C&O / GAP Forum

So I recently (earlier this week) rode from Homestead to DC, and once back in Homestead looped the south/north trails into PGH to make it official.

I biked the GAP last year and liked it enough to do it again as I was looking to check the C&O off my bucket list. [BACKGROUND: I biked the Erie Canalway last year Bflo->ALB and again ROC->NYC earlier this year. I bikepack and camp nightly riding an older Cannondale MTB.]
I find the GAP Trail to be very scenic, wonderfully maintained, full of benches and places to rest and very nice small towns nicely spaced out with plenty of options for snacks, meals and places to stay if you are not camping.

I duplicated my ride on the GAP staying at Cedar Creek, Overflow and then into Cumberland. This year I stayed at the YMCA in Cumberland and totally enjoyed the facility. There is a large grassy day-use area across the street from a fairly large YMCA Complex. The area has a 4-ft fence around it, a large pavilion with picnic tables, a port-a-potty, clothes lines and even a large metal fire ring. For a small fee you can use the Y's facility for showing or whatever in the AM and they open at 5:00 AM. There is a little bit of traffic and a railroad track behind, but only a morning train awoke me.

NOTE: The Bike shop in the Cumberland Canal Park is great and have a hose you can use to wash off the trail dust and grime.

So, onto the C&O. Say what you might, I really did not care for most of the C&O. I'm glad it's over and have no intention of riding it again. Breaking the trail into thirds, the first third (Cumberland to Little Orleans) the trail surface was terrible. Rough gravel with pot holes, tree roots and a rutted single track (Dual, but you only ride on one, right?) It was tough on a loaded bike and I was happy to depart and use the Western Maryland Trail. After Hancock, the trail was a bit better and much, much better after Shepherdstown where the trail has obviously been resurfaced similar to the GAP. Dual gravel again for miles and somewhere around Seneca (or closer to Great Falls) the gravel changes over to a much courser gravel that was okay (not ideal), but not nice packed cinder gravel which stayed that way into DC area. I opted to jump off and take the Capital Crescent Trail that I hadn't heard of, but asked and stayed with it -- no problem finding Mile Zero given that I had received good advise to stay close the water, etc.

The above covered riding surfaces. I also found the C&O to be way too remote as far as finding services and miles between. I also found it to be monotonous and boring looking at the same dual lane with grass on either side and down the middle with seldom any bench to rest or lean your bike up against. Very few scenic areas except some nice views of the Potomac. Just the same thing, over and over, mile after mile with a lock here and there. I liked the options of the biker/hiker camping areas. Evidently not all that used as I was always the only one and really never saw any other campers except one. Well... one huge exception -- I had made plans to stay at Antietam and after 60+ miles I had unloaded and set up tent to find out I needed reservations! Missed that all together and the "Campground Host" was rather snotty to deal with and refused to give me water (the pump handle had been stolen). Luckily I had somewhat befriended my neighboring campers who allowed me to move over onto their site when I explained my situation.

The only other issue that I had was that the Iodine treated water did not agree with my digestive system, so I was forever in need of finding fresh water. With the hot weather and long distances between civilization, it was always a concern.

I did have four days to stay and visit the DC area. Although I really like trail touring, I also love urban cycling in large cities. I had a fine time riding all over -- and it was so apparent that I had the advantage around the National Mall -- no way the pedestrian tourists were seeing all that I was able to see peddling between destinations. I got to see a lot.

The End. Never again. Bucket List checked.

Wnybubba:

That’s a fair summary of my experiences making several trips from Pittsburgh to DC including the experience at Antietam. Sorry I couldn’t catch up with you for part of your trip. Unlike you I will be doing it again in September.

As an aside, I had the opportunity to ride several bike trails in Ohio the last week. They were scenic, well maintained and well used. A trip that includes these such as the Ohio to Erie Trail would be quite enjoyable. It’s on my bucket list and moving toward the top.

Hi wnybubba, I guess we can agree to disagree. Having ridden both trails 20-30 x’s since our 30’s, if I had to choose one to ride it would definitely be the C & O. I would definitely prefer a hiker biker campground as a rest stop every 5-10 miles over a park bench here and there. The condition of the trail today compared to 30 some years ago is night and day, yet even 30 years ago the trail never bothered us. Perhaps that’s because we go slower than everyone else: our last through trip was 11 glorious days with no rain. We’ve also never noticed any lack of food or water stops along the canal, but then again we have/ would never try the trip in August. We prefer late October when we can stop to camp early and enjoy an all night fire. Again, just my opinion, but my wife and I consistently say we prefer the scenery on the canal especially with the fall weather. However, the more people who downplay the C& O the better for us as last year with Covid it was hard to find a campsite to ourselves and even firewood was a challenge to find . So maybe your right, the GAP is far better and the canal isn’t worth trying :)

Wnybubba:

That’s a fair summary of my experiences making several trips from Pittsburgh to DC including the experience at Antietam. Sorry I couldn’t catch up with you for part of your trip. Unlike you I will be doing it again in September.

As an aside, I had the opportunity to ride several bike trails in Ohio the last week. They were scenic, well maintained and well used. A trip that includes these such as the Ohio to Erie Trail would be quite enjoyable. It’s on my bucket list and moving toward the top.

Wnybubba:

That’s a fair summary of my experiences making several trips from Pittsburgh to DC including the experience at Antietam. Sorry I couldn’t catch up with you for part of your trip. Unlike you I will be doing it again in September.

As an aside, I had the opportunity to ride several bike trails in Ohio the last week. They were scenic, well maintained and well used. A trip that includes these such as the Ohio to Erie Trail would be quite enjoyable. It’s on my bucket list and moving toward the top.

@Rivnuts - yeah, sorry we didn't do any miles together. I like the idea of Ohio to Erie Trail. Come on up and do some miles on the Erie Canalway with me anytime!

@GSK: Glad to agree/disagree. My comparison was that there are so many benches along the GAP and relatively few on the C&O. Yes, there are Biker/Hiker camps, but they are often down off the trail. I'm only looking for a short stop to lean my bike, wipe a brow, drink some water and take a leak. Obviously we travel at different speeds and that is all very cool.

I know my assessment is not what everyone will agree with. I was quite surprised I had not heard others offer the similar insight about the trail. Really, I found it more boring than enjoyable.

Bottom Line: Ride your own Ride.

Have been biking through Cabin John/Great Falls area and don't like the crowds. Can I get a recommendation for an out/back day trip that isn't too far, scenic, and may have facilities to stop at? Don't want to spend too much time in the car, but willing to go more west.

On Thursday 8/5 I parked at Point of Rocks, MD and did an out-and-back to Shepherdstown, WV. The scenery in this section is beautiful and the trail is in good condition. The access at Point-of-Rocks is easily accessible from Rt 15, and there are many facilities and places to stop - Brunswick, Harper's Ferry. On this particular weekday there were no crowds anywhere.

I am planning on driving to Seneca early Friday morning and riding into Georgetown, but I am confused about the Capital Crescent Trail part at the end.

What are pros/cons of leaving towpath for Trail?

Any other comments on this last minute plan? Thanks.

Capitol Crescent runs parallel to the C&O for a just a few miles. Fletchers Cove is the first chance to switch between trails, see this coordinate in google maps: 38.9193546, -77.1016344

Pros? It’s paved! The CC will take you right to Thompson’s Boat House and Mile 0 of the C&O. Cons? As you approach the busy parts of Georgetown, I felt the signage was poor. Might be a good idea to use GPS to navigate yourself to Mile 0. I did the CC earlier in June at the end of my Pittsburgh to DC trip for the last few miles and it was fine. Go for it.

John

Great. Thanks.

I'm just wondering how hotels end up on the website, I've come across one that is quite awful, but there aren't a lot of options for the 100miles or so along that stretch.

Any port in a storm.

Hey guys, looking at driving up to Harpers Ferry on the 28th and taking Amtrak to Pittsburgh, leaving on the trail the next morning. Is thinking 4 full days enough? I do a lot of 50 to 60 mile rides on hilly terrain where I live. Originally I was going to do Pittsburgh to Cumberland, but thought why not add another day..

Also, is it safe to park my car at the Amtrak station there? This will be a solo trip, so I'm working on the logistics and want to make sure they are spot on..

4 days is perfect! I've personally done this itinerary all the way to DC:

Day 1: Pittsburgh to Ohioplyle
Day 2: Ohiopyle to Cumberland
Day 3: Cumberland to Hancock
Day 4: Hancock to Harpers Ferry
Day 5: Harpers Ferry to Washington DC

With this initerary, you'll be in Harpers Ferry in 4 days.

On Day 1 you could stop shorter at Connelsville instead as Day 2 will have 24 miles of gentle downhill from the Continental Divide into Cumberland.

You could also do this in 5 days. Something like nightly stops in Connellsville, Meyersdale, Paw Paw or Little Orleans, Williamsport or Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry.

I think if you let the Amtrak station know your plans as well as the local police, you will be fine.

Thank you so much.. This is a big help.. What's the temps like the last week of September?

Should still be a good time to go but you could experience cooler days. If it rains, come with layers just incase.

Trail less crowded with everyone back at school. Days will be shorter. Oh, and the leaves will be colorful and fallen so it will be quite nice scenery wise especially as you approach Continental Divide.

John

We rode in October, and the temps and the leaves were great. But, be aware that some seasonal businesses may be shut down by late September.

For example, we rolled into Ohiopyle expecting a fun little river town, and ended up almost not getting any dinner because places were closed early or closed for the winter.

@JohnW… thanks for the rough itinerary.
It helps me a bunch.
I did Cumberland to DC in April.. 2.5 days.. and am going GAP-DC soon so your rough plan is great!

Thanks Tom! Hope you have a great trip!

My wife and I would like to park about 30 miles from the end of the C&O trail in DC. Looking to bike in, stay the night, then bike back. Any suggestions on a place to park overnight?

Thanks

Well, pay at Vienna Metro for overnight.. pedal in W-OD to Custis..
Or did you mean park along the trail somewhere and pedal down and back?

About 30 miles in. Stay the night, see the sights, then 30 miles back the next day.

I'm guessing somewhere like Seneca on the map above. Is there any place to park overnight there?

Hey folks,
I’m headed out of Pitt on Wed, Aug 25… all the way back.. tenting… GAP and C&O.
I expect to arrive on 31 or 1st.
Maybe I’ll see one of you?

As we get closer to 8/25, let me know your schedule leaving Pit and I’llride out of town a ways with you. I’m not leaving for the full trip to DC until 9/23.

Will do!
I am staying at Marriott near the park on the 24th and plan to roll on the morning of 25th.
But I sure will!

Hey all. I know various versions of this question have probably been asked over and over, but I want to get some recommendations tailored specifically to my itinerary. A friend and I are planning a trip for Labor Day weekend. Due to his flights, we’re looking at a half-ish day Thursday (gets in early morning on Thursday), full days Fri and Sat, then half-ish day on Sunday (leaves early morning Monday). We’re both fit so mileage and terrain are not major concerns (although we’re not necessarily looking to crush miles just for the heck of it). We have full bikepacking kits so the plan is to camp. I’m mostly open to any section of the C&O and/or GAP. I do live in DC but am willing to drive out from the city if it means a much more scenic or enjoyable trip (but driving all the way to Pittsburgh may be a stretch unless it’s REALLY worth it).. Any recommendations of sections that will work well for us?

I'd hop on at Meyersdale and head toward Pittsburgh. Maybe you make it to Roundbottom, Cedar Creek Park, or the GAP Trail Campground in West Newton.

Hello, my wife and I intend to thru hike from G’town to Cumberland over 10/11 days is September.

Is there a resource available that has the current status of water availability at the campgrounds?

Thank you for any other tips/advice you have!

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Scroll down for Drinking Water Conditions.

Most are open, there’s just a few that have their handles removed.

My approach to water is to bring your own incase the wells aren’t working. That list is pretty accurate but it’s always good to prepare in case they are shut.

Is it safe to leave car here for six days

I’m not sure which of the Buena Vista parking areas you are considering or that it makes any difference. Buena Vista is a pretty calm trail side community in which I would not expect any problems in leaving a car for a few days. Of course you should take the normal prudent precautions such as removing any valuables from sight within or on the car. You’d also be well advised to inform the local police of your intentions. I believe that would be the Elizabeth Township Police at (412) 751-7325.

Perhaps Rick from Greenock can comment as well since he lives even closer to Buena Vista than I do.

Is it safe to leave car here for six days

What is the most amazing section for a cruise maybe a 15 or 20 mile for an out and back? I am interested in doing it in mid September.

I see that none of the people local to that area have responded as yet so I'll offer my opinion having ridden the C&O a half dozen times.

I believe the most scenic venue on the C&O is the Great Falls and worth a visit if you have not already done so. I'd start at the Carderock Recreation Parking area outside DC and then ride 4 miles northwest to Great Falls. You could continue riding northwest (upriver) toward White's Ferry which unfortunately is not operating at this time and decide when to turn around and head back.

Another option is to ride the WMRT which parallels the C&O. You could start in Hancock and ride 10 miles or so upriver toward Little Orleans and back. Then pass through Hancock and continue downriver on the WMRT to Big Pool. The WMRT is paved and tree-lined most of the way which would make this trip easy and rather scenic, especially in the fall.

This is just my two cents worth. I expect those that ride the C&O much more will have some other suggestions.

If you really are from Carlsbad, and will have a rental car, and are only going to ride one time, I'd suggest driving on over to someplace on the GAP like Meyersdale or Ohiopyle.

I agree with Bill from Houston but took the title of your post literally which cited the C&O and not the GAP as well.

I agree with Bill from Houston but took the title of your post literally which cited the C&O and not the GAP as well.

Rivnuts is correct as always, and I do apologize for being non-responsive, and not suggesting a section of C&O.

But what I really meant is, even if you are staying in Washington, D.C., I'd suggest driving to Meyersdale or Ohiopyle and riding a piece of the GAP rather than riding any part of the C&O. And most especially if it has rained any time in the past three days.

Apparently didn't secure well enough for the bumpy trail.
Probably a few miles west of Little Orleans. Please let me know if you found it -- it would be worth postage to have it returned!
Msg here or wnybubba@gmail.com

I am new to touring, but generally in pretty good cardiovascular shape (run/bike & swim). As my first experience in touring, I want to attempt (next week) either the GAP section or the C&O section, in preparation for a GAP+C&O in the fall. What do people recommend?

In general, which one is the more "scenic" trail?

Thanks,

Z

In my opinion the GAP is more scenic over its entire length and better suited for a first time tourer.

I might suggest the C&O canal, simply because if you can handle the canal the GAP will be a breeze. Also, a lot depends on whether your camping or not: There are way more camping options on the canal allowing you to be more flexible with your mileage each day. Both are very scenic.

Thank you Rivnuts and GSK. I will be camping, and would like to practice depending as little as possible on "trail towns" but will be good to have those as a backup on a first trip in case of a total mechanical failure. Not sure which has more of those along the path.

See the responses to a recent forum post.wherein all the camping areas along both the C&O and the GAP were listed.

Zed,
I just completed the GAP and C&O trip a couple of weeks ago - my first tour as well. I felt the GAP was the more pleasant ride as the trail is very-well maintained, with enough stops along the way to resupply. There are some fantastic vistas on the GAP as well. The C&O was a bit more challenge for me as the night before I left Cumberland, a terrific storm blasted the trail - downed trees and standing water and slippery mud all the way to Hancock. Now, if you want an adventure, then ride the C&O. Much of it is 'way out there'. It can be very primitive for long stretches - not seeing anyone for miles and miles, hours and hours - just yourself, your thoughts, and the local wildlife. Either way you choose, I'm sure you will enjoy the journey. I certainly did.

Is Draco campground open for tent camping

Yes

Yes

I'm wondering if camping is allowed at Locks (or Lockhouses) along the C&O. Do you have to camp at the designated camping area or is it allowed in other places. In planning, I was looking at a couple places that looked like they would be great -- one with parking.

As you no doubt know, you can make reservations at and stay overnight in selected lock houses. However, I’m not aware that you are permitted nor have I seen outdoor camping at any of the lock houses. For information, most do not have toilet facilities or water.

To confirm their rules about camping there I would suggest you contact the National Park Service. I doubt it is permitted but there is no harm in asking.

Additionally I found a list of public, private and commercial camping locatons along the C&O and GAP at:

https://gaptrail.org/before-you-go/camping/

That list contains the following camping locations:

Mile Marker Campground Name Campground Type
C&O Mile 11.5 Marsden Tract Public, but Limited to Civic and Scout Groups
C&O Mile 16.6 Swains Lock Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 26.1 Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 30.5 Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 34.4 Turtle Run Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 38.2 Marble Quarry Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 42.5 Indian Flats Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 47.6 Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 50.3 Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 54.0 Brunswick Family Campground Commercial
C&O Mile 62.9 Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 69.4 Antietam Creek Public
C&O Mile 75.2 Killiansburg Cave Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 79.2 Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 82.7 Big Woods Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 90.9 Opequon Junction Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 95.2 Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 101.2 Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 110.0 North Mountain Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 110.4 McCoys Ferry Public
C&O Mile 116.0 Licking Creek Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 120.6 Little Pool Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 126.0 White Rock Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 129.9 Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 133.6 Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 139.2 Indigo Neck Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 140.9 Fifteen Mile Creek Public
C&O Mile 141.0 Little Orleans Campground Commercial
C&O Mile 144.5 Devil’s Alley Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 149.4 Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 154.1 Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 156.0 Paw Paw Tunnel Public
C&O Mile 157.4 Purslane Run Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 162.1 Town Creek Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 164.8 Potomac Forks Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 169.1 Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 173.3 Spring Gap Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 175.3 Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker
C&O Mile 180.1 Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker
GAP Mile 0.0 Cumberland YMCA Commercial
GAP Mile 15.5 Trail Inn Lodging and Campground Commercial
GAP Mile 31.9 Maple Festival Park Primitive Campground Commercial
GAP Mile 43.8 Husky Haven Campground and Guesthouse Commercial
GAP Mile 61.4 Youghiogheny Dam Outflow Campground Public
GAP Mile 61.4 Paddler’s Lane Campground Commercial
GAP Mile 72.6 Kentuck Public
GAP Mile 89.4 Connellsville Hiker-Biker Hiker-Biker
GAP Mile 92.0 KOA at River’s Edge Commercial
GAP Mile 99.6 Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Hiker-Biker
GAP Mile 110.2 Cedar Creek Hiker-Biker Hiker-Biker
GAP Mile 110.3 Cedar Creek Park Public
GAP MIle 114.1 GAP Trail Campground Commercial
GAP Mile 122.6 Dravo Hiker-Biker Hiker-Biker

Of note there are no lockhouses listed as campsites.

@Rivnuts -- Thanks much appreciated. Not exactly the same at the Erie Canalway where we pretty much depend on being able to campout at most locks. Looking around on Google Maps (surprisingly the C&O is all there) several of the areas and grassy areas near parking lots look to be decent places to camp. Also the difference from the Erie is that the hiker/biker camps are not near towns. NP -- just makes planning more important.

I didn't realize you could camp at the locks along the Erie Canalway. That opens up a lot of flexibility in trip planning across that trail. Since many of the locks there are still in operation, the areas around them are generally very well maintained. Thanks for that info.