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.)
Whites Ferry Md
- + Is the convenience store at whites ferry md opened?
Discussion started 08/15/2013 08:29 PM by Tim - 3 replies (last reply by Angie at 08/21/2013 05:12 PM)Tim from Wyomissing Pa on 08/15/2013 08:29 PM
Is the convenience store at whites ferry md opened?
Paul A on 08/15/2013 09:32 PM
If it's not, it's a short trip into town. The only thing is that the name of the town escapes me right now. I guess I'm having a senior moment :)
mqharris from Cincinnati on 08/21/2013 09:54 AM
The store at Whites Ferry is a real oasis on that section of the C&O. It's more than a store, its also a diner. The food's not bad. They also sell ice and beer. I passed through Whites Ferry right after Memorial Day on a thru ride this year. He happened to be closed that day in order to clean up the bathroom facility. It's best to give them a call (301-349-5200)
Angie from central PA on 08/21/2013 05:12 PM
Husband and I were there last week. Had great bar-b-q sandwich and burger. If you are looking for lunch on the spot, it is great, ...if you are looking for things to take with for later, you mostly have convenience store snacks (as far as I could find). I don't know if he was just low in stock, or that is his usual (?). We had planned to get something to take with for dinner later (we were camping in Swains Lock, to be picked up the next morning in Georgetown). We survived on snack crackers and almonds until we could get to the waterfront deli for breakfast.
Town Hill Hotel B & B in Little Orleans
- + I was terribly disappointed in my stay last October at the Town Hill Inn. Got the impression that I was inconveniencing the driver who shuttled me up the hill then was shoved in the back door so not ...
Discussion started 01/14/2013 11:15 AM by Jason - 4 replies (last reply by Rick Hancock at 08/20/2013 05:19 AM)Jason from Arlington, VA on 01/14/2013 11:15 AM
I was terribly disappointed in my stay last October at the Town Hill Inn. Got the impression that I was inconveniencing the driver who shuttled me up the hill then was shoved in the back door so not to be seen by the “regular” guest. Very negative atmosphere towards bicyclist from the management in general. Makes you wonder how they deal with hikers? Stopped at Bill’s on the way out the next day and learned of a lodge just around the corner. Going to check it out during my 2013 trip.
Anonymous on 05/11/2013 06:10 AM
It's unfortunate but I'm relieved to see that I'm not the only one disappointed in my stay at Town Hill. As outlined in my earlier post I'd stayed twice and was treated great. However, the last trip will be my last stay. As a hiker and biker I never feel "entitled" to extras. I plan on paying my way and whether I'm staying in a $30 dump or a $200 palace I always treat the room and furnishings as I would my own. I'd already told my group that they would need to clean their gear and bodies (clothing) before entering. I just never expected to be eating a gas station supper on a picnic table in cold and windy conditions after a full day of bike travel through pretty rough, muddy terrain. I understand that the property is listed "For Sell" or may be sold by now.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 07/29/2013 02:02 PM
Your experience is the same as mine from fall 2011. I'd stayed there 2-3 times and was always treated very well but my last visit will be my last. In fact I had another reservation with another group I was guiding on the Gap/C&O and I canceled it. I'd rather ride the extra miles from Cumberland to Hancock than to spend money where I'm not wanted. My group had to get sandwiches at the gas station and sit outside in the cold and wind at appx. 7pm to eat. then after using wire brushes to clean our gear we were escourted up the back staircase to our rooms and were given one shower (there are 3 showers up stairs) for 6 people to use. I'd rather stay behind the C&O Bike Shop in Hancock in the bunkhouse. Hot outdoor showers and it's clean.
Tyoungs from Pittsburgh,PA on 08/19/2013 12:57 PM
I have reservations for a night during the week of 9/9. The gentleman on the phone was very pleasant and welcoming. I hope that my experience is better than these descriptions as I'm a bit nervous now.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 08/20/2013 05:19 AM
Tyoungs,
As I mentioned in this post and another forum. I had wonderful stays on several occasions but the last stay will be my last. I'd always treated my stay etc with great respect. I understand his concern about dirt/mud and possible lack of respect but I'd never misused the property. Good luck and hope your stay is as nice as my first couple of stays. With all of the weather we've had this summer I'm not sure what kind of shape the C&O will be in.
Pittsburgh
- + I am riding bike to Wash. DC and I can not find a phone # or contact about parking in Pittsburgh for a week
Discussion started 07/05/2013 09:45 AM by David L. Slager - 2 replies (last reply by Tyoungs at 08/19/2013 01:02 PM)David L. Slager from Ashville Ohio on 07/05/2013 09:45 AM
I am riding bike to Wash. DC and I can not find a phone # or contact about parking in Pittsburgh for a week
lenny on 07/08/2013 05:55 AM
Find my post of 6/28/13. Scroll down just a bit.
Tyoungs from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/19/2013 01:02 PM
David, what did you do for parking?
Safety of West GAP?
- + Hi everyone!
I'm an ultra runner and have been running sections of the GAP all year long. I've been looking recently at running the section from Connellsville to Homestead, but I'm wondering i...
Discussion started 08/13/2013 01:09 PM by Tara - 0 repliesTara from Morgantown, WV on 08/13/2013 01:09 PM
Hi everyone!
I'm an ultra runner and have been running sections of the GAP all year long. I've been looking recently at running the section from Connellsville to Homestead, but I'm wondering if there are any safety issues in this area as far as riff-raff. I've read elsewhere that some areas of the GAP closer to Pittsburgh can be questionable.
The plan is to leave a car in Connellsville and get dropped off in Homestead. I have run to Connellsville from Ohiopyle before, and it seemed like a good place to leave a car for 10-12 hours.
Thanks in advance and happy trails!
C&O/GAP Near Term Conditions/Weather
- + Looking for some sage advice from locals, regular C&O bikers or someone who’s been on the towpath recently. Have been planning a three day Williamsport to Connellsville trip, slated to start tomorrow...
Discussion started 08/07/2013 07:59 AM by JDS - 0 repliesJDS from PA on 08/07/2013 07:59 AM
Looking for some sage advice from locals, regular C&O bikers or someone who’s been on the towpath recently. Have been planning a three day Williamsport to Connellsville trip, slated to start tomorrow, 8/8/2013. Given the weather reports that I’ve seen for the last few days (and the next few) looks like a lot of rain. Reports I’ve read said the towpath gets quite muddy. Any knowledge of current conditions, or advice on conditions from similar past weather cycles? (I really don’t want to postpone my trip, but I also realize there is some prudence in in not riding into three days of thunderstorms). Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. This site and the comment forum has been a great help in planning my trip.
Rock Run Inn in Ohiopyle
- + I believe Rock Run Inn is in Elizabeth, about a mile from the trail at Buena Vista
Discussion started 08/05/2013 05:56 PM by Paul - 0 repliesPaul from Quincy, IL on 08/05/2013 05:56 PM
I believe Rock Run Inn is in Elizabeth, about a mile from the trail at Buena Vista
Country Nook Café in Garrett
- + Anyone know about this place? Google says it has closed or relocated.
Discussion started 08/05/2013 04:30 PM by Paul - 0 repliesPaul from Quincy, IL on 08/05/2013 04:30 PM
Anyone know about this place? Google says it has closed or relocated.
Williamsport to Cumberland
- + This stretch is to be done in one day, coming from DC, ending in Pittsburgh. Has anyone done this and what am I up against. Thanks
Discussion started 08/01/2013 06:28 PM by Timothy - 5 replies (last reply by JJB at 08/04/2013 08:25 AM)Timothy on 08/01/2013 06:28 PM
This stretch is to be done in one day, coming from DC, ending in Pittsburgh. Has anyone done this and what am I up against. Thanks
Anonymous on 08/02/2013 10:25 AM
That looks like 84 miles.In perfect weather I would think you could do 10/12 mph which would be close to 8 hours on the bike. Im sure its been done many times but it will be a full day. good luck and enjoy
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/03/2013 08:56 AM
Please note that I am assuming the 84 mile calculation is correct.
I know of two brothers who do the entire C&O / GAP in three days. They do this, (or used to do this), every year. It was a brotherly testosterone kinda thing. Every year the one brother griped and complained about it and paid the price physically. So why did they do it? Just to say they did. My point? Yes, you can do 84 miles in a day. My very non-judgemental question to you is why 84 miles in one day? Are you on a time restraint? Just my opinion but I don't think you will enjoy the ride. This is a rough trail and averaging 12 miles an hour over 84 miles will be hard to do. It is worse if you get caught in the rain or this has been a recent rain. Mechanical failures are also a consideration. Time of year is still another consideration.
I hope you are successful on your ride. It would be nice if you let us know how it went. Your experiences may be helpful for someone else.
Naismith from Florida on 08/03/2013 10:31 PM
One factor is whether you are willing to do part of it on the Western Maryland Rail Trail, a paved surface where you will make better time, or if you are a purist who insists on sticking to the towpath.
Timothy on 08/04/2013 06:13 AM
TO JJB, The reason for this stretch run is that there is not motels except approx. halfway between the two towns, 40 miles
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/04/2013 08:25 AM
O.K., I got you. My wife and I had to do a 62 mile day last year, (Hancock to Cumberland). We would normally stay in Paw Paw but there was nothing open last year. We got a late start due to a storm with plenty of lightning. The trail was a mess! It also got to about 92 degrees that day. We were fully loaded and could only do 8-10 MPH and we took plenty of breaks. We got into Cumberland late and ran into another scary storm. Wind was so strong it literally blew us off the trail. We rode single file so we wouldn't run into each other!
Again, I wish you luck on your ride. You can always ride the WMRT around Hancock. That should increase your speed and decrease your ride time.
AMTRAK and Bicycles
- + If anyone is planning to transport their bicycle to Cumberland via AMTRAK is in for a rude awakening. Yes you can ship your machine via AMTRAK to Pittsburg or Washington, DC, however you can’t in Cu...
Discussion started 03/17/2013 04:05 PM by Swagman - 14 replies (last reply by Naismith at 08/02/2013 08:38 AM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 03/17/2013 04:05 PM
If anyone is planning to transport their bicycle to Cumberland via AMTRAK is in for a rude awakening. Yes you can ship your machine via AMTRAK to Pittsburg or Washington, DC, however you can’t in Cumberland. The reason? There is no AMTRAK (Federal Employee) present to open the baggage car door . Does this sound like bureaucratic nonsense or what? One solution is to pepper your Congressman and Senator with letters demanding that at the next budget hearing, they twist those puny nitwit’s arms into providing a simple soul to open the baggage door or better yet just allow riders to stow their bikes in one of those lower coach sections they use for a crew lounge and occasionally handicap seating for a small fee. Wow! A reasonable solution to a purely simple predicament.
Roy from Middletown on 03/19/2013 07:09 PM
Simple and Federal are what the academics call "diametrically opposed" terms. Not even east can get farther from west than those two terms are apart.
Syd Hill from Elizabeth City NC on 03/31/2013 09:17 PM
Have you considered a fold bike. AM Trak policy is you can carry them on the train. Check their website. A tradeoff is u may have to go light. I've done touring on a loaded bike but not a fold bike. I may try this option.
lenny on 04/01/2013 04:25 AM
I don't believe that that is true of carrying on a folding bike. It doesn't fit the luggage model for AMTRAK. I has been said that some conductors will turn a blind eye to rolling on a bike, but that is taking a chance.
Tom from Denver area on 04/24/2013 07:00 PM
Sooo - if a "Rider" (Cyclist)JUST wants to say, GO AS FAR AS CUMBERLAND MD or even Sheperdstown - then ride over to Martinsburg WV and catch the train there, back to DC... THEN, what-do-they-do ?! doesn't DC "Mero-trains" allow ya to "roll-on" bikes? ... BUT, Amtrak does NOT [?] ! thx, to whoever can do a lil' elaboration / further commenting on this.
ed from clarksville on 05/14/2013 12:40 PM
This is a good discussion but on the latest post it's important to note that the train out of Martinsburg that's mentioned is, I believe, a MARC train and MARC only allows fold up bikes and no other types. I wonder: Is there ANYWHERE ON THE CANAL where one can take Amtrak and a bike in the baggage car, getting off to ride back to DC?
lenny on 05/14/2013 07:05 PM
NO. For the last time. Until Amtrak institutes roll on service.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/24/2013 09:52 PM
To Swagman: I’m as disappointed as anyone about the lack of imagination on Amtrak’s part when it comes to bicycles. But the last thing Amtrak needs is more micro management by congress. Besides, your congress critter is just as likely to try to kill the Capitol Limited as force Amtrak to change their bicycle policy. Now that I think about it, I don’t know of any state supported trains in Georgia.
To Syd Hill: My wife and I have done the Erie Canal Buffalo to Albany, the GAP Pittsburgh to Cumberland and several other tours on our Dahon folders – all via Amtrak.
To Lenny: You are incorrect. My wife and I literally have been all over the country with our folders. The most recent trip was Galesburg, IL – Denver – Oakland – Portland-Seattle - Chicago and back. Once a conductor said we couldn’t board the Southwest Chief in LA with the folders. I just smiled at him and let him solve the problem he had created for himself. He quickly relented.
Amtrak has been sort of promising that when the new Viewliner II baggage cars WITH BIKE RACKS finally go into service, the Capitol Limited will get roll on roll off bike service.
leeny on 07/25/2013 04:16 AM
Paul I am only referring to Amtrak in regard to the GAP and C&O Towpath, as this is a sight for those trails.
Anonymous on 07/30/2013 09:38 PM
To Leeny: Your post of May 14 2013 7:05PM is, of course, true. But I meant to respond to your post of Apr 1 2013 4:25AM, where it sounded like you were saying that folding bikes are not allowed on Amtrak in general. I forgot to include a include Cumberland to Chicago trip in 2010 on the Cap. Ltd. which did involve the GAP. The link to the policy is http://www.amtrak.com/bring-your-bicycle-onboard.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/30/2013 11:10 PM
Here is photographic evidence: http://biketrain.x10.mx/MOB/pics/handicap.jpg
The community luggage rack on the City of New Orleans was full; so the sleeping car attendant has us put our folding bikes in the unused handicapped room.
Naismith from Florida on 08/01/2013 12:40 PM
I dunno, I won't get excited about the train until it is scheduled for a more convenient time. Arriving in Pittsburgh seems late, leaving very early...
If I was traveling alone, I would do Greyhound instead, which has more reasonable timings. And if you have multiple people, a SUV car rental might make sense, even with the cross-state drop-off fees.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 08/01/2013 04:24 PM
Yes the 5:20AM eastbound departure out of PGH is less than idea. When come from the Midwest, I hope for a late arrival, but so far, no luck. The westbound arrival in PGH at 11:48 is also less than idea. But since I'm heading back to the Midwest, I'm usually sound asleep when we stop there.
It never occurred to me check out the dirty dog, but you got me thinking. So I did; and PGH to Cumberland changing in Baltimore:
Dep 10:30 AM Arr 10:25PM (seems late)
Dep 05:15 AM (seems early) Arr 02:25PM
The Greyhound site shows no service between Cumberland and PGH. But I checked Cumberland to Baltimore and Baltimore to Pittsburg and got:
Dep 09:20 AM Arr 05:50 PM with a 35 minute layover in Baltimore
Dep 05:20 PM Arr 02:25 AM with an 1:10 minute layover in Baltimore.
If you wanted to spend an extra night in Cumberland, the early departure would work. If not Amtrak's 7:26PM to 11:48PM would be my choice.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 08/01/2013 04:30 PM
Sorry for the typos in the last post. You are probably right about a 1 way car rental for one person. I booked a "compact" one way back to PGH for about $65. But when 2 more joined the trip and I had to change to leaving Cumberland on a Sunday when Hertz is closed, a shuttle from Grouseland tours made sense.
Naismith from Florida on 08/02/2013 08:38 AM
I wasn't going to Cumberland, so wasn't tuned into that specifically, just the general idea--for those going all the way to DC or one of the Maryland stops (we are going to Frederick) then the bus is an option that should be considered.
Of course with multiple person parties, another option if you have time is to send one person on the train back to the car, and then have them pick everyone else up.
pittsburg to cumberland
- + Hello.My wife and i are going to this part of the trail in 3 days.We would like to camp.can anyone give me the best places to camp and any other info i might enjoy.Thank you for your time
Discussion started 07/30/2013 07:01 PM by bob - 3 replies (last reply by Paul A at 08/01/2013 11:21 PM)bob from windsor on 07/30/2013 07:01 PM
Hello.My wife and i are going to this part of the trail in 3 days.We would like to camp.can anyone give me the best places to camp and any other info i might enjoy.Thank you for your time
Anonymous on 07/31/2013 07:30 AM
Check out Rivers Edge Campground 2 miles before Connellsville then Husky Haven in Rockwood.they both are right on the trail and both have showers,laundry,store,. Very nice.That should get you into Cumberland just fine.
bob on 07/31/2013 01:51 PM
thank you very much
Paul A on 08/01/2013 11:21 PM
I don't know if you'll see this in time, but, none of the official camp sites are bad, just some better than others. The shelters at Connellsville are right on the trail and have a supermarket near by if you're carrying food. Ohiopyle is all uphill from the trail, about 1/4 mile. The Outflow campground has a separate area for hikers and bikers that is pretty nice. Husky Haven is very nice and just a short distance from town. It seems there is now a camping option in the town of Meyersdale. Check at Donges Drive-In Restaurant for details. And camping in Frostburg is right near town but down hill from the road so you don't hear most of the noise.
Erie Canalway Trail
- + Let me pick the collective brains of this group of cyclists. I've recently started looking at websites about the Erie Canalway Trail. If any of you who have ridden that trail would post your impress...
Discussion started 07/21/2013 11:58 AM by Paul A - 3 replies (last reply by Paul at 07/30/2013 10:00 PM)Paul A on 07/21/2013 11:58 AM
Let me pick the collective brains of this group of cyclists. I've recently started looking at websites about the Erie Canalway Trail. If any of you who have ridden that trail would post your impressions of it, I'd appreciate it. Maybe use the GAP and C+O to compare it to.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 07/21/2013 12:55 PM
I cannot add to this but I will be watching this thread. This is one of the trails we are looking at too.
Randy on 07/22/2013 02:09 PM
There is a great website that should help get you started. The canal is 524 miles long! It's open May to Nov. You may need to copy and paste the link to your Browser. Just Bing or Google Erie Canal Trail and you'll find tons of info.
http://www.eriecanalway.org/index.htm
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/30/2013 10:00 PM
I did it in 2009 and put together a lot of pictures and detail commentary at http://biketrain.x10.mx/index.htm. Click on "Bicycling the Erie Canal"
I hope the Erie Canal Trail websites have improved in the last 4 years.
Spring Gap Recreation Area
- + Can anyone comment on this area? The towns and services link for Oldtown lists this as having camping for $10 and some form of groceries. My google search doesn't pull anything up.
Discussion started 07/19/2013 10:41 AM by 2Bbarefoot - 1 reply (last reply by Paul at 07/30/2013 09:08 PM)2Bbarefoot from Mechanicsburg, PA on 07/19/2013 10:41 AM
Can anyone comment on this area? The towns and services link for Oldtown lists this as having camping for $10 and some form of groceries. My google search doesn't pull anything up.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/30/2013 09:08 PM
There is a post entitled "Spring Gap Store Closed" on the Old Town page.
I ate at a restaurant called the Schoolhouse Kitchen in 2008. The latest review (Google) I could find was a year ago.
IMHO Google can be less than useful when you are researching small town establishments.