WHAT A DUMP!
- + I was shocked at the amount of clutter and filth. Rooms needed vacuuming, hair in showers, junk strewn allover the yard. Caught a glimpse of the kitchen, wow, what a mess. Was afraid to eat breakfa...
Discussion started 06/28/2013 01:33 PM by William - 2 replies (last reply by Paul at 07/24/2013 01:44 PM)William from Pittsburg, PA on 06/28/2013 01:33 PM
I was shocked at the amount of clutter and filth. Rooms needed vacuuming, hair in showers, junk strewn allover the yard. Caught a glimpse of the kitchen, wow, what a mess. Was afraid to eat breakfast the next morning. Wound up with a bad case of the Turkish trots; no doubt from that breakfast. Do not patronize this establishment! Going to report this to the health department and better business bureau.
Jim on 06/28/2013 02:39 PM
Hi William,
Which establishment were you referring to? Thanks.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/24/2013 01:44 PM
This is what I would call a "dump & run" post (no pun intended).
Yoder's Motel in Meyersdale
- + What a wonderful and charming place to stay when you need a rest from the trail. My wife and I stayed here on our trip from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and back. Helen Yoder is so pleasant and helpf...
Discussion started 07/10/2013 04:47 PM by gary - 1 reply (last reply by Paul at 07/24/2013 01:15 PM)gary from johnstown on 07/10/2013 04:47 PM
What a wonderful and charming place to stay when you need a rest from the trail. My wife and I stayed here on our trip from Pittsburgh to Washington DC and back. Helen Yoder is so pleasant and helpful. Place to clean your bike and store them in a safe locked room in the basement with easy access. Just 3 blocks from the trail, all downhill (all uphill in the morning). Easy access to food sources. Very clean, great bathroom and very affordable. Just a great place to stay. 6-10-2013
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/24/2013 01:15 PM
I couldn't have said it better than Gary from Johnstown. It's like a B&B with out the breakfast
primitive camping
- + The map shows campgrounds at the towns. Is there places along the gap where u can just stop and camp away from others?
Discussion started 07/11/2013 03:44 AM by david - 11 replies (last reply by anonymous at 07/13/2013 09:05 PM)david from new martinsville wv on 07/11/2013 03:44 AM
The map shows campgrounds at the towns. Is there places along the gap where u can just stop and camp away from others?
lenny on 07/11/2013 04:25 AM
There are none along the trail per se, but I have seen bikers set up camp along the trail where they could. That is where there was room and a clearing. But there isn't fresh water or facilities.
david from wv on 07/11/2013 09:14 PM
Thank u sooooo much. M planning on going from Pitt to Cumberland and back in Sept. Did greenbrier trail about a mth ago (160 mil ) for a warm up. I really enjoy the alone time. Don't get me wrong I enjoy meeting people. Hoping to go from Pitt to DC and back next spring???? We'll c. Again thank u !!!! Sorry took me so long to reply. Been working double shifts.
myownlittleworld from PA on 07/11/2013 09:27 PM
Ok, I just tried to reply, so if this ends up being a double post, ...sorry.
Go to http://www.atatrail.org/tmi/maps.cfm to find a break down by map of camping available. There are some (although not as many as the C&O). I know that one is 28 miles out from Pittsburgh, then it goes to appx. 39 & 51 miles out. They are supposed to be on, or very near, the trail. The last one is the Outflow camping area below Ohiopyle state park. That one is back from the trail a bit, as I understand.
That is it for the "gratis" campsites. If the interest in that type of site is generated by cost, Rockwood shows a paid site right on the trail for 10pp if I recall correctly. I hear that the YMCA in Cumberland allows tents for 10, but I am not sure if it was per person, or per tent (as it was described to me).
(Unverified, as of yet, ...I am planning my own trip for August, and this is what I have determined.)
Paul A on 07/11/2013 11:24 PM
First let me say that you're only supposed to camp at the listed campgrounds. But, if you need (or want) to stealth camp there's plenty of nice places. Just don't expect there to be water at these stealth camping spots.
david on 07/11/2013 11:58 PM
Cool. I carry plenty of water. I pack heavy. I would stop at a campground to shower....sure beats a cold river..lol. I may stay at the campgrounds so I don't get in trouble. Paying for them is not an issue. M by myself on these trips and the time on the bike and quiet time in camp clears my head. Us old folks need that.
Paul A on 07/12/2013 10:26 AM
My wife and I just got home from 90 miles of hiking on the GAP and we camped at Ohiopyle, Outflow Campground, and Husky Haven as well as in Meyersdale. We liked Husky Haven the best. The sites are large, the camp ground is clean and well kept, and there's plenty of space so you're not right on top of the next site, and there's firewood at each site. The down side is you go into town to register (it was a short walk)and there's no water at the sites so ask for them to bring you water to the site. Husky Haven gets a 10+ in this hikers review.
david on 07/13/2013 12:33 AM
Thank u sir. I liked the part about not being on top of one another.
Anonymous on 07/13/2013 07:23 AM
I 2nd the Husky Haven. My favorite by far and dont forget to eat at the Millhouse for breakfast/lunch. Oh yeah, bring earplugs because the trains run quite often and their horns are LOUD.
myownlittleworld from PA on 07/13/2013 04:40 PM
Question about the Meyersdale stop, ...where/what is the camping location? I may be missing the obvious, but I haven't been able to confirm anything. The one that is on the town link (on this site) just gives me a ring-no answer. That town is the one that is giving me the most trouble with planning.
david on 07/13/2013 08:57 PM
The trains shouldn't b a prob. I live about 175' from railroad tracks, but thanks
Anonymous on 07/13/2013 09:05 PM
"Question about the Meyersdale stop, ...where/what is the camping location"
Go down into town and go into Donges Drive-In. They'll do the registration, take your fee, and tell you where to go. PS: The food at Donges is pretty good too.
Cedar Creek Campground in Smithton
- + Link above doesn't work, but here's another link with info: http://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/index.aspx?NID=773
Discussion started 07/12/2013 04:47 PM by Alan - 0 repliesAlan on 07/12/2013 04:47 PM
Link above doesn't work, but here's another link with info: http://www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/index.aspx?NID=773
Camping in Meyersdale now available
- + It seems there is now a camping option in the town of Meyersdale. Check at Donges Drive-In Restaurant for details.
Discussion started 07/11/2013 11:32 PM by Paul A - 1 reply (last reply by david at 07/11/2013 11:41 PM)Paul A on 07/11/2013 11:32 PM
It seems there is now a camping option in the town of Meyersdale. Check at Donges Drive-In Restaurant for details.
david from wv on 07/11/2013 11:41 PM
That's good to know. Thank u
Family ride - 4 days on C&O canal
- + Just finished 4 days on the C&O path with family – wife, 2 daughters, 10 & 7. 10-year old did over 60 miles of the 78 we covered. 7-year old did a few short rides. Used rental SUV as SAG vehicle (F...
Discussion started 06/20/2013 04:14 PM - 4 replies (last reply by Norman at 07/08/2013 04:32 PM)Anonymous on 06/20/2013 04:14 PM
Just finished 4 days on the C&O path with family – wife, 2 daughters, 10 & 7. 10-year old did over 60 miles of the 78 we covered. 7-year old did a few short rides. Used rental SUV as SAG vehicle (Ford Edge – worked well with 3 bike rack). Wife road 29r, older daughter on a Redline Conquest 24” cyclocross bike, me on my cyclocross. Highlights – Bavarian Inn, miles of pleasant riding with my 10-year old (very special time for us), Harpers Ferry (though parking is a rub), newly opened trail section, and overall condition of the trail. Low points – Candlelight Inn (WAY too pricy for what you get), the couple that rode up on us with no bell or warning (startled both of us, resulting in an over the handlebars crash for daughter - scrapes, nothing serious, finished the ride - c’mon folks, get a bell and use it), and Lockhouse 22 – very beautiful setting, but the trains mean NO SLEEP! – if you need a quiet night to rest, do not recommend it. For families – give this ride due respect – can be a tricky trail, despite being flat and without motor traffic. Can hardly wait to get back to finish the sections we didn’t ride on this trip! sparker@nuvasive.com
Anonymous on 06/20/2013 05:19 PM
Correction - Lockhouse 28
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/22/2013 07:50 AM
Just to touch on one point you made regarding the people who came up on you with no warning. That is a big pet-peeve of mine. I point it out to the offending party every time as they go by. I find, generally speaking, that it is the what I like to call "day trippers" that are the biggest offenders. "Day trippers" being the people who are out for the occasional afternoon ride. I find that the people who are doing through rides or are avid riders understand trail etiquette and understand what can happen by startling someone.
I am glad to see that your daughter was O.K. I hope the people that came up on you stopped and apologized to you.
fishead on 07/06/2013 03:19 PM
Wife and I rode a tandem pulling a 2 wheel trailer. The girl that rode up on us, with no bell, ended up in the C&O canal....Oops..I have very poor hearing and can not wear my hearing aids while riding, she really spooked us and she understood it was all her fault, no one hurt just wet.
Norman from Philadelphia, PA on 07/08/2013 04:32 PM
You should consider getting a Trail-a-bike for the 7 year old. He can ride the same distance as you without having to do all of the pedaling.
Frostburg
- + Out of curiosity, how far is it from the Frostburg trail head to the Borden Tunnel?
Discussion started 09/27/2012 04:05 PM by Chuck - 1 reply (last reply by Jeff at 07/08/2013 02:14 PM)Chuck from Elkton on 09/27/2012 04:05 PM
Out of curiosity, how far is it from the Frostburg trail head to the Borden Tunnel?
Jeff from Frostburg on 07/08/2013 02:14 PM
Just a little over 2 miles
Weaver's Restaurant and Bakery in Hancock
- + No longer serves breakfast. You have to go up the street to the Park-n-Dine for that.
Discussion started 01/11/2013 11:09 AM by Swagman - 1 reply (last reply by Thombr00 at 07/07/2013 10:26 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 11:09 AM
No longer serves breakfast. You have to go up the street to the Park-n-Dine for that.
Thombr00 from Pittsburgh on 07/07/2013 10:26 PM
Weavers serves breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. I had breakfast there this past weekend. It was fantastic! The baked goods are tasty too! Check their website for the latest info www.weaversrestaurantandbakery.com
Bears
- + With over 1000 mile and 90hrs of riding the GAP and C&O I have only had 1 sighting of bear. That doesn't mean they re not there, but they want nothing to do with people.I only wrote this as to not det...
Discussion started 06/20/2013 04:18 AM by lenny - 3 replies (last reply by Mike at 06/28/2013 03:01 PM)lenny on 06/20/2013 04:18 AM
With over 1000 mile and 90hrs of riding the GAP and C&O I have only had 1 sighting of bear. That doesn't mean they re not there, but they want nothing to do with people.I only wrote this as to not deter riders from doing the ride because of bears.
Roy from Middletown, OH on 06/21/2013 02:30 PM
Bears will leave people alone, in general, if you follow standard bear precautions: which, if you travel in bear country, is each person's responsibility to know and follow accordingly. I've backpacked many of our nation's national parks, prime grizzly habitat, and have never had a sighting of black or grizz.
Anonymous on 06/21/2013 04:01 PM
2 days ago a bear broke into the kitchen of the rangers home at our state park. the bear was shooed out the door he broke into without anyone being harmed.They are opportunistic. The door was easily broken into and there was available food. He only wanted the food,not people.When there was human interaction he took off.Just keep to the rules and all is usually good.
Mike on 06/28/2013 03:01 PM
Don't feed the bears. You will be setting the next person up for a possible encounter. I saw Bears twice while riding the C&O Canal Trail. On both occasions it was when I was beyond the 15 Mile Campground. Yes, they did move on, but it's best to play it safe. They are wild animals not tame circus animals. No one can predict what they will do. Follow standard Bear Safety precautions and you will be okay.
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Bears
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Trail surface
- + We are contemplating cycling the length of the GAP/C&O and are curious as to the trail surface. My companions ride hybrids I ride a road bike. Can someone comment on the type/quality of the trail sur...
Discussion started 06/23/2013 10:54 AM by Deborah - 4 replies (last reply by Joni's at 06/26/2013 05:40 PM)Deborah from Branford on 06/23/2013 10:54 AM
We are contemplating cycling the length of the GAP/C&O and are curious as to the trail surface. My companions ride hybrids I ride a road bike. Can someone comment on the type/quality of the trail surface, would it be suitable for a road bike or should I be looking to get a hybrid? I am assuming the surface mostly packed/small gravel but would like to be sure. Thank you.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/23/2013 05:09 PM
Deborah the GAP trail is beautiful in regards to trail surface. The C&O not so much. All of our flat tires have come on the C&O. GAP is packed crushed gravel but the C&O is pretty rough with rocks and even tree roots. It is also very muddy when it rains. Very muddy! Bottom line is I would not recommend a road bike on the C&O. Read previous posts on this site. It has been discussed a lot.
Matt from Altoona PA on 06/23/2013 07:46 PM
Hey there,
I rode the GAP last year fall and it rained the entire first day, poured actually. Day 2 dry. I rode my single speed mountain bike with a pair of slicks. I did not have a single traction issue. The GAP drains very well, very few puddles to navigate. Planning a 3 day GAP & C and O, but been derailed twice, once by weather and then by a bad back. Good luck and make it happen,,,,
lenny on 06/24/2013 04:16 AM
I wholly agree with JJB, he speaks truth. But, I have seen the adventurous type ride a road bike on the C&O. If you do, size up your tire to the largest tire you can install.
Joni's from Belmont,Oh on 06/26/2013 05:40 PM
We finished the GAP/C&O almost two weeks ago when all the rain was in the area. The C&O was a nightmare! You would hit a "puddle" and would sink into a pond on occasions. It was extremely muddy and rutted. Would definitely do the GAP again and possibly the C&O, but it would HAVE to be In the dry season to do the C&O.
Tree Fort Bikes
- + Anyone looking for a GAP/TOWPATH specific bike should check out this company.I bought a salsa fargo,some parts were damaged and even though they were not liable due to the time frame they still replac...
Discussion started 06/20/2013 01:29 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 06/20/2013 01:29 PM
Anyone looking for a GAP/TOWPATH specific bike should check out this company.I bought a salsa fargo,some parts were damaged and even though they were not liable due to the time frame they still replaced them, no cost. check them out.
Bear Encounters and Personal Safety
- + Please don't feed the Bears. Follow proper Bear food handling procedures when camping in Bear Country.
The following incident occurred in Alaska. The individual fed the Black Bear meat.
...
Discussion started 06/18/2013 01:43 PM by Paul - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 06/18/2013 06:54 PM)Paul on 06/18/2013 01:43 PM
Please don't feed the Bears. Follow proper Bear food handling procedures when camping in Bear Country.
The following incident occurred in Alaska. The individual fed the Black Bear meat.
A black bear mauled a man at a campground in Alaska, but the animal won't likely threaten other people, the state Department of Fish and Game said.
Spokesman Ken Marsh said the bear was "pretty much goaded" into the attack Saturday near Eklutna Lake Campground north of Anchorage because the man fed it meat from a church barbecue, the Anchorage Daily News ( http://bit.ly/11sQbZW ) reported.
The man could be charged with illegally feeding wildlife, according to Alaska State Troopers spokeswoman Beth Ipsen. He had been drinking and went for a bike ride, taking some of the food along, she said. The man came across the bear and threw it a piece of meat. He then offered the bear another piece.
"That's when it kind of went ballistic," Ipsen said.
Park rangers later found the bloodied man washing himself off at the campground, Marsh said.
Anonymous on 06/18/2013 06:54 PM
Yes,simply follow the rules when in bear country and carry a can of bear spray.If Tim Treadwell had carried one, him and his girlfriend would more than likely be alive today.The bear spray also works on bad people.
- + GET TO THE POINT... Wife and I rode from Boston (GAP)to Pittsburgh today to check out the new, final connector, that finishes the Great Allegheny Passage to Pittsburgh. I would like to commend and tha...
Discussion started 06/16/2013 07:17 PM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 06/16/2013 08:07 PM)lenny on 06/16/2013 07:17 PM
GET TO THE POINT... Wife and I rode from Boston (GAP)to Pittsburgh today to check out the new, final connector, that finishes the Great Allegheny Passage to Pittsburgh. I would like to commend and thank all of the people and firms that have made this possible. I especially would like to single out Linda Mckenna Boxx for all of her work. It is one beautiful piece of trail work. POINT MADE!
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/16/2013 07:43 PM
That is GREAT Lenny! We are hoping to do that this year also. Is it well signed so that we don't get lost?
lenny on 06/16/2013 08:07 PM
Yes, well signed and there are trail improvements through the city of McKeesport as well. This trail is 1st class.
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Hillside Motel in Brunswick
- + Newly renovated no carpet just hardwood floors now. new management, new attitudes, new property. new phone number- 301-660-3580. New and better experience.
Discussion started 06/15/2013 04:15 PM by Freddy - 0 repliesFreddy on 06/15/2013 04:15 PM
Newly renovated no carpet just hardwood floors now. new management, new attitudes, new property. new phone number- 301-660-3580. New and better experience.
quick question
- + We just completed a memorable ride from Williammsport, MD to Harpers Ferry and back over a three day period. (I have written a trip review for Traillink should anyone be interested.) We are now cons...
Discussion started 06/13/2013 06:28 PM by Wayne - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 06/15/2013 02:28 PM)Wayne from Galloway, NJ on 06/13/2013 06:28 PM
We just completed a memorable ride from Williammsport, MD to Harpers Ferry and back over a three day period. (I have written a trip review for Traillink should anyone be interested.) We are now considering biking from Meyersdale, PA to Williamsport, MD, however need to figure out how to get back to the car in Meyersdale, LOL. Unfortunately we don't have enough time to bike back. Does anyone know if here is an Enterprise Rental Car in Williamsport, or, even a Greyhound bus stop? Thanks!!!!
Anonymous on 06/15/2013 02:28 PM
There's a bicycle shop listed for Williamsport. Let me suggest you call them up and see if they can shuttle you, or if they can recommend someone else in town that might. If that fails call one of the shuttle providers listed on this web site.
GAP weather
- + Can a local, or someone familiar enough with the area please tell me what to expect along the GAP the first half of July.
Discussion started 06/10/2013 10:42 PM by Paul A - 7 replies (last reply by Paul A at 06/13/2013 03:48 PM)Paul A on 06/10/2013 10:42 PM
Can a local, or someone familiar enough with the area please tell me what to expect along the GAP the first half of July.
lenny on 06/11/2013 04:06 AM
Usually hard packed by July,flowers in bloom. Be prepared for bugs,and some humidity. Other wise a great time to ride the GAP. I have done 2 of my 3 rides in July. Oh yes, the rain storms can be fierce!
Anonymous on 06/11/2013 09:27 AM
Whatever bike you use, make sure you have fenders. The mud/dust will be greatly reduced on you and your bike if you have them. Enjoy.
Paul A on 06/11/2013 10:15 AM
Actually, I'll be hiking from Connellsville to Cumberland. Wondering what day time temperatures to expect so I can dress for it and night time temperatures so I know which sleeping bag to bring.
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
lenny on 06/12/2013 04:23 AM
I rode the path 3 times in early July 2010 the heat was stifling, 2011 was much more comfortable. But both years we encountered a major all day shower.Last year, well we should have stayed home, I think it was a tornado.
Anonymous on 06/13/2013 12:49 AM
Thanks Lenny
I guess I'll carry full rain gear to wear over my shorts and wicking tee shirt
lenny on 06/13/2013 04:11 AM
I have only donned rain gear one time on a ride. The reason I no longer do it is that I still gpt wet and it was uncomfortable. If it is that bad I seek shelter.
Paul A on 06/13/2013 03:48 PM
For me, while hiking, the idea is to stay warm, not dry. The spring I hiked the C+O it rained every day except one. I think it was 2011. But I was able to stay comfortable even though I was often soaked to the bone.
But enough of all this talk about rain :)
Lock #21 (Swain's Lock) in Potomac
- + The email above should read "there is NO water at swain's lock" not "there is now water at Swain's lock."
Discussion started 06/11/2013 08:43 PM by Mark Bottinick - 0 repliesMark Bottinick from Silver Spring on 06/11/2013 08:43 PM
The email above should read "there is NO water at swain's lock" not "there is now water at Swain's lock."
GAP & C&O Apps
- + Does anyone know the name(s) of the smart phone apps for the GAP and C&O trails???
Discussion started 05/16/2013 01:31 PM by Matt C - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/10/2013 12:27 PM)Matt C from Ambler, Pa. on 05/16/2013 01:31 PM
Does anyone know the name(s) of the smart phone apps for the GAP and C&O trails???
Naismith from Florida on 05/17/2013 08:08 PM
On the iPhone, I have the "GAP App" (free) and "C & O Companion" (modestly priced at $2.99). The EveryTrail App, which I had used in other places, also has free guides to the C & O. Haven't had a chance to use them yet:)
Anonymous on 06/10/2013 12:27 PM
Thank you for the app links