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
bike selection
- + I am going to ride from Cleveland to DC via the GAP and C&O. I have a vintage touring bike with 27 x 1 1/4" tires or a mountain bike that could be outfitted with racks. I would be tempted to take th...
Discussion started 06/06/2013 08:54 AM by amo - 3 replies (last reply by Mike at 06/10/2013 09:51 AM)amo from Cleveland on 06/06/2013 08:54 AM
I am going to ride from Cleveland to DC via the GAP and C&O. I have a vintage touring bike with 27 x 1 1/4" tires or a mountain bike that could be outfitted with racks. I would be tempted to take the touring bike as it is very comfortable and has both front and rear racks, plus fenders. I purchased butterfly handle bars and an stem extender for the mtb, however the rear rack would have to be put on with p-clamps and hence would be less stable. Thoughts?
lenny on 06/06/2013 08:24 PM
Go with the tour bike. How are you getting to PGH. from Cleveland?
amo from Cleveland on 06/09/2013 12:09 PM
I was planning on going down towards Akron then heading East passing through Columbiana.
Mike on 06/10/2013 09:51 AM
Personally, I'd go with a Mountain Bike. The C&O is not a rail trail per se. It is hard packed dirt with rock that has some sharp edges. Lots of tree roots also.
Either way, be sure to carry some spare inner tubes. Enjoy your trip!
Hotels in DC
- + What are some bike friendly hotels in the DC area?
Discussion started 06/07/2013 02:42 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from stockton, ca on 06/07/2013 02:42 PM
What are some bike friendly hotels in the DC area?
Mileage Advice on the C&O
- + My husband and I will be riding from Pitts to DC in September. We are regular bikers in our 50's, laset year we rode 375 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain that included paved roads and dirt pa...
Discussion started 06/06/2013 02:40 PM by judy - 5 replies (last reply by JJB at 06/07/2013 04:56 AM)judy from Austin, TX on 06/06/2013 02:40 PM
My husband and I will be riding from Pitts to DC in September. We are regular bikers in our 50's, laset year we rode 375 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain that included paved roads and dirt path and lots of hills. Our bike trips are vacations, so we usually take a day off from riding every 4th day and allow plenty of time to cover the full distance. I've read many of the posts and would like to get some feedback on what you experts think are the toughest sections of the C&O so we can break up our mileage days appropriately. Thanks!
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/06/2013 03:47 PM
Hi Judy! No expert here but I am always willing to try to help folks out when I can. One question for you. Are you camping or staying at a B&B or hotel? How many miles do you think you will do in a day? I ask because there are some some towns that have more to do in them than others. Hancock vs. Paw Paw for example. This may influence your decision of where to stop and stay. (I hope that made sense...lol).
Anonymous on 06/06/2013 05:22 PM
We are trying to avoid camping. Thinking of averaging about 30 miles a day. We know we will have to do 45 miles from Cumberland to Little Orleans since no place to stay in Paw Paw. We have relatives in Cumberland so we will be staying over an extra day there for sure. And when we take other leisure days we will want them to be in places of interest and with a decent restaurant.
judy from austin, Tx on 06/06/2013 06:00 PM
I should correct that...really a decent place to sleep would be considerably more of a priority than restaurants. We're not food snob bikers. I guess I should clarify my question...if we were going to have a couple of higher mileage days, are there sections of the towpath that would be better (or worse) for high mileage?
lenny on 06/06/2013 08:22 PM
All 185 miles are hard to tell apart on the C&O, that is the condition and surface. I would try to get in touch with the proprietor of the Liberty Gas station in Paw Paw, she told me last fall her partner and her where opening a few rooms across the street.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/07/2013 04:56 AM
I know we have had to literally hose off our bikes and ourselves at Hancock, Paw Paw and Cumberland. It seems like we always hit rain around the Hancock area. Rain equals mud and mud puddles and that will slow you down. One of our considerations for mileage was finding a B&B that had a washer & dryer. We do laundry every 3rd day.
Third Base Tavern in Williamsport
- + A must stop! Tell them you're a trail virgin and you get a shot of "Rocket Fuel" and a chance to sign your name on the ceiling. Be poetic and wax eloquent. Enjoy!
Discussion started 06/06/2013 07:29 PM by Jack - 0 repliesJack from Milwaukee on 06/06/2013 07:29 PM
A must stop! Tell them you're a trail virgin and you get a shot of "Rocket Fuel" and a chance to sign your name on the ceiling. Be poetic and wax eloquent. Enjoy!
Byers Market in Williamsport
- + This place is CLOSED! It is now a consignment store.
Discussion started 06/06/2013 07:22 PM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from LaGrange, GA on 06/06/2013 07:22 PM
This place is CLOSED! It is now a consignment store.
The Town's Inn in Harpers Ferry
- + Very quaint and charming place, however, I am sorry to report it has a bed bug infestation as of spring 2012. Best seek lodging else ware.
Discussion started 01/11/2013 10:52 AM by Swagman - 2 replies (last reply by Roy at 06/05/2013 03:11 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 10:52 AM
Very quaint and charming place, however, I am sorry to report it has a bed bug infestation as of spring 2012. Best seek lodging else ware.
karen cooper from cotati ca on 06/05/2013 11:16 AM
oh crap, I just made a reservation here...she has remodeled the Heritage House so I hope the new beds are free of bugs....ughhh, can you actually see the bugs?
how did you deal with this?
i wonder if I need to cancel, we are not going there until Sept and I had a lengthy chat with the owner who seems very nice and accomadating
Roy from Middletown, OH on 06/05/2013 03:11 PM
Stayed at the Tea Horse Hostel in Harper's Ferry June 2012...was a hostel after all but very friendly, talkative group night I stayed. Beds clean w/mattresses covered in plastic, very friendly owner.
biking vs hiking
- + We are thinking about an endurance hike and the C%O Trail. Many of the comments discuss biking. Has anyone hiked the trail? If so, what can you share about it? Thanks.
Discussion started 12/30/2012 03:57 AM by Teri - 5 replies (last reply by Paul A at 06/05/2013 01:10 AM)Teri from Chico, CA on 12/30/2012 03:57 AM
We are thinking about an endurance hike and the C%O Trail. Many of the comments discuss biking. Has anyone hiked the trail? If so, what can you share about it? Thanks.
John on 01/09/2013 03:47 PM
The C&O Canal is 184.5 miles long. Fortunately it's all flat. If you can hike 20 miles a day it will take you a little over 9 days. For your personal safety and peace and quiet don't camp near major road crossings or just outside a town. Best of luck to you! :)
Stillriding from Pittsburgh, PA. on 01/09/2013 09:43 PM
Hi John, in your commented you mentioned about personal safety on camping near major roads and towns on the C&O. I am going to be camping on the hiker biker campsites when I go early this year. Do you know of any problems that have occurred at any of the sites? Because I will be going by myself, just want a heads up. Thanks.
Paul A on 01/16/2013 11:38 PM
I thru hiked the C+O from DC to Cumberland in the spring of '11. I camped along the trail every night except 1 with no problems. BRING EARPLUGS, I wish I had as there is a lot of train noise during the nights. Resupply along the way was easy and water was available at the hiker/biker campsites once they put the handles on the water pumps the beginning of April. I was out for a relaxing hike and stopped to read every sign along the way and went into most of the towns that are along the trail. If you need a place to stay in Cumberland go to the bicycle shop right by the trail and ask about a B+B run by trail angle Mary.
Anonymous on 04/04/2013 05:24 PM
hiking on flat suface! why dont you try the appalachian trail over 2000 ml. of real hiking.look it up, and good luck
Paul A on 06/05/2013 01:10 AM
"hiking on flat suface! why dont you try the appalachian trail over 2000 ml. of real hiking"
I've been hiking the AT in sections. Made it just into Maine last year. Hiking the C+O trail is a whole different experience but pleasurable just the same.