C&O / GAP Forum

Hi all. I'm planning on riding the full GAP/C&O from Pitts to DC next month.

To those who've done it before, what maps or trail guide did you bring with you while riding (or wish you had)?

I know there's an official GAP/CO trail book from ATA. Is that something to bring in my handlebar bag, or more of planning reference to be used before hand?

I want to be sure I bring the right map(s) so I'm not stuck relying on my phone/google maps if by chance I get lost or have to make a detour. Thanks for any advice!

this site contains everything you need

Yes, but 'this site' is not something one can conveniently take on your bike with you...

There is a one page map of the C&O Canal you can download and print out which can be found on the Park Service website. But it's not a real detailed map. The best guide is to print out the Mileage Chart found on this page, which gives you a mile-by-mile description of what's there. Be advised the C&O is very remote in spots, especially west of Hancock, MD. I have not done the GAP Trail yet. Take a couple of spare inner tubes for your trip. Mountain Bike or Hybrid Tires work best.

i printed what i needed, and laminated it. IT DOES HAVE EVERYTHING. just stay on the trail. it is easy to follow. i have done it many times.the first time was easy

I buy a current TrailBook once a year. I don't really need it, but the $10 goes toward the Allegheny Trail Alliance. It does contain a nice, nearly indestructable map of both the Passage and the C&O, useful trail info and a ton of advertisements for trail services, hotels, restaurants and such. Originally geared toward the GAP, C&O info and advertisers were added in the past couple of years.

A favorite of mine for the C&O is "184 Mile of Adventure - Hikers Guide to the C&O Canal". It is a 50 pg. paperback booklet format. General to very detailed historic information about the canal structures, pinpointed to tenth miles. Some suggestions for off-trail sightseeing, too, and geared toward those without cars.

Mike High wrote an exceptional book entitled "The C&O Canal Companion". I love re-reading it. If you are into history, it's a must, but it is also a great guide book.

Last, but not least, is Bill Metzger's "The Great Allegheny Passage Companion". Written in 2003 - when the trail ended in Meyersdale, PA, it is now out of print and difficult to find. I understand Bill may be updating and reprinting this work. I hope so. I'll be first in line to buy a revised edition.

I don't drag my favorites out nearly as often as I did years ago. Perhaps I should. In thumbing through them for a few minutes, I've become reacquainted with a couple of old friends...

Judy

Great, thank you! Trip is fast approaching. I'll post a ride report when I'm done.

I'm planning a trail ride from Connelsville, PA to Cumberland MD in early August (8/1 - 8/4) .. how busy will the trail be during the weekdays in August? If something were to go wrong between towns it would be nice to know if I am alone that I'm not really alone .. or won't be for very long. . .

Hi Paul -
Never fear - There are alway people on the trail in the summer -- even during the weekdays! Just remember that cell phone reception is non-existent in places on the trail. Plan on carrying a spare tube, patch kit, pump (or CO2), water and a snack. Take plenty of photos, and remember that wildlife is wild. There are areas where you don't want to stray off of the trail, especially in August in the mountain brush. Most important - have fun!

Judy

Judy ...
I'm looking forward to the big trip (just have to wait out the next few months). . I may sneak down for a day out and back trip early just to try out the trail before August . .
thanks for the advice .. got my spare tube and am going to refresh myself on how to patch a tire (it's been a while since I had a blow out- so I'm due) . .

Megan, tell us about your ride when you get it done.

My friend and I have never biked the C&O canal but we want to this spring. We have mountain bikes and ride trails quite often. We were wondering what is the most scenic part of the C&O trail?

there is no one part, you will be amazed at least once per mile

Thanks, Lenny! Our favorite trail so far has been the Greenbrier River Trail in WV. Looking forward to riding C&O.

There are spectacular views all along the C&O Canal. I think the Potomac River is a river of beauty. The water is clear! Great Falls and Harpers Ferry have incredible views. North of Hancock, MD it gets more remote with almost no developed areas. Paw Paw Tunnel (and the approach to the Tunnel) is really cool. I agree with Lenny there are incredible views up and down the trail. It's a shame but, some folks just ride the trail and never experience these views.

Just wanted to mention also that you should take spare inner tubes with you on your trip. This is not a rail trail per se. The trail can be very rough in certain sections. It is packed hard dirt with natural stone, some of which can be jagged and sharp.

Randy, thanks so much for all the helpful info! Sounds wonderful! And I can't imagine how anyone can ride the trails and not notice all the incredible beauty all around them! But I know it happens.

I'll be biking the c&o early april. I've done most of the GAP on my road bike with 700x25 tires with no problems. Is this suitable for the C&O, or should i step up to a hybrid or mountain bike?

Thats cutting it close. I have 500X35 and I wouldn't ride anything skinnier...just me. C&O can be pretty rough!

Sorry, fat fingers....700X35

I agree, your a litte thin. I'd go to a 32 minimum

Hybrid or Mountain Bike Tires are best. I recently switched to Kenda's Kevlar Tires (26 x 1.95) and get a really nice ride. I'm hoping it will help deter flats. Lots of sharp rocks on the C&O. Take a couple of spare inner tubes for the trip.

I think your bike is fine as long as you can put some larger tires on it. I am 170lbs and I ride my SOMA Smootie with 700x28c and before that I rode a Redline 9.2.5 with 700x32c tires. That should be fine if you don't cary more than tools, clothes some cliff bars and a bivy sack. anything more than that and you should consider 32c the lower limit for tires.

Hi-
a group of us are planning on riding from Pittsburgh to DC the last week of March but there is concern on the conditions. Any input on weather, path condition, etc would be MUCH appreciated
Thanks in advance

Allegheny Passage should be ok ezcept for a little debris. the tow path may be alittle puddled and muddy depending on precipatation. also a possibility of flooding.

Remember that the Big Savage tunnel is closed until mid April. There is a detour but I've heard it's not easy.

Bumping this to the top. Will be very interested to hear any reports you have of your trip. Especially interested in trail conditions, tire choices, etc.
Thanks so much.
Have a fabulous trip!

Big Savage tunnel opened on March 15/16th this year. Last time I was on the C&O there was a detour just below the Great Falls Parking area that directs you up some stairs and over a foot bridge. This may be fixed now as people were going around the barriers on foot.

does anyone know if there is a safe place to park my car in Cumberland MD while I am biking the trail . . It would be parked for 3 days . . .

I parked at the Holiday Inn on George St in 2010, after asking permission

There is a public parking garage located two blocks north of the visitor center, at the corner of N Mechanic and Frederick Streets. The fee is approx. $4 per day. It should be fairly secure. There is also C&O Parking under I-68, but this is isolated. It may be fairly secure. I have not heard of any issues. Don't leave any valuables out in the open, including coins.

Mr. Pedals are you referring to the Montour Trail? If so I dont believeit is connected yet.

Yes, It's a ext. of the montour Trail. Opens soon if not already.I read it in the pittsburg Paper..thank you.
s

can't find that info anywhere

Open's the weekend of March 25/Along with the expo....Go to "Pittsburg cycling expo" for info..Hope this helps.

I came across some information that indicated the Park Service was going to restore the area on the C&O that has been closed for many years due to rock slides. The area is identified as: Dam 4 to McMahon's Mill. Does anyone have an update as to whether that has been any actual construction? If this news is true we will no longer have to detour onto the Road anymore. Thanks.

yes its true have been working on it for over a year. should be completed late summer

This is great news. I saw where they able to get funding from one of the Stimulus grants, plus the State of MD covered the balance. The detour (Dam Road) was becoming more and more dangerous to ride a bike on. If anyone travels that road be sure to wear a safety vest to improve your visibility. 37 people were injured to date.

I agree that it is dangerious,only because of the inconsiderate drivers. In 2010, the week of July 4th it was 100 derees and the asphalt made the 5 or so mile detour miserable.

Big Savage is posted as being closed through April 10th. Do they ever open before the posted date? Plan to travel trail week or so before that and would love to do Big Savage.

Is it possible to ride the C&O Canal Trail the first week of April. What should I expect, mud, temp etc. ? Thanks

Probably very muddy, if not under water!!

If the water is expected to be high due to Spring flooding, they will close some of the hiker/biker campgrounds; otherwise, spring is a great time to ride! Enjoy!

There hasn't been much (if any) snowfall in most of the Mid-Atlantic so far this winter, so we can discount the Spring Thaw and the associated flooding of the river. Last Spring was horrible, because there was signicant snow melt and heavy rain storms. Last Spring, large sections of the C&O were closed. Typically this area does see some good Spring Storms which can make the trails very muddy. Tough call. For myself, I usually wait until June until I start riding.

Road McKeesport to DC last year; 4 days three nights. Loved it. Anyone know if the construction on the bike route from Pitt to McKeesport is now finished or when it is scheduled for completion?

not yet. I can't wait either.

Can any one tell me how good verizon cell phone coverage is along the GAP and C&O. I have heard it is not the best, but I would like to ride it while returning from DC with my wife returning with the car. Would like to stay in contact at least enough meet in the evenings. Possible?

Cell service is spotty at best between major trailheads,on the towpath, but is ok in most of the towns. The GAP is bad most of the way to Connellsville. Although there is a cell booster at Rockwood.

Thanks for the reply

Looks like Verizon just improved cell service in the cCnfluence area

Planning a trip in early summer anybody have recommendations for a two person shuttle from DC to McKeesport. I have a tandem with a BOB trailer. Thanks Scott

Did the trip alone and unsupported in mid Nov 2011. Bike was a Yeti SB66 strapped with ~ 35 pounds of gear.

I live near DC. Rented a HERTZ one-way ($100) to Cumberland. The car dropoff was 1/4 mile from trailhead.

Started at mile marker 184.5 near the C&0 trailhead. Picked up lunch in Hancock (mm 120) and made it to Lockhouse #49 (where I stayed the night) at Four Locks near mm 108.

Next day, Another 75+ miles passing Shepherdstown and Harper's Ferry WV - crossing the Potomac on Whites Ferry at sundown, eventually ending the day in Leesburg, VA at the Best Western... Nice :)

Last 1/2 day on home turf - Leesburg to Georgetown then home. The weather had been unseasonably warm and beautiful the first two days. But today's cold-rain reminded me what season it was. Had the correct gear so no problem. Arrived in G-Town around 11am and then home right at noon. OH MAN... that was a super fun ride!
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A couple things... I planned my trip @ 60 miles a day whish is certainly doable for any semi-serious bike rider. I averaged almost 80 miles a day. In summer, the additional daylight hours could add 20 miles a day - or give you that much more chill-time.

Don't forget to bring a light for the Paw-Paw tunnel - It really is dark. Dangerously exciting. I could have passed Sasquatch without knowing.

Lots of other cool sights, sounds, and animals throughout the day - very few people this time of year.

I heard mixed reviews about accomodations at Hancock MD. I decided not to gamble, purchased supplies and moved on. I was able to reserve the lockhouse using my iphone and a visa. 15 miles later, I arrived and got in with easy (code) access. Lockhouse #49 was a perfect rustic overnighter.

The Best Western in Leesburg was nice, inexpensive ($85), and had a good continental breakfast setup in the morning.

Rember to always graze on nutritionals and drink plenty of water throughout the day. This rule (and so

Great post. Summer can also be tough. July 5-9 2010 was 105 degrees and 65m/d was tough.

My wife and I bike either the canal or the GAP every July. It can be hot, but the tree canopy is such that we've never felt oppressed by the heat.

Is it too early to start biking in the Meyersdale to Frostburg area in the last week in April (snow, ice, cold, etc.)?

The entire passage should be in good shape by then.