wildlife
- + any chance of bears or snakes on the trail or campsites?
Discussion started 07/29/2012 05:52 PM by frank - 6 replies (last reply by Tom at 09/24/2012 02:12 PM)frank from medford nj on 07/29/2012 05:52 PM
any chance of bears or snakes on the trail or campsites?
lenny on 07/30/2012 04:15 AM
Yes, they are everywhere. Watch out for rattlers sunbathing across the trail, they look like sticks from a distance. Bears want nothing to do with people for the most part, but give them wide birth , especially a sow with cubs.
Randy from E-Town on 07/30/2012 11:30 AM
In regards to the C&O Canal, there have been several recent reports of Bear sightings near the Cumberland, MD area. They think dry conditions are luring the Bears to the River and parts of the Canal that may have water. I personally encountered a Bear a few miles from the Paw Paw Tunnel last summer. If they hear you they will typically move on. DO NOT FEED the BEARS!!! There is a very effective Bear Spray that is on the market that is endorsed by the National Park Service. On the C&O you will encounter Copper Heads near the river and you could see Black Rat Snakes and Black Snakes on the trail. On the Gap Trail you will encounter Bears, Rattle Snakes and Copper Heads. Leave them alone. Many parts of trail are very remote and it's a not a place you want to deal with a snake bite. Medical help could be hours away. All in all respect them and they will leave you alone.
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown PA on 07/30/2012 12:57 PM
I'm glad my wife doesn't read these forums . . LOL
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 07/31/2012 10:34 AM
My wife and I just finished the C&O and Gap trail yesterday. My wife watched a black bear cross the trail at mile 76 on the Gap. This was between Ohiopyle and Connellsville. It disappeared into the woods. We came across three snakes, all black snakes. Tons of deer and turtles. We believe we saw an eagle on the Yough river. Not 100% sure it was an eagle. It came down and scooped a fish out of the river.
Paul from Gaithersburg,Md on 09/14/2012 03:37 PM
You don't really need to carry bear spray. Black bears will generally move on if you see them and the trail usually has a long range of sight. Just stop and let them move on as they will have seen you and want to get away from you. I have seen lots of snakes, but you usually will see them, except in the fall when the leaves make them a little harder to see.
Tom on 09/24/2012 02:12 PM
As far as the Bears please don't feed them. This will condition the Bear to expect a handout from the next person that comes along, thereby setting that person up for an encounter. Yes, in general Bears are easily spooked but it is that characteristic that can make them dangerous. It is true, that there is an effective Bear Spray on the market. Naturally you only use it as a last resort. There have been regional reports of persons being attacked by black bears. You can also carry a whistle or horn with you. Loud noise may frighten the bear away from you. You should always have a back-up plan. Better to be extra safe.
Camping along trail
- + Planning a trip from Ohiopyle to Hancock then north to Mechanicsburg starting on 9-30-12. Any comments or tips on camping along trail. Are fires permitted? Thanks first time doing a large section of...
Discussion started 09/21/2012 05:16 PM by Moser - 0 repliesMoser from Mechanicsburg on 09/21/2012 05:16 PM
Planning a trip from Ohiopyle to Hancock then north to Mechanicsburg starting on 9-30-12. Any comments or tips on camping along trail. Are fires permitted? Thanks first time doing a large section of the trail.
- + Finished The Ride yesterday 9-13 @ 3:30. Longest an the complete ride Point Park to mile marker 0.Great weather all week. Left Sun. am and rode 5 days.Lots of riders coming and going, wife did great, ...
Discussion started 09/14/2012 07:09 PM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by Seam S at 09/20/2012 06:08 PM)lenny on 09/14/2012 07:09 PM
Finished The Ride yesterday 9-13 @ 3:30. Longest an the complete ride Point Park to mile marker 0.Great weather all week. Left Sun. am and rode 5 days.Lots of riders coming and going, wife did great, a little sore and happy to be done. One detour I will comment on is at C&O mile 17-15, pay attention to the detour and follow it. They are repairing 3/10 mile of the tow path and is impassible. I also rode the Big Slackwater restoration, it is beautiful. Iwill be happy to answer specific questions on this forum. If I can help I will.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 09/14/2012 09:07 PM
That is GREAT Lenny! Glad you made it safe and sound. Pretty cool to go the entire length of both trails.
Seam S from Mckeesport on 09/20/2012 06:08 PM
Sounds like you had a great trip Lenny. Glad to hear it I plan on doing the whole trail next summer. I have been doing just small weekend trips with my son and daughter all summer.
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Gap trail conditions
- + Hi All. What is weather like the first two weeks of Oct? Plans are to leave Pittsburgh the 02Oct12 for D.C. What is the recommended route to the western trail-head from the Amtrak station?How wet does...
Discussion started 09/14/2012 08:43 PM by bikenbob - 2 replies (last reply by bikenbob at 09/19/2012 12:07 AM)bikenbob from hammond in. on 09/14/2012 08:43 PM
Hi All. What is weather like the first two weeks of Oct? Plans are to leave Pittsburgh the 02Oct12 for D.C. What is the recommended route to the western trail-head from the Amtrak station?How wet does it get?
And how muddy ? Are the trails still passable?
Will
lenny on 09/15/2012 06:48 AM
No way to tell about weather, check 15 day forecast, but the mornings will no doubt be in the 40's. If you get rain the tow path will be very muddy, as I just finished the ride and it hadn't rained for 3 days and there were still puddles. At the Pgh.train station, take Liberty Ave. to Boulevard of the Allies to Grant St. then find the Eliza Furnace Trail and you are on your way.
bikenbob from hammond in. on 09/19/2012 12:07 AM
thanx will follow that route to trail
November ride
- + Planning a ride Cumberland to DC in early Nov. Has anyone done it then? Comments? Advise?
Discussion started 09/17/2012 01:23 PM by Sliver - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 09/18/2012 06:51 PM)Sliver from Wisconsin on 09/17/2012 01:23 PM
Planning a ride Cumberland to DC in early Nov. Has anyone done it then? Comments? Advise?
lenny on 09/18/2012 06:51 PM
Could be cold and wet, not to mention muddy.
GAP completion at Pittsburgh end
- + News article about the upcoming COMPLETION of the Pittsburgh end of GAP:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/bike-path-slated-for-spring-2013-653427/
Discussion started 09/17/2012 05:35 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 09/17/2012 05:35 AM
News article about the upcoming COMPLETION of the Pittsburgh end of GAP:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/bike-path-slated-for-spring-2013-653427/
- + Grandma's Country Kitchen is again closed! We had an excellent lunch at the Liberty gas station across the street. A great burger and fries and chicken sandwich and only 10.bucks. Owner said she and p...
Discussion started 09/15/2012 06:58 AM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 09/15/2012 06:58 AM
Grandma's Country Kitchen is again closed! We had an excellent lunch at the Liberty gas station across the street. A great burger and fries and chicken sandwich and only 10.bucks. Owner said she and partner purchased building across the st. and will open a restaurant soon.
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- + Made it to Cumberland. Second of two 77 mile days. Rest of the week will be shorter rides. Very pleasant weather, cool in the mornings. Legs are a little heavy at this point but should let up tomorro...
Discussion started 09/10/2012 07:11 PM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 09/14/2012 07:49 PM)lenny on 09/10/2012 07:11 PM
Made it to Cumberland. Second of two 77 mile days. Rest of the week will be shorter rides. Very pleasant weather, cool in the mornings. Legs are a little heavy at this point but should let up tomorrow.Headed to Hancock, 60 miles.
Hondo on 09/11/2012 08:56 AM
Lenny, you are cranking out the miles! Hope the forecast holds for you. Curious if you have been to the actual mile 0. I believe you go to the end where the road meets the trail then a sharp right, ride under 2 overpasses then take a right into a big parking lot and kind of hang left around the boat harbor then just follow a little gravel path. I think its about .3 miles .I hope to do that next year.Safe travels
lenny on 09/14/2012 07:49 PM
Hondo, yes DID IT. Read my post, and ask ?
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- + something happened on the computer so here goes. Wife is happy to be done. One detour on the C&O at mile17-15. Follow the detour as the towpath is impassible, 3/10 mi is being repaired.If anyone has q...
Discussion started 09/14/2012 07:14 PM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 09/14/2012 07:14 PM
something happened on the computer so here goes. Wife is happy to be done. One detour on the C&O at mile17-15. Follow the detour as the towpath is impassible, 3/10 mi is being repaired.If anyone has questions I will be happy to answer.
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Frostburg Inn in Frostburg
- + Nice clean rooms--but Frostburg was a busy place when school is in session. This place is nice and clean rooms reasonably priced--but I would probably comtinue down to Cumberland.
Discussion started 09/11/2012 10:38 AM by Dana - 0 repliesDana on 09/11/2012 10:38 AM
Nice clean rooms--but Frostburg was a busy place when school is in session. This place is nice and clean rooms reasonably priced--but I would probably comtinue down to Cumberland.
Town Hill Manor B & B in Little Orleans
- + We stayed here in September and it was fabulous. It's not on the trail, but they're there in 10 minutes to pick you up. They went out of their way to drive us back to the trail before they served the ...
Discussion started 09/27/2011 01:23 PM by Cathy - 1 reply (last reply by Dana at 09/11/2012 10:36 AM)Cathy from New Mexico on 09/27/2011 01:23 PM
We stayed here in September and it was fabulous. It's not on the trail, but they're there in 10 minutes to pick you up. They went out of their way to drive us back to the trail before they served the other guests breakfast in the morning. Great hospitality and service.
Dana from Arizona on 09/11/2012 10:36 AM
One of the special places in America. You have to stop here if you have the chance. Do not do the ride--let them shuttle you. I would go back in a heart beat!!!
Bill's Place in Little Orleans
- + Stopped here with some buddies in 2008 during a ride from Cumberland to Georgetown. We were looking for a place to hide from the rain for a while. Interesting place to stop for snacks and a hot meal...
Discussion started 05/24/2010 11:48 AM by Steve - 1 reply (last reply by Dana at 09/11/2012 10:34 AM)Steve from Chicago on 05/24/2010 11:48 AM
Stopped here with some buddies in 2008 during a ride from Cumberland to Georgetown. We were looking for a place to hide from the rain for a while. Interesting place to stop for snacks and a hot meal. Simple, cheap, and unique.
Dana on 09/11/2012 10:34 AM
You have to stop and meet the locals. Enough said!!!
c&o trail
- + Has anyone ridden the c and o trail from Cumberland to DC alone? And how safe is it ? I myself don't see a problem but I'm open to any suggestions, comments.... By the way I'm 48 yrs old
ThanksDiscussion started 08/27/2012 08:45 PM by frank - 12 replies (last reply by FRANK,PITT at 09/11/2012 06:54 AM)frank from pittsburgh on 08/27/2012 08:45 PM
Has anyone ridden the c and o trail from Cumberland to DC alone? And how safe is it ? I myself don't see a problem but I'm open to any suggestions, comments.... By the way I'm 48 yrs old
Thanks
Frank
lenny on 08/28/2012 04:16 AM
I have met many people over the years that ride the entire length solo, including women. If you are careful and have well maintained equipment. you will be ok. There is usually someone coming along every so often that can assist in other waysif you would have an accident. Are you in good bike shape, and are you confident in your skills?
FRANK, from PITT on 08/28/2012 07:39 AM
Thanks Lenny,...Three of us just rode the entire GAP last month in route to DC, but had to cut it short due to bad weather, time and a few other set backs. I'm confident I'm in good enough shape to do it. I'll just pace myself...also, I wont have to worry about anyone to hold me back to get on the trail as early as I want. Now, I am an amature rider and will have my work cut out but really feel I can get it done based on last month's GAP ride.
Hondo on 08/28/2012 08:41 AM
Frank,Im 56 and did both GAP and C&O this year.I got flooded out, lost in Pittsburgh, broke my chain, and attacked by geese and loved every minute of it. Im even giving thought to an out and back next year. You will really enjoy the freedom of solo riding and you are never really alone on the trail. All kinds of fun people to meet along the way. I find people let you know right away if they want your company or not and you the same. good luck.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/28/2012 07:56 PM
Frank, on our last ride my wife got a flat tire and we were "broke down" on the trail. A perfect stranger stopped and offered us his only tire tube. Anytime we stopped we would almost always strike up a conversation with other bikers. We also, almost 100% of the time, ask people who are stopped on the side of the trail if they are O.K. I guess what I am saying is our experiences on the trail have been positive. We have never felt threatened or unsafe. I like to think that us cyclists are like minded and look out for each other. I suppose there are bad apples out there but we have never met them.
lenny on 08/29/2012 04:13 AM
Frank, I agree with all of the posters and regularly ride consecutive 60 to 70 mile days. I've done the Ride twice and will be doing it for the third time Sept. 9 thru 13. By the way I am 58.
Hondo on 08/29/2012 09:52 AM
Frank, if you have time for some mindless entertainment you can look at my ride on the gap/towpath I videotaped. Just go into Hondo Smith youtube. I cut it up into 9 videos.
vabiker23518 from williamsburg va on 08/29/2012 10:36 AM
I've been biking the C&O for 10 years and only had one bad experience...camped at a public campground just east of Cumberland that had vehicle access. Noisy drunks camped next door and were screaming and making threats to each other all night...was very happy to get away the next morning. Most hiker/biker campsites don't have vehicle access and thats where I stay!
FRANK from PITT on 08/30/2012 10:04 AM
First of all, Thank You All for you're imput; Greatly appreciated!!!....@ JJB--thanks, my recent experience on the trail has certaintly been positive. I myself felt pretty safe. It's just trying to convince my wife who's just worried sick....@ VIABIKER--thank you, I dont plan to camp this go round...1st night-Hancock(bunk house), 2nd Harper's Ferry (hostel) so I should be good....lastly Hondo---I actually watched your video before you even posted the link...the GEESE scene was FUNNY AS EVER!!! Glad to see you overcame all those obsticles. Curious how a chain can break. I think I may be tempted to carry a apare. THANKS AGAIN ALL!!!
lenny on 08/30/2012 07:13 PM
Don't buy a chain. Get a link repair kit for your size chain and a multi bike tool with a chain tool included. You will find it indispensable. Good Luck and Good Ride
FRANK,PITT on 08/30/2012 07:54 PM
Thank you much Lenny....will do!
Paul on 09/07/2012 01:34 PM
So far the folks I've met on the C&O have been pretty good. Know how to change a Flat. Don't camp near a road juncture. If you camp at the 15 Mile Camp Ground be aware Bill's Place tends to get rowdy on the weekends. Some boaters tend to get rowdy, but they are on Boats, but you can hear their music blasting on the WV shore. But all in all it seems fairly safe.
Best advice I can give, don't camp near a road juncture.
FRANK,PITT from PITT on 09/11/2012 06:54 AM
THANKS Paul for your imput. I plan to do this trip early Oct. I really didnt plan on truly camping--Hancocok(bunk house), Harpers Ferry(Hostel)--so the roudy boater dudes shouldnt be a problem...:) def. keep that in mind though. Thanks Paul
How does it take to walk the 2 trails?
- + How long does it take to walk the two trails? How far could you get each day?
Discussion started 08/15/2012 07:02 PM by Carole - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/09/2012 10:51 PM)Carole from DC area on 08/15/2012 07:02 PM
How long does it take to walk the two trails? How far could you get each day?
speedster on 08/16/2012 11:26 AM
Like as in a thru hike??
If so, its ~310 miles total distance. I'd say 15-20 miles a day would be averaging a pretty fair clip. So say anywhere from 3-4 wks, maybe..just a guess though, as I've never done it and of course everyone's results will vary..
Anonymous on 09/09/2012 10:51 PM
The C+O is an easy walk. If you're an experienced hiker/backpacker you shouldn't have any trouble putting in long days. The trail is almost flat and it's very smooth compared to something like the Appalachian Trail, which you'll cross near Harper's Ferry.
Resupply and laundry is no problem as you'll be going right past a lot of towns.
October weather
- + Hi All. My inquiry is regarding the weather the first two weeks of October. Plan to leave Pittsburgh the 02Oct12 for D.C. What are the overnight temperatures?How wet does it get?
And how muddy ? A...
Discussion started 09/09/2012 08:55 PM by bikenbob - 0 repliesbikenbob from Hammond on 09/09/2012 08:55 PM
Hi All. My inquiry is regarding the weather the first two weeks of October. Plan to leave Pittsburgh the 02Oct12 for D.C. What are the overnight temperatures?How wet does it get?
And how muddy ? Are the trails still passable?
Will there be any leaf peeping that early?
Water available
- + Doing Pittsburgh to DC next week. Is water easley available or should I take a Camelback?
Discussion started 09/07/2012 04:56 AM by Sloturtle - 2 replies (last reply by Sloturtle at 09/08/2012 07:41 AM)Sloturtle from Ohio on 09/07/2012 04:56 AM
Doing Pittsburgh to DC next week. Is water easley available or should I take a Camelback?
lenny on 09/08/2012 06:47 AM
You need to carry enough water to make it to the next trail head there is cistern water about every 5 miles on the tow path, but I don't drink it, although others do. Major trail heads are about 30 miles apart on both the GAP and the C&O. I carry 2L of water for that distance in bottles. My wife on the other hand uses the same amount in a camelback. When are you leaving and from where? Wife and I leave tomorrow From Point Park,Look me up if your nearby, I' have a red helmet and yellow or blue shirt on, weather depending.
Sloturtle from Zanesville oh on 09/08/2012 07:41 AM
We are leaving Mon morn from Boston Pa 3 of us 1 has done the trail several times. He uses a camelback I was trying to get away from it but think I will use mine also. Stay away from cister water ugh. We plan to finish Fri late afternoon. Travel safe and enjoy. Ty for the forum site it has been interesting reading and help
Best type of Bike
- + What is the best type of bike to use? I have a trek FX commuter bike and a road bike that I put cyclocross tires on for the winter.
Discussion started 09/05/2012 12:43 PM by Brettro - 2 replies (last reply by Doris at 09/06/2012 08:20 PM)Brettro from Oakton VA on 09/05/2012 12:43 PM
What is the best type of bike to use? I have a trek FX commuter bike and a road bike that I put cyclocross tires on for the winter.
lenny on 09/05/2012 06:31 PM
I would prefer the FX as I ride a Fisher dual sport and they are quite similar. But you would be OK with cycloX tires...I think!
Doris from Elizabeth township on 09/06/2012 08:20 PM
I have a trex fx. Rode to dc 3 times. Put puncture resistant tires on this year and had no flats. Last year had 2 flats with regular tires. I love my fx and think it's a great bike for the trail.
Hondo
- + Finally watched your trail ride video. Great stuff. Got me very excited about my upcoming ride. I had a thought, maybe next year all the people that post here could plan an out and back ride together,...
Discussion started 09/04/2012 04:31 AM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by Hondo at 09/04/2012 09:27 AM)lenny on 09/04/2012 04:31 AM
Finally watched your trail ride video. Great stuff. Got me very excited about my upcoming ride. I had a thought, maybe next year all the people that post here could plan an out and back ride together, some in the middle that would be convenient for all who wanted to join in. Think about it folks.
Hondo on 09/04/2012 08:32 AM
Hey Lenny, glad you liked it. It was total adlib and as you could see I dont take myself too seriously. The trip was a blast even with the chain, weather, geese, and next time Im taking a chain tool! You have a great site here.Very helpful.
Hondo on 09/04/2012 09:27 AM
Hey Lenny, one last note about my trip. You noticed I quit at Harpers Ferry. I parked my car there with the intention of riding to DC then riding back to Harpers Ferry but because I lost 2 days due to the chain and rain I had to bail out without making it to DC.I will knock that out next year.
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Breakaway??
- + How is your bike getting to Pgh?
Discussion started 08/13/2012 04:05 PM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 08/31/2012 07:32 PM)lenny on 08/13/2012 04:05 PM
How is your bike getting to Pgh?
Breakaway from Glen Gardner NJ on 08/31/2012 01:41 PM
I was going to ship it to a bike store via FedEx Ground, but then a friend offered to drive me & my bike to PGH.
lenny on 08/31/2012 07:32 PM
OK.Good luck and have a great ride.s
- + Received word from Amtrak on my latest inquiry concerning roll on service last pm. Not happening yet. I'm very disappointed, they seem to be dragging their feet on this one!
Discussion started 08/28/2012 04:19 AM by Linny - 0 repliesLinny on 08/28/2012 04:19 AM
Received word from Amtrak on my latest inquiry concerning roll on service last pm. Not happening yet. I'm very disappointed, they seem to be dragging their feet on this one!
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Slackwater Detour
- + Ok--has anyone ridden the trail on a weekend and avoided the detour??
Discussion started 08/25/2012 07:51 PM by Dana - 0 repliesDana on 08/25/2012 07:51 PM
Ok--has anyone ridden the trail on a weekend and avoided the detour??