Lodging on Trail Side near Leesburg
- + With the White's Ferry croosing closed, this inquiry is a continuing and probably frequently asked question; however, with the closing othe White's Ferry crossing and the assumed lack of access to Lee...
Discussion started 07/14/2024 03:42 PM by John Brown - 5 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 07/19/2024 05:55 PM)John Brown from Pittsburgh on 07/14/2024 03:42 PM
With the White's Ferry croosing closed, this inquiry is a continuing and probably frequently asked question; however, with the closing othe White's Ferry crossing and the assumed lack of access to Leesburg, beyond Lock House 25, what are our lodging options.
Will the Leeburg hotels cross the river and pick you up and return you to the trail?
Our projected date for this need is Sept 20th/ mid week.
We are not overnight campers and would desire lodgings with a shower and bed linens provided.
Thanks.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 07/14/2024 08:00 PM
The Leesburg hotels should consider your suggestion but I’m unaware of any that do. To my knowledge the last public lodging near the trail in route to DC is in Brunswick, MD.
You might want to consider a shuttle service to take you across the river to Leesburg for the night and continue on into DC via the WOD trail the next morning.
Perhaps a forum reader from the area has some better ideas.
Fred from Baltimore on 07/16/2024 09:55 PM
I would contact hotels/motels in Leesburg directly. I know that one or more used to do shuttle pick-ups, but those notes are long-lost.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 07/17/2024 04:03 AM
To Fred’s point, several years ago I once used a hotel shuttle from the Virginia/Leesburg ferry landing to a hotel in Leesburg to avoid riding on Highway 15(?). However that is a much shorter trip than having to pickup riders on the Towpath on the MD side of the Potomac. I suspect that is why such shuttles are likely no longer running. However, as Fred suggests, there’s no harm in calling the hotels themselves to inquire.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 07/19/2024 08:46 AM
I don't know why you would try to get a hotel in leesburg to shuttle you at this point. If I was inclined to do something like that I would see about something from germantown or gaithersburg maryland instead. Leesburg is not close at all any more. ;)
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 07/19/2024 05:55 PM
WKR: Good point.
Catoctin Creek Culvert Replacement
- + Does anyone know the status of the Catoctin Creek culvert replacement? The second link shows an actual new bridge. I have bittersweet feelings about the replacement. The first year I rode from Pitt...
Discussion started 06/04/2024 02:14 PM by Andrew - 13 replies (last reply by WKR at 07/18/2024 08:14 PM)Andrew from Pittsburgh on 06/04/2024 02:14 PM
Does anyone know the status of the Catoctin Creek culvert replacement? The second link shows an actual new bridge. I have bittersweet feelings about the replacement. The first year I rode from Pittsburgh to DC was the year that the culvert washed out, so I have always had to cross the creek. The first year was from rock to rock, and then on the low bridge every summer since. :)
I also wished that they had had the funding to rebuild it in the original style of the culvert, but I understand why that was probably not feasible.
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/replace-culvert-82-bridge.htm
https://www.reddit.com/r/towpath/comments/1cfmhxf/replacement_bridge_north_of_point_of_rocks/
Luchs from Harpers Ferry on 06/04/2024 07:50 PM
When I rode by about 2 weeks ago the new bride framing was up and they were starting on the deck.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 06/05/2024 08:43 PM
Huh, I do not remember it being anything special. Wasn't it just a little wooden bridge? As a local I probably ignore a lot of interesting things since I see them all the time. ;)
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/06/2024 02:14 PM
That second link appears to be that “temporary low footbridge” that’s been there the last few years since the collapse of the original bridge. If they have begun repair of the original bridge as Lucas notes, that’s good news. It had been reported earlier that that repair work would begin in the Fall of 2023.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/07/2024 05:12 AM
That second link appears to be that “temporary low footbridge” that’s been there the last few years since the collapse of the original bridge. If they have begun repair of the original bridge as Lucas notes, that’s good news. It had been reported earlier that that repair work would begin in the Fall of 2023.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 06/09/2024 05:34 PM
Yes, they've definitely been working on getting a bridge up. I haven't been through there in awhile as the heavy equipment was chewing up the trail surface. I'm curious so I'll see about going over there this week.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 06/10/2024 11:57 AM
I went ahead out at lunch today to look. On the way I could tell they had smoothed out the tow path surface from the gate at brunswick all the way to the bridge. The RVs tear it up and there was a bunch of additional damage from the heavy machinery. There is a metal bridge up. It's got stacks of wood on it that I assume will be the floor. No work was happening today.
I don't know if I can post links but I took some pics:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/g6TELapJYnvCwpMd7
1 is of the bridge from the side, the next just shows the machines sitting, and then a pic of the bridge where you can see the stacks of wood.
Mark S. from Redford Twp., Mi on 06/10/2024 03:32 PM
So the answer is I can cross this culvert in July? The weather here in Michigan has been quite cool. It looks like riding from Pittsburgh to D.C. could be comfortable. I'm a roadie that thrives on hot weather cycling. But loaded with panniers and such means a relief is helpful from scorching temps.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 06/10/2024 05:38 PM
I just realized the bridge hasn't changed since that reddit link above was posted. I had the impression things have been sitting still for awhile but I'd forgotten about the picture in that thread. So, my news and pics were of no interest. ;)
Mark, unless there's a big storm that washes out the low bridge it's no problem to go through there.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/10/2024 05:42 PM
WKR
Thanks for that info and photographs. Looks like they are well underway. Not that the temporary low bridge/walkway is onerous but it will be nice to have the towpath itself restored.
Mark S. from Redford Twp., Mi on 06/10/2024 06:39 PM
Thank you WKR. Will be departing 8 July, on my birthday. No greater way to celebrate it than a gap/co tour.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 06/11/2024 09:00 AM
The low bridge actually can be onerous for inexperienced cyclists who choose not to dismount. I witnessed someone ride onto the bridge, put on his brakes while on top of the bridge where there's also some loose gravel, and go down hard since the gravel on wood might as well be ice. Destroyed his helmet and rang his bell pretty good.
It's no problem riding across the bridge even while loaded as long as you stay off the brakes.
Straus Guide 80 from Thornton, CO on 06/28/2024 09:02 PM
As of Tues, 6/25 when I rode through southbound, the wooden decking of the new bridge appeared to be complete. The fill on either side, final grading, approach railings and signing still needs to be done.
The bigger challenge was bit further down the towpath with a huge tree that fell across the trail. It was about 3 ft in diameter.
WKR from Brunswick, MD on 07/18/2024 08:14 PM
My wife just showed me something on facebook indicating that the bridge is open. I'll have to head over there soon to see it for myself.
West Newton Trailhead in West Newton
- + What time do the restrooms open in the mornings? Weekdays and weekend.
Discussion started 07/12/2024 01:46 PM by Liz - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 07/12/2024 04:38 PM)Liz from Greensburg on 07/12/2024 01:46 PM
What time do the restrooms open in the mornings? Weekdays and weekend.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 07/12/2024 04:38 PM
According to the GAP website the West Newton Visitor Center opens at:
11:00 AM weekdays
10:00 AM weekends
The Subway across the river opens at 9:00 as an alternate.
Trail Completion Vehicle Meeting Place - Georgetown
- + Plan to complete C&O at mile 0. What is an optimal meeting point and possible route for a vehicle to meet me upon completion? Driver will be coming from Great Falls area. Would like to minimize exposu...
Discussion started 07/08/2024 10:57 AM by Recalc - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 07/08/2024 11:47 AM)Recalc from Kansas on 07/08/2024 10:57 AM
Plan to complete C&O at mile 0. What is an optimal meeting point and possible route for a vehicle to meet me upon completion? Driver will be coming from Great Falls area. Would like to minimize exposure to heavy traffic.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 07/08/2024 11:47 AM
There is a pay parking lot adjacent to Thompsons Boat Center behind which is Milepost 0.
Ride completed 6/23-25/2024 - Thanks to all!
- + Thanks to RivNuts and all the posters on this site for great information enabling me to plan and ride. Did Cumberland-Hancock-Harper's Ferry-G'town 3-day itinerary. Hot start day bit lots of shade. Tr...
Discussion started 06/28/2024 09:33 PM by Straus Guide 80 - 2 replies (last reply by Straus Guide 80 at 06/30/2024 10:39 PM)Straus Guide 80 from Thornton, CO on 06/28/2024 09:33 PM
Thanks to RivNuts and all the posters on this site for great information enabling me to plan and ride. Did Cumberland-Hancock-Harper's Ferry-G'town 3-day itinerary. Hot start day bit lots of shade. Trail conditions were better than expected with dry weather and little mud, mostly avoidable.
The resurfaced sections were great. The few detours were short and not a major chore. Water was a challenge. With the pumps at the HB overnighters signed as requiring treatment, they don't seem to be getting much use and the few I tried were really hard to pump. The potable water one at Paw Paw was fine. I needed someone to hold my water bottles to pump with 2 hands at 15 mile Creek. Surprised to find a nice spigot at Seneca Creek aqueduct. PortaPots were plentiful and clean. People along the trail were wonderful.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/29/2024 04:48 AM
Glad to hear you had a good ride. The conditions you describe sound “typical” even with the fallen tree although maybe not 3 feet in diameter! Even the hard-to-use pumps sound normal. As for the non potable water therein now, I now carry a Sawyer filter for drinking water if needed.
You’ll have to come back a few more times to experience “atypical” conditions such as flood residue, steady rains, significant mechanical failures and lengthy detours which are all part of the adventure. You’ll also have to take more time to leave the trail a little and see the towns and sights along the way.
Curiously, what was your most memorable part of the trip?
Straus Guide 80 from Thornton, CO on 06/30/2024 10:39 PM
Rivnuts, I saw several river / towpath floods in the 70s and 1980. Glad one didn't happen this year. Lots of memorable moments from this ride - seeing the campsites, tunnel, Bill's Place and Sideling Hill Creek S.P. that I frequented 40+ years ago when adventuring with Scouts and then working as a canoe and backpacking guide for 4 summers based at the Straus Wilderness Area High Adventure base (now SHC S.P.). Lots of wildlife, too. Many deer, rabbits, squirrels, song and colorful birds, huge owl, fox, racoons, snakes and to top off the list, a big bear strolling up the towpath towards me a bit north of White's Ferry!
Bright Morning Bed & Breakfast in West Newton
- + the families are making plans for burials in West newton cemetery in AUG. WE would like to be together in one house. Please let me know if the main house is available 570-580-9104
Discussion started 06/25/2024 04:18 PM by Terssa DelliSanti - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/26/2024 12:29 PM)Terssa DelliSanti from Tobyhana, pa. 18466 on 06/25/2024 04:18 PM
the families are making plans for burials in West newton cemetery in AUG. WE would like to be together in one house. Please let me know if the main house is available 570-580-9104
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/26/2024 12:29 PM
Unless the hosts of the Bright Morning BnB are monitoring this forum, I don’t think the rest of us forum participants can answer your question. Of course, the best and most reliable answer to your question would come from the Bright Morning hosts by calling them at 724-872-0792 and/or going to their website at www.brightmorningbb.com. You can get some insight into your question at that website as it has a table of room/house availability for the future including August and then querying the hosts.
Training
- + I am looking to complete the C&O/GAP ride from DC to Pittsburgh. I am new to Bikepacking and was looking for a training program to help me prepare.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Also, has anyon...
Discussion started 06/13/2024 08:27 AM by Andrew Kubala - 4 replies (last reply by Andrew Kubala at 06/19/2024 10:00 AM)Andrew Kubala from Rising Sun, MD on 06/13/2024 08:27 AM
I am looking to complete the C&O/GAP ride from DC to Pittsburgh. I am new to Bikepacking and was looking for a training program to help me prepare.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
Also, has anyone completed the trail during the beginning of November?
Andrew from Pittsburgh on 06/13/2024 09:07 AM
I can't speak to riding in November or a formal training program, but in the lead up to the first time I rode the trail, I started increasing the length of our day rides on the weekends until we were doing back to back 40 miles Saturday and Sunday. We did this over a 3 month period starting with 20 mile rides. And the weekend before we left we did a 50 mile overnight to test out all of our camping gear. The main thing for me was to get time in the saddle. Compared to most of the riding I had done to that point, the pace was pretty low, so I could ride all day during the trip. We finished our ride that year with three ~70 mile days.
November will be wetter with shorter days, so you will need to factor both of those into your route planning. I don't recall when they close a couple of the tunnels for the winter, but you should look into that.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 06/14/2024 09:57 AM
Just start getting in rides and slowly building up your miles. Your body will adjust and get stronger. Since its flat you don't have to worry about hill training. You will be doing between 40-60 a day on your tour.
November might be cutting it close. Big Savage Tunnel has been closing on Dec 1 the last few years but if winter strikes early they can, and have, closed it earlier and there's no real detour available if it happens. Snow is a real threat at the continental divide that time of the year.
Andrew is right, the days are shorter, wetter, and colder. November days just leave you with less and less daylight. My suggestion would be to bump your tour back to October. The beautiful autumn leaves might still be up or at least on the ground and you'll have more daylight and no tunnel closure. Temps will be so much more pleasant also.
Let us know how you get on.
John
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/16/2024 06:13 PM
To add to the earlier remarks and having ridden the trail in late October, there is the possibility of some cold days and nights and even some snow at the higher elevations. I camped in Meyersdale last year in sub freezing temps. Not the most enjoyable trip I’ve made on the GAP. However you must be prepared for such conditions if they arise.
As for training, the trip is to develop the strength not to just be able to ride 40, 50 or 60 miles a day but to be able to do so on multiple successive days. If possible try to do a shorter, say 3-day trip before taking on the entire trail. That will give feedback on what you need to do and not do for your longer trip.
Good luck.
Andrew Kubala from Rising Sun, MD on 06/19/2024 10:00 AM
This is all great feedback. Thank you. It looks like I will play it safe and plan for August.
upscale? ride
- + Trying to plan a ride in Oct of 2025 for 6 couples from Pitt to DC. We would be hosting 5 couples from southern CA. I know that much of the ride is rural but looking for B&B or VRBO that could house ...
Discussion started 05/22/2024 05:42 AM by RF - 7 replies (last reply by TicoCharlie at 06/16/2024 10:57 PM)RF from Downingtown PA on 05/22/2024 05:42 AM
Trying to plan a ride in Oct of 2025 for 6 couples from Pitt to DC. We would be hosting 5 couples from southern CA. I know that much of the ride is rural but looking for B&B or VRBO that could house us. Maybe a winery stop, maybe a nicer restaurant. Planning a stop at Fallingwater. We will have a SAG vehicle.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 05/22/2024 07:27 AM
The first couple of places that came to mind could not accommodate six couples. One that would however would be the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown WV. You can check out its web site to see if it’s the kind of place that would be of interest to your group. Note that Shepherdstown is on the opposite side of the Potomac River from the C&0 Towpath Trail. It is readily accessible however via a switchback to reach the bridge crossing the river to the Inn.
Shepherdstown itself is a quaint small college town itself which is one of my favorite places along the route.
Hopefully, other forum readers are aware of others that serve your interests.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 05/22/2024 09:47 AM
Since you have SAG support you might want to investigate BnB's/VRBO's near Leesburg VA. I found one that sleeps 12 with a winery nearby. Once again however, Leesburg is on the opposite side of the river from the C&O. However with White's Ferry no longer operating, it is no long possible to cross the river there by bike or car.
If your SAG support can transport your bikes as well as your gear, then you could cross the river via one of the bridges either up or downstream of Whites Ferry to get to the Virginia side and one of the vacation rentals over there.
Robert Flagg from Downingtown on 05/26/2024 07:10 AM
Thanks for the help. I'll look into these and any other posts I get.
Robert Flagg from Downingtown on 05/26/2024 08:29 AM
Rivnuts, thanks. Bavarian looks like it might work well. Do you know the name of the B&B you stayed at. We're not opposed to getting off the trail for a while to get to the B&B.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 05/26/2024 09:44 AM
Here’s the one I found online described as a Cozy Creekside Cabin with a Great Room outside Leesburg. It says there are wineries nearby as well. (Maybe not of California quality however.)
https://www.vrbo.com/3372620?chkin=2024-10-09&chkout=2024-10-10&adults=12&referrerId=HOT.HIS.Share.Landed.Copy_Link
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 05/26/2024 09:45 AM
To be clear, I myself have not stayed there.
TicoCharlie from Monroeville on 06/16/2024 10:57 PM
If you want to stay near Fallingwater, look up
www.paddlerslane.com
I booked the large house for my daughter but I know one of the owners, FYI.
Read the reviews. It is in Confluence.
Ask for Robin or Dan.
closure
- + Segment Closure Ready for July-October; Shuttle Planned
A 2.5-mile segment of the Great Allegheny Passage will be closed for a major underground pipeline replacement between Connellsville and Smithton...
Discussion started 06/05/2024 11:22 AM by ez-does-it - 2 replies (last reply by Cathy from Churchill at 06/08/2024 01:19 AM)ez-does-it from Brick,N.J. on 06/05/2024 11:22 AM
Segment Closure Ready for July-October; Shuttle Planned
A 2.5-mile segment of the Great Allegheny Passage will be closed for a major underground pipeline replacement between Connellsville and Smithton starting July 8. A shuttle service for travelers and their bicycles will be provided by the Regional Trail Corporation between the hamlet of Adelaide (near Riveredge Road) and the parking lot near Dawson. Details on how to arrange a shuttle will be posted here as they become available. (Read more.)
Thought I would do a copy and paste from my email news update I get.
Ez-does-it
Anonymous on 06/05/2024 12:34 PM
Thanks for that additional information regarding this closure. Thus far I’ve not seen any estimated duration of the closure. Although it is a large (30-inch) gas pipe that is being replaced, I would not think it should require a long time to just to replace the portion beneath the trail itself…unless the trail s used for construction vehicles for much of the other length of pipe being replaced.
Cathy from Churchill from Churchill, PA on 06/08/2024 01:19 AM
Thank you for this report. I was hoping to ride in this area in the next month or so.
Lodging between Harpers Ferry and end of C&O
- + With Whites Ferry not currently an option for getting to Leesburg, What are riders doing for lodging between Harpers Ferry and the C&O terminus in Georgetown?
Thanks.
Discussion started 06/07/2024 04:39 PM by Sherry - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/07/2024 07:59 PM)Sherry from San Diego on 06/07/2024 04:39 PM
With Whites Ferry not currently an option for getting to Leesburg, What are riders doing for lodging between Harpers Ferry and the C&O terminus in Georgetown?
Thanks.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/07/2024 07:59 PM
Aside from the Travel Lodge in Brunswick, MD, there are virtually no lodging locations between Harpers Ferry and DC and Brunswick is just a few miles beyond Harpers Ferry. There are reports that the owner of Whites Ferry has offered to donate the ferry to Montgomery County MD if they can reach an agreement with the VA property owners on the other side of the river. However, no progress in reaching an agreement to reopen the ferry has been reported to date. Hence, accommodations in Leesburg are still not easily accessible from the Towpath.
DC Amtrack Station
- + Can you ride your bike from mile marker 0 to the train station in DC
Discussion started 06/05/2024 01:16 PM by Neil - 2 replies (last reply by SF at 06/07/2024 06:21 PM)Neil from Mt Pleasant, PA on 06/05/2024 01:16 PM
Can you ride your bike from mile marker 0 to the train station in DC
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 06/05/2024 07:39 PM
Yes albeit on city streets. With proper planning, you can ride on city streets with designated bike lanes. If desired, you can ride through Mall with all of its monuments as well. As I recall, it is about a 3-mile ride.from MP 0 to the train station.
SF from DC on 06/07/2024 06:21 PM
It's an easy ride, as one commenter said, head down the path along the Potomac and then at Lincoln Memorial head down the mall by the reflection pool. It might be bit crowded with tourists depending on the time of day, but there are street routes too -- many options to get from Georgetown to Union Station.