Berkeley Springs
- + what is the detour like at mile 85 . how long is it and how hard; and what is the ride from berlkly springs to the trail like
Discussion started 06/06/2010 07:44 AM - 4 replies (last reply by lenny at 03/17/2013 04:08 AM)Anonymous on 06/06/2010 07:44 AM
what is the detour like at mile 85 . how long is it and how hard; and what is the ride from berlkly springs to the trail like
Crystal from Grantsville on 09/14/2010 10:00 PM
The detour is 6 miles..... up and down hills... small, fairly busy country road..... Hard? It depends on how tired you are :) Do-able but plan for it in your day.... Good luck!
jeff on 10/31/2010 08:52 PM
Did the detour twice on Labor day week end since we typically do an out and back 50 to 75 mile rides. The return back portion we hit the pavement at Taylor's landing which was not as steep but a longer grade. over all it is about the best you are going to get for the area. Would not want to be very tired with a fully loaded bike since you would have to push it up the hill. Also need good brakes if you don't follow the sign about walking down the hill to the river. The hills are short but steep
Nigel Dardar from Hancock on 03/16/2013 10:11 PM
Your question had 2 parts. In regards to your asking about mile marker 85, most of us refer to that area as Big Slackwater (downstream of Williamsport).That break in the C & O Canal is now 100% complete. No longer any need for any detour onto country roads at Big Slackwater. In regards to your possibly leaving the C & O Canal to visit Berkeley Springs, Berkeley is about 6 miles away from the Canal. No bike path to it. You travel on a busy Route 522. Perhaps best to arrange shuttle. Berkeley Springs is a great town, well worth the visit to Berkeley Springs. At that point on Canal you will be at Hancock (mile 124), you must visit Hancock. Also Fort Frederick at mile 112.1 is super. At mile 113 is Western Maryland Rail Trail, going West to Hancock it is smooth/level asphalt--Super Ride into Hancock from Ft. Frederick. If your goal after Hancock is to continue West past Hancock, stay on Western Maryland Rail Trail for 12 more smooth miles on asphalt before returning to C & O Canal towpath.
lenny on 03/17/2013 04:08 AM
Nigel, Great answers, I am in complete agreement with your answers.
Bike Route to Union Station
- + Planning to ride from Pittsburgh to Georgetown next week. What is the recommended route to bike from MP 0 to Union Station?
Discussion started 10/19/2012 03:51 PM by Tom O - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 03/13/2013 04:25 AM)Tom O from Pittsburgh on 10/19/2012 03:51 PM
Planning to ride from Pittsburgh to Georgetown next week. What is the recommended route to bike from MP 0 to Union Station?
Clyde E. from Erie Shores, OH on 03/12/2013 07:19 PM
Regarding post by Tom O.,Oct. 19, 2012....
Planning this same trip in July '13 desparate
for same info. Pls post what you can. Tks
lenny on 03/13/2013 04:25 AM
For complete directions, Google maps & directions Thompsons Boat Ctr. 2900 Virginia Ave NW, Wash. DC to Union Station 50 Mass. Ave NE. Wash. DC
shuttle Cumberland to Homestead
- + Riding from Homestead to Cumberland in late spring. Looking for shuttle back to Homestead for solo rider and bike .Anyone with suggestions? Thanks
Discussion started 03/12/2013 06:37 PM by jkh - 0 repliesjkh from evansville indiana on 03/12/2013 06:37 PM
Riding from Homestead to Cumberland in late spring. Looking for shuttle back to Homestead for solo rider and bike .Anyone with suggestions? Thanks
Big Savage Tunnel
- + Anyone know what group is responsible for opening/closing the BST, and how to contact them? I'll be heading south out of Pittsburgh on March 10th and thought I might drop an email to see about having ...
Discussion started 01/21/2013 04:46 PM by daddybland - 1 reply (last reply by Jamie at 03/12/2013 01:13 PM)daddybland from Durham, NC on 01/21/2013 04:46 PM
Anyone know what group is responsible for opening/closing the BST, and how to contact them? I'll be heading south out of Pittsburgh on March 10th and thought I might drop an email to see about having the tunnel opened a little early. Wishful thinking maybe, but all they can do is say no.
Thanks,
Robert
Jamie on 03/12/2013 01:13 PM
I'm sure they would do that just for you.... LOL
transportation
- + Looking for a transport company from Little Orleans to Pittsburgh.
Discussion started 03/09/2013 03:45 PM by hms - 0 replieshms from Smyrna, DE on 03/09/2013 03:45 PM
Looking for a transport company from Little Orleans to Pittsburgh.
Parking in Homestead
- + We are planning to leave a car in Homestead, PA for about a week while we ride from DC to Homestead. Any suggestions on a good safe place to leave a car for that long?
Discussion started 04/16/2012 03:45 PM by Jim - 3 replies (last reply by Bob Palonder at 02/28/2013 05:46 AM)Jim from Cincinnati on 04/16/2012 03:45 PM
We are planning to leave a car in Homestead, PA for about a week while we ride from DC to Homestead. Any suggestions on a good safe place to leave a car for that long?
Bill T. from Vermilion, OH on 02/28/2013 01:57 AM
Jim, Cincinnati. When you get an answer
please post it, going from Homestead to D.C. in
June. Thanks in advance.
lenny on 02/28/2013 05:35 AM
There are many well light public parking lots at The Waterfront. As well as the businesses they serve.
Bob Palonder from Perryopolis ,Pa. on 02/28/2013 05:46 AM
If you stay at the Marriot the first night, they will let you park in their lot. You might check out The inn at Lenoras for your second night.
MP 0 to Union Station
- + Having difficulty getting this info. Any help
would be appreciated.
Discussion started 02/28/2013 12:28 AM by Bill T. - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 02/28/2013 05:19 AM)Bill T. from Vermilion, OH on 02/28/2013 12:28 AM
Having difficulty getting this info. Any help
would be appreciated.
lenny on 02/28/2013 05:19 AM
2 west / 40 Mass. Ave N.E.
Final link of Great Allegheny Passage due in June
- + WEST HOMESTEAD, Pa. — The missing link in bicycle trail connecting the Pittsburgh area to Washington D.C. should be finished in May and will be formally dedicated at a June 15 ceremony.
Ground ...
Discussion started 02/15/2013 09:58 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 02/15/2013 09:58 AM
WEST HOMESTEAD, Pa. — The missing link in bicycle trail connecting the Pittsburgh area to Washington D.C. should be finished in May and will be formally dedicated at a June 15 ceremony.
Ground was broken in October on the final mile of the Great Allegheny Passage, a 141-mile bicycle trail from the Pittsburgh area to Cumberland, Md. That's where the Great Allegheny Passage links up with the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath, which stretches to Washington, D.C.
The June event will include a ribbon cutting near Sandcastle Waterpark, where the final link of the trail is being built just east of Pittsburgh. A bicycle ride to Pittsburgh's Point State Park will follow, where a party will be held celebrating the trail's completion.
The celebration is being delayed so renovations of the park's fountain can be finished first.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20130213/us-travel-brief-great-allegheny-passage/?utm_hp_ref=green&ir=green
Little Orleans Lodge in Little Orleans
- + We've stayed here a number of times over the years and recommend it to all our friends. We enjoy Steves' hospitality,knowledge,humor and willingness to go that extra mile for us. We've always felt at ...
Discussion started 01/23/2013 08:52 AM by P.F. Moran - 0 repliesP.F. Moran from Kensington,MD. on 01/23/2013 08:52 AM
We've stayed here a number of times over the years and recommend it to all our friends. We enjoy Steves' hospitality,knowledge,humor and willingness to go that extra mile for us. We've always felt at home along ways from home. Enjoy!
Consession Stand at Fort Frederick
- + There is a small concession stand at Fort Frederick State Park that is open from Memorial through Labor Day and sells refreshments like drinks, candy, ice-cream, and sandwiches. Follow signs from can...
Discussion started 01/14/2013 09:25 AM by Swagman - 1 reply (last reply by Randy at 01/22/2013 10:46 AM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/14/2013 09:25 AM
There is a small concession stand at Fort Frederick State Park that is open from Memorial through Labor Day and sells refreshments like drinks, candy, ice-cream, and sandwiches. Follow signs from canal landing up hill, over railroad tracks for about ¾ of a mile. Very expensive, will take credit cards. There is a real restroom down the road and tap water if you are tired of drinking the iodine laden well water.
Randy on 01/22/2013 10:46 AM
It's located across the road from the Fort. Can't miss it.
Check out Fort Frederick while you are there. Quite impressive. One of the few French and Indian War era (1750's) stone Forts still in existence in North America.
- + Hondo, are you planning a ride this summer? Im thinking about it, friends are doing it again late June and I may as well. This would be my forth. I am also thinking about Erie Canal or the Katy bot h ...
Discussion started 01/19/2013 07:58 AM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 01/20/2013 09:40 AM)lenny on 01/19/2013 07:58 AM
Hondo, are you planning a ride this summer? Im thinking about it, friends are doing it again late June and I may as well. This would be my forth. I am also thinking about Erie Canal or the Katy bot h pretty ambitious rides. Write back, we could do an out and back,and meet for real.
Hondo on 01/19/2013 07:59 PM
Hey Lenny, good to hear from you. As a matter of fact Im planning on doing an out and back this year starting from Boston Pa. to Georgetown .Right now Im just not sure of the start date. Would be a blast to run into you along the trail. Keep me posted.
lenny on 01/20/2013 09:40 AM
Count on it.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=384&tonly=1
Red Roof Inn Williamsport in Williamsport
- + Very hiker-biker friendly. Nice stay, clean room, ask for government rate if you are active duty or retired military.
Discussion started 01/11/2013 10:55 AM by Swagman - 1 reply (last reply by Paul A at 01/16/2013 11:41 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 10:55 AM
Very hiker-biker friendly. Nice stay, clean room, ask for government rate if you are active duty or retired military.
Paul A on 01/16/2013 11:41 PM
When I was there in '11 they had a coin operated washer and drier making it very easy to do laundry as well as get a shower before continuing my thru hike
Other Services in Hancock
- + There are two grocery stores in Hancock, barber shops, laundrymats, and bus service to Cumberland or Baltimore.
Discussion started 01/14/2013 09:30 AM by Swabman - 0 repliesSwabman from LaGrange, GA on 01/14/2013 09:30 AM
There are two grocery stores in Hancock, barber shops, laundrymats, and bus service to Cumberland or Baltimore.
Downsville
- + With the completion of the repairs of the tow path near Dam #4, hiker-bikers will no longer have to brave the detour towards Downsville, MD. It would be safer to just keep going until Williamsport.
Discussion started 01/14/2013 09:18 AM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/14/2013 09:18 AM
With the completion of the repairs of the tow path near Dam #4, hiker-bikers will no longer have to brave the detour towards Downsville, MD. It would be safer to just keep going until Williamsport.
Spring Gap Store Closed
- + The little store at Spring Gap, MD is CLOSED!
Discussion started 01/14/2013 09:15 AM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/14/2013 09:15 AM
The little store at Spring Gap, MD is CLOSED!
Sweet Magnolia Restaurant Closed
- + This restaurant is CLOSED along with the B&B. In fact there is no lodging in Paw Paw, WV and the only restaurant is Tony's JR. across the street from the Liberty convenience store deli. You’re best ...
Discussion started 01/11/2013 10:46 AM by Swagman - 2 replies (last reply by lenn at 01/13/2013 09:10 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 10:46 AM
This restaurant is CLOSED along with the B&B. In fact there is no lodging in Paw Paw, WV and the only restaurant is Tony's JR. across the street from the Liberty convenience store deli. You’re best bet is, if coming from Cumberland, is to continue to Little Orleans and stay at Little Orleans Lodge. If coming from Williamsport, you can stop over in Hancock or Little Orleans. Be warned though that there is absolutely no lodging what so ever in Paw Paw unless you are going to camp.
Ray (webmaster) on 01/13/2013 08:12 AM
Swagman, thank you for all the updates on businesses and services along the trail. I have updated the listings to reflect these changes. Folks like you are essential in keeping the website info up to date - your fellow trail riders and hikers appreciate it.
lenn on 01/13/2013 09:10 PM
Spoke with owner of Liberty Convenience store last Sept., and she said she and her partner bought building across street for restaurant and will have limited lodging.
Shuttle from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh
- + Does anyone know of a shuttle service from D.C. to Pittsburgh? Just called Amtrak and they do not allow bikes.
Discussion started 12/05/2012 04:03 PM by Janet - 7 replies (last reply by Paulie at 01/13/2013 05:03 PM)Janet from Springfield, IL on 12/05/2012 04:03 PM
Does anyone know of a shuttle service from D.C. to Pittsburgh? Just called Amtrak and they do not allow bikes.
Roy from Middletown, OH on 12/08/2012 12:05 PM
It was my impression that amtrak allowed bikes onboard as checked baggage. I rode GAP/C&O to D.C. this summer and that was policy at the time. Maybe another call to amtrak, another agent, would clarify?
Roy from Middletown, OH on 12/08/2012 12:11 PM
Sorry, need to clarify last post: amtrak's policy was to allow bikes in baggage, in approved bike box IF you are ticketed to a stop staffed by union baggage agents. I.e. bikes not allowed to Cumberland MD, because stop is not staffed by amtrak bag handlers. Union rules prohibit anyone but union bag handlers from unloading from the train bag car; according to amtrak onboard staff as of 6/2012.
Did I do good job of keeping personal opinion out of discussion? it was difficult
lenny on 12/10/2012 05:45 AM
Roy, you did do a good job of keeping your opin out of your comment. But the larger picture is that Amtrak is not moving forward fast enough for a roll on service program on that particular train.
RICK from GRAFTON, VA on 12/13/2012 02:40 PM
Send me an email and I can forward some info. THe bike shop in Hancock has about the best prices and can shuttle up to 6 bikes.
Tish from Glen Gardner, NJ on 12/31/2012 03:56 PM
Until a friend offered to drive me to PGH, my plan was to ship my bike via FedEx Ground to a bike shope in PGH -- let them reassemble/check over and go from there. This also would have eliminated the ridiculously long Amtrak ride to PGH...b/c I could get there several hours less travel time by bus and at a more Christian hour than midnight (Amtrak's only bike-carrying train to PGH). Worth considering.
Swagman from LaGrange on 01/13/2013 11:54 AM
Contact your Representative and Senator in Congress and give them an ear full about not being able to stow your bike on AMTRK. The only way this bloated government agency is going to put a baggage agent in Cumberland is if someone from Washington DC twist their pathetic arm. Another solution is to let bicyclist stow their machines in one of the lower level compartments that the crew use to “lounge around” for the three and half hour trek from either Pittsburg or Washington DC for a nominal fee. Simple solutions for bureaucratic morons!
Paulie from Knoxville on 01/13/2013 05:03 PM
If enough people complain as Swagman suggest, maybe something can be done to allow bikes on the Capital Limited. If you want to ride the Katy Trail in Mo., Amtrak permits roll on bikes on the Missouri River Runner from St. Louis to Sedalia. So it can be done.
Paulie
Battleview Market in Sharpsburg
- + A little bit of a hike off the trail but well worth it. Outstanding deli. You have to try the biscuits -n-gravy or the Ruben sandwich. To die for. Pretty decent covenants store selection for re-su...
Discussion started 01/11/2013 11:05 AM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 11:05 AM
A little bit of a hike off the trail but well worth it. Outstanding deli. You have to try the biscuits -n-gravy or the Ruben sandwich. To die for. Pretty decent covenants store selection for re-supply, no Coleman fuel though.
Little Orleans Lodge in Little Orleans
- + Been staying at Steve's place since 2008. Great location, only 1/2 mile from canal trail, clean rooms, a killer breakfast at a reasonable rate. This is a lodge, not a stuffy B-n-B with lace doilies ...
Discussion started 01/11/2013 10:35 AM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 10:35 AM
Been staying at Steve's place since 2008. Great location, only 1/2 mile from canal trail, clean rooms, a killer breakfast at a reasonable rate. This is a lodge, not a stuffy B-n-B with lace doilies and fancy curtains. Too many bad things have been said about this place that just aren’t true. Highly recommended from a seasoned hiker. I have seen a lot worse.
Bill's Place in Little Orleans
- + I just heard that Bill passed away in january, if so such sad news, he was a great awsome guy, i remember my first visit to bills place when i was like 15, now i'm 34 and it's still like a ledgendary ...
Discussion started 01/07/2013 07:19 PM by Tom Kreiner Jr - 2 replies (last reply by Randy at 01/09/2013 03:34 PM)Tom Kreiner Jr from Dundalk/Baltimore on 01/07/2013 07:19 PM
I just heard that Bill passed away in january, if so such sad news, he was a great awsome guy, i remember my first visit to bills place when i was like 15, now i'm 34 and it's still like a ledgendary place. i've talked about to tons of people and they knew right away about where and who i was speaking of, RIP Bill god bless you and thanks for great times at the bar on our april Fishing trips.. Here's to you....
vabiker23518 from williamsburg, va on 01/09/2013 10:14 AM
He will really be missed. Our last trip, two years ago, we were lucky enough to talk with him for a while. Nice guy and local institution. Rest in peace Bill,
Randy from E-Town on 01/09/2013 03:34 PM
Bill had terminal cancer and he put up a good fight. Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great guy. Hopefully his daughter will continue the success of Bill's Place.
mile markers, water, level?
- + hi. I'm planning to run 26.2 on the C and O (soon). Can you tell me:
1) Are there markers every mile?
2) Are the water fountains in service during the winter?
3) Is the trail more...
Discussion started 01/06/2013 07:11 AM by I - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 01/07/2013 05:14 AM)I on 01/06/2013 07:11 AM
hi. I'm planning to run 26.2 on the C and O (soon). Can you tell me:
1) Are there markers every mile?
2) Are the water fountains in service during the winter?
3) Is the trail more or less level between Georgetown and Seneca?
lenny on 01/07/2013 05:14 AM
Mile markers every mile, if you can find them. Water pumps have handles removed for winter, and the cisterns are drained. It is level, per se.
Bill Schoenadel has passed
- + Just learned that Bill Schoenadel, the proprietor of Bill’s Place, passed away at 10 am, January 5, 2013 in Cumberland, MD. The wiry and colorful patron became a larger than life fixture along the C&...
Discussion started 01/05/2013 09:03 PM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from La Grange, GA on 01/05/2013 09:03 PM
Just learned that Bill Schoenadel, the proprietor of Bill’s Place, passed away at 10 am, January 5, 2013 in Cumberland, MD. The wiry and colorful patron became a larger than life fixture along the C&O canal trail for years serving up cold refreshments and meals to countless weary hikers and bikers. His dry, sarcastic since of humor became synonymous with western Maryland culture. There is no information as of yet about funeral arrangements. Our deepest and sincerest condolences go out to the Schoenadel family. Bill was truly a unique individual and his presents on the canal will be deeply missed. Rest in peace Bill, you well be missed by everyone.
Riverrun B&B in Hancock
- + This is a lovely bed and breakfast tucked right up against the C&O Canal Towpath. My husband and his friends were riding the towpath all the way from DC to Cumberland. Finding the Riverrun so convenie...
Discussion started 05/07/2012 04:38 PM by Hansa Jacob-Martin - 2 replies (last reply by Sinclair at 12/31/2012 11:35 AM)Hansa Jacob-Martin from Washington, DC on 05/07/2012 04:38 PM
This is a lovely bed and breakfast tucked right up against the C&O Canal Towpath. My husband and his friends were riding the towpath all the way from DC to Cumberland. Finding the Riverrun so conveniently and literally off the towpath was a great opportunity to break the ride, rest, and renew. The rooms are well and nicely furnished, clean, efficient and elegant. The informal yet very professional management of guest needs is a definite highlight. All of us highly recommend the Riverrun to all but more especially to the cyclists. A fantastic stop off the towpath.
Sinclair Hamilton from Hancock MD on 06/10/2012 08:47 PM
Thanks for your kind words.
Sinclair from Hancock on 12/31/2012 11:35 AM
Our typical extended continental breakfast includes deviled eggs, cereal, canadian bacon, vegetarian sausage, muffins, toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, juice, coffee, tea and cheese. On request we have provided gluten free foods as well.
Sinclair, proprietor
What is the Most Scenic Part of Gap
- + I'm planning a trip to the GAP probably in May or June. I want to ride about 25 miles out, camp or stay at a B&B, then return the next day. Any thoughts on the most scenic section of the GAP would be ...
Discussion started 12/17/2012 07:35 PM by Tom D - 3 replies (last reply by wayne at 12/20/2012 09:24 AM)Tom D from Baton Rouge LA on 12/17/2012 07:35 PM
I'm planning a trip to the GAP probably in May or June. I want to ride about 25 miles out, camp or stay at a B&B, then return the next day. Any thoughts on the most scenic section of the GAP would be appreciated. Looks like the Ohiopyle area is pretty. Connelsvlle to Confluence?
Stillriding from Pittsburgh, PA. on 12/18/2012 02:56 PM
While I have done that ride about 5 times this year because it is such a scenic route I recently went from Rockwood, PA. to Frostburg, MD. which even has more to offer on the scenic side. The big Wind Fans, the Salisbury and Keystone Viaduct, the Big Savage and Borden Tunnels, the highest point on the GAP and the breath taking view from the end of the Savage Tunnel before you cross the state line. Also there is a nice B&B right off the trail in Frostburg. I am looking forward to doing it again it the spring. Hope this helps.
Roy from Middletown on 12/18/2012 09:05 PM
Kinda depends on what you like in a ride. Heavily forested, fresh air, seclusion and scenery? Connellsville to Confluence can't be beat. Historic features with more man-made stuff? Rockwood to Frostburg's your ride, though scenery is still great. Ohiopyle is a great little town and in a beautiful spot. Any way you go, I see little room for disappointment. Hope you have a great ride!
wayne from W'burg, VA on 12/20/2012 09:24 AM
Have to agree with the first two posters...the east end is the best! West of Connellsville is more industrial and open with less tree crown. Love the eastend!
GAP Big Savage Tunnel
- + Hi. Does anyone know for sure if the Big Savage Tunnels will still be open this Friday, November 30th, 2012. I am planning a ride from Rockwood to Frostbugh. Thanks
Discussion started 11/27/2012 09:44 AM by Stillriding - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 12/05/2012 11:05 AM)Stillriding from Pittsburgh, PA. on 11/27/2012 09:44 AM
Hi. Does anyone know for sure if the Big Savage Tunnels will still be open this Friday, November 30th, 2012. I am planning a ride from Rockwood to Frostbugh. Thanks
Jim on 11/29/2012 03:34 PM
The Big Savage Tunnel along the GAP Trail is always closed from Dec. 1 through April 10.
Jim on 12/05/2012 11:05 AM
Correction to my last post. The Big Savage Tunnel will close on 12/6. This is a seasonal closure to seal the tunnel and protect it from winter conditions (thawing and refreezing, etc.)
Shuttle from DC to Cumberland
- + Can anyone suggest a shuttle service. We want to leave our cars at the long term lot at Ronald Reagon Airport. Thanks.
Discussion started 10/14/2012 08:48 PM by HOKEY POKEY - 6 replies (last reply by anonymous at 11/07/2012 10:12 PM)HOKEY POKEY from Roanoke, Va on 10/14/2012 08:48 PM
Can anyone suggest a shuttle service. We want to leave our cars at the long term lot at Ronald Reagon Airport. Thanks.
Larry from Newport KY on 10/16/2012 01:22 PM
I have just completed the ride and I took the train. The train ticket was $47.00 and another $10.00 to ship the bike. It was super easy however the only places to load and unload the bike is Pittsburg and DC hope this helps.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 10/16/2012 05:28 PM
I can tell you that we have used "River and Trail Outfitters" and had a good experience with them. They were on time and got us to mile post zero safely. Using this website go to "Towns and Services". Select Brunswick. Go to the shuttle icon and click on the link. There are other shuttle services out there. This company was the only one open on the dates we needed. Hope this helps you and have a great ride!
Nanaterry on 10/17/2012 11:04 AM
We just got done with the trail a few weeks ago. We left the car at Pitts (The Pump House), and then when we got to D.C. we pedaled out to the airport and rented a town & Country Van one-way to drive back to Pitts. We drove to the car and then returned the van to the Pitts airport. Cost was around $230.00 Dollars.
John from Wayne nnjc on 10/30/2012 09:06 AM
We dropped cars at great falls, registered with visitors center, met c&o bike shop, Hancock and took shuttle back to Hancock and rode back to cars, 120 miles, worked very well
Anonymous from Reston on 10/30/2012 03:58 PM
You can rent a car from Hertz in Herndon for a one way trip to Cumberland. Small SUV should run about $150.
Anonymous on 11/07/2012 10:12 PM
Thanks for the replies. We've decided that the 4 or 5 of us will meet up in Cumberland and leave our bikes and gear at a hotel, drive our cars to Reagon Airport ( long term lot) and take Amtrak back to Cumberland and begin the ride the next morning. This works out well since we are all our coming from far away and the hotel stay will be nice b/4 the start. I do wish Amtrak would do whatever is needed to correct the no unloading bikes at Cumberland policy. This will be my first time on Amtrak so I'm kind of excited about that too.
GAP in December?
- + I'm planning to leave from southeastern Michigan in late December and ride all the way to DC. Is that possible? Has anyone ridden the GAP in the winter? I have a pretty decent cross bike and have ridd...
Discussion started 11/03/2012 11:43 AM by humanhumanhuman - 1 reply (last reply by Susan at 11/03/2012 12:27 PM)humanhumanhuman on 11/03/2012 11:43 AM
I'm planning to leave from southeastern Michigan in late December and ride all the way to DC. Is that possible? Has anyone ridden the GAP in the winter? I have a pretty decent cross bike and have ridden multi-day, long distance rides before. Thanks in advance for any insight.
Susan from Martinsburg, WV on 11/03/2012 12:27 PM
Please note that the Big Savage Tunnel along the GAP Trail is always closed from Dec. 1 through April 10. The GAP Trail is wonderful, but I wouldn't advise it during winter. A lot of it runs through a snow belt. Here's some info.
http://linkup.shaw-weil.com/detoursavage.htm
Whites Ferry
- + Does anyone know if the ferry is back in service.
Discussion started 11/02/2012 11:57 AM by Tom - 0 repliesTom from Haymarket, Va on 11/02/2012 11:57 AM
Does anyone know if the ferry is back in service.
Hurricane Update - C&O
- + From C&O's Facebook page:
Update as of 10:00 AM October 31: The Great Falls Entrance Road will be closed until hazards and debris are removed. The Overlook Trail at Olmsted Island and Billy Goat A ...
Discussion started 10/31/2012 12:02 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 10/31/2012 12:02 PM
From C&O's Facebook page:
Update as of 10:00 AM October 31: The Great Falls Entrance Road will be closed until hazards and debris are removed. The Overlook Trail at Olmsted Island and Billy Goat A Trail remain closed. Boat ramps, campgrounds, and hiker/biker campsites throughout the park will be opened as they are cleared of hazards and debris. The Williamsport Visitor Center is closed until exhibits are returned.
Hurricane Sandy Update - GAP
- + Be advised that the GAP has sustained some major damage due to Hurricane Sandy. Numerous trees are across the trail and a major washout occured around Mile 6 through 10, near Woodcock Hollow Trail Hea...
Discussion started 10/31/2012 11:56 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 10/31/2012 11:56 AM
Be advised that the GAP has sustained some major damage due to Hurricane Sandy. Numerous trees are across the trail and a major washout occured around Mile 6 through 10, near Woodcock Hollow Trail Head Please use extreme caution when using the Trail in this area.
Trail is complete from Cumberland, MD to Homestead PA (Waterfront shopping district), a distance of 141 miles.
Water at C&O Canal Towpath Campsites
- + Saw a comment that pump handles are removed after 10/15. Can anyone confirm or refute this? Also,is the water safe and palatable?
Discussion started 10/19/2012 03:56 PM by Tom O - 2 replies (last reply by greencloud at 10/30/2012 06:17 PM)Tom O from Pittsburgh on 10/19/2012 03:56 PM
Saw a comment that pump handles are removed after 10/15. Can anyone confirm or refute this? Also,is the water safe and palatable?
Randy on 10/29/2012 12:01 PM
Yes, this is true. They do that to minimize damage due to freezing due to the onset of cold weather conditions.
The water is tested regularly by the Park Service. It has a slight aftertaste due to chemicals used to treat it. I beleive they use Iodine to treat the water. I have not experienced any issues when I drank the water.
greencloud from Middletown, OH on 10/30/2012 06:17 PM
Don't know about the handles on pumps: however, riding the C&O this summer, I drank the water ONCE. Carried two 20 oz. bottles plus extra quart for rest of trip into DC. Resupplied in towns along the way, no problems.
C&O Trail Temporary Closure Starting 10/29
- + The C&O Canal Trail is temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Hurrican Sandy. They expect severe flooding and downed trees over a large area.
***
Official Statement from...
Discussion started 10/29/2012 12:08 PM by Randy - 0 repliesRandy on 10/29/2012 12:08 PM
The C&O Canal Trail is temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions caused by Hurrican Sandy. They expect severe flooding and downed trees over a large area.
***
Official Statement from the NPS:
Trail and Facility CLOSURES
With the approach of Hurricane Sandy, C&O Canal NHP is closed Monday, October 29th. This includes all park offices and public facilities. All public access points will be closed
Don't take unnecessary risks. Stay safe!
Bill's Place in Little Orleans
- + Awesome place to stop, for a bite to eat, couple of beers, little chit chat... with Jake, and Bill.... lots of storys.... went there October 5,2012
camped in Little Orleans, went up for the Appleb...
Discussion started 10/28/2012 04:03 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 10/28/2012 04:03 PM
Awesome place to stop, for a bite to eat, couple of beers, little chit chat... with Jake, and Bill.... lots of storys.... went there October 5,2012
camped in Little Orleans, went up for the Applebutterfest..... stopped in Bill's place for some Blue Grass in the street.... and a DJ later on that night... Great time... :P We are a going back again next year.. Emmet & Debbie Atkins... from NJ....
Winter
- + Well I guess it is almost time to put the bikes away for the season. It is really sad to see another summer go by so quickly. Looking forward to having more than one long trip next year with the kids ...
Discussion started 10/28/2012 10:32 AM by Sean S - 0 repliesSean S from McKeesport on 10/28/2012 10:32 AM
Well I guess it is almost time to put the bikes away for the season. It is really sad to see another summer go by so quickly. Looking forward to having more than one long trip next year with the kids and hoping to get a new 29er for next year.