view in Google Maps.

Is there a best time of year to cycle the C&O and GAP trails? We were planning on the middle of June. Thanks

Is the River House still open? I am not finding much about it on the web.

Thanks

From the GAP website:

February 10, 2023

"Contractors deployed by Ohiopyle State Park will close the Great Allegheny Passage between mile markers 68 and 69, which lies between Ohiopyle and Confluence, starting February 13.

This closure is required in order for cranes to remove and replace an aging culvert that carries water under the GAP to the Youghiogheny River. The project area is extremely dangerous and entirely impassable. Additionally, there is a steady stream of construction vehicles and heavy equipment running near this section of the GAP.

Please note that this section of the GAP will be completely closed to all travelers. There is no detour available because of the narrow and steep conditions in this remote location. Work is expected to be completed, and the GAP reopened in this area, by April 28; weather-permitting, it will reopen sooner. Look for updates on this page, and during this project, please enjoy other sections of the GAP.

This is the last of five similar projects inside the park since 2022, and the only one that requires crews to close the GAP to all travelers. These improvements will help Ohiopyle State Park avoid catastrophic failure of these culverts and much lengthier, unplanned closures.

Thru-travelers may wish to consult an outfitter regarding shuttle-for-hire services to transport you between Ohiopyle and Confluence. Examples include the following: Bill’s Car Service, WheelzUp Adventures, Maple Leaf Outfitters, Wilderness Voyageurs, or Yoder’s Guest House."

The GAP’s McKeesport Loop alternate route to Boston remains torn up from construction along and in the loop trail itself. Rocks, loose gravel and sand is present over most of its distance. You can ride it but it is rough especially for a road bike. The formal GAP route is probably the best choice until the Loop segment is resurfaced.

I am thinking of riding the c&o towpath in late may. I pull a bob trailer with camping equippment. How much trouble am i going to have at the paw paw tunnel. i keep reading about a bypass and trouble getting up and around. I will be going from cumberland to dc and maybe roundtrip, if I am unable to get my trailer on the train back.
also is that any good place in cumberland to leave a vehicle for a couple of weeks?

Currently the C&O website is projecting completion of the construction work on the downriver side of the Paw Paw Tunnel to be complete at the end of the 2022/2023 winter season. If that schedule holds true you should not have to traverse the tunnel bypass trail.

There is free, long-term parking on Howard Street beneath the I68 Highway overpass near Canal Place in Cumberland.

Does anyone have an update on the Paw Paw Tunnel construction project? Is it complete or will it be completed by April, 2023?

Does anyone have an update on the Paw Paw Tunnel construction project? Is it complete or will it be completed by April, 2023?

As of yesterday there has been no change in the closure alert on the NPS C&O website. It continues to show the closure there still in place. That website has a lag in its updates however so perhaps someone may have more current, first hand information.

From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette:

A several-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage will close Monday between Ohiopyle and Confluence for the replacement of a culvert that carries runoff water beneath the hiking and biking trail to the Youghiogheny River.

Ohiopyle is at milepost 72 on the trail; Confluence is just upstream from milepost 62. The conservancy said it hopes to have the culvert replaced and the trail reopened by April 28, at the latest. The project is being done by contractors for the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Although the work will be done between mileposts 68 and 69, the trail will be closed at the Ramcat Trail Head, outside of Confluence. There is no detour available “because of the narrow and steep conditions in this remote location,” according to the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy, the organization that maintains the 150-mile trail between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Md.