C&O / GAP Forum

Big pool was where I grew up have to clean out my home place since brother passed away.Was planning to use our grandson"s camper to stay in .thinking of last week in April was wondering the price per night to stay there.

Sylvia, give the campground a call and see about their rates.

The number is reportedly:

301-842-3336

This location is shown as closed permanently on google 3/30/21

Hi All!

Planning a bikepacking trip from DC to Cumberland this coming Thursday 4/1. Considering we had a couple of rainy days over the weekend and more rain is forecasted for Wednesday, any advice or insight on what to expect in terms of trail condition? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Soft, puddles and mud in other than resurfaced sections.

Hi all.
Looking for any advice and suggestions. I am planning a bike trip between DC and Cumberland. Can't decide which way to ride. Is it better to start in DC and end in Cumberland? Or the other way round? In terms of grade and elevation?

Also I understand that it is possible to get on Amtrak with a bike but cannot figure out how from the website? Do you have to call them? Or is it better to rent a car or a shuttle service?

Any suggestions appreciated.

You could give reservations a call and they’ll walk you through it. Your looking for the bike ticket (roll-on, roll-off). I’ve spoken to Amtrak reservation agents and they’ll know what to look for. I wouldn’t wait, those tickets go quick. If you don’t find the dates you want ask when the next available is.

What direction? All depends. I personally would do Cumberland to DC. Cumberland to DC is downhill, albeit very slightly. The Potomac empties into the Chesapeake Bay and you’re basically following it. That said the trail is pretty flat overall. The locks you do encounter this direction will be downhill but there ain’t much to them. Better going down that up I say!

If you can’t get a bike ticket you could box your bike. If you do it this way, make sure to bring a pedal wrench, you will need to remove them. You will need to loosen your handlebars and turn them to fit in a box. You’ll have zero problems getting a ticket if you box your bike. The Capitol Limited never sells out.

You could rent a car. I have personally rented a car and dropped it off at Reagan Airport and made my way back to Cumberland/Pittsburgh. Cumberland is much smaller than DC so choices maybe limited on one way drop offs. You might want to price shuttles to see if they are comparable to a car/pickup rental. That could be a good way to go as well.

In addition to John W's remarks, note the difference in train departures and arrivals depending on which direction you choose to go. From Washington the train departs around 4:00 PM and arrives in Cumberland around 7:30 PM. From Cumberland the train departs around 9:30 am and arrives in DC around 1:00 pm. Depending on your travel itinerary, lodging, etc., one of these schedules may be better for you than the other.

Regardless of which direction you choose and if you have not followed some of the recent postings on this forum and/or the C&O website, be aware of the bypass detour required up and over the Paw Paw Tunnel. That may influence your preferred direction also.

In my opinion the first couple of days ride leaving Cumberland can be more difficult and with fewer points of interest so you may want to do those first, especially with the Paw Paw Tunnel bypass now required.

Hi all.
Looking for any advice and suggestions. I am planning a bike trip between DC and Cumberland. Can't decide which way to ride. Is it better to start in DC and end in Cumberland? Or the other way round? In terms of grade and elevation?

Also I understand that it is possible to get on Amtrak with a bike but cannot figure out how from the website? Do you have to call them? Or is it better to rent a car or a shuttle service?

Any suggestions appreciated.

For those interested in activities along the GAP Trail this spring, the GAP Conservancy has made the following announcement:

"Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale Starts April 24.
Don't miss the syrupy goodness of the Pennsylvania Maple Festival, held in Meyersdale right off the Great Allegheny Passage April 24 and 25, and April 28 to May 2. Meyersdale is Pennsylvania's "Maple City," and this year's festival features a tree-tapping ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides, tours of the Historic Meyers Manor Homestead, and maple syrup-making demonstrations at the Meyers Sugar Shack and Sugar Camp. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, and the crowning of the Maple Queen make this annual event a sweet crowd-pleaser."

More details of the Festival can be found at:

https://www.pamaplefestival.com/mc_cid=9e39e73f07&mc_eid=f416bf8b2b

If you were planning on staying in Meyersdale during these dates, you may want to check/confirm availability.

Hoping to do the above segment April 1 and 2 and wondering if anyone can comment on the condition of the trail and whether there are any concerns. Thanks for any input

The actual C&O from Hancock to Harpers Ferry will be a breeze. Getting from Berkeley Springs to Hancock to get on the trail will be a challenge. I’ve read that there’s a serious lack of shoulder along the highway. Call the bike shop in Hancock and ask if people ride US-522, if it’s safe, and if not, if they recommend alternatives, such as a shuttle.

My husband and I are biking the GAP and the C&O Canal. We are starting in Pittsburgh and ending in DC. Does anyone have a good suggestion on who to rent a car from at the end of the C&O Canal? We are trying to avoid going into the city. Also, any recommendations of where to stay when I end the trip in DC? Thanks

Avis has an office on Wisconsin Avenue just a couple of blocks of the trail near its end. Another option is to continue to Reagan Airport. It adds a few miles but can be reached without going into the heart of town. As you might expect there are a number of rental companies that operate at the airport.

I have personally done the airport to airport rental, Pittsburgh to Reagan. Easy as a breeze. I dropped mine off at Reagan and it was super fast and I’m sure picking one up will be likewise.

I stayed at a hotel in Arlington, 20th st. But that’s may be farther from the C&O than you like but getting to and from Reagan it was super close.

My husband and I are biking the GAP and the C&O Canal. We are starting in Pittsburgh and ending in DC. Does anyone have a good suggestion on who to rent a car from at the end of the C&O Canal? We are trying to avoid going into the city. Thanks

Wondering if there are any suggestions as to scenic out and backs (30 miles round trip) between connelsville and homestead.

Ok. Maybe look at Smithton to Dawson. It’s 15 miles one way, 30 miles round trip. There are trailheads/parking at both ends. The trail follows the river. You’ll go through some of the old coal mining villages as well as some undeveloped areas. Note there’s little or no food available trail side anywhere along this route. There’s some interesting historical buildings in Dawson if you have some time to leave the trail and ride over there.

I’m sure others will have some good ideas at all.

There's the glass sculpture in Dunbar, and some beehive coke ovens as well.

Ohiopyle is a cool little town. Make sure some place is open for lunch before you ride over there though. I guess it's a little over 30 miles RT tho.

Perryopolis has some history, and Jason Momoa recently shot a movie there.

Sager Mosiacs in Whitsett is cool.

Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnaces looked pretty amazing. Make sure to make an appointment.

Pittsburgh has cool stuff and is less than 30 miles RT.

Bill:

Did one of the curators in Dunbar tell you about the history of that glass sculpture? If not, it’s an interesting history regardless of your political sentiments.

That sculpture and its history are really really cool. The fact that that guy owned it is just a tiny piece of the intrigue.

The museum was closed the day we passed through, so all I know is what I could find from a couple of hours of google. And what i could see peeking thru the closed blinds.

The concept of sculpturing glass still confounds me!

I think it must have cooled very very slowly when the furnace was shut down, or something.

Hello, All. I'm trying to gather useful intel in advance of a planned ride from Meyersdale to DC in mid-June 2021. Planned stops so far are Meyersdale>PawPaw>Hancock>Williamsport>Harper's Ferry>Leesburg>DC. We are a group of friends, probably 10 to 12 people in all, aged late forties to early sixties. We are leisurely riders, built for comfort not for speed. Most of the group are planning on staying in hotels & air bnb's along the way, which minimizes gear to haul. We seek input on the following questions in particular:
1. How rugged is the hike over the Paw Paw Tunnel? Closure of the tunnel is a big disappointment, and there are worries about just how arduous this obstacle is going to be.
2. If the trail is muddy, is it rideable on 38 mm width tires on a loaded touring bike? Are fenders a liability?
3. I've read that the trail is resurfaced between Harper's Ferry and White's Ferry; any comments on the nature of the new surface?
4. Speaking of White's Ferry...what are the odds it reopens by June? Leesburg looks really nice and we have got nice places reserved there, so we really want to make that work if possible. People familiar with the area, any thoughts on alternate routes to get back the C&O from Leesburg without having to backtrack? Or is backtracking just a given?

We also would welcome any other bits of advice, restaurant recommendations....just useful intel in general.

Thanks in advance!

I'll offer you my opinions about the questions you've presented. Other forum members may have different opinions and information.

1. I'll begin by stating that I and two other 60-somethings successfully made the trek up and over the Paw Paw Tunnel when it was closed for repairs a few years ago. I was camping and had a loaded bike. It was not fun. It is a rough bypass trail with roots and rocks along the way. Most of it is not rideable so we pushed and pulled our bikes most of the way. It probably added an hour to our journey that day.
2. I've ridden it on 28, 32 and 35mm tires in conditions ranging from sloppy mud to bone dry. I'd say 38's would generally be ok. If it is very wet, some knobs on those tires would add some confidence but wouldn't add much benefit under dry conditions. Under the worst conditions your fenders could clog if the tire clearance is minimal. The worst section is from Cumberland to Little Orleans but there would be puddles and mud holes scattered along the rest of the unrestored sections of the trail. I don't want to make it seem unpassable but you can expect to get muddy and wet if it has rained a fair amount before or during your ride.
3. The restored trail between Shepherdstown and Edwards Ferry is a significant improvement over the previous condition. It is smooth, and drains well.
4. I haven't heard any recent news about if/when Whites Ferry might reopen with the new owner. I'm not aware of any good alternative to getting up to Leesburg. Locals in that area may have some good suggestions for you.

PS: I'm an Indy Decatur Central grad in 1968 when Decatur Township was virtually all farm country. Spent all my adult life in suburban Pittsburgh however.

Since your first night is Paw Paw (the town), it looks like you would get to the tunnel in the morning on day 2, so at least you’d knock it out early and be done with it as opposed to the end of a long day. I would ask your companions if they are OK pushing bikes.

As for Whites Ferry, if it’s still closed a week before you depart, I’m certain someone will do shuttles for a fee. I’d give a call around to local bike shops in Leesburg. Not sure if that will involve sticker shock!

There are ways to backtrack to Leesburg but I can’t say if leisurely riders would enjoy it or not.

Good luck!

There is a sizeable tree fallen across the trail about 2.5 miles south of the road bridge to Shepherdsville/Canal lock 38. Be cautious when biking the area. Does anyone know if there’s a place to report it?

I send my emails to choh_information@nps.gov. I have gotten a response for all of them so it's a monitored email.

Hi all, years ago my brother in law bought a small old house right on the canal near Antietam and we used to ride there on the weekends from Cabin John Maryland, but he sold the place and now I’m realizing more than ever what a cool idea that was. So just wondering where you would buy a place like that near the C&O in Maryland or the GAP Pennsylvania and or if you were going to retire and wanted to keep on biking and hiking into the sunset, what small town along the C&O or GAP would you move to? Thanks very much for your thoughts!

I'll let others more familiar with the Maryland towns along the C&O Towpath to respond. When you say "small" town, I'll assume there are no limitations and you're looking for a small vacation residence. There are several options but I would suggest the following: Confluence, PA; Meyersdale, PA, Whitsett, PA; Ohiopyle, PA; Frostburg, MD.

I think Confluence, PA would be my first choice. Its right on the trail and the Youghiogheny River and dam. Its a modest little town that has some small stores and shops. You can ride west toward Ohiopyle which is a nature lover's delight and on to Connellsville. There is hiking and kayaking/rafting in that area also. You could ride east to Rockwood and on to Meyersdale. There are a number camping options along this section of the GAP also.

I could write somewhat at length as to why I listed these locations and their merits (and limitations). If any of these locations strike a nerve or if there are specific attributes for your choice, let me know and I'll elaborate.

Wonderful thanks for your suggestions Rivnuts! when I do my Pittsburgh ride in last September, I'm going to plan on staying 1 or 2 days in each one of these towns and explore around as I will be retired by then! thanks again Rivnuts!

That sounds like a plan although you’ll not likely to find any place in Whitsett to stay. It’s simply one of the old coal mining villages along the GAP and off the beaten path. Not sure why I’m enamored with it other than its simplicity. The trail just kind of opens up there and has a nice park area, pavilion, etc.

You may be underwhelmed by these suggestions depending on exactly what you may be looking for. However, if you ride the length of the GAP and take just a little time in or about the towns and villages along the way you’ll see first hand what you options might be and what may be attractive to you.

If you embark from PIttsburgh and would like someone to ride along foe a ways drop me a note at:

Rivnuts@yahoo.com

As the time approaches. I’d be happy to pedal along and convey what local knowledge I can offer.

I already live about a mile from the C&O in Brunswick, MD and will be moving into a house in the "new" neighborhood here in a couple months. The Appalachian Trail is also just 4 miles on foot from home using the C&O (the Appalachian Trail is actually the same as the C&O for a few miles). So, I can flat, smooth path or hilly, rocky trail. I will admit to usually choosing the lazier option. ;)

This area is much cheaper than, say, Cabin John, or other suburbs around DC but it's not going to be as cheap as many parts of western PA. I'm native to MD and I don't have any interest in going anywhere else so I'll be retiring here (less than 5 years to go :) ).

Sounds great Rivnuts, I plan on taking the train to Pittsburgh in late September or early October and will send you an email in August sometime to see when you might be available to ride along for a while and in the mean time, i'm going to do a test run to Harper's Ferry and or Cumberland just to test things out, so look forward to that ride Rivnuts and do like the sound of Whitsett for those same reasons!

Hi wkr thanks for the info and congratulations on 5 years to go! Its an incredible feeling knowing you can do what you want, when you want and as long as you want, especially when exploring towns and trails by bike right?

My wife's sister has a small place in Harper's Ferry, so going to check out HF more and Brunswick as well and do like the fact that the Appalachian trail connections are right around there, so going to learn more about HF, Brunswick and these other towns in PA and plan on visiting their sites and craft shops and meeting people along the way as that's what makes these adventures a lot more memorable right? Thanks again wkr, see you on the trail!

Hi Rivnuts, I see that Whitsett is right next to Perryopolis and i'm sure you know George Washington bought 1644 acres there because he said:
"as fine a land as I have ever seen, a great deal of rich meadow; it is well watered and has a valuable mill seat."
Very interesting, got to check out Whitsett & Perryopolis for sure, also a big fan of GW, who isn't right? rode my bike to Mount Vernon many times!

We live on the GAP trail in Greenock about 25 miles from Pittsburgh. While I didn't move here for the trail, I will never move from here because of the trail. We can easily ride into Pittsburgh, and have done segments of the GAP all the way to Cumberland. Still holding out hope of a trip to DC when I retire.

Love the trail.

Rick

That sounds like a plan although you’ll not likely to find any place in Whitsett to stay. It’s simply one of the old coal mining villages along the GAP and off the beaten path. Not sure why I’m enamored with it other than its simplicity. The trail just kind of opens up there and has a nice park area, pavilion, etc.

You may be underwhelmed by these suggestions depending on exactly what you may be looking for. However, if you ride the length of the GAP and take just a little time in or about the towns and villages along the way you’ll see first hand what you options might be and what may be attractive to you.

If you embark from PIttsburgh and would like someone to ride along foe a ways drop me a note at:

Rivnuts@yahoo.com

As the time approaches. I’d be happy to pedal along and convey what local knowledge I can offer.

Hi Rick, looking at google it looks like you made a great move being near parks, rivers and tons of greenery and looks like fun biking in all directions! Will have to check out Greenock when up there and let us know when you're thinking about doing the DC trip!

Indeed, Whitsett is not far from Perryopolis which is the closest place I suppose to go buy something such as food. I'm surprised that Washington had to buy the land in Perryopolis as much land was awarded to him as payment for his westward expeditionary forays.

Like Whitsett and, perhaps Greenock to a degree, there are a number of small, old, few-street, mining and coking "villages" along the GAP through which the Western Maryland and P&LE railroads ran, almost literally. The "towns" such as West Newton, Connellsville, Confluence, Meyersdale, Frostburg and Cumberland were the commercial areas along the route.

Which, if any of these, would be of most interest to you depends on what you are looking for such as

Proximity and access to both bike and hiking trails
Proximity to or distancing from towns
Type housing and community desired
Access to shopping (by car or bike)
Distance to major cities
Geographical features and fauna

and priorities.

You'll get a good look during your ride as well as perusing maps of the area.

Indeed, Whitsett is not far from Perryopolis which is the closest place I suppose to go buy something such as food. I'm surprised that Washington had to buy the land in Perryopolis as much land was awarded to him as payment for his westward expeditionary forays.

Like Whitsett and, perhaps Greenock to a degree, there are a number of small, old, few-street, mining and coking "villages" along the GAP through which the Western Maryland and P&LE railroads ran, almost literally. The "towns" such as West Newton, Connellsville, Confluence, Meyersdale, Frostburg and Cumberland were the commercial areas along the route.

Which, if any of these, would be of most interest to you depends on what you are looking for such as

Proximity and access to both bike and hiking trails
Proximity to or distancing from towns
Type housing and community desired
Access to shopping (by car or bike)
Distance to major cities
Geographical features and fauna

and priorities.

You'll get a good look during your ride as well as perusing maps of the area.

BobK we are on the corner of Sandy Lane and East Smithfield St, about 2 miles from Boston. There is a green fridge on the back porch with decent beer. Please stop by if you're in the neighborhood.

Also, we are about 2.5 miles from a bald eagles nest which is between us and Buena Vista. Looks like we're going to have to walk out to see them this spring before the leaves make the nest hard to see.

The section of the trail from Greenock to Buena Vista is about 6 miles, and does not have any cross roads at all. It is the best part of the trail (although I might be biased). Our house to Dravo Cemetery is about 8 miles round trip and is our go-to after work ride.

Rick:

Although you made the kind offer to BobK, you've opened up the "green Pandora's Box" for those of us who live in the area and ride through Greenock often! :-)

Thanks Rick, will try to stop by for sure if I'm in the area, here's my email if you're ever in the DC area, wodr@yahoo.com (w.o.d rider) w.o.d is the paved trail that runs from Purcellville VA to DC as an alternative to taking the C&O to DC, but you'd have to take White's Ferry across the Potomac to get to it. But you will definitely want to take the C&O to DC as that passes by Great Falls and is a lot more scenic. I'm definitely hooked on "green" after living in brownish Colorado for 15 years, but CO has great weather and is great for mountain biking, but doesn't have nice connected easy to ride trails like the C&O GAP trails and actually, I met someone on the C&O who was riding from OHIO to DC, so if I move to PA, I will have to give that a try someday!

Probably the excitement to actually see people again after this past year. I'll have to institute the one-beer limit.

My wife and I have our regular bikes and e-bikes we got last fall. We use the e-bikes if we want to go Homestead or Pittsburgh, and our regular bikes for shorter (~20 mile) trips. We have been identifying all the decent lunch places within our biking radius, and try to go out to lunch at least once a week. The e-bikes have definitely opened things up for us.

Hi Rivnuts, you're right about the "green Pandora's Box" hahaha cos every time I came back from CO for a visit, I realized how much I missed the green, except for the leaf racking of course, but the advantage of living in CO with the higher altitude was whenever I went mountain biking with friends during the visit, they'd be huffing and puffing when I was just getting started hahaha!

Hi Rick, "one beer limit" hahaha, look forward to hearing how those e-bikes work out, sounds perfect for your location!

Rick. I rode right by East Smithfield and Sandy Lane today and didn't spot that green fridge. I've got to get me some new specs! :-)

I just plugged it in and stocked it. we sit back from the trail a little ways, so you'd have to know what you're looking for. Huge back porch which is perfect for watching people ride by on the trail. Can't wait for sitting on the porch season.