C&O / GAP Forum

We are planning a spring ride...Mckeesport to Washington, D.C. On my hybrid, I can travel 60 miles a day and could pretty well do that too along the Erie Canal Tow Path parts which were hard stone dust. Given that, is 50 miles a reasonable day on the C & O?

That is very doable. Your best bet is to check out the bike washington website, and they give you the best overnight/mileage options for camping or hotels based on the number of days (3 to 4) that you are considering.

Just a word of caution, be careful about riding the C&O during Early Spring. Typically the trail is very muddy and areas could experience flooding. The Spring of 2011 was especially harsh. I would wait until the Summer months. With the weather pattern that is setting up for this winter, we could see a repeat of what we had last winter going into Springtime, with flooding concerns. Just food for thought. Good luck!

I agree with Randy concerning a spring trip. I have done the ride your are planning twice and did 60 to 70 miles /day. very pleasant distances for average riders. Most of the best places to stay are in these distance windows. I will list the ones I used,if you like.

Would be interested in your recommendations of places to stay. Thanks.

I have stayed at the following places and all are satisfactory. The Yough Motel, Ohiopyle. The Confluence B&B. Holiday Inn Cumberland (ask for a room in the front because of the railroad. Also in Cumberland the Fairfield Inn. Budget Motel in Hancock. Red Roof Inn, Williamsport. And Comfort Inn Harpers Ferry which becomes Econolodge this Spring.

I too am thinking of doing this ride ... I was thinking of early June. I would be fine with doing the ride alone, but it would probably be nice to do with a group as well if I'm going unsupported. I was thinking of starting right from my house, which is close to the Panhandle Trail which connects to the Montour, which of course runs to the GAP in McKeesport. Reply back if at all interested and I will give my email so we can talk more ... or also just to bounce ideas off each other!

Forgot to add address of trail organization.
Whitsett-Fayette Yough Trail Chapter
231B Main St.
Perryopolis, Pa 15473
724-736-2647

Clarence, thanks to you and your group for all your work in maintaining the trail.
To save time (and 44 cents), is there an email address to which we can write for membership info?

And a little later (ha-ha) cmj245@atlanticbb.net

I presently live in Catonsville, Maryland. My mother was from Pearre four miles from Little Orleans.Prior to Bill owning it, it was Charley Callan's Store. As a kid I was in there many times. I am a friend of Bill Shonadel and have been in his place many times. I had a trailer in Little Orleans campground which I sold in August of 1998. Hope to see Bill again before too long. My son was just up there and took a picture of Bill. I didn't recognize him as it had been 13 years since I have seen him. Beer tastes better at Bill's Place.

Wife and I stopped by during a ride in August and were happy to see him too! Looked good to us!

On 11-14-11 Me and my BF rode from little Orleans to Paw Paw Tunnel and back to Little Orleans...We were lokking so forward to a beer and supper at Bill's Place but was not open at 5 pm and had a sign on the door that he would not be open till 6pm. Hungry and really wanting a beer after our ride we headed back to Cumberland to eat and have a few beers. We were so disappointed.

I do not recommend this place. The owner was not ready for us even though we had made reservations 2 weeks before. The place is very cluttered and the mattresses are awful - very old and thin. The bathroom we two couples shared was clean enough. For breakfast we got rotten bacon although the french toast and homemade bread were okay. Also, do NOT use the owner's shuttle service. He was supposed to pick up our car in Cumberland and drop it off at a B&B in Harper's Ferry (for a price, of course) but lost our car key!

We, ages 59 & 71 rode from DC to McKeesport end of May, 2011. Lots of wet areas on C&O due to flooding and a few bad days of storms which left many trees down on the C&O and a few on the GAP. We stayed at motels & B&Bs with one night in MD at a county-run conference center. All in all a great ride. The GAP Trail is especially well-maintained, partly I'm sure because the Potomac doesn't rise onto it. We can supply details of motels, etc. To answer question I've seen several times on this board re: tires, we rode on 700x37 Continental Travel Contacts and had no problem with them - no flats, they handled the muddy & washed out sections very well.

Thanks for your report. It is helpful. Approximately how many miles per day did you ride?

just got back to this forum. emili me if you would like further info on our trip

I'm curious, too...how many days? Planning a trip for next spring.

Let me start off by saying WOW. Sandy can cook! My girlfriend and I traveled out to Pennsylvania from Chicago to see Falling Water and decided to stay at this B&B. Best decision ever. It's a beautiful Victorian Era home that has been kept in great shape, inside and out. Sandy, the owner/caretaker made the stay even better with her delicious cooking.

The breakfasts were amazing (large omelettes with fresh produce, pumpkin french toast, homemade raspberry jam, biscuits...). We also spent the extra $30/plate for dinner the first night and it was well worth it. 4 course meal that consisted of cheese/fruit h'ordeuvres, salad with strawberries, bleu cheese and nuts, 16oz steak cooked to perfection, and a choice of four different kinds of homemade cheesecake or pumpkin pie. If I would have bought this in Chicago it would have easily been twice the cost. Well worth it! Plus Sandy doesn't skimp on anything, nor does she serve generic, frozen, or highly processed foods. She is a chef that takes pride in her cooking and serves only fresh homemade dishes. Plus she accommodates food allergies, diabetics, vegetarians, and vegans.

Besides the food, there is also a wine shop out back, which Sandy was also responsible for adding. She operates this satellite wine shop for a local winery, and also sells many other local goods such as honey, salsa, glass artwork, candles etc.

This B&B is a one stop shop for everything in the area. You get a place to stay, delicious food, wine, and all sorts of local goodies. If you are visiting Falling Water, Kentuck Knob, or passing through the Great Allegheny Trail, definitely check in at the Confluence house!

I passed through in July, I appreaciate the support for the trail from the community. I met a few of the local trail workers and thanked them. Thanks to all for their work .

Great place for lunch!

I ate there after my thru hike of the C+O in April of this year. While I thought the food was good, it wasn't anything special.

We showed up covered with mud after being on the trail all day. There was a hose outside where we washed our bikes and everything else off before we even went inside to check in. Very bike friendly, as they told us we were welcome to keep our bikes in our rooms. (which we did only after they were totally clean and dry). Great bar, great restaurant, a fun bike ride across the bridge from the trail.

Fun place to stay, right on the trail. Good bike shop with GAP bike shirts!

Given the recent rain fall, anyone know if a bike trip between these points would be worthwhile or too wet?

I hiked the entire C&O in June. Though it was a great experience, I never came across another through hiker over 15 days..

I too did a thru hike of the C+O in the spring of 2011, from the end of March into the beginning of April. I hiked westbound and there was one other going the same direction as part of the American Discovery Trail. In my opinion the C+O would be the perfect place for a person to do their first backpacking trip.

Hi, im planning on riding from Cumberland to DC. I Live in Boulder CO, so im not sure of the rainfall there this time of year. Any suggestions at all? will i get a sunny day?

I googled "October weather" for DC, Cumberland, & Pittsburgh and have the average temps & precipitation. I hope this helps.v

I am planning a run Saturday morning. Does anyone know the condition of the towpath in the area around Great Falls?

It's open. Sorry, too late for your Saturday run, but for the benefit of anybody else out there who might still be wondering.... The towpath managed to dodge the heavy rains, and is open.

This Thursday morning, September 8, NPS reports that predicted levels of flooding in the canal park have been reduced. The park is therefore cancelling the call for volunteers to help sandbag Lockhouse 6 or to empty Great Falls Tavern.

Great Falls Overlook remains closed at this time but will reopen by tomorrow. Canal boat operations will resume on Saturday, September 10, but the Billy Goat A Trail at Great Falls will remain closed through the weekend.

I'm trying to schedule a final day's ride to finish a Relay for Life fundraiser. Possibly for next week. (Final day was interrupted by Irene.) What's the trail condition - Brunswick to DC? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

C and O Canal Association sent out this warning yesterday (Sep 6):
Major Flooding Forecasted, Expect Closures throughout the Week

With high levels of rainfall forecasted through this week, the C&O Canal National Historical Park is bracing for major flooding. Visitors should expect the towpath, Visitor Centers, and all lockhouses to be closed, effective immediately.

The flood is expected to be more devastating than the flood of 2010. Please respect all closures and use extreme caution as the river's waters can rise quickly.

Volunteers Needed for Sandbagging
Call the Trust TODAY to help!

In preparation for the flood, the C&O Canal Trust will be sandbagging around Lockhouse 6 this Thursday, September 8, at 1:00 PM, to prevent damage to the park's resources.
Call the Trust at 301-714-2233 for assignment details

I'm considering hiking the GAP either this fall or next spring after having hiked the C+O this past spring. I'm hoping to camp along the trail and resupply in the towns along the way.
Can anyone offer any advice from having already done this themselves?

I'll be biking the C&O this coming weekend. How is the condition?

We are going too but worry parts of the trail may be closed. Anyone know the trail status?

There is a 5 mile detour near McConnells Mill. It is well marked

Is it possible to walk bikes through/around the detour near MP 85?

No and don't follow any detours over the highways out of Williamsport. They are WORSE than the detour.

Stick to the posted detour; make sure you have plenty of water for the trek, there's little to no shade for the duration.

On 4/29/2011 I found that Grandmas Country Kitchen and Inn has a new owner and the new phone is 304 947 5009

Thanks. I called and got a fax machine but it's good to know they are open.

Found Country Kitchen open and good food and service.

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that there has been frequent bear sightings on the trail in the area between Little Orleans to Paw Paw. If you camp in this area take the typical precautions with your food. Also, don't toss food to the bears and encourage them. One bear is a good size, perhaps 7 foot. Generally these bears run off if they hear you approaching. No reports of aggressiveness to date. The C&O Rangers are aware of them. Happy Trails!

Thanks for the heads up. I was speaking with a Ranger who was on patrol along the river and he pased on the same information to me.

I found this to be a satisfactory place to stay while in Williamsport especially for the cost.

I agree.
And for me, as a hiker, the fact that they've got a coin operated washer and dryer is a BIG plus.

Sandcastle to McKeesport is a very nice trail.A quick 6 miles to McKeesport. Leaving Harpers Ferry this AM for final leg Had a very good trip. rain all afternoon yesterday, lot of large puddles snd 2 flats. Just part of the experience. Will elaborate when I get home

I am planning a ride in September, I'll be renting a car and driving to the Pittsburgh area then biking to DC. Do you or anyone else have any suggestions on places to stay overnight near the trailhead in Duquesne/Homestead? I believe this is now open This seems to be my biggest challenge in planing the trip. My fallback is to stay in Pittsburgh then take a shuttle/taxi to the trailhead. Thanks for any ideas

Harry yourJuly comments are not coming up on my computer!!

I am planning a trip this September. I'll be renting a car and driving to Pittsburgh. I am having trouble finding out which is a better option... 1, Staying overnight in Pittsburgh then taking a shuttle to the trailhead or 2. are there better options near the new trailhead in Homestead / Duquesne. I've read that biking the road from Pitssburgh to the trailhead is not a good choice

Thanks

Planning on doing the C&O from Cumberland to DC and was wondering where in Cumberland I can leave my car. Does the National Parks office still allow cars to be left in their lot after registering? Thanks

There is an area near the visitors center where you can leave a car for free. We asked about crime and break ins and were told that none have been reported. It was almost like covered parking because it is under an overpass. Also, there are some parking garages, one right across from the police station.

Am considering cycling the GAP in September and would like to stay in motels. What are the local attractions along the trail? Is it all just nature?

They are awesome! Repaired one of our bikes in 45 minutes. Friendly.

He fixed mine as well, in a short time and reasonable cost. I would suggest that bikers patronize this business.

I'm horrible with names and can't quite recall, but I appreciated the talk and tips biking on the West Penn Trail this past weekend. The heat got to be a little much after Blairsville, made it thru black lick before calling in a ride for the rest of the way to Indiana. Made it around 32 miles overall, and once my bike is out of the shop for spoke repairs and a tune up, I'm gonna try to return trip.

Ken, good to hear from you. Sadly the bikes are not as tough as the riders. Hope to see you on the trail again, I enjoyed your company.Lenny Mucci

I found the trail in fairly good condition with the warning that it is NOT smooth. There are pockets of muddy patches but they are easily avoided. This could change with storms however.
There are areas with larger gravel used which makes it harder.

Have a five year old and we are trying to take in sections of the trail that are paved for his training wheels. Have enjoyed the paved Hancock bike path tremendously. Are any other areas set up the same? Thanks for your help.

To my knowledge, on the C&O there is some paving very close in to DC, and the WM around Hancock. The GAP is pretty nice but only short stretches are paved.

The paved Western Maryland Rail Trail runs from Big Pool (Fort Frederick) MD to Pearre (23 miles long).
You mentioned Hancock, MD. That would be about the mid-point of the trail. At various points you can jump off and go on the C&O Canal for a while if you want to take in some river views. The only other paved areas would be down around DC that I know of. Have fun!

The Admin needs to update the Mileage Chart information. There is ample PARKING available on the Maryland side at the PAW PAW Tunnel. You can fit approx. 30 vehicles there. The Tunnel itself is within walking distance of the Parking area. There is also water and camping available.

Rode 5 days 7/5-7/9,32hrs29min/338.3miles. Trails in very good shape, except for Friday, rained last 30 miles to Harpers Ferry. Trail was also muddy Whites Ferry to Seneca on Sat. We rode 60 to 74 miles per day.Had a great time. Lots of improvements on C&O, should be excellent next year along with the connection to Pgh.

Leaving tomorrow 7-5-11 from sand castle for a 5 day ride to DC, with 5 friends. This will be our 2nd ride. Hope to leave from the Point next year uninterupted

We're looking forward to hearing how the first leg of your trip, from Sand Castle to McKeesport works out. We've not been there since all the new bridges have been emplaced in/around Pittsburgh. Thanks,Wayne

This is a great place to stay in Hancock at mile 125. The owner is very friendly as is the bunkhouse caretaker. I packed light (no tent) and it was a pleasure to not get soaked. 10 bucks gets you a shower, a Jose to wash the muck off your back and a hard bed.

That should read hose. Typing on phone. Also the sleepei g accommodations are screened in.

We stayed there two nights in June. Agree with everything you said, but was a little disappointed in the cleanliness of the bunkhouse. Don't think its been swept this year!

Just finished my ride along GAP and C&O (26-29 June). An absolute great ride. Averaged 75 miles each day on MTB w/ 20lb beam rack/bag. Would like to hear from those who have ridden it through with no to one overnight.

Earlier this month we had our bikes and trailers shipped to the West Newton Bike Shop so that we could ride from there to DC. The folks at the shop were great! We recommend them and the B&B Bright Morning. Great folks that all went an extra step to help us have a great ride to DC. Thanks to all!

My wife and I have never been to Ohiopyle, we would like to stay there for a few days and ride the GAP. One day ride North out and back and the next Day South out and back. Any recommendations for a place to stay?

We just got back from riding the GAP-C&O canal trails and had a great time. We camped at Ohiopyle State Park and it was wonderful (minus the too friendly racoons). Nice spots and shower house close-by. The trail is a short but steep quarter mile from the park. It is definitely a push you bike up, but if you're looking for good camping, OSP can't be beat. Enjoy the trail. We wish we were riding it again soon!

Yough Plaza Motel, 1-800-992-7238. By the way the trail runs east and west. and the trail is in the park, which is from Connellsville to almost Confluence

We were there recently, intended to camp but the weather was really bad so we rented a Yurt at the State park. It was great , like half- camping!-

Doe's any have a report on the condition of the towpath as of this week?

We biked from Hancock to Paw Paw and the trail was in great shape. Some wet spots here and there, but overall very good.