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Fall in Ohiopyle
Fall in Ohiopyle, PA on the GAP
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Point of Interest Near Trail **WORTH THE TIME**
 -  + I'm looking for advise to find out if historic sites like Antietam and Harpers Ferry or any others along the way are worth scheduling extra time to stop and explore. Not looking for someplace "this ...
Discussion started 04/17/2021 09:54 PM by wnybubba - 5 replies (last reply by Tom at 04/20/2021 06:38 PM)
wnybubba from Bflo/ROC (New York) on 04/17/2021 09:54 PM
I'm looking for advise to find out if historic sites like Antietam and Harpers Ferry or any others along the way are worth scheduling extra time to stop and explore.

Not looking for someplace "this is interesting," but more along the lines of "This is very worth taking time to see" types of places.

Good example -- Antietam: I read up on it and although a Nat'l Park, I'm not convinced seeing the Cemetery and Dunker Church are well worth the time to stop. If someone advised me that it was "Way cool" then I'd build in the time to stop.

Many thanks in advance! (I'll be riding in late July/Aug)

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 04/18/2021 11:53 AM
Others on here are more well versed with local history but a few things I consider “can’t miss” are the following.

Great Falls just outside DC. The water power here is impressive here compared to the rest of the calm Potomac and you’re so close to it you can feel it rumble.

Swim at Ohiopyle State Park. If it’s hot, I always try to get down from the trail and take a swim (or at least soak my feet). You’ll know where to go, as there will be hundreds of people in the Youghiogheny River below you on the GAP trail. You can change your gear in the bathrooms at the Laurel Highlands Information booth after you cross the bridge, you can’t miss it.

Big Savage Overlook. After you exit the big savage tunnel, you get an amazing view of the mountains on your left. This is personally my favorite view on the trail. There are benches to sit and relax. Mason Dixon line is shortly after.

Train depot at Frostburg. Park your bike at the trailhead and walk up the switchbacks to a well preserved train station. There’s also a “Turn Table” where the engines turn around. The Western Maryland Scenic Railway departs from here if your lucky to see it.

From Pittsburgh to McKeesport, note the industrial-ness of what’s around you. Lots of old steel mills and note all of the railroads you be criss-crossing or riding parallel to. I love the rumble of the trains (though not so much the rooting of the horns!).


 
wnybubba from Bflo/ROC (New York) on 04/18/2021 05:13 PM
@John W.
Awesome. All good to know. Remember, I have done the GAP and agree that each of your points of interest are great. I didn't know about the option at Ohiopyle, but I have rafted the Yough! It sounds like a worthwhile stop. Nor did I know about Frostburg and the train depot and turntable. Interesting, because I took a fairly long break at the Trailhead last year.

Same with the Big Savage Tunnel -- it truly is a spectacular view and I had the perfect day last year! Besides, you are now pretty much on a downhill roll into Cumberland. It surprised me that it wasn't a coasting downhill, but pretty much effortless peddling all the way.

Great Falls also looks like a place to take in. Of course, you are talking with a guy who has Niagara Falls in his backyard! LOL You mentioned the falls before and I researched and saw pictures. Very worthwhile I am sure.

>> Another question from my other post about my C&O trip. You mentioned using the WMRT. I downloaded the Trip Planner here and selected campgrounds as follows:

Little Orleans (Fifteen Mile Creek)
Williamsport (Opequon Junction Campsite)
Dickerson (Marble Quarry Campsite)

Each of these are listed as On The Trail. Will I still be able to reach them if I am on the WMRT? I really haven't researched the actual WMRT yet, so apologies if this is rather straightforward. [FYI: I planned a rather short 40 mile day after Little Orleans because of the Paw Paw tunnel detour. If things go well, I may adjust camping places as I travel.]

Thanks again for the good advise!

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 04/18/2021 05:52 PM
WNYBubba: Oh wow, you’ve rafted the Yough so you’re familiar with that area! Great swimming river, cool and refreshing.

Your first opportunity to get on the WMRT will be at Fifteen Mile Creek/Little Orleans. So you can start your day on the pavement! This is Mile 140.9 of the C&O.

Look for Bills Place/High Germany Rd. area on the map and the WMRT runs over High Germany Rd. You can take the trail through to Hancock. As your riding, look down the embankment to your right and you will sometimes see (although not always), the C&O Canal below you. The two trails are really that close.

After Hancock, the trail runs for another 9 miles and counts down to its own Mile 0. After you reach Mile Post 1 of the WMRT, be on the lookout for Ernstville Rd. When you see it, take a right off of the trail and onto the road and then look for the dirt path down to the C&O. If you look at Google maps and turn on the Biking mode, you’ll see this connection. This puts you back on the C&O at approx. Mile 114.

Opequan Junction is mile 90.9 so you’ve got 24 or so miles to get there on the C&O.

To answer your question, you’ll be able to reach your campsites no problem, you’ve just taken a parallel route for part of the day (the first 26-27 miles).

Buddy Lou’s restaurant in Hancock is highly rated by traveling cyclists if you’re hungry, definitely a great place to eat.

John

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/18/2021 09:36 PM
For information there is a fee at the Little Orleans and 15-Mile Creek campgrounds. However, just down the towpath is the Indigo Neck hiker/biker trailside free camp site which still allows good access to the WMRT to continue on to Hancock. (PS: If you find any loose derailleur parts at Indigo Neck they may be mine having lost some in trying to repair my rear derailleur there one evening after a branch jumped up into it and bending it to shreds. :-)

 
Tom on 04/20/2021 06:38 PM
Stop and see Jerry Heil at Taylor’s Landing Rd, near Sharpsburg.
Cool dude.. fair prices of water and drinks.
Wood worker, motorcyclist, general all around good guy.
He’s got a cool little store there right next to the trail and loves to chat!


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Point of Interest Near Trail **WORTH THE TIME**
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Paw Paw Tunnel
 -  + Planning a Bikepacking weekend on C&O soon. I’m a little unclear on exactly what the status is is with the Paw Paw Tunnel and trail? I read the actual tunnel is “open” but perhaps I still would be for...
Discussion started 03/24/2021 09:29 PM by Steve Lauer - 16 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 04/17/2021 05:42 AM)
Steve Lauer from Sykesville, MD on 03/24/2021 09:29 PM
Planning a Bikepacking weekend on C&O soon. I’m a little unclear on exactly what the status is is with the Paw Paw Tunnel and trail? I read the actual tunnel is “open” but perhaps I still would be forced to take the “bypass trail”? Is this correct? Sites make mention of the bypass trail taking 1-2 hour additional time and wanting to plan my overall day and distance accordingly. Appreciate any current and additional feedback. Thanks!!

 
Anonymous on 03/24/2021 09:52 PM
Here’s the information source regarding closure of the C&O Towpath at the Paw Paw Tunnel.

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/pawpaw-closure.htm


 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 03/25/2021 03:52 PM
Yes you are right Steve. If going from DC to Cumberland, you can enter the tunnel and come out the other side but you won’t go much further as construction will be blocking you just after you exit (not to mention some sheer walls on each side that you can’t go up!).

If going from Cumberland to DC you will not reach the tunnel, just all of the construction with no way to pass it and enter the tunnel.

From what I’ve heard, you’ll be pushing your bike a mile or so up and over the hill. It’s too rough to try and ride it although some may be able to.

 
Anonymous on 03/25/2021 07:35 PM
Just coincidentally Tim Mooney, the voice of the Pedalshift Project podcast just posted today the first of a three-part series of his recent trip to check out the Paw Paw Tunnel bypass detour. The first part can be found at:

https://youtu.be/eeVxwCpceJI

The first part of his trip in route to the downriver side of the Tunnel from Hancock, MD is the subject of Part 1. He states that Part 2 will be uploaded in two weeks. That Part should provide another and current opinion of the condition of the tunnel bypass detour and his efforts to traverse it.

 
Steve Lauer from Sykesville,MD on 03/30/2021 08:18 PM
Just circling back fo thank you all for the very timely and helpful feedback to my question. This forum is a great resource!

 
Anonymous on 04/01/2021 08:16 PM
From our extensive esearch--this is what I understand: The Cumberland side of the tunnel is open (not the DC side) and you can enter the tunnel from this side (cumberland side) and have a look at the tunnel (? even go all of the way to the end), but the tunnel is blocked on the DC side (so you cannot exit the tunnel). you can go in , have a look and then come back out the cumberland side. from there you need to take an "up and over" trail over the top of the tunnel which seems to come out on the C and O trail about 1/2 mile out from the DC side of the tunnel.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 04/01/2021 08:28 PM
I think you’re right! I had my upstreams and downstreams inverted in my earlier comment. I guess I’ll find out if/when I do Pittsburgh to DC this year.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/01/2021 09:01 PM
The confusion may arise because, while generally you are riding from north to south when riding from Pittsburgh to DC, the section through the tunnel is south to north when travelling toward DC.

 
Anonymous on 04/03/2021 09:59 AM
yes, it took as a while to figure that all out---upstream/ downstream, north/ south.
I'm just so happy we can get a look at the tunnel still. the "up and over" path sounds like an interesting challenge, hopefully that's what I will say about in the moment ;)

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/03/2021 10:58 AM
Please add your feedback about the tunnel bypass route for others to consider in planning their trip. Understandably, different people will have different observations about it depending on the time, direction, weather, bike and bike load, personal condition, etc. It will be helpful to all of us.

 
Alex from New York on 04/05/2021 04:55 PM
I had to take this trail in the fall of 2017 when the tunnel was closed as well. You are advised to walk the bike both up and down the hill, especially with the load. It is what it is, just be ready for an additional hour or so.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/09/2021 08:22 AM
Part 2 of the Pedalshift Project’s recent traverse of the Paw Paw Tunnel bypass trail has now been uploaded to YouTube at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1L0X5jYKTc

In this part Tim Mooney describes his recent experience taking his unloaded bike up and over the mountain above the tunnel. His description is very similar to my recollection of that trail although in my case I was fully loaded and it was much warmer and wet. You can take his information into account in planning your trip. Note that Tim is travelling upstream toward Paw Paw during his description.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/09/2021 12:46 PM
Great episode. I was surprised to hear there were multiple paths/trails up at the top of the detour...so many that the park service needed to put signs up so people wouldn't get lost!

Tim described the views at the top of the detour as "the best views on the C&O".

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/15/2021 08:27 PM
Part 3 of the Pedalshift Project/Tim Mooney’s recent traverse of the Paw Paw Tunnel bypass trail has now been uploaded to YouTube. Interestingly, on his return trip Tim found the towpath downstream of the tunnel itself was not closed and was passable. Apparently the construction work there has not begun or been resumed at this moment in time. In that the Towpath's closure has been advertised for some time now, closure could occur at any time going forward necessitating the use of the bypass trail.

 
Stephen Helm from East Petersburg Pa. on 04/16/2021 10:09 PM
6 of us are riding from Pittsburgh to Harpers Ferry on May 1st to the 4th. We are wondering what the time line is on reopening of the Paw Paw Tunnel.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 04/16/2021 11:34 PM
I believe project is expected to take 2 years and they are just beginning this spring. So all of 2021 for sure and likely 2022 (unless they finish early).

Expect and prepare for the detour up and over the Paw Paw Tunnel.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 04/17/2021 05:42 AM
You should monitor the status of the closed section of the GAP outside Pittsburgh. It is close to reopening but is not fully open as yet.


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Paw Paw Tunnel
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Deal to Connellsville
 -  + Planning on parking the car near the trail at Deal PA and cycling to Connelsville PA. Questions 1) Is there a place to park the car near the trail area at Deal? 2) Will we be able to get a shuttle ba...
Discussion started 04/10/2021 12:00 AM by NR - 2 replies (last reply by NR at 04/16/2021 08:21 AM)
NR from Silver Spring MD on 04/10/2021 12:00 AM
Planning on parking the car near the trail at Deal PA and cycling to Connelsville PA.

Questions
1) Is there a place to park the car near the trail area at Deal?
2) Will we be able to get a shuttle back to where we parked from Connelsville?
3) Any recommendations for shuttle service?

Thanks in advance.

NR

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 04/10/2021 03:07 AM
Yes, there is a trailhead adjacent to the trail in Deal. Lots of parking there and never heavily used when I’ve passed through there. I can’t offer any firsthand recommendations for a shuttle in that area. I might suggest you contact the trail side bike shop in Connellsville at:

Bikes Unlimited
724-628-2453
Bikes@bikesunlimited.biz

They’ve been quite helpful to me and they’ve been there for sometime.

Perhaps one of the outfitters in Ohiopyle such as Wilderness Voyageurs could/would provide a shuttle. If you Google “GAP bike shuttle services” it will return a number of possible shuttle operators. That said, I do not have any personal experience with any of them.

 
NR from Silver Spring MD on 04/16/2021 08:21 AM
Thanks, Rivnuts. This is very helpful.
NR


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Big Savage Tunnel Opened
 -  + The GAP Trail website has reported that the Big Savage Tunnel has been reopened for the 2021 season on Friday April 9.
Discussion started 04/15/2021 09:12 AM by Rivnuts - 1 reply (last reply by John W. at 04/15/2021 02:10 PM)
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/15/2021 09:12 AM
The GAP Trail website has reported that the Big Savage Tunnel has been reopened for the 2021 season on Friday April 9.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/15/2021 02:10 PM
A sign that the summer cycling season is just around the corner!


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FYI Little Orleans Lodge is CLOSED and For Sale
 -  + Heads-up outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists, as of March 2021, everything has been removed out, there is a For Sale sign in the driveway, Steve’s website has been pulled down, and the domain name is for...
Discussion started 04/13/2021 03:36 PM by John Walker - 0 replies
John Walker from Little Orleans on 04/13/2021 03:36 PM
Heads-up outdoor enthusiasts and cyclists, as of March 2021, everything has been removed out, there is a For Sale sign in the driveway, Steve’s website has been pulled down, and the domain name is for sale. Asking price is $174K so hopefully someone will take on this historic property and there will be once again lodging in the sleepy hamlet of Little Orleans.


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Vehicle rental for transporting bikes
 -  + Four of us are planning to bike from Cumberland to DC in June. We need to rent a vehicle to drive with our bikes to Cumberland. Any thoughts on what vehicles might work? We are considering a van with ...
Discussion started 04/10/2021 09:14 AM by Karen - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 04/12/2021 08:23 PM)
Karen from Lansing NY on 04/10/2021 09:14 AM
Four of us are planning to bike from Cumberland to DC in June. We need to rent a vehicle to drive with our bikes to Cumberland. Any thoughts on what vehicles might work? We are considering a van with stow and go rear seats.

 
Anonymous on 04/12/2021 08:23 PM
I have done this the last three years, for three people returning (once with two bikes, twice with three bikes). I rented a minivan one-way each time. I think I had a Grand Caravan the first time and Chrysler Pacificas the other two times. I am not sure if you can stand 4 adult bikes up in the back. I took the front wheels off, and laid them down flat. I got some cardboard to put between the bikes to cushion them. Worked fine. Maybe having the people in the back sit tandem (fold seats down on the right, backseat passengers in different rows) would enable the bikes to be stored upright.

I think I used Enterprise once, and Budget the other two times. I used local offices in Arlington twice, and the counter at National Airport the last time. Make sure you inspect the car thoroughly, and I always take pictures at pickup.


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Little Orleans Lodge in Little Orleans
 -  + I drove by Steve's place last week after attending Good Friday Mass at Saint Patrick Catholic Church and there was a "For Sale" sign at the intersection just after crossing Fifteen-Mile Creek bridge, ...
Discussion started 04/11/2021 03:33 PM by George Spencer - 0 replies
George Spencer from Little Orleans on 04/11/2021 03:33 PM
I drove by Steve's place last week after attending Good Friday Mass at Saint Patrick Catholic Church and there was a "For Sale" sign at the intersection just after crossing Fifteen-Mile Creek bridge, and another in the driveway. Also, the lodge website has been taken down and the domain name is for sale so that tells me that Steve is either very sick (COVID, etc...) or the family has finally had to put Steve into a nursing home because of his advancing Alzerhimers/Dementia. It is sad that we, the C&O Canal community, are losing this icon and hopefully someone will buy the place and restore it to its former glory.


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Whites Ferry
 -  + Not looking good for the ferry for the 2021 season: https://dcist.com/story/21/04/07/whites-ferry-reopening-could-be-pushed-into-2022-by-continuing-dispute-over-virginia-landing/
Discussion started 04/09/2021 12:37 PM by John W. - 0 replies
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/09/2021 12:37 PM
Not looking good for the ferry for the 2021 season:

https://dcist.com/story/21/04/07/whites-ferry-reopening-could-be-pushed-into-2022-by-continuing-dispute-over-virginia-landing/


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Dravo Landing / Queen Aliquippa Campsite in Buena Vista
 -  + Planning a bike trip to DC! Is camping here free? and do we have to make a reservation ahead of time?
Discussion started 04/08/2021 09:58 AM by Henry - 2 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 04/08/2021 06:08 PM)
Henry on 04/08/2021 09:58 AM
Planning a bike trip to DC! Is camping here free? and do we have to make a reservation ahead of time?

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 04/08/2021 01:15 PM
Dravo Landing hiker-biker site is free and does not require reservations. Room for 25-30 plus one Adirondack shelter. Just show up as you see fit and pitch your tent.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 04/08/2021 06:08 PM
In addition to the Dravo Cemetery/Landing campsite, you’ll find free trail side camping along the GAP at Cedar Creek Park, Round Bottom Camp and Stewart’s Crossing in Connellsville. No reservations are required but access to the Adirondack shelters is first come first serve. Of course you can always pitch a tent at any of them.

Of course, there are numerous free hiker/biker campsites along the C&O Towpath as well.


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Sheepskin Trail Update
 -  + As part of an overnight bikepacking trip along the GAP, I left the GAP Trail for an out-and-back diversion on the Sheepskin Trail over to Dunbar, PA. I had ridden that trail a couple of years ago. A...
Discussion started 04/08/2021 06:02 PM by Rivnuts - 0 replies
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/08/2021 06:02 PM
As part of an overnight bikepacking trip along the GAP, I left the GAP Trail for an out-and-back diversion on the Sheepskin Trail over to Dunbar, PA. I had ridden that trail a couple of years ago. At that time a portion of that trail passed through a rail car staging area which consisted of course railroad ballast stone. It was a short but unpleasant ride. Since then that section of the trail has been resurfaced with crushed stone like the rest of the trail. It is now a smooth surface making that side trip quite pleasant. It was dry yesterday but could become a little soft following wet weather.


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New Visitor Center Opens in Connellsville, PA Along the GAP Trail
 -  + Various Western Pennsylvania newspapers are reporting today that a new visitor center opened today in Connellsville. It is located at 100 Torrance Avenue, right along the GAP Trail in the Yough River...
Discussion started 04/02/2021 07:50 PM by Rivnuts - 0 replies
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 04/02/2021 07:50 PM
Various Western Pennsylvania newspapers are reporting today that a new visitor center opened today in Connellsville. It is located at 100 Torrance Avenue, right along the GAP Trail in the Yough River Park. This visitor center will be open from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on weekends in April and May, then Tuesdays through Sundays in June and daily in July and August.


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Bike Tickets on Amtrak (DC to PIT)
 -  + I just spoke with a super friendly and helpful Amtrak Reservation agent over the phone. I was looking online and kept seeing “Sold Out” for Bicycle tickets on every date I attempted and getting frustr...
Discussion started 04/02/2021 05:34 PM by John W. - 0 replies
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/02/2021 05:34 PM
I just spoke with a super friendly and helpful Amtrak Reservation agent over the phone. I was looking online and kept seeing “Sold Out” for Bicycle tickets on every date I attempted and getting frustrated. So I decided rather than to keep searching and coming up empty, I would just call and see if they could locate tickets for me. It worked.

I simply asked them what dates in June still had bike tickets available going from DC to PIT on the Capitol Limited. They were able to quickly pull up the information and I ended up reserving the first date they mentioned, the last ticket available for that date.

I was curious about how many tickets were still remaining so I asked them about other dates in the month of June and they said the only ones remaining were the following dates:

June 22 - 1 ticket
June 24 - 2 tickets
June 29 - 2 tickets

I didn't ask about the rest of the summer (July or August) as I didn’t want to waste anymore of their time, but feel free to call and speak to an agent. Their number is 1-800-872-7245. I probably waited 8-10 minutes on hold. They also mentioned that there are no tickets available *before* June 22. This information is for DC to PIT only, I did not ask about the other direction.

If you're wanting a Bicycle ticket ("Roll-on, Roll-off") to ride GAP/C&O this summer, I wouldn't wait too much longer to reserve, what little they have seem to be going pretty fast!


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Indian Springs Campground in Big Pool
 -  + 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 ...
Discussion started 03/31/2021 06:40 AM by Sylvia - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/31/2021 08:47 PM)
Sylvia from Cocoa,fl on 03/31/2021 06:40 AM
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.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 03/31/2021 05:12 PM
Sylvia, give the campground a call and see about their rates.

 
Anonymous on 03/31/2021 08:47 PM
The number is reportedly:

301-842-3336


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The Bruce House Inn in Cumberland
 -  + This location is shown as closed permanently on google 3/30/21
Discussion started 03/30/2021 03:31 PM by ChazNasty - 0 replies
ChazNasty from Berkeley, CA on 03/30/2021 03:31 PM
This location is shown as closed permanently on google 3/30/21


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DC to Cumberland starting 4/1
 -  + 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 o...
Discussion started 03/29/2021 11:35 PM by AWK - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 03/30/2021 08:10 AM)
AWK from Reston, VA on 03/29/2021 11:35 PM
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!

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/30/2021 08:10 AM
Soft, puddles and mud in other than resurfaced sections.


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C&O between DC and Cumberland
 -  + 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...
Discussion started 03/29/2021 03:27 PM by Bostonmom - 2 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 03/29/2021 06:34 PM)
Bostonmom from Dillsburg on 03/29/2021 03:27 PM
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.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 03/29/2021 05:32 PM
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.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/29/2021 06:34 PM
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.


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C&O between DC and Cumberland
 -  + 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...
Discussion started 03/29/2021 03:27 PM by Bostonmom - 0 replies
Bostonmom from Dillsburg on 03/29/2021 03:27 PM
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.


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2021 Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale
 -  + 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...
Discussion started 03/27/2021 10:08 PM by Rivnuts - 0 replies
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/27/2021 10:08 PM
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.




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Trail from Berkley Springs to Harpers Ferry
 -  + 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
Discussion started 03/25/2021 08:00 PM by Lynne - 1 reply (last reply by John W. at 03/26/2021 02:46 PM)
Lynne from Waynepa on 03/25/2021 08:00 PM
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

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 03/26/2021 02:46 PM
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.


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One way car rental from DC to Pittsburgh
 -  + 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 a...
Discussion started 03/24/2021 08:16 PM - 2 replies (last reply by John W. at 03/24/2021 10:53 PM)
Anonymous from Wolfeboro on 03/24/2021 08:16 PM
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

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/24/2021 08:51 PM
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.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 03/24/2021 10:53 PM
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.


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One way car rental from DC to Pittsburgh
 -  + 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 a...
Discussion started 03/24/2021 08:16 PM - 0 replies
Anonymous from Wolfeboro on 03/24/2021 08:16 PM
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


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Scenic out and backs
 -  + Wondering if there are any suggestions as to scenic out and backs (30 miles round trip) between connelsville and homestead.
Discussion started 03/20/2021 01:39 PM by David - 6 replies (last reply by Bill in Houston at 03/24/2021 10:08 AM)
David from Walloon lake on 03/20/2021 01:39 PM
Wondering if there are any suggestions as to scenic out and backs (30 miles round trip) between connelsville and homestead.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/20/2021 10:31 PM
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.

 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/23/2021 09:37 AM
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.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/23/2021 09:56 AM
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.

 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/23/2021 05:24 PM
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.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/23/2021 07:27 PM
The concept of sculpturing glass still confounds me!

 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 03/24/2021 10:08 AM
I think it must have cooled very very slowly when the furnace was shut down, or something.


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June 2021 Meyersdale>DC
 -  + 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>Leesbu...
Discussion started 03/22/2021 12:16 PM by Jonathan - 2 replies (last reply by John W. at 03/22/2021 09:56 PM)
Jonathan from Indianapolis on 03/22/2021 12:16 PM
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!

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/22/2021 09:13 PM
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.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 03/22/2021 09:56 PM
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!


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Fallen tree across trail
 -  + 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 repo...
Discussion started 03/20/2021 10:30 PM by Thomas Longberg - 1 reply (last reply by wkr at 03/22/2021 06:09 PM)
Thomas Longberg on 03/20/2021 10:30 PM
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?

 
wkr from Brunswick, MD on 03/22/2021 06:09 PM
I send my emails to choh_information@nps.gov. I have gotten a response for all of them so it's a monitored email.

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