C&O / GAP Forum

I think this has been mentioned, but I am going to mention it again because it is happening.

Traffic in Pittsburgh from July 10 to August 3, 2026 will be very bad. PennDot has closed Interstate 376 (what we call "the Parkway") from Beechwood Blvd on the west (right before the Squirrel Hill Tunnel) to the Braddock Ave exit on the east (I think that's the Swissvale exit). There are detours. One goes through Homestead and would affect people trying to get to the Pump House or locations near that. Of course there is also the issue of the GAP trail being closed near the Pump House, which I believe Rivnuts has posted about.

The purpose of closing I376 is to replace the Commercial St. Bridge. You can go to pa.gov/CommercialStBridge for updated information, call 1-800-FIX-Road or email CommStBridgeProject@pa.gov.

I suggest that if you are going to be riding the GAP trail starting in Pittsburgh you try to see if this road closure will affect where you are trying to get to and from via car. The first day it was closed was yesterday, Sat. 7-11-26. A lot of people were trying to get to Homestead to see the "Big Boy" train traveling through the area. They missed it sitting in traffic. It's too bad no one at PennDot considered postponing the closing by 24 hours so people could get to see that event. But I guess we don't pay folks at PennDot to think like that. But as much as we pay the expert traffic engineers at PennDot, you'd think one of them would have figured that out.

Here's an update on the affect of closing a segment of I-376 ("the Parkway") on traffic in Pittsburgh:

I've driven during rush hour (4:30 pm - 6:00 pm) as well as other times. There are traffic backups during rush hour, but in my opinion if you do not have to be at a certain place by a certain time, the traffic is not over the top bad. It simply sucks. That said, I have not driven in Homestead during rush hour. I think that's the most likely place that can impact GAP bicyclists.

During non-rush hour times, I've been able to get places that are on or close to the detour routes in a decent timeframe. Keep in mind I am a local and know where to divert off the detour route to neighboring streets. Non-locals may not be able to do that.

Now, about the air quality, it's really bad. But we should get some rain tomorrow which will help. But the Canadian wildfire smoke will probably return. Of course with the new tariffs for Canada, maybe the smoke will stay in Canada. Who knew you could control wild fire smoke with tariffs?

The ability of tariffs to restrict the smoke from crossing into the US is similar to building a wall to keep out the migrant Canadian geese. ????

Woo hoo!!! (sp?) Anyway, the parkway (I-376) opened ahead of schedule last night. The Commercial Street Bridge is complete. Because it opened early the contractor gets a $2M bonus, which in my opinion is well deserved. There was news coverage about the first car to cross the new bridge (an unsuspecting couple just trying to get home). And to add interest to the story, today workers "inadvertently" came into contact with dynamite that had not exploded during the bridge demolition. I don't think there were any injuries. This whole thing has been fascinating. So now all anyone needs to worry about or deal with is normal run of the mill Pittsburgh traffic. Let's all remember it definitely could be worse.

I want to arrange a C&O history lecture on October 17 for a private group of 10-12 persons visiting from Ohio. Anyone interested in presenting this for an honorarium? Also need advice on a venue.

Posting your question here is a good start. You might also check Facebook. There's at least one, and probably more, Facebooks groups devoted to the GAP/C&O, for example Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal Enthusiasts. Also, if you are interested in a particular location, try looking for local historic associations in that area, and reaching out to them. If they don't have "docents" who do that type of presentation on a regular basis they might have someone willing to put together a talk for your group on the history you are interested in.

You may also wanna try the Williamsport visitor center. the canal is divided up into sections for coverage ... I think they cover from D.C. to Williamsport.. 301-739-4200 or at least they may point you in the right direction

I want to recommend Enterprise Car Rental as an option if you want to get yourself and your bikes to the GAP near PGH. Good locations are:
--Homestead. This is right near the trail, so you can leave your vehicle and ride away.
--Belle Vernon, PA. 7 min by car from Cedar Creek Campground.
--Uniontown, PA. 15 min by car from the start of the Sheepskin Trail in Dunbar (by Dunbar Historical Society), which connects to the GAP near Connellsville.
Enterprise boasts that they will pick you up or drop you off. Be sure to phone ahead of time to be sure they can and what time you should arrive so that someone is there to drive you. We drove to Uniontown and Josh drove us to the Sheepskin Trail. Learning about these (and other) options gave us much more flexibility.
I would rather take a train to Connellsville, but the scheduled arrival is ~10 pm, and it is often 2 or more hours late.

Fred: Did you take in the small history museum in Dunbar? They have a blue, glass carved sculpture inside that has a very interesting history. Google it. Quite interesting and in such a small, old town with its own history itself.

Thank you for the suggestion. It was closed when we started out. No one there except the black snack sunning by the bench.

You may need to call ahead so one of the docents can/will be there, it’s not heavily visited. ????

I once rented a van from a rental place near my house in Pittsburgh and ended at Dulles Airport. From there I rode my bike on the W&OD to Arlington and then connected to the C&O for the ride back. I’m sure National Airport could accommodate car rental drop offs also.

John

Indeed one-way rentals (in both directions) are an option especially if there are multiple riders to share the cost and vans/trucks are available to transport your bikes, assuming you are not renting bikes. The train offers less flexibility, more time and, possibly, more frustration as its on-time performance seems to be deteriorating particularly with the merger with the Floridian route.

Thanks to Adam Travels the World, the following video provides an excellent view of of the stairs that form part of the detour at Dam 5 on the C&O Towpath.


https://youtu.be/f0CvnxvphN4?is=iIL8C5eZ-n1eQsO8

Any idea of completion of Damn 5 repair..I did see the work around 4 locks is completed. Wonderful!!!!!

This is a reminder that the GAP Trail will be closed between Homestead and Duquesne beginning the evening of July 9 to perform rock scaling work due to rock slides along the trail. It will remain close until August 6. See the link below for more information including paid shuttle service and public transportation options.

https://gaptrail.org/trail-alert/segment-closure-and-shuttle-between-duquesne-and-homestead/

Looking for lodging near the trail in PawPaw and Potomac. Hoping the B&B is available in PawPaw, but in case it's not, anyone have suggestions? Any suggestions near the trail around Potomac?

I stayed in one of the Canal Cabins in Paw Paw, WV a few days ago. Did so last year as well. Wonderful place to stay in Paw Paw. Very clean and comfortable cabin, very clean toilet and shower facilities. A bike wash station. And just 200 yards from the Liberty gas station which serves excellent burgers and breakfast sandwiches. I highly recommend Canal Cabins.

As far as lodging around Potomac, MD: South of Brunswick, MD from MM 55 to close to DC, there are no hotels or b&bs that I have ever been able to find close to the trail. That's why my last day on the trail this trip and then every other trip heading from north-to-south always involves a camping night in the last 55 miles. Last night I camped at Horsepen Branch H/B. That campsite and the one before it at Chisel Branch are two of the many excellent campsites along the c&o.

While I too am unaware of any hotel or BnB options south of Brunswick, other have mentioned lockhouse rentals as on option. The Canal Quarters Program indicates perhaps as many as six lockhouses between Brunswick and DC that can be rented. If interested, you may want to check that program out.

I would second Rivnuts comment about lockhouses as a lodging option. The 3 sites closest to Washington all have running water, toilets, showers. (Confirm that at CanalTrust.org , which is where you would make a reservation.) You do need to bring "linens." We would bring a sleeping bag and a compact camping towel.

I think there are a number of good places to stay in Confluence. I want to recommend this location. There are 2 "suites", which are actually apartments with full kitchens, etc. We stayed in one of the single rooms, which were quite nice and easily accessible. The best price of the 6 places we booked along the GAP/C&O this trip.
We arrived late and made some mistakes getting in, but Terri was quite responsive and helped w/o complaining about the time.
-->BTW, Mitch's is definitely the place to get breakfast.

Indeed. Mitch’s is one of my favorite stops for food along the trail along with the GI Dayroom Coffee Shop in Meyersdale.

Air BnB location in Cumberland: “Corner Tavern.”_
This is a great location for cyclists on C&O or GAP.
It is an easy walk to a row of great restaurants downtown and to the sites around Canal Place.
The host, Adam, is extremely responsive, advising me ahead of time when anything changed and promptly answering questions. One of us was injured, and he proactively made changes to check-out times because he knew we had to rent a vehicle and fetch our bikes from Frostburg.
Bike racks are in the foyer. A washing machine is available. There is a kitchen. This is really an apartment, not just a room. Price is great.
The Tavern/Cafe downstairs is run by Adam. It has a limited but tasty menu (not like a burger place). Serves breakfast. lunch, dinner. A calm and welcoming neighborhood pub.
This is now my go-to location in Cumberland.
-->BTW, Cafe Mark is great for breakfast, but be prepared to wait in line to order.
-->I can recommend Ottoviani Restaurant for dinner. A family place.

The GAP Trail between Homestead and Duquesne will be closed from the evening of July 9 to August 6 to mitigate potential rockslides. A shuttle for a fee of $20/person will be provided from 8:30 to 4:30. See the gap trail.org website for details.

I stayed in one of the Canal Cabins in Paw Paw, WV a few days ago. Did so last year as well. Wonderful place to stay in Paw Paw. Very clean and comfortable cabin, very clean toilet and shower facilities. A bike wash station. And just 200 yards from the Liberty gas station which serves excellent burgers and breakfast sandwiches. I highly recommend Canal Cabins.

The cabins are indeed nice, albeit perhaps a bit pricey. The cabins along with the Bikepath BnB are the choices to stay in Paw Paw. There used to be others over time but they no longer exist.

The cabins are indeed nice, albeit perhaps a bit pricey. The cabins along with the Bikepath BnB are the choices to stay in Paw Paw. There used to be others over time but they no longer exist.

Hello - looking for updates on any significant trail issues, detours, hazards on C&O for this week. Will be riding south to north 6/11 - 6/13. Thanks in advance and happy trails!

I can’t speak to any real time updates but the GAP Trail should be clear for bike travel until July when a portion of it near Pittsburgh is scheduled to be closed to take remedial actions for rock slides. Of course there is always potential for down trees associated with storms which seem to be occurring frequently in western PA recently.

C&O canal,,, unless duly noted. Damn no.5 is still under construction. with significant by pass.... others will hopefully chime in..check website....for details Please

I was curious about access to the Hiker/Biker campsites on the C&O that is parallel to the WMRT..specifically.. Cacapon Junction, Leopard Mill, White Rock. Can you get to the from the rail trail..Absents of active R.R. and away from major roads...

See Dam 6 and Lock 54/55 just a stones throw north of Capacon Junction? That’s the interchange between the WMRT and the C&O. You’ll need to connect there. Not sure about the other two sites you asked about. Here’s a good map of the WMRT:

https://www.westernmarylandrailtrail.com/files/WesternMarylandRailTrail-2023-2024.pdf

Aside from the connections to the Towpath at each end of the WMRT, I’m aware of only two other places where you can crossover between them. One is at Hancock and the other is for the detour around the failed Polly Pond Bridge. While the Towpath and WMRT run parallel to one another, the terrain between does not allow indiscriminate crossover between them.

This is a more detailed description of the detour around the failed Polly Pond Creek bridge.

The bridge across Polly Pond Creek is closed. Park users should use the signed towpath detour directs them to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, which runs alongside the towpath. To take the detour, leave the towpath at Lock 56 (mile 136.2) using the causeway across the canal. Then, travel about 2 miles along the Western Maryland Rail Trail until you reach the bridge over Lock 55 (mile 134.1).

Thank you both for responding..I'd like to utilize a couple of those sites.. I'll contact the National Parks to see if they are still being
maintained and are ok to use due to detour..Thanks again..

Thanks Rivnuts.. I just figured out the detour...Did not realize it doesn't bypass any campsites..as always thanks for sharing your wisdom sir.

Doug red runner-- it appears that your question has been answered. I'd like to elaborate, as the info may be useful to others in the future. I will list the known connections between the WMRT and the Towpath. These are direct connections. I'll list them going "upriver".That's from DC towards Cumberland. The mileage listed will be on the WMRT. The corresponding towpath mileage can be determined roughly by adding 114. Ex--if I say the detour around poly pond is mile 20.1 on the WMRT, it's roughly 134.1 on the Towpath.

0.9--Erntsville road, this is where you exit the WMRT to reconnect to the Towpath when headed towards DC. If you continue to the end of the WMRT and reach the parking lot, you'll either have to backtrack, or head up the hill a mile or so on route 56, then go down thru fort Frederick state park.
3.1--little gravel lot, and you can see the gate and towpath
6.3--a few "steps" to go down and a short bridge. This is on the edge of the Little Pool.
9.1--look left and follow the road. Again, direct access.
10.4--first Hancock access right across from Buddy Lou's
10.7--second Hancock access. Bike shop located right off the path here with overnight stays behind.
16 to 18-- there are two access points on Deneen Road. Going upriver you'd have to leave to towpath on Seavolt road, then left on Deneen. Coming down river, you'd leave on Deneen. Check Google maps. Very easy to follow, and almost zero traffic.
20.1--look left and you can't miss it. This is the detour and it's marked on the WMRT.
22.3--left down gravel lane. This is the other end of the detour and is marked.
23.7--ta da, you've reached the end and have to connect to the Towpath at this point.
The paved WMRT (about 2.5 miles are on the Towpath) begins again at mile 26, so... That's 140.3-ish I think on the Towpath. WMRT continues for about two more miles. But, you'll wanna get off at Little Orleans. This is where Bill's place is. Go thru the parking lot on the right and under the overpass. If you continue to the end of the WMRT, there is no easy access to the Towpath. There is a dirt path if you so chose to navigate it. Some may find it challenging, especially if loaded down with gear.

Hope this is clear, and useful to someone in the future.

Wow thanks Dave I just read all this.. amazing info... Yes I'm going to screenshot and print this off.. very detailed.. wonderful info...

A couple questions:
(1) A lot of the reviews of the Cumberland Ramada Inn are very negative. (Maybe that is why the cost is so much less than other places I find.) Does anyone here have a comment ?
(2) The Bruce House Inn is listed on BikeCandO.com , but I cannot find it in other places. Is it still a thing ?
Thanks for your insights.
Baltimore Fred

The only place I stay at is the Fairfield in right on the trail have great service and very clean rooms and a pretty good hot breakfast in the morning, plus it's only about a 1 mile ride to the Amtrak station to get to DC.
Will be staying there again this year.

I stayed at the Ramada last fall. It was half the cost of the Fairfield Inn. It was okay. You have to store your bike off the lobby instead of in your room. Everything was older and a bit more rundown, and the breakfast is very basic. But it is half the cost of the Fairfield. It is also a very short walk from restaurants, which was very helpful since I got into town around 7:45pm. But I may still spring for the Fairfield Inn on my next ride through.

My wife and I had an amazing ride starting from Williamsport MD. heading up river on the towpath.. Saturday 4/11..Virginia Bluebells for miles on both sides. plus Dutchman's Breeches and Paw Paw blooms everywhere.. very few people.. I knew the Damn construction had a path diversion. My wife and I are in our mid to early 60s...most of the path by the Inlet Lock and lock house were packed woodchips with modest uphill and down hill.. butttt getting back to the pathway after walking our bikes through most of the chipped path we came upon a set of steps. roughly 15 to 20 steps..not much if your just carrying your bike.. we both had 20 pounds plus in pannier/handlebar bag weight. plus a bit of fatigue..LOL..Only our second time out..this year..her first time with front panniers. She did amazing..planned on a trip up to 4 locks area and set up a couple Amok hammocks and lounge, eat rest etc...decided to turn around head back... at last my question//
is it possible to stay on Damn no. 5 rd. and access the towpath around locks 45,46.. I know the road looks steep initially from diversion start.. does it level off. also was wondering if anyone had an aprox. timeframe on Damn 5 construction. Looks incredible what they have completed so far

Doug
It is possible. Continue on dam 5 road for almost a mile. On your left will be a gate, and a dirt path heading down to the Towpath between mile posts 107 and 108.
The uphill does level out. But then goes down and up and down and up. Note-dam 5 road becomes Ashton road beyond the access. You may find that it's easier to make a couple trips up and down those stairs. But, it's worth try.
About a month ago I asked one of the workers when they'd be finished. He said it'd be a few months yet. I'll ask again next time I'm thru there if I can speak to anyone with knowledge.

I fell taking my loaded bike down those stairs last fall and broke a bone in my wrist. Be careful on those stairs.

Thank you very much Dave from Hagerstown as well as Rivnuts.. I've thought about the multiple trips..not sure what's the best..Thanks for the construction update...Rivnuts sorry to hear about your fall.. As always this is a great place for first hand experience.. Thanks again.
I'm thinking the multiple trips might be the answer.. light loads and more trips..Hey Rivnuts how did you contact emergency service or get to the hospital..

I was still able to hold the handlebars and was able to complete the ride home to Pittsburgh. It was one of the small bones in the wrist. Once home the doc just reommended a brace while time did the healing

Wellll Rivnuts I guess that just sums up what kind of MAN you are...WOW..That's a ton of miles/nights with pain...Better Pain manager than I

Biked the dam 5 section today. Appears that a lot of work needs to be done yet. The NPS link on the home page will lead you to updates. Right now they're saying.... "early summer 2026".
Regarding the stairs. I believe that the road section would require more total effort. But, the stairs offer more risk. I've done both options in both directions. Each way will have its separate challenges. Pick your poison and exercise caution. Ride safely and enjoy.

Ok thanks Anonymous... Wow so the road would have some intense up hills then, as well as getting back to the tow path.. would be HARDER than multiple trips from the by-pass start to the steps and down to the path.. if headed to Cumberland...I will definitely be thinking long and hard about that one..leaning towards multiple light weight trips then..Thanks again...

Doug RR, I (Also the above anonymous entry, as I forgot to enter my info) decided to incorporate both options-in both directions as part of my ride today. This is a roughly 0.75 mile section that begins at the fenced off detour at dam 5, and continues upriver to where "dirt/gravel" dam 5 road connects back to the Towpath near lock 46. There is a lock house here.
First, I was able to ride the road section faster than taking the Towpath detour/towpath in both directions by 1-2 minutes. I did walk the bike thru the fenced in detour and up/down the steps.
The road section took less than 6 minutes. The hills are short, and going upriver, after the first climb, the future ones will be preceded by a nice downhill which gets you half way up the next hill. There is some effort, and even if you had to walk, it would be a short walk.
I should add the disclaimer that my gravel bike as I ride it, with bottles and gear is 20 lbs.
My thoughts... Most riders would be OK with either option. But, if I had a heavy bike, loaded down with addition weight, I'd definitely take the road.
Ex. As I was exiting the detour coming down river, I encountered a biker who was loaded down AND towing a trailer. He declined my offer to turn around to assist him. I think he was gonna struggle with the stairs and would've been better off on the road section.
So, Doug RR, next time you venture out that way, why don't you take the road section and let us know your thoughts.

OHHHHH Cr#$ just seeing this... Thanks Dave from Hagerstown... Definitely will check out road then.. nice to have options... especially loaded down and trailer.. curious if you see many with trailers.. I'm using my Burley Coho XC ...Love it so far but had a lot of concern about Damn 5 Thanks again

Planning a July trip for a group of 4, from Cumberland to DC. Can someone please clarify where the construction is and how you handled it?

Please check the C&O NPS website..The only construction I'm aware of is Damn No. 5..the detour is marked pretty clearly. coming from Cumberland there are steps..Approximately 20..then a wood chip path for 150 yards up and down some smallish hills.. I'm 66 and a bit out of shape so I walked most of it..coming the other way from Williamsport..we turned around at the steps..then YOU would continue on Damn no 5 road for less than .25 mile turn right through the canal and back onto the towpath.. it there are other construction sites..I'm not aware...Buttttt there was some flooding over the weekend..we will see