C&O / GAP Forum

With the recent weather and looking at recent posts, I'd expect the GAP trail to be pretty wet. We are traveling in from Illinois, planning to start tomorrow, 9/3, in West Newton and riding to Cumberland. Is the trail going to be rideable? Will campsites be usable or would they likely be super wet/muddy still?
Also, any suggestions on best options for getting a shuttle today or tomorrow from Cumberland back to West Newton?

This is our first backpacking trip and rather last minute due to our other weekend plans falling through, so hoping we can pull off this alt option!

Thanks!

While I don't know current conditions, I did bike through after a heavy storm in 2018 that flooded stretches of the towns along the trail. There was one detour through a back road for ~2 miles and I had to lift my bike over a couple of downed trees, but it was passable. I use a hammock for camping and found a covered 3-wall shelter I could hang up in without issue.

That sounds like a fun ride to me. I wouldn't worry about the trail.

With all of the rain and stores randomly closing for the long weekend, your food stops could get really hit or miss. Make sure to have plenty of food and water.

No idea on shuttles, sorry.

Contact the bike shop in Cumberland’s Canal Place on the trail about a shuttle. I understand all such shuttles are fairly costly.

With sunshine and dry weather today, I would not expect the GAP to be muddy tomorrow. There will be some soft spots and maybe a few puddles here and there, particularly in shady areas. Many of the camping areas along the GAP have Adirondack shelters. In Meyersdale at the Maple Festival Campground, there are some covered areas that will be dry.

Riding the GAP starting tomorrow won’t be the best/ideal conditions but they should be quite rideable and generally decent.

It’s in good shap, although some sandy spots and ruts between Frostburg and Cumberland. We biked Ohiopyle-Meyersdale Thursday and Meyersdale-Cumberland yesterday.

Sarah..if you could update on the C&O trail conditions as you make progress, it would be much appreciated. Specifically Culvert 82 at MP 52.5 (just past Brunswick). ..thx..

We're riding both trails in a couple weeks..

Fellow cyclists, I'm looking for current conditions on the GAP/C&O trials after Ida passed through.
Are the trails open or closed? Are there any detours due to washouts of trail or bridges?
Any changes to the camping facilities or other utilities that are on the trial that may have been changed or altered to Ida.

Thank you,
SpinDan

Fellow cyclists, I'm looking for current conditions on the GAP/C&O trials after Ida passed through.
Are the trails open or closed? Are there any detours due to washouts of trail or bridges?
Any changes to the camping facilities or other utilities that are on the trial that may have been changed or altered to Ida.

Thank you,
SpinDan

The bridge is out at mile 52.5 downstream of Brunswick. The low water crossing looked fairly deep today and we turned around. Has anyone gone through since all the rain on Wed? How deep was it?

I would be in interested in more information about this location.
please contact be at dlynch211@gmail.com. I will be passing thru on 9/13 or 14th, 2021
Thank you.
SpinDan

Businesses don't really monitor this forum. Best bet is to reach out to them directly.

I have a question in regard which better to start form D.C. toward Pittsburgh, Or Rent a car drive the car (Drop it) spend a night there, early morning start biking form Pittsburgh toward D.C. of course it is divided into 4 days (84 mile per day).
your answer will be really appreciated. Also I heard the the Tunnel its closed not, they told me you have to add 1/2 hour for such deviation.

Thank you to all!
Faouzi

I started in Pittsburgh on Sunday morning. Ride 62 to Connellsville, PA on Monday then 90 the next day to Cumberland. I was not planning on anywhere that much but bad weather was coming and wanted to be closer to home. Rode 72 yesterday to Clear Springs, MD, just past Hancock. COMPLETE wash out today. 24 hours of heavy rain to hopefully stop at midnight tonight. Will try to restart tomorrow. THE PAW PAW TUNNEL IS CLOSED AND THERE IS NO WAY THROUGH, just over by way of the detour. It took me exactly 20 minutes to climb up, pushing my bike. You won't be able to ride up the mountain. I was able to ride down the backside yesterday but with this rain, it'll be mud for days. The ride down took me 5 minutes. So my total time on the detour was 30 minutes (5 minutes rest of way up). I'm 58 but in great shape and my bike and gear is a beast (70 pounds). No way it should take anyone 1.5 to 2.5 hours of unless they are in terrible shape. You should start in Pittsburgh if going soon so that the c&o is dried out.

I prefer Pittsburgh to DC. The slow gradual climb on the GAP up to the continental divide is barely noticeable. Then you get an amazing 24 mile nice downhill into Cumberland. The C&O is generally condsidered "flat" but you get the benefit of following the Potomac River downstream to Chesapeake Bay and the downhill plunges at the locks. Not much to cheer about but you're not going up them.

Going the other way, the climb up the divide is annoyingly long and the "downhill" to Pittsburgh isn't worth it in my view.

Tunnel detour is in effect. Plan for an extra 30-45 mins depending on your fitness/load.

Man, I hope you're not going right now, the storm is right now going through Maryland and the puddles and mud are going to be crazy for the next 2-3 days, as the poster above me can attest.

Thank you Bob and John for taking time to enlighten my path and which way I should start. I really appetited it.
I am planning to start form Pittsburgh, driving on the 6th of September, then the 7th it will be all on the GAP. I just celebrated my 58birthday, I will try to do it in 4 days.
Thank you again and God Bless you all.

I always prefer to start at one end and pedal to the other end. The uphill and downhill seem to cancel each other out. Just do it.

Are the pumps for potable water still working, have handles or do need to filter water from them.

Have done trail before - Pit to DC (2020).

Handles have been removed before. NPS wanted to get rid of portable classification due to river water getting into wells.

Pumps are up and working as of yesterday.

There's an updated list of available pumps on the National Park Service's Current Park Conditions under "Remote Water Faucet List": https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Thanks for the quick replies and the link to the faucets.

Is the trail too sloppy for fenders? I have 3/4 inch clearance for tires.

is 38 mm gravel king (slick) sufficient?

Heading there in 9/13/21 to do C & o GAP

Under wet, rainy conditions fenders will be fine on the GAP and much of the C&O, especially the restored sections of the C&O. The fenders would obviously reduce the amount of trail grit and mud on your shoes and lower legs...as well as your back.

With 3/4" clearance between your tires and fenders, you should be able to traverse the C&O successfully. There would usually be enough water in standing puddles in the tracks to partially flush the mud. At worst you may want/need to stop at some of the trailside hiker/biker campsites with functioning pumps to use a water bottle to help spray some water up under the fenders, especially at day's end so the mud does dry underneath the fenders before starting the next day. If your are diligent and stealthy enough, you'll also find places such as hotels, convenience stores, gas stations, banks, etc. with a hose to flush out your fenders.

As a suggestion, you should probably not try to skirt around the perimeters of the puddles in the tracks to avoid the water. The sides of the puddles become quite slick and add to the risk of crashing should the tires slide back into the bottom of the puddle. I recommend you simple grin and bear it and ride straight through the puddles. You 38mm tires should be ok in doing so but care is always advised.

I second Rivnuts opinion to just plow through the puddles. Fenders or no fenders, you are going to get muddy when the C&O is wet, there's just no way to avoid the majority of it.

I guess a "glass half full" outlook on it is that the mud adds to the "adventure" and you'll have a great story to look back on as well as a huge sense of accomplishment that you made it through.

I am planning this week or the weekend of Sep 4th to start my trip from Dickerson to Pittsburgh, then form Pittsburgh back to Dickerson. its 580 miles. is there anyone did this before? I am planning to do it in 4 days; is double? or I just go and start form Pittsburgh. The issue, I could not find any place for my bike at the Train form Union station to Pittsburgh, as well rental cars are 0 available. This is why I decided to just start form the closest place to me, as everyone know that the Whites Ferry still close, other wise I would start form there.
Please I need some guidance.
Thank you

If I understand your question correctly, you are considering riding the round trip distance of 580 miles in 4 days. Doing the simple math, that would be 145 miles on consecutive days. Unless you have ridden lots of miles in training, that would be a difficult ride. You may even run out of daylight each day in doing so.

If you meant 4 days in each direction requiring average daily rides of 72.5 miles, then that is quite possible if you are in decent riding shape. Note the day you ride from Cumberland to the Eastern Continental Divide will seem longer given the 23 miles at 1.4% uphill grade.

Thank you for your replay, yes I was planning to do it in 4 days, my wife keeps telling me take it easy, I guess I am renting a car to Pittsburgh so I can start from there. I will try to do it in 3 days.
Thank you

Planning on riding and camping Cumberland to DC next week and would be going through Paw Paw tunnel on Wednesday 1 September. Anyone know the latest?

I am planning to do around trip George town to Pittsburgh, back to D.C. is it double in 4 days?
Thank you

Are bear canisters a necessity to camp here, and if so, anywhere specific they should go? What would you recommend in terms of overnight food storage?

I’ve never seen (during dozens of rides through there) nor heard of bears in that area. I do not believe bear canisters are warranted there. I’d be more concerned with raccoons getting the food rather than bears. However, if you are truly concerned about your food you could employ the simplest solution which would be to hang your food sack in a tree. That said there are enough places along the GAP to get food, one really doesn’t need to carry much in the way of food. Others may have different experiences or opinions.

Are bear canisters a necessity to camp here, and if so, anywhere specific they should go? What would you recommend in terms of overnight food storage?

Going to be riding in September and looking for any updates on the Paw Paw tunnel and the detour?

I, myself, do not have first hand, current information to respond directly to your question.

However, as you know, this has been a recurring question since the National Park Service (NPS) announced the construction project along the towpath downriver from the tunnel. Originally the NPS C&O website stated that the towpath at the downriver exit would be closed from November of 2020 until the spring of 2022 and that riders would have to take the tunnel bypass trail.

However, forum contributors have consistently reported that the tunnel exit is not restricted and have not had to take the detour. That said, the NPS C&O website now states that the towpath "construction in that area is estimated to begin the week of August 9, 2021 and extend into the summer of 2022..."

With that statement, it will be important to obtain current feedback from travellers this week and thereafter as we move into the fall.

Its unfortunate that the NPS cannot simply provide a consistent and current status of that project to guide travellers in their planning.

The GAP website is also reporting the start of construction work beginning August 9. I'll try to query those on the GAP coming from DC this week to see what their experience at the tunnel was.

Paw Paw tunnel was fine to go through today (8/11)

Folks that live in the area are quoted on the facebook rail trail site that work will start in two weeks...

TC:

Since I’m not on Facebook, please let us know if future posts on the Facebook rail trail site indicates that work has actually started and that the Towpath is closed.

Thanks

TC:

Since I’m not on Facebook, please let us know if future posts on the Facebook rail trail site indicates that work has actually started and that the Towpath is closed.

Thanks

I also want to send a "shout-out" to Jesse at Bay Farms. We stayed there 4 years ago under a different name. We returned this year because it was a nice place to stay. IT has been renovated under Jesse's ownership and everything was amazing! The Roost, top floor, was all new, comfortable and clean. Jesse couldn't have been a better host. Worth staying there, if you stop in Williamsport.

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!