slackwater detour open on weekend?
- + I heard from someone that biked through the c&o the other day that on saturday and sunday you can sneak through the gate and bike it anyway. He said he did it and showed photos. Has anyone else tried ...
Discussion started 08/02/2012 06:50 PM by sam - 5 replies (last reply by lenny at 08/25/2012 03:40 PM)sam from pittsburgh on 08/02/2012 06:50 PM
I heard from someone that biked through the c&o the other day that on saturday and sunday you can sneak through the gate and bike it anyway. He said he did it and showed photos. Has anyone else tried this?
lenny on 08/03/2012 04:03 AM
Biked through what part,Big Slackwater?
Duncan on 08/07/2012 07:37 PM
I spoke with one of the head rangers at dam number 4 yesterday about the detour. He said it should be finished next month. I did not try to go there though. Our 8 yo had had enough riding for the day. It never ceases to amaze me that the NPS cares more for the bats in Indigo Tunnel than it does for the humans it forced on narrow country roads on bikes for YEARS!!!
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/07/2012 09:08 PM
We rode that detour, around Big Slackwater, on July 25th. They were repaving a long section of that road. We stood there, in among the traffic, waiting for the opposing traffic to come through the single open lane. Standing on hot, sticky, fresh pavement. It was nice and smooth once we got going but we held up traffic as no one could pass us. The detour was 6 miles in length. It will be nice to have that section of the C&O open.
Dana on 08/25/2012 11:12 AM
So any final word--can we ride the path at slackwater on weekends???
lenny on 08/25/2012 03:40 PM
NO. Not lawfully.
- + Going to Williamsport tomorrow and riding east to see if I can get on the Slackwater re build. Doing this in prep for Sept. 9 ride Pgh. to DC. Will follow up Monday.
Discussion started 08/18/2012 06:42 PM by lenny - 4 replies (last reply by Dana at 08/25/2012 11:10 AM)lenny on 08/18/2012 06:42 PM
Going to Williamsport tomorrow and riding east to see if I can get on the Slackwater re build. Doing this in prep for Sept. 9 ride Pgh. to DC. Will follow up Monday.
Sloturtle from Zanesville Oh on 08/18/2012 08:38 PM
Us 3 guys are leaving Boston Pa on Sept 10th going to DC. we were going to try to get on the new trail at Slackwater also. We hear it about done. Be sure to post what you find
Jim on 08/23/2012 08:53 AM
The Big Slackwater project is not complete. It will not be complete until this Fall. You are creating a hazard going into an active work area. Please wait until it is finished!
can't wait any longer on 08/23/2012 10:20 AM
I say go for it. Contractors don't work on the weekend. This section is for the most part completed by the pictures posted on the web and the video. We are tired of waiting! This was supposed to be done last december.
Dana on 08/25/2012 11:10 AM
I am heading east from Pittsburgh to DC on the 30th. Any reports on the slackwater?? If I am going thru there on Labor Day can I use the path???
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Parking for C&O Section Hikers
- + I would like to hike the C&O Canal in sections either with another hiker with a car parked at our entrance and exit points or solo with my car at my exit point and a shuttle to my entrance point. Is ...
Discussion started 08/23/2012 09:53 AM by Auntie Coosa - 0 repliesAuntie Coosa from Murfreesboro on 08/23/2012 09:53 AM
I would like to hike the C&O Canal in sections either with another hiker with a car parked at our entrance and exit points or solo with my car at my exit point and a shuttle to my entrance point. Is there a list of SAFE [fee or free] places to park a car for a week or more near the C&O Canal?
Thank you, Coosa
Does the c&o still have a lot of downed trees?
- + My cousin and I are doing the GAP and the C&O from Confluence to Harpers Ferry the week of august 13th. Has the C&O been cleaned up enough since that big storm hit DC and the coast recently?
Discussion started 08/08/2012 07:54 AM by James - 4 replies (last reply by Jim at 08/23/2012 09:00 AM)James from Ithaca on 08/08/2012 07:54 AM
My cousin and I are doing the GAP and the C&O from Confluence to Harpers Ferry the week of august 13th. Has the C&O been cleaned up enough since that big storm hit DC and the coast recently?
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/08/2012 10:05 PM
Yes James, the trail was clear when we rode it two weeks ago. You will find that there are more sticks and small branches than usual. Every now and then we came across some larger branches that you will have to avoid. I'm sure over time these will slowly clear off.
James on 08/09/2012 07:47 AM
Awesome! So pumped for this trip next week thank you!
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/11/2012 05:27 PM
How long are you taking to do the trip? Is this your first time doing it?
Jim on 08/23/2012 09:00 AM
Each of us can help with the clean-up. If you see small or medium sized debris on the trail, kindly assist and move it off the trail. It will ony take a few minutes of your time. Take the initiative, show responsibility. You use the trail, so help to keep it maintained. Have a great time.
Big savage Tunnel
- + Does anyone know if it's necessary to have a headlight on your bike to go through Big savage Tunnel on the Allegheny Passage?
Discussion started 08/21/2012 08:36 PM by Gvalla - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 08/22/2012 04:11 AM)Gvalla from Irwin on 08/21/2012 08:36 PM
Does anyone know if it's necessary to have a headlight on your bike to go through Big savage Tunnel on the Allegheny Passage?
lenny on 08/22/2012 04:11 AM
It is always wise to have a light with you on a long ride in case of an emergency. But the Bid Savage is lighted and you can make it through without it.
PARKING
- + We are attempting to walk the C&O, disabled. Can only do a few miles per day. Has anyone done this? Where did you park? Finding places
to enter the path has been more difficult than the hike. C...
Discussion started 08/20/2012 05:54 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Martinsburg, WV on 08/20/2012 05:54 PM
We are attempting to walk the C&O, disabled. Can only do a few miles per day. Has anyone done this? Where did you park? Finding places
to enter the path has been more difficult than the hike. Currently traveling West at Hancock.
PGH to DC, mid Sept.
- + I’m planning on riding from PGH to DC & plan to camp. Is anyone riding this route during week of Sept 10th & want/need a riding buddy?
Discussion started 08/19/2012 09:55 PM by Chris - 0 repliesChris from NJ on 08/19/2012 09:55 PM
I’m planning on riding from PGH to DC & plan to camp. Is anyone riding this route during week of Sept 10th & want/need a riding buddy?
- + Trail is still closed heading east,must use detour. Hope it opens soon.
Discussion started 08/19/2012 05:36 PM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 08/19/2012 05:36 PM
Trail is still closed heading east,must use detour. Hope it opens soon.
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Trip planning
- + We are planning a 2 day trip starting from Confluence to Boston.Where would be a good place to camp out around Connelsville? Has anyone used a place they would recommend we plan on leaving Confluence ...
Discussion started 08/18/2012 11:08 PM by Sean S - 1 reply (last reply by Hondo at 08/19/2012 04:22 PM)Sean S from Mckeesport on 08/18/2012 11:08 PM
We are planning a 2 day trip starting from Confluence to Boston.Where would be a good place to camp out around Connelsville? Has anyone used a place they would recommend we plan on leaving Confluence on 8/24.
Hondo on 08/19/2012 04:22 PM
As you are leaving Connellsville theres a bicycle campground to your left right off the trail. I didnt camp there so I cant report about it. Further down I camped at the Mile 92 campground in Adelaide again right beside the trail. It had all the amenities you need and the bicyclists dont camp in the same area the truck campers stay. From there it will leave you with about 38 miles to Boston.
DC to Harpers
- + I'm planning to ride from DC to Harpers Ferry in mid-August in one day, camp in Harpers or Huckleberry Hill, and return to DC the next day.
I'm basically looking for any information others may...
Discussion started 08/15/2012 11:29 PM by Alex - 2 replies (last reply by Louis at 08/16/2012 09:50 PM)Alex from Baltimore on 08/15/2012 11:29 PM
I'm planning to ride from DC to Harpers Ferry in mid-August in one day, camp in Harpers or Huckleberry Hill, and return to DC the next day.
I'm basically looking for any information others may have regarding trail conditions, or any other out of the ordinary things to expect.
Thanks!
lenny on 08/16/2012 04:08 AM
When you arrive at the Harpers Ferry Trailhead you will climb a circular stair to cross a bridge to get to the town of Harpers Ferry.
Louis from Baltimore on 08/16/2012 09:50 PM
It is a great time to ride, things will have dried up since this weeks rain. Remember to leave my food out.
restuarant in Paw Paw
- + Just received an email account of a ride on the tow path. The writer eluded to stopping and having lunch at the new restuarant in PawPaw.
Discussion started 08/15/2012 04:30 AM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 08/15/2012 04:30 AM
Just received an email account of a ride on the tow path. The writer eluded to stopping and having lunch at the new restuarant in PawPaw.
Getting started in Pittsburg
- + I'm taking Amtrak from DC to Pitt in September, which arrives at midnight. Suggestions about where to go/stay at midnight? Female traveling alone most likely. Also, trail actually starts in Homestead,...
Discussion started 08/09/2012 08:36 PM by Breakaway - 10 replies (last reply by lenny at 08/14/2012 04:32 AM)Breakaway from Glen Gardner NJ on 08/09/2012 08:36 PM
I'm taking Amtrak from DC to Pitt in September, which arrives at midnight. Suggestions about where to go/stay at midnight? Female traveling alone most likely. Also, trail actually starts in Homestead, yeah? Have some confusion about that. Is there somewhere to stay there?
lenny on 08/10/2012 04:35 AM
You can ride from down town Pgh. Take Eliza Furnace Trail to Hot Metal Bridge, cross to Southside Trail, at intersection cross Hot Metal St.left and continue on trail to the end (1 or 2 miles ). Get on to rail bed and walk bike 1/4 mile to Sand Castle and continue threw to Homestead. I've done this several times this summer and is not dangerous or difficult. Also you wont be alone all of the time. As to hotels I sure you will find a place to stay if you make reservations now. I'm curious, what is your departure date? Wife and I leave Point Park 7am 9/9/12.You'd be welcome to join us for some direction if you like.
Breakaway on 08/10/2012 02:33 PM
Thanks for the explanation... but none of that is reasonable when arriving by Amtrak at midnight!! My trip does not begin till a week after yours...maybe I'll catch up to you, ha, ha.
lenny on 08/10/2012 05:12 PM
Why?? Hotels will hold a room til you get here, as long as it is paid for. Don't understand.
Breakaway on 08/10/2012 07:01 PM
It was the hotel/place to stay that I was looking for. Don't know anything about the area around the train station in Pitt, but train stations are not notorious for being in good areas.
Slot utter from Ohio on 08/10/2012 09:45 PM
3 guys from Oh starting the 10th. Be nice and clear the trail for us :)
Slot urge on 08/10/2012 09:47 PM
Correct trail name Sloturtle.. Sorry
lenny on 08/11/2012 02:58 AM
Station is on the Southside. A very nice area and many hotels. By the way right on the trail!
speedster on 08/13/2012 10:39 AM
If it were me, I wouldn't want to have to pay for a nights stay when I may not arrive at my room until after 1am (counting transit time from train station). Seems like paying for a full night and only getting minimal rest value out of it. I would sleep while aboard the train (should be a good 5-6 hr rest) to have myself rested and find something to do for 4-5 hrs until sun-up once into Pittsburgh. Call family or whatever let them know you're into town. Maybe find a 24 hr grocery store and pick up some snacks and water for your ride..then maybe head to an early breakfast place at say 5-6am.
Seems out there a bit to some I'm sure, but, I just wouldn't sleep properly and get much value for my money out of a hotel stay given the timing of your arrival and all the hustle and bustle and being keyed up that late at night.
To keep things reasonable, call an end to your ride day earlier than normal since you will be up and going so early that day..that's one option anyway.
lenny on 08/13/2012 04:02 PM
Train leaves DC about 4pm daily, arrives Pgh. a little after midnight. And is late at times.Not to many stores on the Southside only restaurants bars and hotels.The area is called Station Square, and the trail runs right by, only feet away. Pittsburgh is unique in that a major bike and ped. only trail runs on both sides of the Monongahala River.
lenny on 08/14/2012 04:32 AM
I spoke wrongly. The station at Station Square has been closed,all Pgh trains from DC are diverted to the PA. mainline and thus arrive at Union Station Downtown on Liberty Ave.Still lots of hotels and close to Point Park and the trail.
- + try the town hill b&b in little orleans web site www.townhillbnb.com
Discussion started 08/06/2012 09:53 AM by bill - 1 reply (last reply by BA at 08/07/2012 04:59 PM)bill from greensburg pa on 08/06/2012 09:53 AM
try the town hill b&b in little orleans web site www.townhillbnb.com
BA from OKC on 08/07/2012 04:59 PM
thank you, tried them but they are booked! looks like a great place though!
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- + Rode Connellsville to Cofluence yesterday, started out great but rain began @ 10am. Track got puddled and sloppy especially in the afternoon. Still got a good 56 mile ride. The weather made it a slugg...
Discussion started 08/06/2012 04:52 AM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 08/06/2012 07:16 PM)lenny on 08/06/2012 04:52 AM
Rode Connellsville to Cofluence yesterday, started out great but rain began @ 10am. Track got puddled and sloppy especially in the afternoon. Still got a good 56 mile ride. The weather made it a sluggish ride
MrPurplePaul from Allentown on 08/06/2012 07:37 AM
Lenny was that an out and back trip?
I stopped in confluence on way down to Cumberland on Thursday ... Had lunch at Sists Cafe... Great chicken BLT ... Stopped at the hardware store too ...
lenny on 08/06/2012 07:16 PM
yes
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C&O Bike shop in Hancock
- + My 14 year old son and his friend completed the C&O Canal trip this past weekend. Overnight at the C&O Bike Hostel Friday night in Hancock and then overnight Saturday in a tent at MP 50 Bald Eagle Isl...
Discussion started 08/06/2012 09:59 AM by Frk - 0 repliesFrk from Frederick, MD on 08/06/2012 09:59 AM
My 14 year old son and his friend completed the C&O Canal trip this past weekend. Overnight at the C&O Bike Hostel Friday night in Hancock and then overnight Saturday in a tent at MP 50 Bald Eagle Island. I just wanted to give a shout out for the inexpensive hospitality at the Hostel. Fenced in area to lock their bikes up, hot showers with towels and soap provided, screen in area to bunk down and not get eaten alive by bugs and a friendly cat providing security. Plus peace of mind for mom & dad knowing they stayed in a somewhat secure area.
Any place to stay near Paw Paw?
- + Riding next week GAP and C&O starting at Pittsburgh. Are there any recommendations on lodging near Paw Paw? Would like decent hotel.
Discussion started 08/04/2012 04:07 PM by BA - 1 reply (last reply by JJB at 08/05/2012 09:28 AM)BA from OKC on 08/04/2012 04:07 PM
Riding next week GAP and C&O starting at Pittsburgh. Are there any recommendations on lodging near Paw Paw? Would like decent hotel.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 08/05/2012 09:28 AM
We just finished that trip last week. To the best of my knowledge there is nothing in the Paw Paw area. We ended up doing a 60+ mile day from Hancock to Cumberland.
solo bike trip one way options
- + I'm planning a solo bike trip in early August on at least some of the GAP trail . . I am trying to figure out options for getting me and my bike to one end of my ride and have my car waiting for me at...
Discussion started 02/29/2012 12:21 PM by Mr Purpkle Paul - 6 replies (last reply by Mr Purple Paul at 08/03/2012 08:49 PM)Mr Purpkle Paul from Allentown PA on 02/29/2012 12:21 PM
I'm planning a solo bike trip in early August on at least some of the GAP trail . . I am trying to figure out options for getting me and my bike to one end of my ride and have my car waiting for me at the other end...
I know that Amtrak travels to a couple of the towns and I was thinking I could park in town B and take the train to town A and bike back stopping along the way for one or two nights . . has anyone done this? is it possible/advisable?
Also I saw someone posted about shipping their bike on ahead to a local bike shop .. this would work to as I know I can take Amtrak to the town solo . . . has anyone done that before .. do you know of any bike shops on the G.A.P. that are likely to offer this service?
as soon as I know my trip details I'd be happy to share them and if anyone else is on the trail at the same time I'd love the company . .
lenny on 03/01/2012 05:28 AM
amtrak does not have roll on service yet.freight can only load and unload at washington and pittsburgh
Mr Purpkle Paul from Allentown PA on 03/01/2012 10:04 AM
so .. on to "plan B" .. anyone got a plan B?
Mr pedals from Cleveland, Oh on 03/04/2012 01:04 PM
I'm planning a one way trip from Pittsburg to D.C.After checking around.I'm going with A one way car rental.The airport in Pittsburg Just finished a path to get to the gap...That's my plan...Looking to go around First week of july is anyone planning a trip at that time..?
Paul A on 04/01/2012 05:25 PM
Some of the bicycle shops along the way will be able to shuttle you and your gear to where you want to start from.
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown PA on 04/01/2012 09:17 PM
actually as it turns out the bed and breakfast I am staying at the night BEFORE my actual ride is letting me store my bike and gear earlier in the day so I have time to drive to Cumberland and then take the train back up . . .they even offered to pick me up at the train station when I get into town that night . .
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown on 08/03/2012 08:49 PM
I just got back from my two day 90+ mile trip ... I posted some pics along with a trip report of sorts on a blog . .
http://gonewiththeschwinn.blogspot.com/
update of attractions in Cumberland, md
- + Several of the 'attractions' are no longer here or have changed
Discussion started 08/02/2012 07:36 PM by cumberland guy - 0 repliescumberland guy from Cumberland on 08/02/2012 07:36 PM
Several of the 'attractions' are no longer here or have changed
WMRT trail heads
- + In one week from today my wife and I will be heading out to ride the C&O and GAP. We thought we would ride the WMRT this year. Does anyone know if the WMRT trail heads on both ends are well marked o...
Discussion started 07/15/2012 03:45 PM by JJB - 5 replies (last reply by JJB at 07/31/2012 12:37 PM)JJB from Fairmont, WV on 07/15/2012 03:45 PM
In one week from today my wife and I will be heading out to ride the C&O and GAP. We thought we would ride the WMRT this year. Does anyone know if the WMRT trail heads on both ends are well marked on the C&O trail? It looks like there are links between the trails, I'm just not sure how well they are marked. Thanks!
lenny on 07/15/2012 08:16 PM
Have used the WMRT every year. It is easy on the west end. I believe at Paree Station you would turn left at the Lock 56 or 57 access road. And I know for sure the east end is a tougher connection, as you can't see the access from the tow path. I would suggest using milage as a guide and when you are 10 miles from Hancock, start looking for the access.
lenny on 07/16/2012 04:29 AM
Neglected to say that WMRT is at the west end of Fort Frederick State Park, and Big Pool on the river. There is a parking lot on the road off of I70 that is the trail head for WMRT, a road map may help coordinate.
lenny on 07/16/2012 04:45 AM
Check out bikewashington.org Lots of maps and good info.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 07/20/2012 07:31 PM
Thanks for the information Lenny. We take off on Sunday for Leesburg, VA. Will begin the ride on Monday morning. Will try to update the forum as we go.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 07/31/2012 12:37 PM
The C&O is well marked on both ends of the WMRT. Easy access from the C&O to the WMRT. On the Big Pool, (East), side, the WRMT runs right beside the Interstate up to Hancock. From Hancock to the Western end is a beautiful trail. We really enjoyed it and it was a nice change of pace from the C&O.