C&O / GAP Forum

Has anyone biked to/from Martinsburg Amtrak station to the C&O canal in Shepherdstown? If so, how safe was it to bike on the streets?

I’ve ridden a portion of Rt 45 (Martinsburg Pike) north from Shepherdstown. It’s a 2-lane highway with a fair amount of traffic travelling pretty fast. There are shoulders to ride on but it’s not for the faint of heart. There are several hills along the way.

Probably doable but challenging for most riders.

We’ll see what others that live near there may respond to your inquiry.

Any break in's. Any trouble at all?
Plan on leaving my car there for at least 8 days.
Thanks for your help.

While I, myself, have not parked there I’ve ridden by it several times and not heard of any issues. I’ve spoken to a couple different through riders that have parked their car there already this season with no issues. Of course, the standard, normal precautions should be taken.

When I leave my car somewhere overnight(s), I often disconnect the battery. While they may break in, they'll not likely drive it away thinking the battery is just dead and move on to find another car.

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.

This is a great 7-11 but its hard to get up the hill to it.

Well, the plans are being made for June to celebrate my 50th on the C&O with two friends. Any insider tips I should know about…basically we want to leave a car at the traildea in Cumberland and go for 4 days to DC…nothing set in stone but we would most likely rent a truck to go back if we can’t do the train. I did the GAP about 7 years ago without any training, and am hoping to ‘wing it’ again. Besides a bivy and sleeping bag, what are the necessities? Also, any places I must stop at?

Thanks for any insights in making my trip more enjoyable.

This is just my two cents worth.. The low hanging fruit.. Easy stuff. LOL..The areas to stop and ponder..the man power it took to Dig this 184.5 mile long Ditch....plus maintain it.. Look up some of the history...Paw Paw tunnel alone is incredible..3118 feet long...brick lined..every aqueduct is a work of art..Plus ya have to stop in Harpers Ferry,Tons of history ..Lock your rigs on the racks by the bridge and walk over..
Maybe someone else can suggest if leaving your panniers on the bikes is Ok.. Believe that Damn no. 5 you have to walk down to. the diverted path goes right in front of the Lockhouse at Damn 5. it has some pretty extensive construction going on. Oh and before ya get to Harpers your gonna love the cement path from lock 41 down to Guard lock
no. 4 ... then you will hit Damn no. 4..Those are the easy ones.. guarantee there is a ton more.. Welcome to the half century club..
Great idea..member for 16 years come July

Michele:

You've asked two questions: (1) What are the "necessities" for making the trip and (2) what sites you should stop for. You also stated you will be riding with friends, camping along the way and plan to spend 4 days in making the trip.

As for "necessities" there are the obvious ones including: bike tools, parts (tubes and/or plugs), bike lock, shelter, sleep kit, clothing, first aid kit, sunscreen, toiletries, water, food and snacks. If you have specific questions regarding any of these, I can elaborate if you wish. I also ensure I have some cash, a credit card and my AAA card which can be used in an emergency mechanical situation. Lastly, make sure you protect your car key as it could be a long walk home after your ride. :-)

Aside from "necessities", some riders have personal "creature comforts" they like to carry as well including cooking gear, campsite amenities, photographic and audio equipment,

As for stops to make, those would depend on your individual interests. The Towpath itself is noted for its construction features, locks, lock houses, Civil War history as well as its wildlife and fauna. The Potomac River that accompanies the Towpath has its own set of interesting features including its dams, landings, pools, whitewater and, of course, Great Falls. Lastly there are the adjacent towns, their people and services that are quite nice. Doug has noted some noteworthy potential sites. You and your friends would benefit immensely from spending some time before your trip reading a little about the Towpath, the Potomac River, the Civil War and the towns along the way to better appreciate what you'll be riding near, through and to rather than just riding with your head down from one overnight stop to another.

My points of interest and places to stop are generally quite simple and typically historical ones but I'll list some for consideration. Some are across the river or off the trail itself such as the Antietam National Battlefield.

Cumberland - George Washington's Headquarters
Oldtown - Oldtown Schoolhouse Kitchen
Paw Paw - Liberty Gas Station, old Mayor's Office and Tunnel
Little Orleans - Bill's Bar
Hancock - C&O Bike Shop chicken coops, BuddyLou's Restaurant
Big Pool Lake and Fort Frederick State Park
Williamsport - Cushwa Basin
Sharpsburg - Antietam National Battlefield
Shepherdstown - Shepherdstown Sweet Shop
Harpers Ferry - the old section of town
Brunswick - Beans in the Belfry Coffee Shop
Point of Rocks - Old Train Station
Poolesville - White's Ferry Store and Grill
Great Falls Overlook
DC - Milepost 0s

These are just some of mine. Yours and others tastes will vary. I can offer some additional ideas if I know your general interests.





Various aqueducts along the Towpath

For what it's worth, A coworker's son had his panniers stolen while leaving his bike at the Harpers Ferry pedestrian bridge. Its a pain having to carry your bike and gear up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge but better be safe than sorry. As I said before, it could make for a long walk home.

What a great way to celebrate your 50th! Your necessities question is a little broad ... so if you are camping .. . mess kit, hygiene kit, first aid, bike repair. Happy to refine further if you have specific questions or concerns.

Place where you must stop. Compared to the GAP, the C&O is more steeped in history and cultural artifacts along every mile. I personally enjoy it more for that and if you are so inclined I would suggest picking up a book like the C&O Canal Companion:

https://amzn.to/4aIqG35

It will give you some context and might inspire some things to look for along the way.

Beyond the canal itself, town stops I always include:

WheelzUp Bike Shop in Cumberland.
Schoolhouse Kitchen in Oldtown.
Bill's Tavern in Little Orleans.
C&O Bike Shop in Hancock
Fort Frederick
Harper's Ferry (itinerary dependent, but if you haven't been before, I would include time for it)
Beans in the Belfry in Brunswick
Great Falls

Also, worth looking into the Lock Houses as a campground alternative for a night. Varying degrees of "glamp", but if you get into the canal history, staying in a lock house can add a real sense of authenticity to the experience.

I want to thanks you folks for these great comments. Just when I think I “know” the towpath, one of teaches me something new. That is why I keep returning to this forum. Thank you, Doug & Brian and, as always, Rivnuts.

Brian cited most of my sites to stop and visit along the C&O, but I’ll add a couple more. Note my tastes are quite simple an generally rooted in the history. How about:

Trailside paw paw fruit in season
George Washington’s Headquarters in Cumberland
The Mayor’s Office in Paw Paw
Buddy Lou’s in Hancock
Cushwa Basin in Williamsport
Antietam Battle Field in Sharpsburg (You might want to Uber to get there off the trail.)
Sweet Shop Bakery and the Blue Moon Cafe among other shops in Shepherdstown
Whites Ferry Store and Grill
The train stations in Brunswick and Point of Rocks
Great Falls Visitor Center

And lastly, of course,

Milepost 0


One perhaps unusual essential item would be your AAA card in case of a bicycle emergency although you’ll need to get to a public road for them to pick you up.

Lots to explore and enjoy.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.

just got this in

NEWS FROM THE PARK

Well water for C&O Canal hiker-bike campsite has been turned on for the season! These water wells are one of the many amenities that help create an accessible and comfortable experience for visitors traveling to the park for an extend period of time. As a reminder, well water in hiker-biker campsites is non-potable so be sure to treat water before use.

Curious,,, what exactly would the issues be with the water.. is it basically river water.. just in a aquifer...in your honest opinion if I wanted to splash my face of even wash my body or hair with it ....soap included.. after getting your face covered with bugs , pollen , dust,,, it would feel nice to do any of the above.. of course I'd bring a collapsed bucket and do this far away from sourse...and river..,as long as its not entering my mouth,eyes ,,maybe ears, nose..should be ok???? See my dilemma..just curious...thanks

We would like to ride our e-bikes from Cumberland , Md to DC but are having a difficult/impossible time securing Hotel/Air B&B lodging in the Poolesville area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I’m not aware of any lodging options in Poolesville. A few years ago, you could cross the Potomac River via Whites Ferry near Poolesville and ride up to Leesburg where there are several lodging options. However, that ferry no longer operates. To my knowledge, the last lodging before DC is in Brunswick.

Perhaps others can offer options that I am unaware of.

Check on the Canal Trust's Canal Quarters program. There are several lockhouses downstream from Brunswick that you can rent for the night or longer.

The NFL draft in Pittsburgh is over. From the reports we have seen on the news it was very successful. One negative issue was that restaurants, bars, businesses outside the footprint of the draft events did not see the business they planned for. Also parking lots that hoped to make a bunch of money lost out. Apparently people took advantage of public transportation. But other than that it sounds like things went really well. My son-in-law worked at the Red Bull Event and said it was busy but not too crowded. Red Bull was happy with the business they saw. A ton of planning went into this event and it appears that it paid off and visitors were impressed with our city. I loved seeing on the news the interview with the guy the Steelers picked in the first round. He talked about coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel and seeing the view of the city, which is so incredible. I remember seeing that for the first time. It's been a great three days for Pittsburgh. And the Penquins won!

Now we can all bike to our hearts content to the Point and enjoy the wonderful GAP trail in the Pittsburgh area.

I enjoy the City of Pittsburgh as well. My thoughts turned to showing up for the NFL draft but my high school baseball umpire schedule prevented it. I'm hoping that I can navigate the GAP from the Point and out of the city later in June. It seems well marked or so I was told. Looking forward to the entire GAP/CO with blue bike.

Mark S.
Redford Twp., MI

I expect it will take a couple of days for the Point and North Shores to be returned to their pre-draft condition. While efforts were underway today to begin dismantling the venues, much was still blocked or fenced off.

Being from the Pgh area, I’d love to think that the GAP out of town is marked adequately. However, for those not from the area, I think it could be challenge, at least until you get to Boston, PA. However, by studying the route out of town and watching closely for the signs along the way, you’ve got a fair chance of success. Plotting the route using Google Maps and online following thereof would offer some peace of mind too. There are also some good YouTube videos showing the way out of town that would be useful to watch for the visual cues of the route. Once you reach Boston, you simply need to follow the “yellow brick road”, AKA the GAP Trail.

In October;2026, I'm planning a five day ride from Cumberland to Georgetown. My friend and I ride 70-100 miles per week, against strong wind. Can you suggest intervals (town to town) for a five day trip?
Thank you.

Obviously, the answer depends on whether you want to stay indoor at hotels, BnB's, hostels or the like rather than camping. Since you inquired about overnight "towns", I'll assume the latter. Your riding/training history and your trip duration present some challenges in answering your question. Given the C&O is 184.5 miles from Cumberland to DC and you plan to ride for 5 days, the average daily mileage is about 37 miles per day. That doesn't match particularly well when trying to equalize the daily ride distances between potential overnight towns, especially on the first day leaving Cumberland or, especially, the last day into DC. The first day would be quite a bit shorter or longer than the average and the last day into DC would be a long day given no hotels between Brunswick and DC. I know this isn't much help. Note the quality of accommodations in the various towns along the way vary quite a bit. Your preferences in that regard will have a impact on your itinerary as well. Refer to this Forum's Mileage Chart and Towns & Services pages for guidance.

I would also recommend buying the latest edition of "The Trailguide" from GAPtrail.org or from a bike shop or REI in a town near the trail. It is a tremendous resource.

Wifey and I only stay in hotels or BnBs. Our stops were...
Paw Paw
Hancock
Williamsport
Brunswick
DC

The towns that Bill in Columbia references are popular overnight locations along the C&O. For information, the following are the distance in route to each of those locations:

Paw Paw. 28
Hancock 32
Williamsport. 25
Brunswick 45
DC 55

What is the steepest part of the trail, and how much of an incline?

Prolly about 2% at the steepest, and you'll find uphill segments all along the trail.

That is, perhaps, a two-fold question. While it isn’t the literal answer to your question, most riders refer to the ride north from Cumberland up to the Eastern Continental Divide as the biggest “hill” but as the information below notes, it is only a 1.5% average grade with a few sections approaching 2%. This isn’t steep but it is long.

The elevation difference between Cumberland, MD (approx. 600–660 ft) and the Eastern Continental Divide (~2,392 ft) on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail is approximately 1,700 to 1,767 feet. This ascent occurs over 23.7 to 24 miles, resulting in a steady, manageable 1.5% average grade.

I believe the actual steepest “climb”, albeit short, is in Liberty Borough just as you leave River Ridge Road about 20 miles from downtown Pittsburgh. At its steepest it approaches 10%. But the climb is maybe only 100 yards long so it is easily walkable if needed. As I ride with tourers headed for DC, I tell them that that section is the last hill to DC.

Bike in one day

????

I remember being told that Bikes could be loaded onto or off of the Floridian at Connellsville although there is no baggage service at that stop. I am not sure how it works. I am writing to ask if anyone has experience there or at Harper's Ferry. Amtrak let me pay for taking a bike from Harper's Ferry, but what is on the website is totally unclear.
Thanks.
Baltimore Fred

You just take your bike to the departure platform, sans bags, and the Amtrak train personnel will direct you to the baggage car where they will tag and load your bike. Make sure you have your ticket which includes your bike reservation along with your personal reservation to present for loading.

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

I've read that bridge construction is occurring on the GAP at Layton. That is near Connellsville and there is 2-3 year turnaround expected. Is this true does anyone know?

Just wear a football helmet when going through Point State Park during the NFL draft and barge through. No, just be careful.

The GAP website indicates that the trail will be closed on April 23 due to paving in the Layton Bridge area with a shuttle around the closure provided at that time. There has been and is ongoing construction in that area as well associated with the replacement of the bridge that offers periodic obstruction by construction traffic.

That said, I haven’t ridden through that area myself since last fall.

The following was posted on the Great Allegheny Passage Facebook page:

Trail Alert: Restricted Access to Point State Park During NFL Draft

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is sharing information about temporary closures and access changes at Point State Park related to the 2026 NFL Draft Experience South.

To support event setup and ensure public safety and efficient operations, site preparation at Point State Park will begin on Monday, April 10, 2026. During this period, the sections of the Great Allegheny Passage and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail within the park, and public restroom facilities, are expected to remain open. Other areas of the park may be temporarily closed.

Beginning Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm, the Great Allegheny Passage Western Terminus, Fountain Plaza, City Side Lawn, Great Lawn, and public restrooms will be closed to public access as final event preparations take place.

From Thursday, April 23, 2026, through Saturday, April 25, 2026, all visitors must enter Point State Park during event hours through designated pedestrian entrances and follow established safety procedures. Information on entrance locations, restrictions, safety procedures, and hours of operation will be available through the NFL OnePass app. The recently-reconfigured connecting ramp carrying the Great Allegheny Passage between the Monongahela Wharf and Point State Park will be closed. No bicycles will be allowed into Point State Park at any entrance during this time.

Info: https://gaptrail.org/trail-alert/restricted-access-to-point-state-park-during-nfl-draft/

Cathy:

As a non-Facebook curmudgeon thanks for passing along that info although I’ll be hard pressed to remember all the dates and associated conditions.

Maybe I’ll just ride toward West Newton from Homestead during the month of April instead. :-)

There's a lot of people who don't use facebook and other social media, and they are probably happier than those of us who do use it. Knowing that I try to make the bikecando folks aware of things posted on the GAP facebook page. I also frequently direct people on the GAP and Katy Trail facebook pages to the bikecando and bikekatytrail websites.

During the NFL Draft I'll be pretending like there's 12 inches of snow and staying home. I think a lot of folks are planning to avoid being out and about. Traffic is bad enough around here without the extra 700,000 people they are predicting. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they'll be coming, enjoying this wonderful part of Pennsylvania, and spending money. I just don't want to be competing with them on the Parkway and other highways etc.

Interestingly, those estimated 700,000 visitors are more than twice the population of the City of Pittsburgh itself at just over 300,000.

Although I have not been able to speak to my neighbor about the Pumphouse parking lot, I can report that the lot was open yesterday

The neighbor says they unlocked the Pumphouse gates for the touring season with the exception for special events there.

Thanks Rivnuts. I did get out a couple of days ago and biked on the paved part of the trail. What is the surface condition of the unpaved parts of the trail? We'll probably get some more cold weather before May when most of the freezing/thawing will be done. But I'm wondering if for now unpaved trails are in good enough condition to bike on.

I've ridden toward Sutersville a few times in March, most recently last Sunday. The surface has been fine although I've avoided that section after hard rains. Given a couple of days thereafter to dry out, you should be fine riding beyond Boston.

I got to do a short ride today starting at Boston and heading east. The surface of the trail is great. There will be some cold weather between now and the end of April, but maybe there will not be enough freezing and thawing to turn the trail into the consistency of wet cement.

I had a refreshing ride today. A fun part of my day was driving home when a turkey flew across Hwy 130 about 3 miles from my home, and then maybe 1/2 mile later another turkey ran across the highway. What's the deal with these big old birds.

The Big Savage Tunnel will reopen for the 2026 touring season on March 25.

I can confirm the Big Savage Tunnel is open as I just went through it yesterday riding from Myersdale to Frostburg.