C&O / GAP Forum

As previously posted, my Niece completed the towpath last Monday. While waiting to catch Amtrak's Capital Limited at Union Station, she had to fend off two separate attempts by vagrants to seal her bicycle. Again, no visible Amtrak/Metro DC Police presence. It was fortunate that she was able to fend off the attackers without the use of physical force. It used to be relatively safe to patronize Union Station in Washington DC but it appears that it too has degraded into utter lawlessness so cyclist beware. Travel in groups and don't leave anything unattended.

Just what I needed to hear as I leave for DC via train in a few days. I've been contemplating getting some pepper spray for stray dogs during my later ride through rural countryside but I guess I could use it at the train station and other places as well, if necessary.

Was the other incident at the MP0 marker behind Thompson's Boathouse?

Yes, she was trying to get to Mike Marker Zero at the boat house landed when she was attacked.

FYI, be very careful about defending yourself. The criminals are being set free while law abiding citizens are being prosecuted for the crime of self defense. Go figure.

My wife and I are planning to ride from DC to Pittsburg in June. We are planning a day outing in Washington the day before we start. I wanted to start at Mile Marker 0 but after reading about the homeless problems and lawlessness in that area I am seriously considering not starting there. Maybe more police presence would solve this problem.

I think you’ll be fine in that area. Yes, DC has crime issues just like any other large metropolitan area, but they tend to be random and not specific to Georgetown. Don’t let anecdotal stories interfere with your plans. Use good judgment and be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy your ride up to Pittsburgh.

The most dangerous thing at Mile 0 is making sure to steer clear of the rowing crew members when they’re hauling their boats between the dock and the Thompson Boat House! I’ve never seen homeless there on my many GAP/C&O trips there. This is not to say that no homeless person has ever ventured down there but this is not a regular homeless location.

As JM says, use the same judgement you would in any large city.

Enjoy the pre ride around the city, it’s a great cycling city, and enjoy your GAP/C&O trip!

John

I travelled through DC’s Union Station a week ago and did not encounter or see any issues inside the station. However, I was more vigilant than in the past and carried some pepper spray for the first time based on the earlier post.

Thanks for the info. I’ve never had a problem cycling in the US and I don’t expect that to change.

I am planning to hike alone on the GAP. Several people have told me to stop short of Pittsburgh because Homestead and McKeesport are very high crime areas, i.e. "14 people shot in McKeesport last weekend" is there any validity to these warnings.

In full transparency, I live in Homestead PA and ride/have ridden the GAP trail to and through Pittsburgh and McKeesport via Homestead multiple times a week for the last 10 years. Homestead and McKeesport were both vibrant, middle class communities during the heydays of the steel industry but began a period of steady decline when the mills here closed. While it is true that these towns have gained a reputation for a higher than average crime rate in metropolitan Pittsburgh, the GAP Trail itself does not pass directly through the portions of the towns where crimes there generally occur.

Incidents along the trail itself are rare. Further, and especially during the warmer touring season, there is a fairly steady flow of both cyclist and walker traffic on these trail sections offering a sense of vigilance and security with low risk.

If I were hiking and not familiar with the area, I would be most cautious in the last several blocks entering/leaving downtown Pittsburgh or across the Monongahela River in the Southside section of town though which the GAP and its alternate route into Pittsburgh travel. There are a handful of homeless encampments along the trails there. While it is not uncommon to see residents of these encampments I have never felt any risk of being accosted nor have I encountered any issues riding through these sections entering town. Further I, myself, have not heard of any incidents with cyclists or hikers.

That said, others may have a different opinions and experiences and, hopefully, they will provide their insight as well.

I live in the region and watch the news every night. I don't know what the person was referring to, regarding 14 shootings in one weekend. There are shootings throughout this region, like other cities around the country, but I don't think there were that many in McKeesport or any individual municipality in the Pittsburgh region, in a week, much less a weekend. It is tragic what is happening across the country, the horrible senseless killings. But I think that report is not accurate. I'm glad you are on this forum asking your quetsion. As someone else pointed out, the areas where shootings occur are not along the GAP Trail.

I've biked these areas many time and do not worry about crime. I am vigilant, I carry mace or pepper spray, not sure which it is. But I originally purchased that to deal with stray dogs on the Katy Trail in Missouri, which I used to ride on a lot when living there. I've never used it or even felt inclined to use it on a person. A couple of dogs, but not people.

Some areas you will pass in McKeesport do go by low income housing, but I see children outside playing, riding bikes, people casually walking in the area, people are friendly and I've never considered it a dangerous area.

I love the GAP trail from McKeesport to Homestead. You'll pass buildings from the industrial era that have been repurposed, go along the Monongahela River, go across a wonderful bridge across the river, you'll pass below Kennywood, and one of their roller coasters. It's a wonderful part of the trail. At Homestead you'll go by the Pump House and Water Tower. Stop and read about the historic battle between steel workers trying to unionize and the Pinkertons brought in by Henry Clay Frik to break the effort.

And then after Homestead you go past Sandcastle and an eagle nest viewing area. Bring your binoculars and try to spot the eagles. You'll go by the Steelers training facility, interesting pieces of equipment from Steel era, you'll go over the Hot Metal Bridge. There's so much to see.

By the way I'm in my early 70s. I see many people my age on the GAP trail in this region. I think the consensus is that it is safe.

I tried to contact the Four Seasons Guest Farm at the telephone number provided but it is no longer in service. Trying to plan an overnight stay in Marleton or Rockwood while riding the GAP. Looking for a campground that allow hammock camping.

I don’t have any further info about the Four Season Guesthouse in Markleton, but the only campground in Rockwood (Husky Haven) was closed over a year ago.

Rockwood is a very nice small town. It also had, about 12 years ago, a very active railroad passing through the town. Maybe that has changed. During my stay, trains passed through frequently blowing their whistle at multiple crossings at all hours.

The railroad through Rockwood is still quite active and loud as noted. Although, the Husky Haven campground there is now closed, there are still a couple of BnB's alongside the trail or a hostel across the river in town should you want to stay indoors.

Thank you for the timely replies and for the suggestions. What is the name of the hostel and how do you make reservations?

The hostel is named “Hostel on Main” as in Main Street. If you Google that name in Rockwood it will return its website at which you can book an accomodation.

I have a trek fx 2. I think this should work well. Let me know what you think. thx

After looking at the specs for the Trek FX2, it should be suitable for both the GAP and C&O trails. If you anticipate wet conditions you may want to consider adding fenders.

The Travelers Rest Hotel is still very much bicycle friendly. I stayed there during the Covid plandemic and found it to be very good for cyclists and affordable. It's called a hotel but is very similar to a hostel. They have good accommodations to keep bike and gear and the owner Paul and Mary Beth are very kind.

Just for information the Travelers Rest hotel is not directly on the formal GAP trail in to/out of downtown Pittsburgh on the north side of the Monongahela River. It is, however, just a couple of blocks off an alternate route in to/out of town on the south side of the river. It’s not an issue as long as you locate it and plan your ride accordingly.

From reading this forum briefly, it sounds like Rivnuts is the source for trail knowledge. I may have an opportunity to move close to the trails. I have a few general questions from a would be newbie.
1) What is the general trail season duration, Apr to Oct generally? Are services stopped during off season, like trail closed, trailhead access toilets, water and electricity? Also most lodging, stores, and services are closed during this time?
2) What governmental agency is responsible for both GAP & C&O? I realize they travel through several states. So if bad weather blows through and bridges are out or downed trees, trail is washed out how long does it take for the repairs?
3) Are there annual public funded organized group rides on the trail besides the private for profit companies?
4) Has there been a published report recently with data from public surveys that identifies the economic benefit of both trails?
I would appreciate any comments, Thanks
DSD

DS Douin:

I’m not “the” source but simply “a” source of information pertaining to the GAP and C&O trails obtained primarily from riding the trails since retiring. There are many others with greater knowledge of the
history and administration of these trails to whom I defer. That said, I will attempt to provide answers your questions as best I can, some of which are merely my personal opinions. Living along the trail outside Pittsburgh, I’m more familiar with the details of the GAP versus the C&O although I’ve done the entire ride several times.

1. The trail season is, as you suggest, generally April through October particularly for day or short overnight trips. In planning for several-day trips, however, late-April through late-October is probably a better season in order to avoid the likelihood of bad weather and trail conditions especially on the GAP where the more northern and higher elevation portions can see freezing temperatures and occasional snow. Also note that the GAP’s Big Savage Tunnel is typically closed from early December to late March and there is no detour.

The unpaved sections of the GAP and C&O trails can become quite soft or muddy with rain at any time. However, the initial 19 miles of the GAP leaving Pittsburgh is paved allowing year round riding except when the trail is snow covered.

Nearly all trailheads and free hiker/bike campgrounds are open year round. Many, if not most, of the water fountains/taps are shut off to avoid freeze damage during the winter and electricity does not exist even during the touring months at these locations. Some of the porta potties are removed during the winter but sufficient toilet facilities generally remain within reasonable distances.

Obviously, the hotels that are on or near the trails are open year round. Pay-to-stay campground and Air BnB availability along the trail can be spotty. The stores and commercial businesses in the cities along the trail are generally open year round although some have reduced hours of operation.

2. The GAP Trail is owned, administered and maintained by a network of trail associations although sections pass through some local and state parks along the route. The C&O Towpath Trail is a national
park administered by the National Park Service. Responses to fallen trees, landslides, washouts and other nominal trail damage are typically cleared/repaired within a day with faster responses closer to towns and trailheads. There are always scheduled maintenance projects that occur but are well publicized with noted delays or detours. While not common, more severe trail damage, closures and extended delays and detours may occur if/when the Potomac River floods along the C&O or if tornadoes pass through the trails.

3. Nearly all the various trail associations along the GAP have annual fundraiser rides, runs and festivals as well as ongoing donation requests. Since the C&O is a national park, there a no such fundraisers per se’. In fact, private businesses along but not on the trail itself are not permitted to advertise on the trail property.

4. While I’m sure there are a number of studies regarding the economic impact of these trails, the one that I’m aware of was one published for the GAP Trail at:

Tourism on GAP Drives $121 Million in Annual Economic Impact, Estimates Fourth Economy - Great
Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)

If this link does not work simply Google for “GAP Trail economic impact” and that report will be the first site returned.

This has been a long-winded response. There are always some specific exceptions to these general responses I’ve made. If you have other specific questions, feel free to post them or send me an email at
rivnuts@yahoo.com.

Best wishes and back to the football game.

Hello All! Rode the GAP/C&O about 12 years ago, Connellsville to D.C., returned by train.
Without tons of details, is there anything new (detours, closures &c) if I do the same ride this year?
Thanks for your input!

There are no significant closures or detours now that the Paw Paw Tunnel exit work has been completed. Compared to 12 years ago, the biggest difference is that White’s Ferry no longer operates. Thus it is no longer possible to cross the river and ride to and stay in Leesburg.

I failed to mention that when departing from Connellsville for DC these days, you'll find the Husky Haven Campground has been closed.

Too bad about Husky Haven. Always considered the campground to be an iconic spot along the trail.

Stayed here on my second to last day to Pittsburgh from D.C. This was the only day I had rain on the entire trip. Really glad I stayed here. They had a power wash to clean off all the grime off my bike after a day of riding in the rain.

Appreciated the hot shower too. I had planned on taking a shower at my previous night's stay in Ohiopyle State Park but every bathhouse I walked to in the campground was closed for the season.

My wife and I stayed there during our hike. It's quite a unique place with a Hobbit theme. What really hooked it for me was when I saw the coffee pot on the counter next to the toaster and blender. I rarely turn down a cup of coffee or two.

On October 18 my wife and I will be taking Amtrak to Pittsburgh where we'll start an eastbound thru hike of the GAP and C+O trails. If you see an older couple with gray hair feel free to stop and say hello. Oh, and yes we're ready for cold weather.
Happy Trails.

I’m curious how long you expect to take to hike the length of the GAP and C&O Trails?

Sounds like a neat idea. I hope you have a great time!

Most of the discussions here are regarding bikes riding through so it's nice to hear someone doing something different. I'm thinking doing something non-bike myself. I've spent some time working out a plan, just in a spreadsheet so far, to run the length of the C&O. Perhaps when I retire in a couple years.

fallsdownalot here, I thought I'd add a bit of a trip report on our hike.

Amtrak got us into Pittsburgh about 930PM on our start day. We set off for Point State Park and found the start of the GAP at about 10:20PM. We set off and followed the trail to the other side of the Hot Metal Bridge. Once on the other side of the river, at about 12:30AM my wife saw a hotel and decided we needed to get a room. We set out the next day following the trail headed toward Cumberland. At our first break of the day, while we were sitting on some large rocks, we got to meet Rivnut. As we went on we were amazed by the fall colors and how different the geology was from where we live, on NY's Long Island. At first we were averaging about 10 miles a day but as our legs got stronger the daily mileage started to go up. I think the longest was about 15. About a 100 miles in, my left leg developed a problem. Not knowing what it was we kept going, which in hind sight was a mistake. We spent a day in the motel in Myersdale hoping the rest would help my leg. It didn't but we kept going. Also, there was some snow the night before we got to Myersdale. That made things more scenic. During the trip we had temps between high 60s and low 20s, sun, rain wind and snow, but it's all good. If you think the weather is bad it's just because you are dressed wrong. We used a hiker/biker camp site at Ohiopyle State Park only to find that they didn't provide any water there. So it was a long walk up to the regular campground to find water. We stopped in many of the towns along the way if for no other reason but to find coffee, as we don't carry that in our packs. Also along the way I think we stopped to read every sign teaching about the region. I was amazed by the major part railroads played in this part of the country. We met an awful lot of people who couldn't believe that we were walking to DC, I guess it's not done very often. We did meet 1 other hiker going from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. When we arrived in Cumberland we spent 3 days there to resupply again and to give my aching leg some respite. Then we set off on the C+O Canal Trail and noticed right away how different it was from the GAP. We did 20 miles and 2 nights to get us to the hiker/biker site at lock 65. The next morning I decided to end the hike as my leg was just too painful. We hiked back to lock 70 were I was able to get phone service and call the bike shop in Cumberland, Wheelzup, to arrange for a shuttle back to town. There it was another night in the hotel was we made Amtrak reservations to get home. The C+O is just going to have to wait for another trip. A trip to the doctors with some x-rays and an MRI showed that I have a stress fracture in my left tibia bone. The crazy thing is that I don't remember doing anything that might have caused other than walking.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Happy holidays to all.
Hey Rivnut, how did you get that name? I've installed many of them during my working years.

Thanks for the trip report, Falls. I (and undoubtedly others) have been wondering how you and your wife fared. You have my respect for starting your trip so late in the fall season and for persevering despite what sounds like a very painful injury. Rest up and enjoy the post-adventure glow!

FDAL:

I was hoping we’d hear from your about your adventure. When I saw you that first morning, you were headed into a full day of rain the following day and colder temperatures were surely ahead that time of year, especially at the higher elevations. I’m heartened to hear you took the time to take in some of the history of our region and the GAP and C&O. If you are interested you will find more discussion of the history of the railroads and other industries in the book “The Great Allegheny Passage Companion” by Bill Metzger. The book is very informative and entertaining. I hope the leg heals well so you can get back on the trails and partcularly the C&O.

As for my pseudonym Rivnuts, I chose it as a somewhat esoteric reference to an element of cycling as most bicycle bottle cage holders are attached to the bicycle frame using rivnuts. Very few have heard or know of them or their relationship to bicycles. Most people presume it is some off color physical reference.

Sorry to hear about the injury but sounds like you had a great time nonetheless. Can't wait to hear about your C&O adventures. ;)

It's funny how close western PA is but how different the weather can be. My mom was from Uniontown so I'm familiar with seeing snow pretty early in the season.

I just want to wish all here on this forum a very happy and healthy thanksgiving.
God Bless
Michael

Thank you, Michael. Wishing you the same. And, of course, many exceptional cycling adventures for all in the months and years to come.

It has been reported that the Big Savage Tunnel will close for the winter on Thursday November 30.

As Fall is now upon us and Halloween is just around the corner, beware of the wicked walnuts! By that I mean walnuts have fallen all over the trail, especially along the C&O. They are often obscured by fallen leaves. For those riding narrow tires, the walnuts present a danger of losing control if hit head on with the front wheel. I saw one rider go down hard as a result.

Be careful when riding through these areas.

Any specific areas to be mindful of on these Wicked Walnuts?

As I mentioned in my post, they exist more frequently along the C&O versus the GAP where they do not appear as often. On the C&O they are more prevalent where the Towpath is lined with trees. Unfortunately, this is much of its length. If you divert to the WMRT along the C&O route around Hancock, they are less prevalent and more visible.

You just have to have more short range vigilance rather than always looking casually far ahead on the trail. It just makes the ride a little less carefree and enjoyable.

Also, for folks not familiar with walnuts, they are a little smaller than a tennis ball and are green when they initially fall turning dark brown over time. The green outer layer is removed when walnuts are sold in stores. You can google walnut images to see what I'm talking about. They're pretty easy to spot when they're nice and bright green but do get lost in the leaves and they darken up.

They are also murder on your ankles and easy to trip on for runners.

Hello,
I'm hoping to ride with my Mom for about 4 days next summer on the path from DC. I was looking at multi-day rentals from a DC bike shop and a basic hybrid was reasonable at $35/day. I was shocked that their e-bike was $100/day. Is there a cheaper alternative for e-bikes or is that the going rate?

In addition to the daily rate and if riding one way only, check on if and how much a one way "drop off" fee may also be.

Although not riding with the bike tour operator 2 Wheel Escapes recently or in the past, I did cross paths with their end-of-season gourmet glamping tour group this past Sunday evening,

I observed an extraordinary level of support and accommodation provided by Greg, Rhona (sp?) and staff of 2 Wheel Escapes for their distant customers. Further they were very friendly to those of us camping at the same location but not their customers.

If what I observed was representative of their service, I would recommend them for next year's bike touring season should you have need or desire to do so.

Hi everyone ,
How is it riding the C & 0 from Washington to Cumberland in mid October?
Wondering if the colors are starting to pop ?
Also weather wise this time of year ?
Thank you for any and all help.

Michael

I just finished riding and camping from DC to Pittsburgh today. Leaves are falling and the trail was covered with them along the way. Lots of yellow to go along with green leaves but the reds and oranges are generally yet to come. In my opinion, we are still a few days or one good frost from reaching peak colors along the trail.

The most colorful stretch on the trip was on the GAP between the Eastern Continental Divide and Deal, PA.

The weather was a mixed bag. The first three days were warm and comfortable for riding and camping. Friday night brought heavy rains extending into the early morning. That made the C&O a sloppy mess between Little Orleans and Cumberland with lots of puddles and mud. Not a fun day's ride.

The weather turned significantly cooler on Sunday and thereafter along the GAP, especially at night. It was well down into the 30's on Sunday night in Meyersdale on the GAP.

Traveling from Cumberland to DC on C&O Oct 16-18 if anyone is interested to join us.

Did not get the opportunity to visit this place. Limited operating hours. As of this posting, it is closed on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.