C&O / GAP Forum

Two older women, one 70 and the other 62 are planning on doing the trail from McKeesport to Harpers Ferry in mid October. One of us is riding an E bike, the other a (much lighter) gravel bike. We have made reservations in BandB's and hotels. The longest day planned is 60 miles from Cumberland to Hancock. We are carrying our gear, etc. I am reading about detours, the stairs at Harpers Ferry, etc, the shuttle around Paw Paw. I keep going back to the nps.gov site for updates. We are experienced road bikers but I am concerned about the condition of the trails and the ability to hike the detours. Any tips, suggestions, updates on the trail would be appreciated.

We did it In the opposite direction. It was raining. Didn’t see or know about the shuttle so the limb was brutal. I needed help to push my bike up. There was also another small detour around further along.

FYI, during the Cumberland to Hancock leg of your adventure, if you should run out of steam say near Little Orleans, there's still the Town Hill B&B (301) 478-2794. When you get to Fifteen Mile Creek campground at Mile 141, follow the access road through what appears to be an old railroad overpass. On the other side will be Bill's Place. If there's no cell signal, ask Jack if he can call on land line the folks up at Town Hill to come and get you. FYI, it's a gruling 7-mile, up hill climb out of the Potomac River basin to the B&B.

Also, just be aware that there's literally no cellular service in the Paw Paw Narrows. We call it the cellular blackhole out here.

We did it In the opposite direction. It was raining. Didn’t see or know about the shuttle so the limb was brutal. I needed help to push my bike up. There was also another small detour around further along.

We did it In the opposite direction. It was raining. Didn’t see or know about the shuttle so the limb was brutal. I needed help to push my bike up. There was also another small detour around further along.

Just took the shuttle. Note that it only transports you on the downriver side of the bypass trail. You’ll still have to make your on way up/down the upriver side of the detour. They shuttle up to three people/bikes in each trip. Make sure everything is attached firmly to you bikes such as water bottles, bags, phones, etc as it is a bumpy ride.
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At Harpers Ferry, you will need help carrying your bikes - especially that ebike - up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge. When I arrived at the bridge last July there were plenty of people there. Just ask a friendly face for some assistance.

I was in Hancock today and was surprised to see how many local businesses are closed or are closing. Shives Pizza is gone along with the Park-n-Dine, Town Tavern, and Little Sandy's at the Truck Stop.

Also, the Fractured Banana is closed along with a long-standing staple of Hancock, Weaver's Restaurant.

There are still many places to get a meal, Sheetz, Triangle Lounge, Buddy-Lou's, Hardee's, Subway, Pizza Hut, Smokey Joes BBQ, Potomac Grill, AC&T, and the Blue Goose.

C&O bicycle has lost Johnathan, it's hotshot bicycle mechanic who enlisted in the Marines and I'm not sure if the bunkhouse is still in operation out the back of the shop.

AC&T still has the best fried chicken on the trail in my book.

Below is a link to an article that highlights various eateries in the various Maryland towns along the C&O Towpath. There are more on the other side of the Potomac River which are accessible but not described in this article. I’ve eaten in a number of these but look forward to checking out some of the others mentioned….especially the ice cream shops!

https://marylandroadtrips.com/hungry-on-the-trail-heres-where-to-eat-and-drink-along-the-co-canal/

I’ve eaten at The Crabby Pig, Buddy Lou’s, Beans in the Belfry, and the Whites Ferry Grill. So many more to try!

That Fractured Banana ice cream place will be on my radar for sure!

John

FYI, the Fractured Banana in Hancock is closed. I'm not aware of any plans in the making to reopen in another location at this time.

Jack Schoenadel, the current proprietor of Bill's in Little Orleans has officially listed the property for sale as of Wednesday. Jack's health is failing and it's becoming extremely difficult to hire any reliable help so I figure that 2022 may be the last season Bill's will be serving hiker/bikers on the C&O/GAP Trail. We lost Little Orleans Lodge back in 2021 with the passing of Steve Hubner so the possibility of Bill's closing its doors permanently will leave the campground next to Saint Patrick's Catholic Church as the only "civilization" left in the peaceful hamlet of Little Orleans. FYI, it's been almost ten years since the passing of Bill Schoenadel, the original owner of the old store on the banks of the C&O Canal.

Mr. Walker:

Are people allowed to camp at that church? Are there any facilities there?

There's no camping allowed at Saint Patrick's. There are no facilities there and most of the church property is a historic cemetery so I don't think it would be a good idea to try to camp there.

Don’t understand the rules at the campsite GM says they has rules but we see it only applies to certain people I would like to have a phone number of the owner of the campsite so I can contact the owner Ridge Rider Camping they will not supply that information to the guest at the park This information needs to be posted at the park so we can file a complaint with someone other than the general manager his answer is if you don’t like it leave please help us in this matter.

301-478-2325

are there any updates on the PawPaw tunnel shuttle? as in, is it actually running, or will we have to take the bypass trail with 25 pounds of gear?!

I spoke with riders today riding from DC as they approached Pittsburgh. They stated that the shuttle had not yet begun and they pushed their bikes along the detour trail up and over the tunnel. The NPS C&O website now says the shuttle service is anticipated to begin in late September. I’d monitor the NPS website for further updates.

Bummer that the trail is closed and there's no shuttle. That's going to make a long day A LOT longer.

Other riders have availed themselves of a shuttle service provided by Dan, the proprietor of Bike Path Bed and Bath in Paw Paw. Via prior request and with a nominal fee, he’ll shuttle you around the tunnel detour. You can contact him at (304) 671-5153 if you would like to pursue this option.

For those not in the know - how far is the bypass of a shuttle is t utilized?

The tunnel bypass trail is about 1-1/2 miles long with an ascent of 375 feet. You can find more info including a map and profile of the bypass trail at the National Park Service C&O Canal website.

Good Afternoon! Looking for any updates the trail conditions. Yes, I've regularly check the NPS site, but was curious if anyone has recently been out on trail after Ian made its way through the area. curious of any dead fall across the route, or any significant flooding is prone areas. Ill be on trail this weekend. any info if much appreciated! thanks in advance!

We rode Cumberland to Paw Paw yesterday, 10/3/22. It was muddy intermittently, but no trees down. We had a great time. Today we rode from Paw Paw to Hancock, still muddy with light rain this morning. We got on the WMRT at the western end and rode that into Hancock. 1 tree down that they removed while we were out there. So another great day! I realize you might be inquiring about other sections of the trail. Hope this is helpful

My wife and I are planning a cycling trip on the C&O and GAP in June 2023. We will be carrying all our gear on the bikes. We want to go into Harper’s Ferry but don’t want to have to carry bikes and gear up the stairs, we’re 68 and 65. Is there another way into town? Thanks for any info.

Unfortunately there is no other direct alternative to get to Harper’s Ferry from the Towpath. I suppose you could try to get an Uber, Lyft or other to take you, your bikes and gear across the river via one of the upriver or downriver bridges.

Perhaps, other forum readers know of another possibility unknown to me.

I rode the GAP/C&O last year and arrived at the Harper's Ferry pedestrian bridge on July 3rd. I took the heavier rear trunk bag/panniers off and carried the bike up and over. It was a chore. There were plenty of people coming and going, so next time I will ask some kind soul for assistance with the bike. I am 70.

Is it feasible to pull a single wheel bob trailer for gear or are paneers the better option. I’ve seen videos of people doing the C&O and Gap and have not seen any trailers.

Both the GAP and C&O are amenable to a single-wheel bob trailer. The only instances where panniers might be better is if/when you might have to push your bike over any detour terrain or lift it over any downed trees. A single-wheel bob is better than a two-wheel bob in those few instances of effectively single track on the C&O. All that said, there isn’t truly any significant difference in using one versus the other in my opinion.

Of course, Rivnuts is correct. Just wanted to add that you can't take a trailer on the train. Unless you can get it into a duffle bag that they don't mind moving.

Thanks for the info Rivnuts and Bill.

I did the C&O with my fat bike and a bob ibex trailer, worked out great. only issue is since I had the bob, I packed much more than I actually needed, so keep that in mind.

Has anyone stayed here recently?

No idea on the hostel. I was also looking into that for mid October. Am hoping to see others chime in on this as I need to book a place too.

Let me tell you about my Harper's Ferry Hostel experience. I called them about a week ago and reserved two campsites for this past Wednesday, September 28th. The location says "on the trail." We rode into the Harpers Ferry area of the C&O, but there was no Hostel or anything else at that mile marker. I called the Hostel and the person I spoke with said they were booked solid for that night. I explained that I paid for two tent sites and he repeated that they were booked solid with a large group. He said he would refund my money. Nothing in the way of an apology. In other words, they were not going to honor the agreement. So, we transported our heavy E-bikes, with equipment, up the winding stairs to the bridge going to Harpers Ferry. Then, we rode our bikes up some very steep hills to the KOA. The Harpers Ferry KOA is fantastic! It's just not very convenient. As we left town the next day, we saw a large youth group on top of one of the mountain overlooks. My understanding is that we were looking at the Hostel location. I don't like to give anyone a bad review, but that was our experience with the Harper's Ferry Hostel. It is not on the trail and advise riders not to stay there. If you're going to climb a mountain to stay at the Hostel, then do yourself a favor and go to the KOA.
UPDATE-Despite sending the Harper's Ferry Hostel 3 emails, I still do not have a refund posted to my credit card.

Am wondering if instead of taking the connector north through Glassport to get on the trail, we can go south via Elizabeth? Has anyone on this forum done that? Pros/cons?

It is an interesting question you raise. I assume you are simply looking to not “backtrack” to the north to get to the GAP and save a few miles. Although I ride the Montour Trail and Steel Valley Connector through Glassport regularly as well as the GAP Trail from Pittsburgh to DC and many of the other roads in this area, I’ve not attempted to directly ride “cross country” from the end of the Montour Trail in Clairton to the GAP.

I have ridden from the end of the Montour Trail in Clairton to the GAP in West Newton via Route 837 and Route 136 through Monongahela PA. These are 2-lane highways/roads that generally have 3-ft shoulders and a modest amount of traffic at 45 to 50 mph speeds. This route is about 23.5 miles long with a couple of decent hills, especially on Route 136 where it goes up and over Route 51.

There are other routes that I have plotted out of curiosity from the end of the Montour Trail in Clairton to Sutersville on the GAP via Elizabeth. They are about 12 miles in length and rather hilly given they pass from one river valley (the Monongahela) up and over to another (the Youghiogheny) along which the GAP Trail runs. Getting across the bridge in Elizabeth is a little dodgy but doable on the sidewalk once you get to it. I’ll finish creating these routes and post them publicly on RideWithGPS so you can see them. In a few days, I’ll ride one or more of these alternate routes and provide feedback if other riders have not already done so.

The primary constraint in finding routes from the Montour Trail to the GAP is that there are relatively few and widely separated bridges to cross the Monongahela River. Also the terrain, like much of that in and around the Pittsburgh area, can be rather hilly (not to mention the crappy, winding roads). (That’s another benefit to living in Western Pennsylvania ??) A good bike computer loaded with any selected routes in this area would be very helpful in trying to navigate them if you are not familiar with the area.

Check back in a day or two and I’ll provide information on how to access the routes with profiles that I’ve created and/or ridden. Hopefully other riders in the area can provide other answers to your question as well.

I've created a handful of different routes to take you from the Clairton trailhead at the end of the Montour Trail to the GAP Trail. You can see all these routes at the RideWithGPS website using the FIND tab therein and inputting the search keywords "Clairton to the GAP Trail" which is used in those saved route titles.

I have ridden the conventional route using the Steel Valley Connector Trail to McKeesport many times as well as Alternatives 2 and 3 which take you to the GAP in West Newton, PA.

Alternates 1 and 4 take you from Clairton to the GAP at Sutersville and Alternates 5 and 6 take you from Clairton to the GAP at Buena Vista. I have only ridden portions of these four routes. By viewing these routes you can see the profiles and by changing to the satellite view for each route, you can get a sense of the roads comprising them. As I mentioned, I'll try to get out and ride one or more of these to get first hand information and provide that feedback.

I rode the route of Alternate 6 in RideWithgGPS from the Montour trailhead in Clairton to Buena Vista today. It is a 9.5 mile route with 578 feet of ascent. This compares to the conventional route from that trailhead to the same location on the GAP in Buena Vista via the Steel Valley Connector of 16.5 miles with 539 feet of ascent.

The conventional route is about one-half on roads and the remaining half on bike-only gravel trail. The alternate route is all on roads, albeit with reasonable shoulders over most of their length and carry a fair amount of traffic at 30 to 50 mph. All the roads are 2-lane.

Lincoln Blvd traffic carries the higher speed traffic but is pretty straight with good sightlines for both cyclists and cars. The traffic on Lovedale Road is slower because it is much more curvy with shorter sightlines. Also its shoulder has several spots of broken asphalt to be avoided. Rock Run Road carries much less traffic and is pristine asphalt with a 3-ft shoulder passing by a very nice golf course and is nearly all downhill. In short, if you have ridden on all sorts of roads and are comfortable doing so, this alternate route will save you about 7 miles.

Please note that I don't recommend any route toward Elizabeth such as Alternate 1 to cross the Monongahela River using the Elizabeth Bridge in State Road 51. Getting up to that bridge from State Road 837 is subtly difficult and/or dangerous and riding any distance on State Road 51 is ill advised.

Lastly, note that you could take a public transportation bus from the airport to downtown Pittsburgh to start your trip at the beginning of the GAP trail and avoid virtually all roads. All these buses have bike racks on the front of the bus that will hold two bikes. You would need to remove your bags from your bikes before putting them on the bus.

I now see on the nasty site that the trail between mile post 88 and 89 is closed, I guess that's near McMahon mill. There is a detour described as 3 miles up a hill and I guess down the other side. Anyone know what this detour is like? Bikeable? Steep like the PawPaw detour?

Its good to see those about to undertake the trip are doing the research to know the conditions and constraints along the trail. That knowledge minimizes surprises, allows better planning and results in a more enjoyable trip.

The detour at McMahon's Mill is virtually all on paved country roads with short sections between the towpath exits and roads that are passable dirt, grass or gravel. There are some rolling but rideable hills on the detour roads that I have ridden with a fully loaded bike. If you want to get a profile of the detour you can input the map of the detour provided on the NPS site into a route planning program like Ride With GPS and you'll get a quantitative view.

The most difficult parts of the detour are where you leave and return to the towpath itself. There are a few feet of embankment at each end that you'll likely have to push your bike up/down to proceed on.

Having done the preplanning before departure, you can, of course, get real-time feedback on the trail by speaking with oncoming riders.

Have a great trip.

Are bikes available to rent?

It’s not clear from information on the web and without contacting them, its not apparent that they do. However, there are bikes to rent at the C&O bike shop in Hancock, MD which is only 6 miles away from Berkley Springs.

I wish the T-shirts had the design on the back instead of the front

Is there any electrical outlets that could be used to charge

No. There are some at Stewart’s Landing in Connellsville if you look for them however.

Riding the GAP and C&O starting the 16th. Have 700x38c tires with recommended 50-80 PSI. What is the best tire pressure? Different for the C&O than the GAP? I will just be carrying tools and extra clothing for the day's weather and I weigh 125 lbs, if that makes a difference. Thanks.

Nice to see a fellow Hoosier embarking on the trip down the GAP/C&O. Riding surface and condition, tire type, bike type, rider weight and gear weight all affect the best tire pressure to use. There are numerous web sites that allow you to input these variables and output a recommended tire pressure. With some additional assumptions including not being an ebike, I ran the online tire pressure calculator by Silka and, interestingly, the outputs for the front and rear tire pressures were below the minimum rated pressure (50 psi) for your tires which is probably ill advised if for no other reason than to insure they seat properly.

If it were me and I weighed 125 pounds (which I might have in the 6th grade) I'd probably put 60 in the rear and 55 in the front. The trail surfaces are relatively smooth with no serious chunks that can cause pinch flats using low pressures. The surfaces of the GAP and C&O are not so different that using different tire pressures on one trail versus the other is warranted.

Well, those are my thoughts. I'm sure others will offer their thoughts and recommendations as well. If you need any assistance in or guidance riding out of Pittsburgh, I'd be happy to assist.

Those questions would not even have occurred to me. But I am sort of a "make sure the pressure is in the recommended range and go ride" kind of person.
What is the impacted of 10 or 20 PSI one way or another (as long as it is within the recommended range of the tire) ?
Are you planning to ride very fast ? I imagine it could matter then.
Terry

Ignoring speed as an objective and, in the context of a week-long trip down the GAP and C&O, there are at least two reasons you may want to adjust tire pressure within the manufacturer's recommended range.

The first would be to increase your comfort on the bike and the second would be to increase traction. Both of these generally increase with lower tire pressures so long as not to be so low as to increase the risk of pinch flats. A lower pressure increases the cushioning effect of the tires which makes the ride more comfortable and it improves traction due to a larger tire "contact patch" which is helpful in soft or unstable (e.g. muddy) surfaces. With a fair amount of riding you'll find a pressure(s) that is safe, comfortable and reliable.

All that said, I don't agonize or adjust my tire pressures to the nearest psi to try to achieve the perfect pressure. I spend more time planning and finding a nice cafe or ice cream shop along the way.

On Saturday 8/20/22 my wife was in a cycling accident near Point of Rocks. Another cyclist was on his cell phone and on the wrong side of the bike path. We nearly had a head on collision and my wife fell off her bike resulting in a broken right wrist and broken left arm. She needs multiple surgeries to repair the injuries. Please do not use your phone when riding on the trail. Your self absorbed action has caused immeasurable damage and pain.

Bob:

We all hope that all repairs and recovery from your wife's injuries are successful. It is just unconscionable that riders can't simply stop to take or make phone calls. Of course, car drivers are just as bad, if not worse. It is hard to understand why they want to put themselves as well as others at risk. this a classic case of poor judgement at best if not just plain negligence.

Complete negligence. Head and eyes looking down at phone, wrong side of path, and zero situational awareness. My only regret is I didn’t get his name to report him to the police. Was too busy attending to my wife’s injuries. Appreciate your kind words.

Hey, Bob, our prayers for the full recovery of your wife. It is just a lesson for all of us to be aware of what others are doing or not doing and to be prepared to respond. I hate the damn cell phones and personally refuse to answer anything until I am ready to stop and pay attention to that instead of the riding. I hope that our support can somehow help your wife heal.

I have 3 scouts who are looking to add the bike trip from Pittsburgh to Georgetown in their resumes. 2 of them (17 and 16) are Eagle Scouts and have done a 50-mile ride with me in Washington Old Dominion Trail from Purcellville, VA to Arlington, VA. Third one (12) has done several 25 mile ride but nothing beyond that.

Before the oldest one goes off to college, we would like to do a bike trip as a family, and I have always wanted to ride from Pittsburgh to Georgetown. I have watched some Youtube videos of people who have done it (or at least either GAP portion or C&O portion). Some of them were older than me while the most were younger (I am 47).

Question:

Do you think it would be a huge uphill battle for me and my youngest to ride the entire course? Both of us are not very good at biking while standing which may create some challenges if we have to go uphill.

Our timeframe to complete the trip is 8 days (4/2 - 4/9). We are planning to hit the gym between now and April to work on our stamina.

Also, in early April, would it be an issue to find a camp site with running water, especially on C&O portion? I heard that the water pumps in camp sites are not even on until mid-April.

Scout Dad:

You've raised a few questions about your proposed spring break bike trip from Pittsburgh to DC. I'll offer the following observations as I'm sure others will as well.

As for biking while standing, I don't believe that is an issue at all especially in the direction you are planning to ride assuming that both of the current detours off the towpath are finished by then. There are only a few hills that might require you to stand and some are just man-made overpasses. All are short enough to walk without losing much time.

As for training and stamina, I don't believe it is as much about how many miles you and boys can ride in a day but, rather, how many days in a row you can ride those miles. I would suggest more days of fewer miles if stamina concerns you.

Your point about the pumps at the hiker/biker camp sites along the C&O Towpath at that time of year is valid. However, with four people riding, you should be able to carry enough water among you to make it between towns where you can get water especially since you're not planning to ride in the heat of the summer.

Lastly, and you didn't ask the question, but the weather in April and especially in early April along the GAP can vary widely. It ranges from reasonably warm and pleasant to cold and miserable. Precipitation is variable as well and could easily if not expectedly include snow flurries. (There was more that 4 inches of snow near Meyersdale in mid-April this year requiring some riders to layover or seek shuttles due to the weather.) Frankly, I avoid doing that ride during April, preferring to wait until mid-May when the weather is better and more predictable.

Hey guys, I'm recovering from hernia surgery and am going to have to cut my trip shorter than I planned. I originally was taking Amtrak from Cumberland to Washington. Now I'm thinking Cumberland to Rockville. I don't want to take to much off my trip, but figure taking 20 or so miles will make a difference. I don't want to cut it back to Harpers Ferry as I want to do as many miles as possible.

Question. How is the route from Rockville Amtrak station to the trail. I'm guessing Lock 21? Thanks everyone. The site is AMAZING..

Not being local to that area or having ridden from the C&O Towpath to Rockville, I can't offer or recommend the best route to do so. I'm sure others forum readers in that area can provide better direct answer to your question.

From Lock 21 (Swains Lock) Google Maps presents three routes to the Rockville Amtrak station. Each of those routes is about 9 miles. I mention this because its only about 17 miles from Swains Lock to Georgetown and Mile Post 0 of the Towpath. Thus, its only about 8 more miles of flat riding to ride from Swains Lock on into DC albeit with another 3.5 miles to Union Station in DC if that is your ultimate destination. This may or may not influence your itinerary.

On an unrelated note, there are websites similar to bikecando.com for both the Erie Canal Trail in New York and the Katy Trail in Missouri should those ever be of interest to you.

Thanks, to be honest, I didn't realize it was that close. Depending on recovery, I may have to shorten it up to Harpers Ferry. You pointing that out is a big help! Also, thanks for the info on the others as I would lie to do those as well. This is a great forum!