C&O / GAP Forum

I am writing to find out the best way to get from the Amtrak station in Pittsburg to McKeesport to start the trail. We are plannin on biking from McKeesport to Washington DC in June. I have been looking it up yet wanted to see if I could get advice from someone who has actually done it. I have read that biking from Pittsburg to McKeesport is not possible until 11-11-11. Any help in this would be greatly appreciated.

The Port Athority Transet Bus can transport you & bike, other shuttles on AGP website, Do your home work & make arangements...DON'T RIDE IT!! Please e/mail me for sugestions. Bad areas, no shoulder, high traffic voulme

Thank you for your help. I will look into the shuttles on the website. With four of us biking (two teenagers) a shuttle van may be eaiser than the bus. I will start doing my homework.

I, too, am arriving by train in downtown PIttsburgh. I'm going to get a taxi and head out to a hotel on the outskirts of town. I'm shipping my bike ahead via UPS.

Thanks for the info. We are doing DC to Pittsburgh September 2011 and will get a shuttle from McKeesport to Pittsburgh.

Don't rely on the 11/11/11 date for completion. There have been predictions/hopes that did not materialize. I am expecting it all to be done EXCEPT the several miles at the waterpark. There is a scrap yard beside the active railroad, followed by a waterpark that also covers the land from the river to the active railroad, that is yet to be resolved.

start ur trip in Boston PA! Best spot to kick ur trip off...trust me!

BTW, Pittsburgh......ends with an h

Why start from Boston? Was thinking we'd co from top of Montour trail to DC.

We are biking from DC to McKeesport and have confirmed two 24 hr. cab companies who will transport our two bikes at appx 2:30am to be able to catch the appx 4:30am Pittsburg AMTRAK to DC. This way we sleep on the AMTRAK and arrive in DC in the daytime. Has anyone had a bad experience with the cab company not showing up? Costs about $35 total. We are to confirm 24hrs prior.

Awesome! Spectacular falls - a must stop along the way.

If coming from Pittsburgh, you can get food delivered here from Connellsville and avoid an 8 mile round trip back. Not much of a site for trail goers - primarily an RV park - but convenient. Ice cream shop, nice bath house, laundry. Trains are noisy, though.

Good food, prices, and service, with a big side order of country hospitality. Not far off the trail for a taste of local flavor. Say `Hi!' to Katinka for us.

Strangely, this was not open on a Tuesday afternoon recently. Phone number is no longer in service, either.

I recently finished an end to end hike of the Canal. I was told by a local who lived in the area that Poole's General Store is closed for good. If you're planning to stop there you might want to try calling first.

We'll be staying in Arlington near the Custis Trail. Is it possible to bike the Custis to the Key Bridge, cross the bridge and pick up the C&O Trail on the other side?

Yes, I do it all the time. Pick up Key Bridge from VA side. Use dedicated walk/bike pavement on right side of bridge heading into G'town. As soon as you cross over, turn right into Francis Scott Key park...you can walk bike down some stairs and a small bridge that crosses canal onto tow path. Or, you can ride a short distance down Wisconsin Ave. after crossing bridge, turn right onto one of the numbered cross streets, then mike a right turn at the end and follow the road that runs underneath the Whitehurst Freeway. That will eventually take you to the head of the Capital Crescent bike trail (paved) which runs parallel to the canal. You can switch over to the tow path at Fletcher's Boat House.

thanks, that's very helpful

Hagerstown, Md. - The C&O Canal Trust, in partnership with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, has scheduled a public preview of the fourth lockhouse to be made available for overnight stays as part of Canal Quarters.

Lockhouse 28-Saturday, May 21, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Continued: http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/1304668651e56p8ejswvf

I never knew about this motel until just about a month ago, I satyed here, It is so peaceful and the view is great, i found the rooms to be very clean, the housekeeper i met and she was very nice, also the manager Lisa is very nice and made me feel very welcome. I would recommend this place to anyone.

Anything new with amtrac roll on service? They need to get that started.

There is no roll on service at the Pittsbrg Amtrak. However, they sell bike boxes (ver large) which cost $15. Boxing the bike is easy. The lady I talked to at the Pitts Amtrak knew nothing about the roll on service.

We are planning to ride the canal trail in sections and have a small camper van we plan to use. Anyone know of any campgrounds/rv parks near any of the lengths of the trail

The National Park Service has a drive-in Camp Ground at Little Orleans. On the map it is referred to as: Fifteen Mile Creek Camp Ground. You also have the Green Ridge State Forest in this area. There is also a commercial campground in this area called the Little Orleans Campground.
Be careful when you plan your trip if you stay near Little Orleans. There is a big "biker" event that takes place during the summer (unless you like the Harley crowd).
You may also want to check out the Harpers Ferry and Antietam National Battlefield for potential Camping locations.

The drive in sites are Antietam Creek, McCoys Ferry, /fifteen Mile Creek, Paw Paw, and Spring Gap according to my outdated trail book

Is the detour still in force. Is the towpath passable, if it is in force. A group of friends are riding the Passage and C$O this July. If interested email me. lennyandshellym@verizon,net

The detour is still in force as of the middle of April.

I'll be starting a hike of the C+O Canal path and the GAP later this month and I'm wondering if there are any campsites I should plan to avoid due to vandalism or the locals using it as a party spot. Anybody know anything like that?

I don't know anything about vandalism or party spots, but the area around Brunswick is very noisy. We stayed at the Brunswick Family CG without realizing there is heavy train traffic and most annoying of all the trains add cars here, so it it extremely noisy even throughout the entire night. I would try to avoid having to camp in this area. Have an awesome trip!

Thanks Dianne, I'll make note of that. Anybody else?

I don't have personal experience, but I've been told the NPS campground at Little Orleans can get a little rowdy on the weekends.

Thanks for the tip. I'll make another note to myself.

I had a problem with some real rowdies at Spring Gap a few years ago. In general, my experience is the farther away from a road your campsite is, the better things are (that doesn't apply to train noise however!).

Thanks Wayne.

I've biked/hiked the area for years with little or no problem. Campsites that are close to major towns I tend to avoid (I'm talking about a mile or less from a road crossing)as young people sometimes use them as party spots. At times I've run into groups that have the "I own this campsite" mentality, If it's late and I've had a long day I just setup camp off to the side. Several sites east of Cumberland are noisy all night with train activity once you get past Old Town it's not too bad. The bike shop at Hancock has bunks and outdoor hot showers and don't forget Weaver's Restaurant. Have a good trip.

Just wanted to add a comment to the Little Orleans post. This area can get a little noisy at night. There is a Biker's Bar called Bill's Place just up the road. The drinking and 'merry making" tends to drift into the NPS campsite. In fact they tend to use the campground for overlow parking. The "merry-making" went on until 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning, then you heard the roar of the Harleys. Nothing happened but I felt very unsafe. Didn't sleep well at all. In general, don't camp near road junctures.

Avoid the first site out of Cumberland. The trains hitching and slamming sound like bombs going off, and it goes all night long.

"Avoid the first site out of Cumberland. The trains hitching and slamming sound like bombs going off, and it goes all night long."

I did wind up making camp there and I didn't get hardly any sleep due to the noise.

what is the big concrete structure going up beside the canal just south of the 495 beltway bridge?

I'm biking the towpath the week of July 12 and need a place to stay. I called Grandmas and for some reason they gave me the number to Heritage House. I thought they were 2 different places. Is there anywhere else to stay in Paw Paw or someone in the outlying area that shuttles cyclists?

As far a I know, Grandma's Country Inn and the Heritage Trail B&B are both owned by the same person (Grandma). Either place would be nice. Grandma's Country Inn has a small public restaurant on the first floor and that is where you eat breakfast. It stays open until 8:00PM each day. At least it used to. There is also a convenience store/gas station next to these two places. There is no other place to stay in the PawPaw area.

We stayed at Grandma's in early June 2009 and the ownership had just changed hands to a young couple. We still enjoyed our stay.

I have called both Heritage House and Grandmas in Paw Paw and the phones are disconnected. Does anybody know if this is just for the winter or have they both closed?

oh dear. I had planned to stay in Paw Paw in June as well... Sad if true that they closed.
ginnis

Email me if you're interested in joining. Thanks, Rich richzellers@aim.com

I noticed that the YMCA's camping is not listed. Have they stopped doing that? We stayed there last year. It was $10.00 per person and included access to their pool, gym, showers, and vending machines in the lobby. Just asking.

Will ride from Cumberland to DC in 2011. Wonder what month is the earliest I can ride (without misery) and which month is the preferred time frame?

Initial posting should have stated: Will ride from McKeesport to DC in 2011. What is the earliest month and the best recommended month to do so.

Hey Smitty. Check out the Tour de Canal in September. I'm planning on adding the GAP to it and do the entire length the week of Sept 6ish thry 11th. Interested?

As things materialize looks like June is falling into place for me. What are your thoughts on bikes to use? Can I use a road bike? Would I regret it? As things go I am in the area for a different road event and can make this trail ride happen if I use my road bike.

Smitty, I have ridden the C&O portion and you must use a hybrid or mtn bike. NO road bikes allowed. I believe it would be the same for the GAP portion.

Since you will experience all conditions of the trail, late spring, early summer on thru summer is my recommendation. Parts of the tow path are in good shape and portions are pretty bad to bad. Would recommend familarizing the rails to trails that parrallels sections. Often we switch back and forth cause the tow path is bad. Bad meaning high grass, soft/muddy or all three. Then portions are solid with good gravel and well maintained. It's a great ride.

Definitely don't ride in April. Lots of Spring storms roll through the area. Wait until mid to late May, June would be better. Use a Mountain Bike, the surface is very rough in many places. Bring a spare inner tube. I've seen lots of poor souls with flats. Some of the rocks on the trail have sharp surfaces. Road Bike - don't even consider it. Happy trails!

I did it last year on a hardtail mt bike and it was ok. Get smoother tread tires, don't ride with the knobbies. If possible get a fork without shocks.

I am planning a trip starting on July 30, 2011 to August 6, 2011. If you're interested in joining please feel free to contact me. jamey.godin@gmail.com

Planning a day trip. Where is parking available near the C&O Canal near the Little Orleans area? I'm looking at the Google Satellite image and I don't see much. It could be obscured by trees. There's supposed to be a Camp Site right off the trail. Is the Parking relatively secure. Can you park near Bill's Place? Thanks.

You can park in the park down by the ricer.

There is virtually nothing in Little Orleans except Bill's. It is a restaurant/bar/grocery. You can park there. It is 1/10 mile or less to the towpath. (There also is a comercial campground a mile away and the Little Orleans Lodge also about a mile away. It has overnight housing.)

There is only room to park about 5 or 6 cars near the gated entrance. You could park further down along the river, but in the Spring this could be very muddy, also I would have some concerns about security as this area is obscured from view from the main trail. Also, be careful if storms are forecasted because any river rise will cause problems for you. Bill's Place does not have a parking area per se.

Not disputing what many folks have said about Bill's Place, but I've spoken with some other people and their opinion was not favorable. He has a sign that says: "Cyclist Welcome", but that does refer to bicyclist. That's for Motorcyclist. Others have said he was very rude to them. One couple asked him about water and he referred then to a hose outside. I might stop in, just to see how I'm treated on my next ride and I'll report back.

Stopped at Bill"s Place on thru trip from DC to Pitts. Had the Best roast beef sandwich ever, and met up with a family from England. Bill was more than hospitable posing for pics and all. I understand Bills health isn't what it used to be. Maybe the forementioned person caught him on a bad day. His family is also very personal. looking forward to getting back this summer !!!!

bike trip weekend that hurricane katrina came through, wife and i were half way home @ little orleans (cumberland to williamsport).as rain started i ran into Bill's place and bought a couple disposable ponchos and Bill ran downstairs and GAVE me a couple hats to help keep poncho on. great guy, looking forward to next trip. make it point to stop @ Bill's

I was a little skepitcal of Bill's Place, but I needed food/drink so I stopped in. I wasnt sure how the crowd at the bar would react to me in spandex but nobody even gave me a second look. They had a good selection of gatoraid and even some power bars. I'll stop at Bill's for sure next.

Paulie

Unfortunately I can't delete my original post. The information I posted at that time was based on what others told me. My actual experience was much different. I was treated pretty well. They have a good selection of Gatorade and his water was only $1.00 per bottle. You can get other snacks there to. I think they prefer to be paid cash though.
I understand Bill has terminal cancer, so maybe on some days he is not feeling his best. I'll stop in again the next time I'm in the area. :)

I have heard of horseback riding on the towpath but cannot find any information on it, ie:which parts it is allowed on accessibility. For that matter I cannot find any information anywhere on the internet about bridle paths on any public lands, though I know it's done. Does anyone know where to get that information?

You may find this link helpful: http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/horsebackriding.htm

Horseback riding is not allowed between Georgetown (mile 0) and Swains Lock (mile 16.6) or from Offutt Street (mile 181.8) to the canal terminus (mile 184.5). Horses are not allowed in the Paw Paw Tunnel. Riders must take the tunnel hill trail that goes over the tunnel instead. Riders may not exceed the speed of a slow trot. Riders must dismount and walk their horses across aqueducts. Horses may not cross wooden footbridges, which are not designed to carry their weight.
Your biggest challenge will be to find a place to park your horse trailer. Many parking areas can barely fit a couple cars. For your first trip I would suggest parking at Hancock, MD and then ride the C&O towards Cumberland, Md. This is a nice remote section of the trail (away from the crowds). Hancock has a couple of good sized parking areas. The one that is paved is across from the American Legion. Hancock Md is also right off the highway. Another possibility for parking your horse trailer is near Big Pool, MD and Fort Frederick. Plenty of ample parking at those locations. Also, I should mention that though your question is about the C&O, you cannot ride horses on the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail which runs parallel to the C&O.
I did try to post a web-link about horse use on the trail, but the moderator flagged it. Hope this was helpful.