C&O / GAP Forum

Hi GAP and C and O bikers. We are biking both trails in June. We need to secure long term parking in Pittsburgh for the time on the trail. We have a reservation at the Hampton Inn, Homestead (pittsburgh) for prior to our biking departure and they allow GAP/ C and O bikers to park for free while they are on the trail. However, I have read at least one review on Trip Advisor for this hotel which stated that their car was broken into while they were parked there. Wondering if the downtown long term parking options (Grant Street Transportation Center) would be a safer bet? It is not unreasonably expensive as weekend rates are 5 $ / 24 hours. Weekdays are 13 $ per 24 hours. Airport parking is likely pretty secure as people are in and out all of the time, but the airport parking would add inconvenience to our trip (out of the city, need to arrange transporation back to the city, what do we do with the bikes, etc.). Anyone have advise about long term parking in Pittsburgh? Safety is our priority (don't want our car broken into). Thank you!!! Can't wait to ride the trials!!! ;)

Ive had ride partners stay there from out of town and leave their cars there for a week, no issues. I’ve heard of many other people staying there and beginning their tours at this hotel, telling the staff at the Hampton Inn they will be leaving their car behind for a GAP trip and they are very accommodating. Don’t be put off my a random comment on TripAdvisor. These things (random breakins) could happen at any location a person parks. Grocery shopping, a day at work, staying at a hotel, etc. I have not heard that this is any kind of a persistent issue at this hotel. In fact that’s the first time I’ve heard of a break in there. Like anywhere, don’t leave anything of value visible in your locked car. Put your bike rack in your trunk or in your back seat and cover with a blanket. I think parking there is free, so that’s always a good thing.

I would avoid the airport, like you’d said, you’d need to arrange transportation. You could park at the parking lots downtown around PNC Park but those are downtown daily rates. Their prices will be similar to the Grant Street prices you mentioned.

Have a great trip!
John

I live in Homestead and worked downtown for 20 years and currently ride through town two or three times per week. The downtown parking lots are not generally policed and pedestrian traffic therein that might dissuade potential thieves is significantly less now during the pandemic due to many fewer people parking downtown. Thus I don't consider the risk of break-ins to be any less there than at the Hampton Inn in Homestead and certainly not at the expense of week long parking fees.

As with parking at any public location, your risk of break-in would be reduced by parking as near to and within site of the main entrance to the hotel, if possible. Further, as John W notes, remove any valuable items from sight within the car. Removing your bike rack which intimates you may be remote from the hotel might be another risk avoidance idea.

While I hadn't considered this before and it is admittedly a little off the wall, you might look into parking your car at the Homestead Police Station. It is only a short ride from the Hampton Inn and just a couple of blocks off the GAP Trail. You might check with the Homestead Police and see if they would allow you to park there. Its not that busy or congested there.

Thank you all for your help and comments! If there are others who have advise, please continue to comment!! thanks much again!

I live about 4 miles from the trail at Homestead and helped someone out years ago with parking before the trail actually made its way all the way to downtown Pittsburgh. The streets around here are safe (I've never seen a break-in, although anything is possible) for street parking, and there are some streets that do not have street cleaning.

If you park at the airport, there is a trail that goes all the way out there and connects to the GAP in McKeesport, although there are some road sections on that trail as well as 4-5 miles between the two trails. https://montourtrail.org/

thank you!!!
We are still investigating down town stay and paid parking in one of the overnight ramps (grant street for example). this way we can start the trail at the park instead of having to skip the first several miles (by starting in Homestead) or doubling back (if we are very intent on "doing the whole thing"). Anyone have info on the safety of the overnight ramps downtown? --the pittburgh parking authority advertises two overnight/ long term ramps. one is Grant street and the other escapes me now. Thank you!!!!

Here’s one thing to consider that might make you think about staying in Homestead. If your intent is “doing the whole trail” (most of us do), one way you could approach this is to check into your hotel in Homestead the afternoon/evening you arrive, drop off all your gear, and ride light and leisurely to Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh. Find the medallion which is the terminus of the trail, then ride back to your hotel. You could now consider this the beginning of your ride.

Yes technically you’re doubling back but you’ve done it with no gear and also knowing you don’t have to do big miles on this day. I think it’s 9 miles out and 9 miles back. Then in the morning, just start from your hotel and get on the GAP where you left off and begin your journey to DC. You've knocked out the first nine or so miles, all on paved asphalt, and still covered every inch of the GAP so far.

Also leaving your car at your hotel in Homestead is free and that’s a plus. It just depends what you think is better/easier for you. Just something to consider!

I’m sorry that I have nothing to add about the downtown ramps as I’ve never used them for overnights.

I'm not aware of a Pittsburgh Parking Authority garage (ramp?) on Grant Street per se'. However there is one whose entry is on Penn Avenue at/above the Greyhound bus station about a block off Grant Street and maybe only two blocks from the Amtrak train station. (Not sure how you are getting back to Pittsburgh from DC.) Of all the downtown garages, that one may be the most active/used since foot traffic in the garages around the downtown offices is much less with the pandemic. Hence, it may well be the safest of all the downtown garages.

Another thought is perhaps to look at hotels across the Monongahela River from downtown in the so-called Southside area of Pittsburgh. There's a Sheraton and a Holiday Inn Express there with outdoor gated parking areas. I don't know what their parking rates are however. Like the hotels in Homestead, they may let you park there for much less if you stay there for a night as both are not very busy now. In each case you are just a short bike ride across either the Fort Pitt Bridge or the Smithfield Street Bridge to get over to Point State Park and the beginning of the GAP Trail at the convergence of the three rivers.

Here's another option depending on your interest and schedule. If you'd like to stay and park at one of the Homestead hotels, I'd be more than happy to take you, your bikes (maximum of two with my bike rack) and your gear from Homestead where I live to Point State Park downtown to begin your trip. The catch is that I'll be riding across Georgia one week and on an Ohio trip another in June. So it would depend on when you arrive in Pittsburgh. If its while I'm home, I'd be more than happy to make that happen.

I know I'm a month late answering but just in case you see this I thought I'd give my perspective.

I parked at the Homestead Holiday Inn Express last year with no problems. I parked my truck conspicuously in the front lot and backed so the front was facing the main door. I also checked twice to make sure absolutely nothing was visible in the cab. Thieves look for change, electronics, and will sometimes take a chance on clutter.

I think you'll be fine if you use some street smarts! I'll be doing the ride again this June. Best of luck to you!

thank you!

hi and Thank you Rivnuts! Really kind of you to offer a ride and thank you for all of your advise! We have figured out our dilemma and a solution that we are happy with. Now we just look forward to the ride! Enjoy yours!

Just a follow-up, Courtyard Pittsburgh West Homestead/Waterfront said you can park your car there for as long as you need (I mentioned 1-2 weeks) and said "no problem" when asked. As of today their rates are somewhat less than Hampstead Inn but still near the GAP. I just made a reservation and plan to ride to DC and back. Does anyone have experience with them?

If your a fan of the FX series Justified you'll recognize the Layton Bridge from the 1st season/1st episode "Fire In he Hole" If you travel across the river and take a right you'll come to the Buffalo Bill House from "Silence Of The Lambs". #8 Circle St.

When we stopped through back in October, the inn keeper told us about that. She also said that Jason Momoa had bought a house in town. Fun stuff for a tiny town.

Heads up fellow bicyclist and outdoor adventurist, the infamous Bill's Place in the heart of bustling downtown Little Orleans, MD (MP 141) are OPEN FOR BUSINESS! They are CLOSED every Tuesday and Wednesday, and they don't serve Breakfast. The grill normally closes early, around seven or eightish depending upon the crowd. The best days to catch them open is during the weekend, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. Remember, this is a Cash-Only-Establishment so plan accordingly. There is an ATM on the premises but you will have to pay a fee! On a somewhat related topic, Bill Place is FOR SALE and has been since 2019. Jack Schoenadel and his wife want to retire.

Hello John Walker,

Thank you for your very nice commentary in the Cumberland Times-News today. A few friends sent it to me. I was married to Steve (and still am alive!!). Your comments were so nice, and greatly appreciated.

Mary Huebner

Good to hear from you, Mary. I'm so sorry that things turned out the way they did between Steve and me. He was a very nice man before the Alzheimers stole him from all of us. I glad that he's now at peace and is no longer suffering from this terrible infirmity.

Apologies if this has been addressed before...I tried using the search function, but it never provided any results.
We are a group who will be arriving in three cars to ride Meyersdale>DC. We are leisurely riders, so are planning on being gone 10 days. Is there anyone who frequents this forum who might have insight into where we might arrange to park our cars in Meyersdale for that length of time? Any safety precautions? Obviously, a car break-in can happen just about anywhere any time, but we are hoping to find a place that is relatively safe and where we will not be towed. Thanks in advance for any info.

You can park at the Meyersdale Area Historical Society, it’s a stones throw from the trail. Also, on the official GAP map, it’s marked with a “P” for Parking at this location so it’s a place you can park for trail access. Since you’ll be leaving your car for more than a day, you could/should contact them and ask about weeklong parking just to make sure they won’t tow. I don’t believe they would tow but better to ask and alert them. Their number is 814-634-8654. They have a web page also and it says “free parking”.

Have a great trip.

John

Thank you for your response, the Meyersdale Area Historical Society turned out to be the perfect solution! They said we could provide our license numbers and contact info, which would be faxed to the local police. The parking lot is patrolled, apparently.

Thank you for the answer John W and for asking the question Indy! I just had to rearrange my entire trip due to a family issue and this was super helpful now that I'm starting in Meyersdale instead of Pittsburgh.

On the Pennsylvania Maple Festival Park web site I just saw that some dates are already sold out for the campground and others have limited availablity.

Sold Out:
June 10
July 19
August 30

Limited Availablity:
June 13
August 8
October 3

Some of the larger crowds could be related to events hosted at the festival grounds, not just bicycle tourists.

You could roll the dice and do same day or walk-in reservations but with what appears to be a busy summer season ahead, I would call and make reservations to guarantee you get a site if you choose to stay here.

John

...or consider overnighting in Rockwood at the Husky Haven campsite or the Hostel on Main Street.

This is a great place to stay. Have to go up a short very steep hill to get to the road, but it was worth it.

Taking Amtrack to DC Rent car from Pittsburgh back to CT. A couple Motels durring the whole trip and the rest bike camping. Anyone interested in comming along?

Contact Awesomejimosullivan@gmail.com

Hi All--
I lost my GoPro with a tripod handle attached on Friday, May 14th I think somewhere after West Newton (if memory serves me). If you found it, would really appreciate a message.

Thanks!

Now you are MilkCartonNoMo? Hope you get it back.

Can anyone report on current weather and trail conditions. Our family of 4 will be riding Pitt to DC last week of May.we are wondering how many rain days we might have. And how soft the trail might be.

Scroll down, a thread exists on this subject.

Really hard to say what the weather will be like. You’ll need to prepare for warm and cool weather and hope for the best. Really, the mud is only most problemmatic from MM22 to MM 0, where the trail gets the most use. It is worth carrying one of those thin tools with stiff bristles on both ends to help clean out your sprockets and chain rings.

Really hard to say what the weather will be like. You’ll need to prepare for warm and cool weather and hope for the best. Really, the mud is only most problemmatic from MM22 to MM 0, where the trail gets the most use. It is worth carrying one of those thin tools with stiff bristles on both ends to help clean out your sprockets and chain rings.

I just completed the Pittsburgh to DC ride last weekend (Fri-Sun). The trail conditions on both the Gap and C&O were pretty much ideal (temps topped out low 70s and trails were dry). The Gap is definitely a smoother trail surface throughout, although it's a looooong slow climb to that Continental Divide. The C&O has some roots, small rocks, potholes except for the 10 miles ro so before Harper's Ferry and roughly 20 miles after Harper's Ferry where the trail has a similar surface to the Gap. I elected to take "advantage" of the Western Maryland trail to pickup some time and take a break from the natural terrain.

If you are taking a similar itinerary/speed/etc., then I highly suggest stopping at the Kickstand Kitchen for lunch on the Gap as there is really not much after that and it's right on the trail. We also stopped in Hancock on the C&O as there is a Sheetz right off the WMRT.

We didn't have any material detours on either trail, so all the major work appears to have been completed.

Last observation, the dust factor was an unexpected aspect of both trails. I highly recommend bringing chain lube, as my bike (and chain) were pretty well coated with dust from the trail after each day of riding.

MilkCartonGoPro: How was the Paw Paw Tunnel? Do you go right through or did you take the detour up and over? How was the climb?

For anyone that has traveled the C&O Trail in the last few days, is the trail open downstream of the Paw Paw Tunnel open or did you have to take the bypass trail up and over the tunnel? Any new signage in that area?

The tunnel is all open no problem getting through the area.

Anonymous, can you clarify what happens when you reach the end of the tunnel? From what everyone has understood, you can go all the way through the tunnel but then once you come out the other side, you cannot advance past the construction area and are forced to go all the way back. Hence the detour up and over the tunnel and past the construction area. You’re saying all of the construction is completed? If so, this would be amazing news for riders this summer.

John

Detour signs are in place as well as barricades. There is no evidence of construction. It appears the the path is easily used and passable. This could change if active construction were to begin. The boardwalk is not damaged but the rockslide does come right up to it but not on it.

Steve Huebner, owner of the Little Orleans Lodge, passed away on May 3rd in hospice care. He was 85 years old. Steve is buried at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Rocky Gap, MD and the lodge is for sale.

Do I need to make reservations for the Evitts Creek Campground in Cumberland?

No. Evitt’s Creek is a free hiker/biker site as part of the C&O Canal. Just show up and pitch a tent.

I should add that Evitts Creek is right next to a train yard and you will hear the banging of cars and engines going all night.

You could go 4.8 miles further to Irons Mountain hiker/biker site. There are only 2 rails lines nearby here but no where near as busy as Evitts Creek.

As John W notes you can go downriver from the free Evitts Creek Hiker/Biker campsite to the Iron Mountain H/B campsite to avoid some train noise. Another option might be to camp at the Cumberland YMCA campsite. There is a modest fee ($12) to camp there but you have access to the facilities at the YMCA...most importantly their showers. There is also an outdoor pavilion in their camping area should you encounter or expect rain overnight. There is a train spur near the campground but it was not frequently used when I stayed there. There is also a street that runs nearby but I didn't notice any car traffic after I went to sleep. There is an online campsite request form but I simply walked in late in the afternoon to the YMCA entry desk and obtained a campsite. There typically aren't many that camp there.

White’s Ferry, near Leesburg, VA is closed indefinitely. When riding from Cumberland to D.C., is there a recommended work around? My husband and I had planned to stay in Shepherdstown and then Leesburg before riding into D.C. I would appreciate input on this, as it is our first thru-bike tour.

I would call your hotel and ask if you can be picked up since Whites Ferry is out for the season. I’m not sure if they will do it but it’s worth a shot.

Thanks, John W. We do not yet have a reservation in Leesburg, so we may opt to remain on the trail and see what may be found a bit closer to D.C. We had hoped to use Leesburg to break up the mileage...staying flexible!

It’s good you remain flexible. Not a lot of hotel choices on the Maryland side until you’re practically in DC. It’s such a shame the ferry is out. Hopefully it’s resolved soon. If you decide to look into Leesburg one more time, ask if they offer a shuttle and can collect you from Point of Rocks, MD, which is the closest active bridge cars use and reach you down at the C&O. It’s worth a shot but not sure how eager they will be to collect you and your bikes and, of course, bring you back the next day. But it’s worth calling and asking at least...tell them your cycling the C&O. They will know Whites Ferry is out.

Another option is to adjust your nightly stops. I’ve done Cumberland to Hancock, Hancock to Harpers Ferry, Harpers Ferry to DC. That’s about 60 miles a day but I don’t know what you will be comfortable with. You could still stop at Shepardstown for lunch or dinner.

Comfort suites in Leesburg will pickup from Point of Rocks. Room rate is $20 higher but well worth it. We were trying also to avoid a 60 mile day.

Also, try Gaithersburg or Germantown in MD. There are a ton of places there and they may well pick you up from Whites Farry.

Do any ride hailing services exist in and out of these towns? Could be an option but I never know how far their service areas are.

There are two hotels in brunswick md, including a new holiday inn express.

Is there anything in the way of a cafe or restaurant or any type of food availability anywhere close to “Turtle Run Hiker Biker site in Whites Ferry. Also “Jordan Junction”??
Or should we plan to purchase food on the way there and keep in panniers?
(We are traveling West to East)

For Turtle Run, there is nothing nearby. I would pack food and water in.

Jordan Junction on the other hand is just about 2-3 miles before Williamsport. So you’ll have plenty of restaurant options. I usually stop at Tony’s Pizza but there are many other places. You could even order subs from Sheetz touch screen menu and bring it back to camp.

The Whites Farry Cafe is a few miles from Turtle Run. They have great sandwiches and would love your business!!

Is the Whites Ferry Cafe still open since the ferry is reportedly not operating?

Their facebook page had an update yesterday, so I would guess that they are still open.

https://www.facebook.com/whitesferrystoreandgrill/

Hours are 9am-6pm so don’t wait too long to get here if this is your dinner destination for the night. They are closed on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s, keep that in mind.

Like Rivnuts mentioned, I’m pleasantly surprised to see them still open despite the Ferry being shuttered.

Just saw their traditional web site: https://www.whitesferrygrill.com/

I wonder if they have new owners in the last couple years? When I stopped there 3-4 years ago, the grill part was pretty basic fare. They’ve definitely expanded their menu!

Anyways, glad to hear this is open since Leesburg is out and there isn’t much else near by.