C&O / GAP Forum

Ok peeps, I'm trying to chart the path from DC to Cumberland into Strava so that I can import it to my Hammerhead GPS Navigation system, but Strava wants to keep rerouting me onto the highway. Any tips before I pitch it out the window? I'm new to this. Please help!

From the little I know, Strava isn't the best for that. People tend to use RideWithGPS.

I keep waiting for Google to do all this stuff, but they haven't jumped on it...

When creating your route on strava, I find it much easier to do it on the computer (in a browser) rather than on your smartphone. Additionally, when creating your route, you can select "Use Manual Mode" which will allow you to click point on the map, regardless of whether or not they're on the road. The tool will then draw a straight line between points. I typically turn this tool on when going on paths that don't show up on Strava, and then turn it off when on paths that Strava doesn't struggle to select.

Besides, who really needs Strava on a trail like the C&O towpath? It is pretty hard to make a wrong turn, and there are mile markers every mile. I may be old fashioned (at age 73), but this is the perfect place for one of those things on paper.... What did they call them ? Oh, ya... a map. That will tell you all that you need to know.
It is important to remember that this little electronic device is nothing more than a stupid computer. It can only do what people tell it to do. A map gives you the info you need to make decisions on your own - without a false sense of confidence... For what that's worth.

As Mr. Fitz alludes to, an accurate Strava or Ride With GPS route file for the C&O Towpath from DC to Cumberland is not really needed. With the exception of a couple of detours along the way or any side trips into the adjacent towns that you may choose to do, a navigation display is of little value. The Towpath is a little like Dorothy's following the yellow brick road. It's hard not to follow it but there are no munchkins to assist.

A map of the detour between mileposts 88 and 89 might provide some assurance that you are following the detour signs correctly but is not necessary nor is a map of the Paw Paw Tunnel detour. You would do well simply to review these detours and the maps thereof that can be found via the National Park Service C&O Canal website to acquaint yourself of the general nature of them.

Also if you start your trip in DC on the Capital Crescent (paved) Trail that parallels the Towpath rather than the actual Towpath itself, you'll want to note where to crossover to the Towpath at Fletcher's Boathouse and Rentals to get on the Towpath and continue your trip.

This is my 3rd time riding both trails. The first year I went to a lot of trouble to import the entire route from Strava to my Element Bolt. I want to say after day 2 or 3 I stopped bothering to use it because it's usually obvious where you need to go. Plus, you don't really look at your GPS much anyway because the scenery is so beautiful.

There are a few places where you could make a wrong turn especially if you're tired and sometimes it's nice to get some reassurance.

What I would suggest is to download the correct route and local maps to your phone GPS and bring a small bluetooth speaker. This way you can play music and get audio directions when you need them :)

Also, having complete maps of the trail and surrounding areas is useful if the C&O is an absolute mess. This happened to me last year when it stormed every day and there were downed trees everywhere. Sometimes there are easy ways around the trail on side roads.

I keep Strava on at all times so I can track where I went but that's about it.

Can you leave your car for a few days at the Myersdale Station to complete the GAP trail? If so, who do I email to let them know I will be leaving it there? Thanks

If you call them or stop in, just inform them how long your car will be there, plate/car model, and contact info. They are used to letting people parking there for a week (or so) at a time.

527 Main Street
814-634-8654

In response to questions about availability of water along the GAP Trail, I prepared the following list of free water locations. This list does not include locations where you can purchase water or not within eyesight of the trail.

GAP Free Water Locations From Pgh to Cumberland

LOCATION TYPE MP REMARKS
Point State Park Fountain 148 Near Restrooms
Kennywood Park Spigot 137 Trailside
McKeesport Fountain 132 At Marina
Boston Fountain 128 Ballfield RF Fence
Dravo Cemetary Hand Pump 122 Trailside
Buena Vista Fountain 120 Trailside
West Newton Fountain 114 At Train Station
Cedar Creek Park Spigot 110 Trailside @ Camp Sites
Whitsett Spigot 104 Trailside at Pavilion
Roundbottom Camp Hand Pump 100 Trailside Non-Potabl
Connellsville Fountain 89 Trailside @ Campsite
Ohiopyle Fountain 72 Trailside @ Station
Confluence Restroom 61 At Outfall Campground
Rockwood Fountain 44 Trailside at Infobooth
Meyersdale Fountain 32 Trail @ Train Station
Frostburg Fountain 16 Trailside at Pavilion

I invite other riders to add to or correct this list.

I just completed my DC to Pittsburgh ride this morning. Lots of observations which I'll summarize in another post but this post relates to the camping facilities at the Trailside Inn in Frostburg MD. The Inn itself is at the top of the switchback path from the trail up to the train station. The tent campsite however is behind the Inn up a steep switchback wooden ramp with still more terraces to climb after you leave the wooden ramp. If you are riding self-supported with a fully loaded bike, it is nearly impossible to push your bike up to that area. Further, there are no toilet facilities up there nor water and the area is rather unkept.

In short, I would not recommend camping there. The other facilities, including the private rooms, hostel area and showers are down at the lower level elevation of the Inn and may meet one's needs.

June 3-5 i ran the CO from Cumberland to DC self supported in 2 days and 15 hours setting a new FKT. As i am sure you know there is water along most of the CO readily available from hand pumps. My plan is to run the GAP in september. My question is: are there pumps/readily available water on the GAP? Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

Water availability along the GAP is somewhat different than along the C&O. There are only two traditional hand pumps along the GAP and only one of those is potable water. However, there are numerous potable water fountains and spigots along the way on the trail itself and places to purchase water within sight of the trail in some locations. The fountains are pretty obvious but some of the spigots may be a little more difficult to spot, especially at night. Also, the GAP passes through several small communities as well where you could politely ask a resident for water if needed.

The longest distances (>15 miles) between available free water would probably be between Whitsett and Connellsville (15 miles), Connellsville and Ohiopyle (17 miles), Confluence and Rockwood (15 miles), Meyersdale and Frostburg (16 miles) and Frostburg and Cumberland (16 miles).

I made a list of available water locations along the GAP. I'll have to find that list or recreate it for your use and others.

Hi, all. I have a Public C7 commuter upright bike and am wondering if it might be able to handle a long distance like this given that it’s pretty flat. Thoughts? Do I need to invest in a more expensive road/gravel bike to do this kind of mileage?

A little more information about you, your bike and trip itinerary would be helpful in offering a more informed opinion about the suitability of using your Public C7 Dutch, stepthrough commuter bike to ride the GAP Trail and/or C&O Towpath. Here are some observations however.

The Public's steel frame, caliper rim brakes, 1X7-speed drive train and 35mm tires should be fine for such a trip so long as they are in good condition before departing. Depending on your condition as well you could find the gear ratio challenging if riding east to west up the hill on the GAP Trail from Cumberland to the Eastern Continental Divide. If riding the other direction down the hill you should be fine. There are some hills on the detour between mileposts 88 and 89 of the C&O that could be a challenge in either direction. Then there is the Paw Paw Tunnel detour on the C&O which presents a different challenge regardless what type of bike you ride.

Based on past experience, my only concern might be the wheels themselves. The 32-hole rims should be ok for most loads including the weight of the rider and gear. If you are not carrying a lot of gear, i.e. more than you might carry around town when commuting, you should be fine. However, if you are planning a self-supported ride with lots of camping gear, clothes and food then I'd be a little concerned about the wheels. I'd be cautious to check that all the spokes are properly and uniformly tensioned before starting and check them each day. The good news is that there are bike shops along the way that could remedy most problems so long as you recognize them which is true for any bike.

The fenders on the C7 would be very useful if you encounter any rain along the way.

These are just my thoughts. Others may have different opinions and experiences.

I am planning to ride the gap and want to take the train from DC to Pittsburg. Amtrak will not answer all my questions. Are there any restrictions on what types of camping gear I can or cannot carry on the train? Since the train arrives near midnight how close are hotel accommodations from the station? Where is the best place to pick up supplies, food, and fuel for biking and camping along the Gap?

Bruce: I’ve not heard of restrictions on what you can/cannot take on a train. It’s not as restrictive as an airplane. Sounds like you are considering bringing a gas canister for camp cooking? You should be able to just bring it with you.

Many hotels near the Amtrak, maybe a small walk or ride.

There’s an REI right next to the trail in the Southside of Pittsburgh.

Mr. Laubach:

I've taken the Capital Limited in both directions a few times including a couple of weeks ago. They have never checked or even inquired about my carryon bags that included a jet stove gas cylinder, Swiss Army knife etc. The Amtrak instructions also require you remove all your bags from your bike before putting in on the train. I generally do that to ensure they do get lost or redirected in transit. However, on the latest trip I did leave my frame bag on the bike as it is rather time consuming to get on and off the bike securely. No one at the station noticed or objected. In short, Amtrak is a rather loose operation in these regards compared to the airlines. I guess they don't have as far to fall. :-)

There a several hotels within a handful of blocks of the Pittsburgh train station with the closest being the AC Hotel by Mariott. It is only a couple of blocks from the station. Within another couple of blocks there is a Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites and Drury Plaza Hotel. All of these appear in Google Maps. I also spoke with a young rider that had located an AirBnB nearby as well. So you have lots of options.

As John W notes there is an REI for bike and camping items just a couple of blocks east of the GAP Trail as it leaves town and crosses the Hot Metal Bridge. You can locate it in Google Maps as well. About 7 miles further on the trail in Homestead, PA there is a large shopping center with a large Giant Eagle grocery, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target and Lowes.

I hope this answers your questions. If not or you need other info about the GAP, just drop another note.

I just wanted to say "thanks" to Rivnuts, JohnW, and others who consistently respond to questions on this Forum with such thorough and helpful answers. You make the Forum pleasant, useful and highly informative for a lot of readers (often silent, but very appreciative). Many thanks, fellas.

Ditto to all the thanks expressed by Jim. This is one of the best trail blogs around - because of folks like you.

We’re planning a ride down the trail and towpath next week, wondering what current conditions are.
Appreciate any insights.

As of last week when I rode the trail the conditions were generally "ok". Aside from the area upriver from Dam 4 and, to a lesser degree Dam 5, and the much-discussed bypass detour up and over the Paw Paw Tunnel, the trail was rideable. As usual, the worst section was between Cumberland and Spring Gap with puddles and shallow soft mud that is typical after rains. There is some single track in that stretch that would make towing a two-wheeled trailer somewhat of a challenge but not insurmountable.

Once you are on the portion of the Towpath that has been resurfaced, the trail was damp but solid and smooth.

As reported, there was considerable debris that washed up on the causeway along Big Slackwater that required pushing or lifting your bike to get through. Some of that debris may have been removed by now. Also that deep mud was nearly impossible and dangerous to ride through but ride through I did. Previous riders had created a path through the mud that allowed me to get through it albeit with some trepidation. By now I expect that area may have dried up quite a bit making passage there easier. I would recommend you get a current update from passing riders as you approach that area but I have to believe conditions are better than when I passed through there last week.

We’re planning a ride down the trail and towpath next week, wondering what current conditions are.
Appreciate any insights.

In riding upriver back to Pittsburgh on the C&O Towpath last week I encountered the putrid smell of dead flesh. Looking into the adjacent canal I saw dozens of large, dead fish (presumably carp) in the shallows of the canal. It appears these fish were carried over from the river into the canal at a couple of locations upriver of Dams 4 and 5 during the heavy rains this month. These locations were likely the emergency overflows or fill ditches between the canal and the river. When the river level receded, the fish were trapped in the canal.

It may take a while for the stench to subside but don't be surprised as you approach these areas.

The announcement below is taken from the website for Amanda’s Place Restaurant in Paw Paw, WV.

“Hey y'all, I want to give a big thank you to everyone who has supported us the past six years. I have met a ton of great people and have grown close to alot of you. After much consideration we have decided to permanently close on June 1,2022. It wasn't an easy decision but we feel it's time. Please be mindful in the process of closing certain foods will become unavailable. Thank you all again!!!!”

Darn….this is a sad loss for the C&O. I met Amanda two years ago during my trip. What a great person and caring owner. Food was wonderful as well. A gem in super small town. I hope someone establishes a restaurant in Paw Paw (I know, I know, the gas station has a grill but it’s not the same). The choices are slim between Cumberland and Hancock. Sorry to hear this…

John

I suspect that there has been a significant reduction in patrons there given the Tunnel detour. Fewer people are likely travelling through and staying in Paw Paw making the business case for operating a business there more difficult.

Fun, quick place to stop to fuel the body for the next however many miles left in your day. You can also buy some supplies if needed.
Cute place.

Try the Cowboy Burger - This nice lady makes great food.

Fun, quick place to stop to fuel the body for the next however many miles left in your day. You can also buy some supplies if needed.
Cute place.

Try the Cowboy Burger - This nice lady makes great food.

Do June weekends make camping difficult, especially without reservations?

Thanks!

Not at all. The only one that will likely have more people is Swains Lock because it has car parking and is close to DC. Your typical C&O hiker/biker site is reachable only by foot or bike and most are spacious enough even if others are there, there’s plenty of room. If it was too crowded, there’s always a site down the trail 5-7 miles.

This does not include paid sites. I know Antietam Creek is a pay site but also has car camping and I've seen lots of people there.

Thanks for the reply. How about Ohiopyle area?

The GAP is a different beast as it’s not a national park so not as many Hiker/Biker sites. There are only four free sites and not in Ohiopyle.

Ohiopyle might get busy on weekends and the one campground (Kentuck) is up a hill a quarter mile from the trail, paid site. I’ve never stayed but I can’t imagine the campsite fills up. I would still 100% call and reserve a spot on a weekend just to be sure. You have to book through Ohiopyle State Park in advance to ensure availability.

We set out on 5/17 ride from PGH to DC. I had to leave at Cumberland for a funeral. My wife went on to Williamsport (actually mile 110), then we both went to another funeral. We were actually rescued from some predicted bad heat and some bad trail conditions. Thanks for those good reports. We were exhausted- because we were out of condition (my opinion) and our ages [71 & 73] (my wife's opinion). The upslope from PGH to the Continental Divide is mild, but inexorable. It was a lot steeper this year than in 2012 or 2005. Slope matters. Distance matters. Comfort on your bike matters. Still, they are a great pair of trails, and we will some day make the entire trip. And thanks to Dan in Paw Paw for shuttle support and advice for my wife, traveling on her own. #CelebrateTrails #BikeAnywhere

We, three women, left PHG on the 18th and made it to DC on the 24th. One day later than planned. The C&O between Cumberland and Paw Paw had plenty of big puddles after the storm and rain in the morning of the 2oth and took longer than planned but was not horrible. However, the area right after the detour near Williamsport, MP 90, was particularly bad with lots of debris to climb over and thick nasty mud that we were unable to bike through (plus it was a 90 degree day!). Cleaned bikes at the Big Slackwater boat ramp. Word is that in the other direction there is a longer detour indicated that helps you avoid all this. We did not see those signs. The detour around MP90, described also on the NPS C&O website, takes you along a house where a dog named "Bubba" lives...it is on the top of a high hill. If he is out, it is best to get of your bike and walk by. He apparently likes to chase cyclists and bite some a few weeks ago. Dan helped us around the Paw Paw tunnel too. If you call him ahead of time, we called him the night before, he is often available: 304-671-5153. Great guy. Owns a B&B too. We stayed at the canal cabins in Paw Paw. Great place with free laundry. Cabins have comfortable beds, airco, coffee, etc. The people at the country store close by are wonderful.

Lots of discussion regarding the path conditions and recent flood damage. Cycled 5/20/22 from Williamsport to HF. All good until a detour off the C&O at about MP 90 around some sort of impassable damage. After the detour the path east was a challenge with debris piles that you must climb over and some really sticky mud that is mostly impossible to ride. By Big Slackwater boat ramp it is all over and you can clean the mud off your bike in the river at the ramp. There is some trail damage further east but is really limited to washouts and bumps from the material washed away. Not the end of the world but the couple miles of mud and debris will take some time to pass and a heavy bike will be a challenge.

Thank you very much for that report as I head north and west from DC on Monday. I think the detour around MP90 is the one at McMahons Mill which has been there and is described in the NPS C&O website.

Did you leave the Towpath anywhere other than there?

Rode C&O from Cumberland to Little Orleans today. Route mostly dry, firm and very passable. Some puddles and mud but very avoidable and not an issue. Hiked over Paw Paw tunnel on the well marked trail. A bit steep but very doable provided your not pushing a massively loaded bike. The trail has some 14% incline so a really heavy bike can be a challenge. The hike is 90% dry. Minor mud. The path east of Paw Paw is neglected and overgrown but easily passable, dry and firm. The camp sites are pretty dank and buggy. Enjoyable and easy ride.

Fabio:

Thanks for your clear description of the trail conditions in those trail sections. If you are riding on toward Shepherdstown and Dam 4 after the WMRT drop us a note on those trail conditions if you get a chance. Thanks.

Williamsport tonight.

Head east to Harpers Ferry tomorrow with anecdotal reports of mud, mud and detours. Supposed to be hotter than a $2 pistol tomorrow. Look for updates.

Ciao Fabio,
If it helps, I’m headed out on a TransAm in the morning!
Misery loves company?
A presto!
And Rivnuts is doing some GAP blast also!

See above avoid detour when it puts you back on trail before dam 4

Thanks Chris. I got a similar report from a rider arriving in Pittsburgh today.

How long after high water events does it typically take the Park Service to clean up the trail? Wasn't the last event over a week ago?

I suspect the mud and debris north/west of Dam 4 are the result of the high river level following the couple of days of heavy rains at the end of the first week of May.

Any one aware of any shuttle options around the tunnel? Planned to be there on 5/16
Thanks

Below is the text of a forum post more than a year ago about a shuttle at Paw Paw. You might try this contact number to see if this service is still being offered.


Bikepath B&B Paw Paw, WV,
April 22 at 6:45 AM ·
TUNNEL SHUTTLES Hi, everybody. Again this year, the Paw Paw tunnel is closed at the downstream end, requiring a detour over the mountain. NPS projects this will last through the summer. I will be offering shuttles, either to the top of the mountain ($30), or downstream to Little Orleans ($60), for those interested. I did this last year, and it worked out well. Everybody called ahead, and showed up on time. BTW, these are good prices ($90, and $120 were the rates quoted to me by guests last year). Which is understandable, because other services are not based here, and must charge for the additional travel time. Anyway, if interested, please call ahead, 304-671-5153. Availability is limited, I still ride 4-8 hours a day, and run the B&B. PS Most of you can do the detour push, though it is a chore and a half. Dan

Thanks, I contacted Dan and have made arrangements with him.
I rolled into Cumberland Sunday afternoon to find the C&O visitor center has been closed, a former volunteer who happened to be there said the park district just locked the door. I can’t vouch for what really happened but downtown Cumberland is a ghost town on Sunday. Plan to pass through any day but Sunday unless you are planning to stay less than 15 minutes. On to Hancock.

Chris:

If you have the time, please drop a note about trail conditions between Cumberland and 15-Mile Creek following last week’s heavy rain and the status of the temporary foot bridge across Catoctin Creek south/east of Brunswick. Thanks.

…and more rain on Sunday.
I hope it passed around the CandO.
There are folks on ‘crazyguy’ that are into Day 7 up the towpaththat are headed west, stopped at Huckleberry Hill.
I expect they will comment by Monday afternoon, as will maybe Chris, here.

This morning, under drizzly skies, a new group of ACA TransAm-ers left Georgetown at CandO MM 0 headed west to do that one and the GAP as they head to Oregon!
Wishing them better weather and a great ride. (I leave next Sunday but not that route)

@Rivnuts: it seems your’re the unofficial greeter at the confluence at 148.8 in your city?
Maybe you can determine when they will arrive? The ACA site says a week to get there.

Tom:

I’m not sure that I qualify for the title but I’d be happy and look forward to meeting/greeting the ACA Transam group as they approach or reach the ‘Burgh or answer any questions they may have. I’ll be in town all next week before starting my own trip to DC on 5/23. If there is a way to contact them, I can reach out to them or they can contact me at:

Rivnuts@yahoo.com

Best wishes for a successful start to your trip. I’ll monitor the website to track your progress.

@rivnuts: I sent the ACA team a note and cc’ed you.
I applied to crazyguy but still waiting to hear, so I’ll be posting my reports here https://phoenixrides.blogspot.com/2022/05/ride-4-alz.html

I had to stay an extra night in Ohiopyle due to heavy rain on 4/18.
I set off this morning 4/19 heading for Frostburg, trail was good until Rockwood. I got about 1.5 miles to Meyersdale, then I encountered 4" snow with blizzard conditions. Turned back and got a shuttle to Frostburg. Hated missing the Great Divide. But sense sometimes has to take control.
Hoping the snow will be cleared enough for a nice freewheel to Cumberland in the morning. What a day!

Kim:

Sorry to hear the weather up there deteriorated even further than here in Pittsburgh here today. It was blustery, cold and snowing at times here, but we did not have any accumulation. Your experience is why I say that riding the GAP Trail in April can be uncomfortable especially at those higher elevations around Rockwood and Meyersdale. That said, one can also encounter several days of relatively warm weather in April as well. I hope the rest of your trip goes well. Enjoy the freewheeling down to Cumberland.

How was your yurt accommodation?

It was great, very rustic. But more comfortable than a one man tent.
Accidentally left my solar powered lantern there. So I hope to pick up something similar in Cumberland. I loved that lantern.

Bummer you missed most of the downhill of the Divide! You will still get 9 miles of downhill out of Frostburg to Cumberland (I think that’s the mileage). Smart move taking the shuttle though and avoiding the worst snow.

I hope the C&O isn’t that muddy for the remainder of your trip.

What’s your plans for the Paw Paw Tunnel?

Have you encountered a lot of touring cyclists during this April journey?

Today seemed much warmer all around and I hope you get more.

John

Since I just returned, Saturday, I will offer that I saw a very few touring riders.
Most were headed west.

I did meet Paul, from the Netherlands who is visiting USA on a 90 day travel visa.
He flew into DC and is headed west, then to SFO then flying home.
He wanted to see our country firsthand.
He has no contacts here, except in SF. He seemed like a nice guy.
Paul, if you read this.. feel free to reach out.

Please note and be prepared for a hard, steep hike up a rough single track from the west and a long, sinuous, slippery hike up from the East over the PawPaw tunnel.

Please don’t approach the tunnel near dusk thinking you’ll roll through.
It’s closed.
The distance is “only” 1.5 miles, they say, but I had a loaded rig so it felt longer.

Hi Tom, I had lunch with Paul in Cumberland. Really nice guy. I have kept on touch with him and said to call if he ever really gets stuck or needs help in anyway. Also following his efforts on strava. He's really pushing the daily miles. 100+ on some days.

I’d be quite interested in Paul’s comments about his trip and the country.

Kim, thanks for the comments about Paul.
I leave next week but won’t catch him.
I wished I had taken the time to get his contact info.
He seemed to be so eager to “see America up close”.
Thanks.