C&O / GAP Forum

I have a trip planned in October to ride the GAP/C&O from Pittsburgh to DC. If the government shuts down, does anyone know what happens to the C&O Canal Towpath since it is considered a national park? Do they block access and not allow anyone to ride it? Or do they just close the welcome centers? This is making me very nervous for this trip I had planned for months! Thanks in advance for any help.

I don't see how they could block access, there's way too many places to get on the trail over those hundreds of miles. Even if they post closed signs at the trailheads who's going to enforce them if the rangers are furloughed? I don't see it as being practical or probable that you won't be able to ride the trail. If I were in your shoes, I'd go ahead as planned and make adjustments on the fly if you really have to.

Yeah, but some places along the way will also be shut down, such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:(

The trail won't be shut down, but any government provided services will. Most likely this would be trail maintenance or trash removal.

Thanks for the responses. I guess we'll just go ahead as planned and hope for the best. It still would be disappointing to not able to see things in DC like the Lincoln Memorial or Smithsonian. :( Oh well, what can you do... Hopefully the shutdown doesn't occur or only lasts a few days.

Apologies for accidentally starting a new thread when I meant to comment over here.

Ran across this article, which made it sound like they would run people off the trail. Strange, because they don't close federal highways during a shutdown. But to kick cyclists off the trail onto roads of questionable safety...

http://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/facing-government-shutdown-federal-parks-in-hagerstown-area-prepare-to/article_6260b9a0-2a24-11e3-83f6-0019bb30f31a.html?mode=jqm

or

http://tinyurl.com/m4paasl

I was told by the c&o canal trust that camp grounds and I assume porta johns and water supply would be closed for hikers and bikers. the trail might be accessible but I imagine sections like Harper's ferry and big slack water could be sectioned off making thru trip difficult/ impossible

I emailed the National Park Service with the same question, and here is the response they sent me:

"If the government is shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations, the park and all visitor facilities will be closed."

I also have been considering a fall trip on the C&O Canal - GAP trails, but will wait until this budget nonsense is sorted out. I have to drive too far (4-5 hours) to risk getting turned away.

Well this absolutely sucks. :( I still have 2 weeks until my trip, so hopefully the shutdown is lifted by then. But please keep reporting any info you get on the C&O closure, it is greatly appreciated.

Well, it's officially closed. I mean, REALLY closed. Gosh. It's a dirt path, not Fort Knox.

http://www.canaltrust.org/trust/index.php?page=government-shutdown

I find it frustrating that none of this information was available a week ago so that folks could plan. Every agency had plans, and it would have been nice to share with the public whether a shutdown would only close visitors centers, or whether the path itself would be closed.

Is it true that the GAP is not affected by the shutdown? I thought the parking lot in Cumberland was run by the C & O. Is that available during the shutdown, does anyone know? The phone number was for part of the C & O park.

I made all my plans and reservations weeks ago and am headed to Pittsburgh next Sunday. I guess I'll find out just how serious things are when I get to Cumberland in the middle of next week, and figure out how to get to Washington from there.

All sorts of conflicting info if you are allowed on trail. But sounds like camping sites and bathrooms are closed. I am so confused.

"They received conflicting information from the news media and park rangers about what exactly would be open, they said. A ranger in Harpers Ferry told them the trail would be open but the campgrounds and bathrooms would be closed. An email from the C&O Canal Trust stated the towpath will be closed during the shutdown."



From: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/economy_and_business/business_topics/employment/article_0832c7e3-bf24-506b-97a0-f4a69ad7acc9.html

I just finished a Pittsburgh to Cumberland trip yesterday (10/1 around 4:30pm). I had no issues due to the govt shutdown. I saw that someone posted a note on a bulletin board in Rockwood about the C&O Towpath being closed. I was worried that they might close the Big Savage Tunnel too but that was open and the lights were on.

Harpers Ferry website claims the trails are open and they are still welcoming visitors. This is all very confusing and frustrating. I wish someone would come out and say for sure whether they would actually kick people off the trail or just allow them to ride through. The Canal Trust page implies you'll be trespassing if you're on the trail, and other sources seem to indicate no one cares.

http://historicharpersferry.com/

DURING THE GOVERMENT SHUTDOWN, THE C&O CANAL TOWPATH IS CLOSED

- Visitor traffic, whether on foot, bike, or horse, is strictly prohibited.
- Bicyclists planning rides from Pittsburgh to DC on the GAP and C&O Canal should plan to turn back at Cumberland.
- All Visitors Centers are CLOSED.
- Hiker/Bikers and campgrounds are CLOSED.
- The Canal Quarters lockhouses are CLOSED.
- All restroom facilities, both permanent and portable, are CLOSED.
- Handles have been removed from all well pumps.
- The only Park staff that will be on duty will be law enforcement rangers.
- The portion of the Capital Crescent Trail that runs parallel to the towpath in DC is managed by the C&O Canal NHP and is CLOSED.
- All access roads to the Park are CLOSED. This means you will not be able to trailer boats to boat ramps along the towpath.
- Interpretive and educational programming in the Park will be temporarily suspended. School field trips to the Park will need to be rescheduled once Park staff has returned.
- Volunteer events and events requiring special use permits will not be able to take place.
- All volunteers working in an official capacity should cease volunteer activities immediately and not enter the Park's premises.

THE GOVERMENT SHUTDOWN DOES NOT AFFECT THE GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE, as it is not a federal park

So while the park is closed, how are travelers that were mid route getting through? Are people still using the trail regardless of the closure, and if not what alternatives are there to getting from town to town?

A news story this morning said that, "Trespassing in a national park carries a maximum fine of $500 and up to six months in jail, according to the Criminal Resource Manual issued to U.S. attorneys."

Talked to a B & B manager on Wednesday who said his traffic had not slowed down. He's getting people both directions.

The paved Western Maryland railroad trail from Ft. Frederick to Pearre is on state land and definitely open. So that's 22 miles available. (confirmed by email with the wonderful map guy)

Wonder about the Paw Paw tunnel--that seems more "closable" than other parts of the trail.

People what part of CLOSED don't you understand. It is CLOSED. Move on and make other plans. If you go to the HOME Page of this site, the rule is stated in bright red.
The C&O Canal Trail is CLOSED. They will arrest you if you attempt to trespass.
****
The GAP is OPEN. Enjoy that part of your trip, maybe spend a couple extra days at Ohiopyle State Park.

****
God Bless America!

I'm guessing the Paw Paw Tunnel could be bypassed by the trail running over it. A shame since it's been twenty-five years since I've been through it.

Are there any sites out there with experiences on what things are like at the moment?

Returned yesterday from riding the C & O both directions. Monday at 6:30 am they banded the porta potties shut and pulled the pump handles. You have to be creative about finding water, but it ins't too difficult. The park rangers are not asking anyone to leave or preventing access. You may walk or bike and are able to get onto the trail with out difficulty. All services are discontinued. The parking areas are blocked off. You will have to find alternate parking. There was, as of yesterday, still a large number of hiker/bikers on the towpath. Hope it helps.

Great to know. I leave for Pittsburgh tomorrow and should be at Cumberland by Wednesday.

Thanks for the info John! What part of the towpath were you on? Or did you bike the whole thing? I leave next Sunday and I'm still debating whether to continue through as planned, or just do an out and back from Pgh to Cumberland instead.

I walked a short part of the canal around Point of Rocks this morning. There were signs saying the park is closed, and the roadway is gated so you can't park near the boat ramp there. I intentionally ignored the sign, half hoping that a Ranger would be around to try to tell me to leave. I'll do the same tomorrow. The Park Service is being played here. I saw no rangers, and there were a few other people on the trail, along with numerous cars in the train station parking lot with bike racks on them. I say we need plenty of civil disobedience!

I biked around Pittsburgh this morning and ran into several people on the trails that were making the Pittsburgh to DC trek. I guess people aren't really altering their plans due to this shutdown.

My trip was from Mckeesport to DC and then back to Hancock. I was eastbound near Williamsport MD when they shut it down. I saw 2 rangers in the whole trip and was not stopped by either. I pasted on ranger vehicle driving on the tow path at Harpers Ferry. I continued my trip and would continue with any planned trips at this time. Just be aware of the lack of services along the tow path. Businesses and individuals along the trail were great at assisting with any needs. Happy biking!

There were no obstructions to travel or bike entrance to and from the park anywhere. There were gates and vehicle barricades at the entrances. The bridge to Harpers Ferry was open. The path to the Great falls was Partially blocked by a gate. There were less people later in the week but still a lot of biker/hikers.

Spoke with Dennis Hudson, proprietor of C&O Bicycle in Hancock, Monday morning. There is talk, from NPS HQ in Hagerstown, that if the shut down continues that the Paw Paw Tunnel will be barricaded to prevent hiker-bikers from traveling through. What a crock! These jerks are swallowing camels and straining at nats. My fall vacation plans are totally trashed.

Hi All!

So has anyone heard about the camp sites have been used during the shutdown? If so did anyone have issues with the rangers?

Thanks!

John

Well, I'm leaving tomorrow morning as scheduled and will hope for the best! It sure looks like the shutdown isn't ending this weekend, so I'll press on and carry plenty of water....

You should be fine. I'm in Harpers Ferry about to start the list bit to Washington. Along the C&O people are using the campsites and half of the bathrooms have been broken into. The water pumps still have no handles, but since it's been raining for two days the canal is a bit muddy.

Made it to Frostburg today. Tomorrow we venture on to Hancock. We'll see what happens! Looking forward to riding the C&O, shutdown or no shutdown.

The C&O is closed!

If you see or witness vandalism taking place like Bathrooms being broken into, it is your duty to report any crime.

It is disgusting that many of you have resorted to vandalism just to prove a point. Contact your REPs in Washington and get them to do the job they were elected to do.
Don't take you rage out on the Rangers or a beautiful Park System. Money spent repairing vandalism could have been used to make much needed improvements. Think People!!

I agree.
There's no excuse for vandalism, none.
Towns are close enough and if you Really have to go get off the trail and dig a small hole to take care of business in. Then put the dirt back in the hole and it's gone.

Made it to DC today! What a great trip. We had no major issues and the weather was cooperative. Thanks to all who responded in this thread, it was helpful. Today,we were even legal. Lol. When we left Harpers Ferry this morning the ranger was reopening all the exhibits. And as far as vandalism, there wasn't any. Just some porta potties that had the zip ties removed so they could be used. No one actually damaged them. Everything will be fine.

I have been remiss in not posting our experience, because we were self-supporting and did not have room for a laptop, and went directly from the trail to a professional conference.

We missed the first two days on the trail (10/7-8). Because we had to drive up to the area, we did other things that first day, and on the second day rode some out of Harpers Ferry, seeing no signs of closure. So we drove to Williamsport, and left our car at the Red Roof Inn, who are so supportive of cyclists and have a form to fill out for those leaving a vehicle.

We did see some vandalism, beyond the liberation of porta-potties. At Oldtown, there was grafitti on the concrete barriers, something like, "The park doesn't belong to the government, it belongs to the people!"

But as I noted in another thread, the real problem is that the C & O is incorrectly characterized as a National Park. There are so many access points that it should be re-classified as a National Forest, and thus remain open during shutdowns, even though visitors centers and other facilities are closed. People in the DC area use parts of the trail for commuting into work. We don't close national highways during a shutdown, why would we close this thoroughfare?

I saw in my local paper yesterday that Amtrak ran a test run along the GAP to see how long it took to load bikes at the depots. Linda Boxx McKenna and several others took part. For more, ceheck out the Tribune review site for the story.

I think that the GAP helps the C&O a lot more then the C&O does for the GAP. If it wasn't for the GAP the Paw Paw tunnel may still be closed. Way to go GAP in pushing for that roll on service.

All National Parks will begin reopening today. All Federal employees began reporting back to work (10/17).
Still awaiting official word from the Park Service, but there should be no issues regarding the C&O Canal.

Update: Kings Pizza is about 2 miles from the C&O towpath, not 4 miles as the site states. They have great pizza, as well as hot and cold subs. I highly recommend the garlic knots and the Steak & Cheese sub ... delicious. Ask for Adele or Uvaldo, who own and manage this family-owned business (formely New Yorkers, with Brooklyn roots) and they will take good care of you! In just a short time going there, we have become good friends and they really value your business.

Google Map say's its only .3 tens of a mile from the C&O Towpath. I have never been there so I don't know for sure. Does anyone else know for sure?

3 blocks

This is not listed but a heads up, unless there is absolutely no rooms at any of the other motels/B&B’s in Hancock, or you’re a masochist, do not stay at the Hilltop Inn aka Hancock Budget Motel. This place is a dump. It has degenerated into low income lodging for recipients receiving SSDI, prison transition, and Section 8 Housing. Very scary people living their. You have been warned.

The Triangle Tavern and Grill is located less than 50 feet west from the park-n-ride on Main street. Good food and spirits. A great place to stop, especially if you are coming up canal, and have a libation before continuing into town where all the lodging is located.

There is a nice restaurant in Hancock called the Park-n-Dine, just off the towpath/rail trail less than 100 feet west of the park-n-ride lot on Main Street. Good food and serves breakfast. Sundays they serve a buffet dinner for less than $15 per head. Good salad bar.

The small country store just up the road from Spring Gap campground is closed. I think the Post Office is also closed. Very depressed area. Not much between Cumberland and Hancock.

This is not related to the C&O per se, but if your bike along the Western Maryland Rail Trail approx. 6 miles after Hancock, Maryland you can see a large Quartz outcropping on a Mountain in the direction of the Potomac River and West Virginia. A local told me it is called "Lovers Leap". However a search of "Lovers Leap" brings up several locations. This Mountain is definitely in West Virginia. On the WMRT, there is a mansion in this location as well to give you a better idea where it is located. The views of the Potomac and the C&O Canal must be incredible. Can anyone confirm the name of this rock outcropping? Is there a trail that takes you to the top? Thanks!

LOST & FOUND: I found a Polar watch/heart monitor today in the parking at the Waterfront. if you can give me a description of it and where it was at in the parking lot then you can have it back. Just respond to this post. Thanks

My wife and I are planning a thru ride along the Passage/C&O this coming Oct. We currently both use WTB Vulpine 2" 29er tires. They roll pretty good but I'm thinking about switching to the Schwalbe Marathon Tires for our ride. I know they'll be fine for the Passage but with a width of 1 3/4 inches I'm not sure how they'll handle the ruts and other trail hazards along the C&O. Anyone use this tire? Other suggestions? I'm mainly looking for something durable but with less rolling resistance. Thanks.

I don't know if this will help you, but 10 years ago I rode from Cumberland to DC on a road bike with 700 x 25's. It rained 2 of the 3 days, so it wasn't much fun; but the tires did OK.

Now, I have Schwalbe Marathon 20 x 1.5's on my folding bike. I haven't tried the C&O with them. I suspect the hinges would take a beating; but the tires would be OK.

I just completed a 3 day ride from Pittsburgh to DC on my Road Bike. Only modifications I made for the trip were replacing my skinny tires with Conti Touring Plus 700c x 28m and added a cat Eye headlight. I carried no gear and stayed in B&Bs. I was frequently warned about roots, ruts, and rocks but found the trail very rideable with this setup.

A piece on NPR today made me think that the C & O fits the definition of a national forest much better than a National Park. And apparently national forests are open, so a reclassification would prevent problems during a shutdown.

Quote:
Jarvis also describes national park areas as having "limited access points, gates and entrance stations" — with rangers available to "inform visitors what they can and cannot do."

National forest and BLM lands, he says, "would nearly be impossible to close because there are so many access points. Secondly, those lands are open to a wide range of public activities."

Full story at
http://www.npr.org/2013/10/03/228719015/national-parks-close-as-other-public-lands-stay-open

The "Drive In(n)" in the name is a throwback to its origins. I didn't see any car hops nor would I expect such good food cooked from scratch at a drive inn. I recommend the cordon bleu. If you want to feed a family or have enough left over for lunch, order the big breakfast. When I got my bill, I thought sure the waitress had forgotten to add my wife's order to it. But she hadn't.

And if you want to camp in Meyesdale, these are the folks to talk to. They'll register you and tell you where to go. And Paul's right about the food

Yeah, I can't reschedule my vacation, and my husband will be furloughed in the shutdown, so we might as well go. We're headed the opposite direction next week.

Let me know how your trip goes and if you run into any problems with trail closures. I'll be riding through the week of Oct 13.

I'm thinking of hiking the C&O canal in Jan/feb 2014. Does anyone know if campgrounds and other services are available in winter months?

I think it would be a beautiful hike in the winter. Having said that, I believe they may have the water hand pumps locked.Just not sure so check into that.

I hiked the C+O starting in March of 2011. The hiker/biker campgrounds should be usable BUT the park service removes the handles from the water pumps in winter. I walked into several towns along the way just to get water even when I didn't need resupply. It'll add some miles but not an unreasonable amount. I was also able to yogi water from people out for a walk or a bicycle ride. I say go for it!

I hiked the Katy trail this summer, and am now wanting to do the C&O/GAP (may check out the C&O in just a couple weeks). It seems that campsites might be sparse...but I see many have hiked the trail. Where is the best hiker info? Thanks!

I used this web site and the TrailBook to plan my hike. You can find the book at http://www.atatrail.org/store/proddetail.cfm?CFID=4241084&CFTOKEN=34878395&ItemID=90&CategoryID=3
It was easy to plan since you go past so many towns right along the trail. The C+O has places to camp every 5 or 6 miles. The GAP is a little more difficult and I did have to stealth camp a few times, as well as stay at all the regular campsites along the GAP. Just know that you'll be able to cover lots of miles a day, if you want to, since the trail is so flat

The Mid-Atlantic can get some good snowstorms and icy conditions in the January and February time frame. That is also the period when this area gets the most chill. Keep in mind, if you hiked this time of the year, you would pretty much be on your own in case anything would happen.

Since the original poster, who asked the question, is from Alaska I'm assuming that he's a seasoned winter camper, and in the outdoors you've always got to figure that you're on your own. And on the C+O you're never far from civilization. He might need snow shoes, or other traction aides, and have to camp in a foot or two of snow.

All
-wherever you ride, remember to help another biker out...a month ago, I had a hole rubbed in my tire by front brakes: spare tube but no spare tire. After a short walk ended in a bike trail parking lot where I was able to hitch, with my bike, a ride 15 miles to my car. This evening I was able to pay that favor "forward" by completing my ride then returning to a point on trail to meet a rider whose chain had broken to drive him home.
Risky? So is life I guess, but let's help one another out when we can!

Great post Roy.

Good point. About a year ago I was biking the trail for the day and had an accident. A stick bounced up and lodged in my chain which brought my bike to an abrupt stop and I fell over on the rocky surface. I was pretty banged up and bleeding on my leg, shoulder and arm. Another biker with a flashy bike outfit (with head to toe advertisements) buzzed right past me and didn't even stop to see if I was okay. If I would have seen another biker in that condition I would have stopped to render assistance.

Does anyone know the status of the hostel. I heard a rumor that because of flooding, opening for the 2010 season was uncertain.

The hostel is closed due to faulty wiring. They are applying for a grant for repairs. No time frame for reopening at this time.

As of our visit on 9/21/13, it was closed. Based on an article in the local newspaper, it looks like the community center in which it is located might never reopen.

We recently stayed here for the second time while biking the GAP. It is a nice, well maintained mom & pop - clean, quiet, and comfortable. However, it does lack amenities such as microwave, fridge, breakfast, and coffee.

We didn't have any trouble with the 1.6 mile road ride from the trail; but those who aren't used to road riding might disagree.

We recently stayed here for the third time and it was still the way I remember it from previous bike trips.

I recently stayed here with a group of 6 and found it very nice and not overly yuppyish.

Given the difficulty of finding a beer in Pennsylvania, the snack bar at the nearby 10th hole was a plus.

But the best part was the adjacent restaurant. In addition to the provided breakfast, we had supper there. The food was good, portions huge, and prices reasonable. For breakfast you order whatever you want from the menu; and mine was so large that I had half of it for lunch along the trail.

The only downside was the almost 1 mile ride uphill from the trail.

We are biking the passage from Connelsville, Pa . to Perryopolis, Pa. Is there a pick up service at perryopolis to take you back to your vehicle in Connelsviille?

Place was closed with big For Sale sign in window.

We are currently biking from Pittsburgh to DC. Tonight we are in Confluence...had looked forward to dinner at the Lucky Dog, but no such luck. In fact all the restaurants in town are closed weekdays since Labor Day. There is one fast food pizza place and the grocery store.

I think II sisters is always open. Its a nice little dine/restaurant in town!!

Two Sisters is only open until 2p

I am wondering about availability of water in the stretches between towns on the C&O. I have read that some people filter the pump water at the camp sites, but I am wondering if this is necessary (for both taste and "safety" reasons).
Most days (when I am not carrying any extra weight in gear) I usually use the largest camelback available, but a smaller one refilled more frequently would be helpful.
Any advice?

I never drank the cistern water, although it is probably OK,I was was always able to get water daily at my half way stops along the trail,ei Paw Paw, Williamsport and Whites Station.

Cistern water tastes like iodine...tried it once and disliked greatly. Used 2, 20oz. bike bottles and a quart Nalgene: filled up at trail towns and always had plenty...never tried cistern water again.

It is treated with Iodine and will appear cloudy when you put it into a Bottle. It is tested frequently and is very safe to drink. I did drink it a couple times without filtering it and did not get sick. I did grow a third arm though that comes in handy from time to time. :)

Thanks for the comments. I think we are going to try to just keep our water packs full at trail towns, and if something unforeseeable happens, we will just deal with the taste.

I hiked the C+O in 2011 and used water from the pumps regularly with no bad taste or other problems.

I don't think the NPS would allow you to drink water from the Pumps if there was even a hint the water was unsafe. It's safe to drink. It is treated with Iodine.

However, some people are allergic to iodine. Pregnant women, women over 50 and people with thyroid problems should consult their doctors before using iodine treatment for water purification.

.

Not sure about all of the fuss. I just rode the trail and the water was excellent. Drank it, washed with it -- tasted great. Not all campsites have water pumps that work, but there are plenty of places to get water - either at the camps and in towns. No worries. I still carry a bladder and a bottle (for camp).

Still waiting for Amtrak to ante up with roll on service on the Capitol Limited. Any one have any news?