C&O / GAP Forum

Where does one actually get onto the towpath? Can't see where I might park or actually get onto the trail. Assistance much appreciated.

Have ridden the C&O from Cumberland to D.C. In Cumberland, under a highway bridge (downtown; near train center), long term parking is available. Check in with folks at railroad museum, in historic train center.

Are you allowed to put boats in the river anywhere near here?

I saw there is a steep boat ramp at Nolands Ferry. See pic at this web site. http://www.capitolareafishing.com/november-11-nolands-ferrymdva/

You'll find an interactive map to the Nolands Ferry ramp on this page: http://www.bikecando.com/nolands-ferry.aspx

It's beautiful out there

You might be seeing these notices after Saturday morning, but if you want to help I would still suggest calling - these efferts might be going on for many days:



Lockhouse 6 Needs Your Help! -
Volunteers needed Saturday


In preparation for the flood, which is expected to crest near Lockhouse 6 on Sunday, the C&O Canal Trust will sandbag the lockhouse beginning at noon this Saturday, March 13th. Materials and equipment will be provided, though additional wheelbarrows would be welcomed. Assistance may also be required to move furnishings associated with the Trust's Canal Quarters program.


Please keep in mind, parking at this location is very limited.


If you have specific questions, please contact Matthew Logan at 301-512-7027 or logan@canaltrust.org.



Volunteers Needed at Great Falls -
Sandbagging to take place at Tavern


The Historic Tavern at Great Falls is also enlisting the help of volunteers tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m. All persons interested in helping should call the Visitor Center first thing tomorrow morning at 301-767-3714.



Cushwa Warehouse Needs Help -
Items to be moved to second floor


The Cushwa building, which houses the Visitor Center at Williamsport, will likely be inundated before the weekend is over. Volunteers are gathering tomorrow morning to disassemble exhibits and move items to the second floor. Work will begin by 8:30. To assist, contact Curt Gaul by calling 301-491-6265.

Superintendent Kevin Brandt has signed a Flood Emergency Declaration for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.



There is still a considerable snow pack in the mountains of the Potomac Watershed. The National Weather Service estimates that 5" to 9" of liquid moisture could still be in this snow. They also forecast additional rain totals could exceed 8". The melting snow combined with the forecasted rain is expected to produce a major flood along the length of the park.



To prepare for the impending flood, the park has already begun to close various facilities and access points. For more information on closures, please visit the park website.
http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/closures.htm

From the Park service, via C&O Canal Assn:

Expected heavy rainfall during the weekend of March 12-14, 2010 may result in major flooding along sections of the C&O Canal. The Potomac River is expected to reach flood stage in all areas of the park between Saturday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Park visitors are asked to use extreme caution during periods of high water. Hikers and bikers planning to use campgrounds along the canal are advised to seek alternate accommodations. Area closures are anticipated. For updates call the C&O Canal Flood Information Line at 1-888-445-0023.

great food. reasonable prices. good service even to wet, muddy bikers.

food was awesome. pleasant environment.

BTW I'd like to get onto the trail around Bethesda or Cabin John. Thanks

This boat was closed for a while for repairs, but is back in operation as of early June.

Thru the fall of 2007, the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center is closed for renovation, but there is a temporary visitor center and restroom facilities by the refreshment stand. The lower parking lot is also closed.