C&O Winter Hike?
-  + 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?
Discussion started 08/24/2013 11:24 PM by Michael Wise - 6 replies (last reply by Paul A at 09/26/2013 12:27 AM)Michael Wise from Sitka, Alaska on 08/24/2013 11:24 PM
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?
Anonymous on 08/29/2013 07:39 AM
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.
Paul A on 08/31/2013 11:15 PM
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!
ammc from Dallas, TX on 09/11/2013 10:06 PM
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!
Paul A on 09/11/2013 10:20 PM
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
Anonymous on 09/25/2013 02:17 PM
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.
Paul A on 09/26/2013 12:27 AM
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.
other
-  + 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 park...
Discussion started 09/16/2013 07:45 PM by Roy - 2 replies (last reply by Mike at 09/25/2013 02:11 PM)Roy from Middletown, OH on 09/16/2013 07:45 PM
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!
Stillridng from Pittsburgh, PA. on 09/17/2013 10:21 AM
Great post Roy.
Mike on 09/25/2013 02:11 PM
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.
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Allegheny Trail Hostel status
-  + Does anyone know the status of the hostel. I heard a rumor that because of flooding, opening for the 2010 season was uncertain.
Discussion started 06/15/2010 02:45 PM by j` - 2 replies (last reply by Paul at 09/25/2013 12:37 PM)j` from Quincy, Il on 06/15/2010 02:45 PM
Does anyone know the status of the hostel. I heard a rumor that because of flooding, opening for the 2010 season was uncertain.
Rick from Yorktown, Va. on 07/31/2010 06:40 AM
The hostel is closed due to faulty wiring. They are applying for a grant for repairs. No time frame for reopening at this time.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 09/25/2013 12:37 PM
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.
Melody Motor Lodge in Connellsville
-  + 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, ...
Discussion started 09/15/2010 08:04 PM by Jobtraklite - 1 reply (last reply by Jobtraklite at 09/25/2013 12:31 PM)Jobtraklite from Quincy, il on 09/15/2010 08:04 PM
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.
Jobtraklite from Quincy, IL on 09/25/2013 12:31 PM
We recently stayed here for the third time and it was still the way I remember it from previous bike trips.
John Butler House in Buena Vista
-  + 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 pl...
Discussion started 09/25/2013 12:26 PM by Paul - 0 repliesPaul from Quincy, IL on 09/25/2013 12:26 PM
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.
bike pick ups
-  + 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?
Discussion started 09/24/2013 12:00 PM by Nancy K - 0 repliesNancy K on 09/24/2013 12:00 PM
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?
Mommer's Diner is CLOSED!
-  + Place was closed with big For Sale sign in window.
Discussion started 09/20/2013 03:48 AM by Pig Pen - 0 repliesPig Pen from Jessup, OH on 09/20/2013 03:48 AM
Place was closed with big For Sale sign in window.
Confluence
-  + 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 s...
Discussion started 09/12/2013 04:31 PM by Jwalsh - 2 replies (last reply by Jwalsh at 09/18/2013 06:51 PM)Jwalsh from Austin, Texas on 09/12/2013 04:31 PM
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.
lenny on 09/14/2013 06:32 AM
I think II sisters is always open. Its a nice little dine/restaurant in town!!
Jwalsh from Austin on 09/18/2013 06:51 PM
Two Sisters is only open until 2p
C&O hiker/biker sites - water quality
-  + 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 (fo...
Discussion started 08/04/2013 09:23 PM by Angie - 7 replies (last reply by CDG at 09/17/2013 03:58 PM)Angie on 08/04/2013 09:23 PM
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?
lenny on 08/05/2013 04:20 AM
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.
Roy from Middletown, OH on 08/06/2013 08:58 AM
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.
Randy on 08/06/2013 01:23 PM
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. :)
Angie on 08/06/2013 02:24 PM
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.
Anonymous on 08/11/2013 02:45 PM
I hiked the C+O in 2011 and used water from the pumps regularly with no bad taste or other problems.
Paul on 09/10/2013 02:55 PM
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.
.
CDG from California on 09/17/2013 03:58 PM
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?
Discussion started 09/17/2013 04:42 AM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 09/17/2013 04:42 AM
Still waiting for Amtrak to ante up with roll on service on the Capitol Limited. Any one have any news?
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Pittsburgh parking
-  + I'm gonna ride the trail in July, I know where to park in Mckeesport long term but now I'd like to start in Pittsburgh and ride the entire trail.
Does anyone have any insight on where to park for u...
Discussion started 06/27/2013 06:19 PM by twisteroo - 8 replies (last reply by kindwaryr at 09/12/2013 01:56 PM)twisteroo from buffalo ny on 06/27/2013 06:19 PM
I'm gonna ride the trail in July, I know where to park in Mckeesport long term but now I'd like to start in Pittsburgh and ride the entire trail.
Does anyone have any insight on where to park for up to two weeks. Of course free would be the best but anything secure would be great.
Lenny on 06/28/2013 04:26 AM
There is a parking area On Swinburn St. off of Second Ave, that connects with the Eliza Furnace Trail. It is in the Oakland section of Pgh. This location may take some investigation on your part, but is the only free parking that I know of in Pgh.
twisteroo from buffalo ny on 06/28/2013 09:39 AM
OK, thank you very much for the input.
I may have to go to what I know, (Mckeesport) and take a little side trip up to the point to see what I'm missing.
mqharris from Cincinnati on 07/10/2013 01:10 PM
I did a Pitt-DC thru ride earlier this summer and parked for 10 days at the Pumphouse Museum located in Homestead (Pittsburgh). I had to pay for a $25 membership in the museum but I didn't have to worry about my car being towed and no one broke into it (their number is 412-782-0171)
lenny on 07/10/2013 08:00 PM
But the Pump house is 10 miles from the POINT.
twisteroo from buffalo on 07/21/2013 06:00 PM
mqharris, thanks, I checked it out. www.riversofsteel.com has the info on it I need.
This looks promising.
Tyoungs from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/19/2013 01:00 PM
Twisteroo - what did you decide to do about parking?
rdull from Columbus, OH on 08/20/2013 09:25 AM
I was able to park at Station Square for a week at $5/day. This was not posted, but I talked with the people in the parking garage office to get this rate and paid in advance.
kindwaryr on 09/12/2013 01:56 PM
Looks like the Station Square parking for $5 a day is no longer available. I just called them and for long term (I need 10 days) they could only give me a monthly lease or a daily rate of $18. Anyone else have any experience to share?
Avoid Leesburg Colonial Inn!!!
-  + If you are biking the towpath and are considering a stop in Leesburg, VA; I strongly recommend you avoid the Leesburg Colonial Inn! Their website is quite deceiving. They promise a free shuttle. We...
Discussion started 09/10/2013 05:23 PM by Aaron - 0 repliesAaron from Johnstown, PA on 09/10/2013 05:23 PM
If you are biking the towpath and are considering a stop in Leesburg, VA; I strongly recommend you avoid the Leesburg Colonial Inn! Their website is quite deceiving. They promise a free shuttle. We waited over an hour for our shuttle and called back to remind them to come get us. Some clown showed up with "the boss's" truck and tossed our bikes in the back. The next morning they told us we had to schedule the shuttle the night before with "the boss" which we didn't so we were on our own. The waiter who checked us in the night before (they have no reception area or receptionist, it might be the cook checking you inn if he's not busy) told us the shuttle starts running at 8am as does our free breakfast. He also said we get a complimentary drink at the bar, none of these claims were true. The room was dingy, just a small bar of soap in the bathroom, no shampoo, clutter in the hallway upstairs (a true deathtrap if this place caught fire). A band in the bar downstairs and another one at the outside bar to the rear made it hard to fall alseep. In addition, the morning staff made no apologies nor did they make any attempt to get us a shuttle back to the ferry. They simply brought our bikes to the street and walked back inside without saying a word. It's approximately 5 miles to the ferry. One section of road is quite busy and four lanes. My advice is to stay elsewhere. The Comfort Inn has a reliable shuttle as experienced by some fellow bikers the same day we arrived. My brother and I did the trip from Pittsburgh to DC over 7 days. This was our last overnight stop and by far the worst experience. All of our other stops were great, mostly B&Bs but also a hostel in Rockwood was very nice. The town of Leesburg was great. We had a great dinner and some delicious beer at the Vintage 50 brewhouse. Enjoy Leesburg but a avoid the Leesburg Cononial Inn!
Break-ins at Sheherdstown
-  + There have been a number of car break-ins lately at the trail access point under the bridge. Don't leave valuables in your car!
Discussion started 07/08/2007 05:41 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/10/2013 03:03 PM)Ray (webmaster) on 07/08/2007 05:41 AM
There have been a number of car break-ins lately at the trail access point under the bridge. Don't leave valuables in your car!
Anonymous on 09/10/2013 03:03 PM
Posted 2007 - may still apply. Take the necessary precautions wherever you park on the C&O.
Keep all valuables out of sight (even small change). Lock your valuables in your trunk. Don't be an easy target.
Georgetown mile 0
-  + It can be hard to find "mile zero" - here's a video to help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kzs51zRsSY
Discussion started 04/06/2010 06:37 AM - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/10/2013 02:58 PM)Anonymous on 04/06/2010 06:37 AM
It can be hard to find "mile zero" - here's a video to help:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kzs51zRsSY
Anonymous on 09/10/2013 02:58 PM
thanks for the Mile Marker "0" info.
Miles from C & O Trail to Shepherdstown, WV
-  + Can't find a map that has the miles from the trail, up over the bridge into downtown Shepherdstown WV. Anyone know the miles and how safe of a ride it is?
Discussion started 09/06/2013 12:19 PM by Ann - 2 replies (last reply by Paul A at 09/07/2013 08:54 PM)Ann from Lambertville, MI on 09/06/2013 12:19 PM
Can't find a map that has the miles from the trail, up over the bridge into downtown Shepherdstown WV. Anyone know the miles and how safe of a ride it is?
Roy from middletown, OH on 09/07/2013 02:44 PM
Try this site we're now on: click on "Towns and Services" go to Shepherdstown and click that link, map is displayed. Safe? Couldn't tell you...after 300 miles this ole boy didn't want to spend energy to get UP to that bridge!
Paul A on 09/07/2013 08:54 PM
I hiked the C+O in 2011, including the walk into Shepherdstown. I didn't think it was too far.
Lock #21 (Swain's Lock) in Potomac
-  + Do I need a permit to camp. If so where do I get it.
Discussion started 08/30/2013 09:47 PM by Robert martin - 2 replies (last reply by vabiker23518 at 09/06/2013 10:00 AM)Robert martin from Silverspring md. on 08/30/2013 09:47 PM
Do I need a permit to camp. If so where do I get it.
Stillridng from Pittsburgh, PA. on 08/31/2013 09:52 AM
This is a free campsite at mile marker 16. I think it has 5 to 7 sites available. Right next to the river, very nice.
vabiker23518 from Williamsburg, VA on 09/06/2013 10:00 AM
It's been a few years ago, but I camped there and no permits were required.
Mile marker 0
-  + I just finished doing my first ride from Pgh to D.C. At the end of the C&O canal in D.C. we stopped at the local bike shop to ask them where the mile marker 0 was at and they all told us there wasn't ...
Discussion started 09/01/2013 04:59 PM by Dave Rust - 3 replies (last reply by Mike at 09/04/2013 09:15 AM)Dave Rust from Pittsburgh on 09/01/2013 04:59 PM
I just finished doing my first ride from Pgh to D.C. At the end of the C&O canal in D.C. we stopped at the local bike shop to ask them where the mile marker 0 was at and they all told us there wasn't one. We eventually found it on our own the next day hidden off the trail behind a metal building. Anyone else have this problem? Why doesn't the bike shop know it's there?
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 09/01/2013 06:48 PM
Haha....yeah. What is up with that?!? The first time we did the trip, (we start at MM 0), we spent maybe close to an hour looking for that darn thing. None of the locals knew what it was let alone where it was! Most folks did not really know what the C&O Canal was. We were right besided the building you spoke of when we asked people. We wondered off but eventually came back to the building and somehow ended up going on the other side of the building and found it. You would think they would put of some signs for it.
For what it is worth, our second trip we used a shuttle service who "specializes" in the C&O/GAP trail and the driver did not know where MM 0 was. He knew how to get us in the general area. We had to show him where it was.
Anonymous on 09/03/2013 07:21 AM
Go to youtube.You will find a really nice short video that explains and rides right to it.
Mike on 09/04/2013 09:15 AM
You'll be surprised at the number of people in the Washington DC area who don't even know what the C&O Canal is, or where it is located. There are many Rail-Trail enthusiast who are not familiar with the trail. Glad you found MM "0".
C&O Bicycle & Bunkhouse in Hancock
-  + You have to spend the night in the “Chicken Coops” at Dennis’ place. You can’t miss it because you pass right by on either the C&O Canal trail or the WMRT.
Discussion started 01/11/2013 11:07 AM by Swagman - 3 replies (last reply by Kathy H. at 09/02/2013 05:15 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 11:07 AM
You have to spend the night in the “Chicken Coops” at Dennis’ place. You can’t miss it because you pass right by on either the C&O Canal trail or the WMRT.
vabiker23518 from Williamsburg, VA on 01/22/2013 03:52 PM
We stayed there summer of 2011. I had no problems with the place, but not sure the wife has forgiven me yet! But, beats a tent and cheaper than a hotel room!
Anonymous on 01/24/2013 02:22 AM
I stayed there when I hiked the trail a couple of April's ago. Had the place to myself but that's OK as it got me out of the rain that night and I was able to get a shower. What could be wrong with that? I could see how it would be a great place for a small group to stay at.
Kathy H. from Catawba, NC on 09/02/2013 05:15 PM
The bunkhouse, store, were really nice; however, the portajons made me gag. I tried to get up early enough to go to town for restroom, when I realised I would have to use the "filth-pit" again, I cried. I think there is enough income being generated to put some chemical in the potty. If management doesn't care that the toilet seat is smeared, he could at least provide cleaning essentials. Perhaps a man could stand this, but definitely not for a woman.
Getting to Fallingwater
-  + When we made plans for a few days in Ohiopyle, I assumed that we would ride our bikes out there--it seemed that many people had. However, others have said the road is unsafe.
We are bike com...
Discussion started 08/23/2013 02:02 PM by Naismith - 3 replies (last reply by Colorado Riders at 09/02/2013 08:49 AM)Naismith from Florida on 08/23/2013 02:02 PM
When we made plans for a few days in Ohiopyle, I assumed that we would ride our bikes out there--it seemed that many people had. However, others have said the road is unsafe.
We are bike commuters and are used to sharing the road, have yellow vests, etc. but there definitely are roads I won't go on.
What are the opinions here about the road to Fallingwater? Any ideas of alternative transportation?
lenny on 08/24/2013 04:23 AM
Fallingwater is only 5 miles or so from Ohiopyle, but Route 381 is hilly and lots of curves and no bike lane that I know of. You don't say where your riding in from. But lots of riders do it.
vabiker23518 from Williamsburg, VA on 08/28/2013 09:21 AM
I have family that live on that road half way between Ohiopyle and Falling Waters and we have biked down the hill to Ohiopyle, but believe you'd have to walk up the hill. Its very steep and as others said, no shoulders to speak of! Good luck.
Colorado Riders from Fruita, CO on 09/02/2013 08:49 AM
We did the GAP/C&O ride a couple of years ago. We took a layover day and visited Fallingwater and it was awesome. The folks at Wilderness Voyagers did our shuttle. Great folks and reasonable price. Locked the bikes at their place, they took us to FW and then picked us up when we called for a return ride.
Point of Rocks
-  + Before we left on our trip, I couldn't verify any of the food options except for Aroma house pizza. The google map failed to find the other listings.
Whether or not this was accurate, I am not s...
Discussion started 08/21/2013 11:59 PM by Angie - 0 repliesAngie from central PA on 08/21/2013 11:59 PM
Before we left on our trip, I couldn't verify any of the food options except for Aroma house pizza. The google map failed to find the other listings.
Whether or not this was accurate, I am not sure, but I wanted to mention a new food stop located there (just started within a few weeks of our trip). I can't recall the name (thanks to the husband and his joking name he gave it), but there is a deli in an old gas station building. They have breakfast sandwiches, fruit, subs/sandwiches, cheesesteaks, etc., as well as some pastries and the typical drinks and snacks that you usually find at gas station convenience stores.
It is easy to get to, ...just cross the bridge leaving the parking area and the towpath and you can either follow the road out, or go straight ahead through the grassy area, and it is pretty much directly ahead of you across the street.
(I gave the owners the website address here so that they can write in for a listing.)