C&O / GAP Forum

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.

I recently went to the motel to visit a friend and i was greeted by a very rude woman who told me that there was no guests alowed on the property and that wed have to rent a room to visit our firends in their room. terrible customer service i wouldnt recemend staying here.

you must have been a drug dealer or just no good cause i am staying there and she has been nothing but amazing

I also knew guess of this Motel and the room are not the cleans as they should be and the manage plays favor to the tentants and if she does not like you or have a prolbem with you she makes it known to everyone. And to set the record straight I am not a drug dealer I have a real job.

Maybe she thought you were for "hire" :)

The manger the lady you are talking about is very nice and respectful to everyone. You had to be doing something your weren't suppost to be doing or disrespectful to her or someone there. Because that lady your talking about is not like that.

That lady you are talking about. She's the manager of that Motel. She always watched over everything she took care of everything. I know she ran all the rif raf out of the Motel. She cleaned that Motel up. I felt alot safer bringing my family to this Motel. Thanks to the manger Lisa for getting it cleaned up. So know who has a to say anything about that lady.

I'm really sorry to hear that the young lady that has been running the Motel is not there anymore. I went up there last week and she was moving her stuff out. I couldn't believe it. She really turned that Motel around 100% better than it has been for along time. I don't know were I will stay now. I asked her where she was going at that time she didn't know. I gave her my # told her if she gos to another Motel call me. This Motel will be just like it was before she took over. It's really sad. We will miss her and the Motel too. We will not be back unless she comes back.

I love this Motel! It's really sad that the manger Lisa is not there anymore. The place has already started going down hill. Lisa was always so nice to everyone. She kept the place looking better that it ever did before. The rooms were clean, overall the Motel was alot better mange when Lisa was here. I'm sorry disappointed that's she's gone.

I have run on the trail in the areas near the Mouth of the Monocacy aqueduct. It's nice running there but the scenery isn't very interesting. Could anyone recommend other parts of the trail that are a bit more scenic?

I think we are related haha

Stayed here several years ago, and had a great stay after riding south from Cumberland. The owners couldn't have been nicer, and the breakfast the next A.M. was wonderful before heading south again. They shuttle you to and from the trail.

My wife and I stayed at Town Hill during a 3 day ride along the Passage/C&O. Great place, wonderful host's. It would be wise to arrange supper (which was very good) as there is no where to eat except Bill's. For a nominal fee $5 bucks each they shuttled us both ways. It's a long 6 miles! The Alabama tomato pie was worth the lodging fee!

What a switch from my last review. I've stayed at the Town Hill Manor 2-3 times and was always treated very well. However, this past Oct. My group of 6 riders were greatly mistreated. The Passage was high and dry except for a major rock slide just east of Meyersdale, but the C&O was wet and pretty muddy after several days/weeks of lousy weather. The 3rd day we rode from Cumberland to Little Orleans and called for a shuttle from Bill's Place (I'd made the reservation about 3 month's in advance.)When we arrived after stopping at a market for sandwiches we were met in the front yard and told we could eat in the pavilion, it was cold and windy, 50's and we were wet, muddy, cold, and tired. We were told that a 40th high school reunion was going on so we couldn't use the dining area. There were about 40 people there and the room holds over 100. While we were eating the owner kept coming out and reminding us that we would need to brush ourselves and our gear before entering, we were told this about 7 times. I'd already stressed the need to my group and everyone understood. After cleanup we were taken up a few at a time to "keep from bothering" the other guests. Once upstairs we were told to use one shower, there are 3 available. I talked again to the owner about at least using a second shower which he finally allowed. While I was showering last he came up stairs and chastised my group about making too much noise we weren't allowed to come downstairs. The next morning we did enjoy the wonderful breakfast that I'd spoken so highly of even though we were placed away from the other patrons. When I mentioned how I wasn't very happy with the way we were treated the owner stated that several bike groups had misused the place and left dirt and mud behind. I understand that Townhill Manor is a nice place a great place in fact but if your going to take peoples money and it wasn't cheap then you need to except that we don't all arrive by vehicle wearing a coat and tie. I've always tr

I'll be hiking the GAP, this spring, from Mc Keesport to Cumberland to compliment the hike I did last spring of the C+O. Has anyone here ever done a thru hike of the GAP? If so I'd love to hear any advice you have to offer.

note scribe in lock stone> made by w h davis from 1923-1932 he was a locktender of lock 13 and 12

First, let me say THANK You for all the information you have posted on your site.

Our BikePacking trip is a short one, for rookies, 5 days … if you could post on your EVENTS page, we’d be greatful. We would love more people. Lets make it a party!

Here is the information:

Bike with Team Hangover:

Itinerary GAP Trail- Bikepacking 2012 – June 7th-June 12th 2012

Day ONE: Thursday, June 7th
Approx. ride time (not including stops): 4 Hours
Miles today: 32.5
LEAVING: Cumberland, MD (yes we have to drive here…)
ARRIVING: Meyersdale, PA

Day TWO: Friday, June 8th
Approx. ride time (not including stops): 3 Hours, 35 mins
Miles today: 30
LEAVING: Meyersdale, PA
ARRIVING: Confluence, PA

Day THREE: Saturday, June 9th
Approx. ride time (not including stops): 2 Hours
Miles today: 16
LEAVING: Confluence, PA
ARRIVING: Rockwood, PA

Day FOUR: Sunday, June 10th
Approx. ride time (not including stops): 3 Hours, 30 Mins
Miles today: 28
LEAVING: Rockwood, PA
ARRIVING: Frostburg, MD

Day FIVE: Monday, June 11th
Approx. ride time (not including stops): 2 Hours
Miles today: 16.5
LEAVING: Frostburg, MD
ARRIVING: Cumberland, MD
(THIS IS OUR PARTY-HARD NIGHT!)

Day SIX: Tuesday, June 12th
LEAVING: Cumberland, MD – Drive Home

Thank you very much for posting all this information. As a web developer, I can appreciate all the work you put into it, even if it's built in DOT NET ;) ... Thanks again. We're basing our trip on your information.