C&O / GAP Forum

Hey everyone,

Thank you in advance for your time and advice. I used to bike a lot in college a few years ago, but stopped when my bike got stolen and I never bought a new one. I am contemplating completing the entire C&O canal from Cumberland to DC, essentially just to see if I can. I am in excellent shape - I just ran a half marathon at around 7:45/mile. So, my question is: is it possible for me in my current physical condition to complete the entire C&O Canal in one day? Or, should I split it up into two days? I was planning on taking the Amtrak to Cumberland Friday night in early October and starting at dawn on that Saturday. Any advice on how to meet this goal would be greatly appreciated it!

Best,

Allen

Hi Allen. I would ask yourself what you are looking for in completing this trail. If its scenery, history, and adventure, I would take 2 or 3 days to complete it. The C&O is best enjoyed at a slower pace. If it’s a speed challenge, I’ve definitely seen journals about people doing it in one day (and a long day at that). I guess it’s all about how much discomfort you are willing to endure.

Are you camping or doing hotels? This decision will affect your weight and what you carry. Doing hotels will allow you to forgo camping gear and give you a lighter bike. Still, you need to be prepared for breakdowns and possibly having to be stuck somewhere in remote areas. Extra clothing, water, food, tubes, repair kit, etc. needs to be brought for the worst case scenario. So you need to carry some things.

In addition, we are entering autumn which means cooler temps and less daylight to travel in. Whatever you do, bring a light for the trail or campsites, the C&O is DARK at night! I usually bring a bicycle light plus my headlamp for around camp or even just navigating the trail. You can’t see your hands in front of your face at night on the C&O.

Cumberland to DC is 184.5 miles and almost all of it is on old dirt trails with some sections of crushed limestone surface so you won’t roll as fast as you would on a road.

Weather is another issue. If it has rained, prepare for puddles and mud.

In short, if you are confident that to you can do the miles at once, go for it. If you wish to take it in a bit more, do it over 2-3 days. A good itinerary is Cumberland to Hancock, Hancock to Harpers Ferry, and Harpers Ferry to DC.

Give us a report on your trip if you can!

John

no question your heart can handle the full length of the C&O, the question is "can your body handle it?" Running & cycling are not the same thing. You'll be using different muscles and have different pressure points on your feet, hands, & backside.

I occasionally get to ride with a good friend of mine who finishes in the top 20 of his age group in the Boston marathon each year. I'm of moderate fitness and destroy him on the bike. There really isn't a good correlation between the two.

Then there is the issue of nutrition. 180 miles of cycling at a moderate pace, you're going to need between 8000 & 9000 calories to fuel your journey. Consuming that much food is a daunting task to complete without training for it.

It really comes down to how willing are you to suffer?

Before I comment further, I'll convey a true story. One Sunday afternoon I was on the Amtrak train returning from DC to Pittsburgh having ridden the trail to DC. I met two young men on the train who were obvious cyclists and we struck up a conversation. I asked where they were headed and where they were going to ride. They replied that they were going to Cumberland and were going to ride back to DC. Since the train arrives in Cumberland around 8:00 PM, I asked where they were staying in Cumberland that evening. That's when they said that they weren't staying there but rather were going to immediately begin their ride back to DC when they got off the train and were expecting or required to be at work by lunch on Monday, i.e. they were going to ride most of the C&O at night and planned to make the trip in 16 clock hours! This would require that they average 11.5 mph with no stops. I wish I knew how they fared, especially in the dark of night.

But I digress. Could you make the trip in one day? With your running background, you should be fine aerobically especially since there are no hills or mountains on the Towpath. Further, your legs will probably be ok so long as you eat and drink along the way. I suspect your physical limit will be the strain of being in a cycling position for the duration and your butt! Your arms and back (and did I mention butt) may become weary from not have cycled that much, especially in a single day.

Perhaps a bigger issue will be that you will likely run out of daylight. You'll likely not have more than 12 hours of daylight and some of that will be dim in early October. To make the trip in 12 hours you'd have to average over 15 mph. That's a pretty tall order on the Towpath for all but the best of riders and, if its wet, even more dangerous IMHO. The best portions of the ride to make good time are on the paved WMRT into and out of Hancock and on the Towpath itself between Shepherdstown and Edwards Ferry.

Although I ride a fair amount and have done the C&O a few times, I'm too risk averse to think about trying to do the entire towpath in a single day. That said, I admire your ambitious goal. Just remember that old adage however: "Hope for the best and plan for the worst" that you may encounter or succumb to. Best of luck to you on your initial trip down the C&O regardless of how many days you take.

Take 2 days. I rode the Gap and C&O in just over 4 days two months ago (full panniers - camping). The C&O is harder than the Gap because the surface is rougher. As a reference point, I'm very fit (2:40 marathon best, over 50 trail ultramarathons, cross-Florida ride (177 miles) in under 10 hours, multiple Ironman finishes, etc.). Unless you are attempting a FKT on the C&O, you'd be hard pressed to complete it in one day and, if you did, you'd never want to do it again.

Why!?!?

Allen... Go for it. It is certainly doable in a day. You're gonna miss the sights, scenery, and history of certain areas, but that is not what you asked. The reward is well worth it. You're definitely gonna need a light. I've done the towpath in a day on two different occasions during the summer. Took about 14 hours total (riding + stops) each time. I'd suggest leaving Cumberland about 6 in the morning and the first hour will be a slower warm-up. You'll need that light later in the day also. I've biked both the GAP and the C&O thru the night. With a good light you should find that the dark should NOT slow you down. For what it's worth, I did the Pittsburgh to DC nonstop adventure on a hardtail in just over 24 hours riding time and about 27 hours total time. I'm by no means a great athlete, and I was 57 years old when I did that. My point is, it's more mental than physical once the novelty wears off. The best $150ish I spent was on a Thudbuster seat post. My butt was no more sore at 335 miles than it was at 35 miles. Enjoy your ride!

Having run a number of full marathons, I wouldn't consider that running a half marathon in 7:45 to be proof of being in shape for what might be a 20 hour bike ride, much of which will be in the dark. A lot of novices who do half marathons can't even finish a full marathon. It's not mental. It's physical. "Hitting the wall" at mile 17 is a very real thing. In any event, the darkness is probably the biggest problem. I don't think coyotes or bears prowl the trail, but deer, logs, potholes, mud, and rocks do. On good parts of the towpath, I can hit 15 mph on a strong mountain bike, but there are stretches where I'm lucky to make 10 mph. And if you do run into trouble at night, it's pretty tough to get help quickly. Adama's "Why?" is good advice.

A buddy and I rode it in one day on July 17, with about 11.5 hours riding time and 14 hours elapsed time. For comparison, we are both high mileage, extremely fit riders and still found riding it at that pace to be grueling. You should plan to start at 5am or earlier and to finish well after dark. Lack of daylight will slow you down. Other than refilling water, stops should be limited to two at most and keep them short. Carry food with you and run tubeless tires or carry several spare tubes. While a single day ride doesn't let you stop and smell the roses, it is a fantastic physical challenge that still provides opportunity to see nice views, wildlife, etc.

Well, did you do it?

Does anyone know what the trail conditions are like right now on the C&O and GAP? I am planning to ride from Pittsburgh to DC starting 9 Oct and was wondering if the trail (C&O specifically) is muddy.

Just did the both trails. Conditions great. GAP smooth all the way. C&O not as bad as some make it out to be. 27 ish miles on the "Hancock" bypass trail is paved. 43 miles (73-30 mile markers) is like the GAP smooth. Rest of the C&O has some vibrations but for most part is smooth-ish with the exception of the last 10 miles which will have you dodging water puddles. Google mile marker zero for C&O on google maps to find it - little tricky as it is behind the "boat house". Tip: to stay in Leesburg use Historic Whites Ferry to get across river. For reference: tire size 35mm 70 psi (10 shy of full air)

Thanks for the info TexasTree, Looking forward to hitting the trail!

Darlene, who owns the Inn with her husband Bill, told guests at breakfast that they are putting it up for sale. It needs a younger owner, she said. They plan on retiring in Arizona. I very much enjoyed staying here after riding from Meyersdale -- for the room, use of the washing machine/dryer, the fridge full of Gatorade Zero, and Darlene and Bill's hospitality. She baked cranberry muffins for riders to take along that day, and by the time I neared Brunswick, I was grateful for her thoughtfulness. It's a great place to stay!

I stayed there last year. It was a comfortable place to spend the night. They were gracious hosts.

Good afternoon everyone! I’ll be doing the Towpath soon from Cumberland to DC. I have done a lot of planning however, a friend of mine has indicated that I most have a GPS in order to do the canal. I don’t have a GPS therefore, is this a must have? If so, any recommendations of a budget friendly GPS? Thank you!

I’m not sure what your friend is talking about, but you do not need a GPS. A canal map would be helpful for planning your days but that’s about all you would need.

That’s what I thought but wanted to hear from someone else. I’ve done tons of planning and that makes me confident. Thank you for taking your time in replying to my message.

Here’s a map:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/CHOHmap-full-140922-v7-accessible.pdf

I just rode solo from Pittsburgh to DC, and was happy to have printed the complete list of towns and mile markers off this site (along with the updated list of open pumps on https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm).

Having the pages really kept me going during the long stretches on the C&O without signage, or the expected towns. (Little Orleans, I know you're there, up the hill, somewhere.) The only time I checked my phone to see where I was when when I expected Harper's Ferry at Mile 69.5, as posted here -- when it's actually at Mile 61. When it doubt, keep pedaling.

I saw more rat snakes on the C&0 than people. It was a fantastic ride over 3.5 days (sleeping in Meyersdale, Hancock and Brunswick). The improved surface from Mile 77 to 30 is nirvana, as is the Western Maryland Rail Trail. (If you're coming from Little Orleans, you can hop on it before Sideling Hill -- take the second ramp on your left. The first ramp puts you on the trail for a teasingly short stretch, before dumping you back on the C&0 for two miles.)

Thank you very much for the map! BTW, starting October 5th no more Amtrak from DC to Cumberland to take the bikes with just service from DC to BWI then a van from there to Cumberland. So disappointing. I guess I’ll be driving to get there.

I think this place is out of business.

I'll check it out when I get home from northwest Ohio and am riding through McKeesport as I frequently do. If it is, I'll contact the forum moderator to delete it as an available food service in McKeesport if it listed therein.

Hello everyone!

Wanted to see if anyone here had any useful advice for what I can do to avoid/prevent ulnar neuropathy AKA handlebar palsy. I am planning to do the full CandO/GAP in November. The last time I did it, I basically couldn’t pinch my pinky and thumb together for a month after! Any gear, exercise, or set up advice is greatly appreciated! I am not a technically proficient rider, i just kind of go haha and I have a run of the mill Diamondback hybrid..Thanks and happy trails

Nw

Nw, I’ve can’t say I’ve had anything as extreme as that but I have experienced tingling and slight numbness in my hands during trips.

To avoid this now, I have a few strategies. One, I mix up my hand gripping of the handlebars every few minutes. Regular grip, palms facing out, just fingers, etc.

I also have handlebar extensions on the ends of my handlebars which not only give me an alternate grip, but I can also hunch down and lean my forearms down on the handlebars with my elbows wedged into them, allowing me to pedal and steer without fear of my arms slipping off the bike. This frees up my hands entirely, giving them a complete rest.

I don’t have these but the other option I’ve seen are those aero or tri bar extensions that extend out away and in front of you. They come with elbow cushions and two bars to rest your arms on and steer the bike in a crouched down position. Maybe someone here who has these can elaborate better than I or provide some examples.

Since adopting these strategies, my hands have been pain and numb free on any trips I’ve taken.

One of the simplest things to check/adjust or try is the angle of your saddle. Having your saddle level or nearly so will normally avoid a disproportionate amount of your weight on your hands/handlebars. While this alone won't likely solve all your discomfort, it may diminish it.

On an unrelated note and not knowing when in November you plan to ride, you may want to check that the Big Savage Tunnel has not been closed for the winter. You should be able to check this at one of the following sites:

https://allegheny-trail-alliance.business.site/
https://gaptrail.org/trail-info/trail-alerts

Most things written about hand numbness on the bike seem to focus, understandably, on the hands -- gloves, padding, etc. For me, a problem with finger numbness on the bike was actually caused by a pinched nerve in the cervical spine and was resolved with a combination of improved posture on and off the bike and remembering to do chin tucks every so often on very long rides.

in addition to suggestions about fit, take a look at Ergon GP series grips. they do an amazing job of increasing the contact area at the handle bar and reducing pressure points. https://www.ergonbike.com/en/product.html?a=griffe

for those with drop bars, it looks like RedShift have something in the pipeline similar: https://redshiftsports.com/products/cruise-control-drop-bar-grips

Matt's recommendation of the Ergon grips is spot on. I put them on my trail bike a few years ago to try them out and they've been there ever since. They do indeed spread the force on your hands over a larger area which reduces, if not eliminaes, the onset of numbness and tingling. In and of themselves they may not be the entire solution, but will likely be a significant contributor.

If you elect to try them out, just make sure they are the type and size for your bike when you buy them.

I have been having the same problem...I even bought a stem riser to get my bars up another inch or,two. I also have been focusing on my core muscles...and guess what...problem solved. Stronger core keeps my weight off my hands, less weight off hands makes pain go away. Returning the stem riser!!

I was never able to stop my hand numbness when riding my hybrid. Numbness lasted for months. I had all sorts of handlebars, changed positions every minute, seat up or down, nothing helped. I switched to a recumbent trike. No more problems ever, with any body parts. They make some really cool ones these days that don't look like lawn chairs. You will ride further and enjoy every second, plus no more butt pain either. Good luck!

I've been using Ergon grips for years on my Brompton and my Mountain-bike when it's configured for bike packing. A couple of points: (1) I'm on my 3rd set of GP3 BioKork. Absolutely love them; (2) When installing, ensure they're fitted all the way Into the handlebars; (3) have someone hold the bike while you align the grips. And, then take tools with you as you ride so you can tweak the grips. It can be a bit unsettling when one grip is slightly out of alignment with the other (especially when using the outer bullhorns....which are very useful, by the way); (4) Torque those babies down! I've had them move on me even when I thought that they were secure. Hope this helps! Keep the rubber-side down!

Hello forum readers! I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice and/or help me to solve a problem. My family of 4 will be riding the C&O and GAP trail next week from DC to Pittsburgh. We live in Oregon, so we’re flying with our bikes to DC to start our trip, then we will fly home from Pittsburgh at the end. We will finish the ride at Point State Park on Saturday, October 11, then we fly home from PIT the afternoon of the 12th. Because we’re doing a one-way ride, I’m trying to figure out (and I’m having difficulty) how to get cardboard bike boxes (e.g., the kind that manufacturers send to shops for their bike builds) on the Pittsburgh end so that we can put our bike on the airplane for our flight home. Plan A was to simply ship boxes from home (where I can easily source them), but I've since learned that will be very expensive ($250). I've recently reached out to Thick Bikes and Kindred Cycles, since they're relatively close to our planned downtown hotel - awaiting responses and maybe they'll be able to help me out (i.e. they'd save boxes, I'll pay a fee and pick them up). But since the date is approaching fast, I was wondering if others had suggestions. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Update: Here's a shout out to Kindred Cycles, Thick Bikes, and Golden Triangle Bike Rentals. I emailed these 3 bike shops in Pittsburgh and each promptly responded to confirm that they could save the 4 boxes that I needed. Following up to close the loop on this, in case anyone else ever needs to solve this problem. It was a relief to have the problem solved and a pleasant surprise to be able to arrange this so easily. Great people! As requested by one of the shops, in trade for the boxes I'll make a donation to the local bicycle advocacy group Bike Pittsburgh.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/june-bugs-bar-sutersville

New link https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mama%20Pepinos/120471677968026/

We needed directions from the C&O Canal towpath, but when we called the hotel, they had no idea regarding any bicycle path I might be speaking of and could not provide directions. Google Maps was no help because it thought we were on a road instead of our actual location on the towpath. Finally, we were able to flag down a local biker who told us the way. To access this hotel from the C&O Canal Towpath or AT, get off the trail at mile marker 58, cross the train tracks, and take the left-most road 1.2 miles uphill to this hotel. There is a good liquor store right next door to the hotel, the Guide House Restaurant across the street, and a gas station next to the restaurant that also has limited hot food options. We were able to bring our bicycles into the room with us.

The motel was pretty run down. Next time, I think I'd check the lodging options in Brunswick.

Sorry to hear of your issues regarding the Hillside Hotel. The place isn't rundown, but remember that the Hillside was built just after WW2. Places built later are made with the lessons learned from previous establishments.

East Tennessee Sunshine - If I had to guess, it’s because although Knoxville, MD appears to be right next to the trail, it’s not really an obvious “trail town” like many others and, as you’ve described, a pain to get to. I am surprised the hotel didn’t know about the C&O as I would guess a decent portion of their business comes from cyclists.

Many people were considering the Hillside as an alternative hotel destination while the pedestrian bridge at Harpers Ferry was out until recently.

John

My main point was to let people know how to find the motel, since we had trouble. The Hillside Hotel is now a Knights Inn, and I don't think the attention to detail is probably the same as when the motel was privately owned. I would stay here again if the alternative was to schlep our gear across the bridge to Harpers Ferry.

My stepfather is driving an RV and going to meet us approximately 75 miles down the trail every day and was wondering if anybody knew good places to park an RV by the trail.

The obvious places on the GAP would be in Ohiopyle and in Cumberland. There are parking lots in both towns where you could park an RV if you are not looking for hookups. Similarly, you could park an RV in Williamsport also. If you need hookups, then you will need to check out the various public and private parks along the way.

There is state park in Ohiopyle with services that accepts RV's. You'd need to make a reservation to do so.

Others may well have some other recommendations.

Hi everyone - this is just a PSA that the NPS pulled off a bunch of handles in the last few weeks. Make sure you check their Remote Water Faucet List towards the bottom of the page...here... https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm#collapseCollapsible1600345572259

I ride almost every weekend between MM 30 and MM70 but took a few weeks off. My last trip this past weekend there were none open between Marble Quarry (MM 38) and Antietam Creek (MM69).

Fortunately, the weather has turned considerably more pleasant now, but I’d hate for someone to be ambushed on the water front.

Riding from DC to Cumberland in two weeks and I just added a third bottle cage, just in case!

Interesting that they are being pulled. I doubt it’s Covid related and it’s not winter yet (it’s barely even autumn yet) so this ones a head scratcher. Possible they did tests on the water there and it’s not fit for consumption?

Thanks for the heads up for anyone heading that way.

I did a search on this forum and a google search, but didn't find the exact information I wanted. Which cities have spur trails off the GAP that are worth riding? Thank you in advance.

Well let's see. Starting in Pittsburgh itself you can cross the Allegheny River over the Fort Duquesne Bridge from Point State Park and connect with the paved Northshore Riverfront Trail that runs along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers passing Heinz Field (Steelers), PNC Park (Pirates), Carnegie Science Center, Rivers Casino, etc.

In McKeesport you can leave the GAP Trail itself and continue on roads of the Steel Valley Trail which connects with the Montour Trail.

In South Connellsville, there is the Sheepskin Trail. This is a short, 2-mile trail to the small town of Dunbar. There is a small display of a rebuilt beehive coke oven similar to the thousands of such ovens in that region. There is also an interesting azure glass sculpture in the town's small historical center. Its history and path in getting to Dawson is quite interesting. If interested you should check with the Dunbar Historical Society to insure it is open at the day/time of your visit. Often they will open just for you if they know you are coming. Note the trail is a little rough as it passes along a railroad yard.

While groundbreaking has just begun, I understand there is/will be a short, 1.4 mile initial portion of the spur for the 9/11 Trail in route to the Shankstown Memorial of the 9/11 plane crash there. This short spur will pass through the small town of Garrett, PA.

That is the last "spur" trail on the GAP Trail to Cumberland that I am aware of. However, there are a number of opportunities to leave the trail and visit the small towns along the GAP Trail. Each has a particular history associated the the railroad and and the industries it served in its heyday.

While not part of nor spurs from the GAP Trail, there are numerous other rail trails in the the western Pennsylvania area (25 to 30 miles long) that are enjoyable rides as well.

If I can provide any additional information, I'd be happy to assist if possible.

Thank you so much for this information!! This is perfect! We are riding the GAP from Cumberland to Pittsburgh in mid October and am planning on taking our time to enjoy the history and the scenery and the towns along the way. We are flying over from Houston with our bikes. We cannot wait!! We rode across Missouri last year on the Katy Bike Trail. We love the rails to trails!

Since you have the luxury of time and are starting in Cumberland, you might look into taking a ride up the hill from Cumberland to Frostburg (~16 miles) on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. The GAP Trail between these two towns runs alongside this railroad. I don't know whether the COVID-19 crisis has resulted in the cancellation of the these fall excursion trips but you can call them to find out and what the schedule may be. I understand you can even put your bike on one of the railcars thereby avoiding the first 16 miles of the 23-mile climb up the hill to the Eastern Continental Divide. Even if you don't take the train up to Frostburg, it's worth the effort to ride up the switchback trail from the GAP trailhead at Frostburg to the railroad turntable at the terminus of the train just below the town of Frostburg.

Further on in Meyersdale, its worth a few minutes, if not an overnight stop, to visit the train station along the trail there. Further on, the small towns of Rockwood and Confluence are worth leaving the trail for a few blocks to cross to the other side of the river to get a cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

As you arrive in Ohiopyle, take a few minutes to check out the white water rafters and kayakers beneath the bridges.

I could go on and on about the small towns and villages further downriver to Pittsburgh. In general, just try to envision what those towns and villages looked like when the railroad ran along that route and the people and families who lived there toiling in the industries served by the railroad. In doing so, you will capture the essence of the GAP and Western Pennsylvania.

Please...go on and on as much as you want!! We are purposely only riding 30 miles or less each day so we can really explore each town we go through. We love off the beaten path places to see and to eat. We will have a full day and overnight in Cumberland on the front end of our trip as well as a full day and overnight in Pittsburgh at the end of our trip.

So...any info you want to post...we will happily read it and add it to our itinerary. We've been doing a lot of internet searching...but there's nothing like hearing it from the locals who love it! Thanks so much!!

Ok, but remember you asked for it! :-)

At last I mentioned the white water at Ohiopyle and further downriver (toward Pittsburgh) the Sheepskin Trail to Dunbar, PA. The next town is Connellsville. It is the largest town between Cumberland and Pittsburgh. It has a variety of restaurants and stores as well as a good bike shop that is right on the trail.

Leaving Connellsville, you'll reach the village of Dawson. You must ride up to and over the bridge to get to the village itself. It is just a shell of what it once was during the height of the coal mining and coke making era in the region. There you will find a large, beautiful church, restored estate home and remnants of a prominent bank in its time. Somewhere I read that in those days it had the largest per capita income in the world although it is difficult to imagine that in its current condition.

From Dawson to Boston, there are a number of small railside residential communities that were generally populated by the workers in these industries. Curiously, nearly every one has a baseball field and childrens' park that provide(d) recreation for the residents. You'll find various remnants of the coal mining industry along the way.

From Boston to Pittsburgh there are multiple former, large steel mill sites. With the exception of US Steel's Edgar Thompson Works in Braddock, PA, across the river from the trail as you approach Homestead, PA, these have all been closed and demolished over the years and now serve as regional industrial parks. There are but a few remaining visible vestiges of those spralling mills in those industrial parks. In two instances the former steel mills have been converted into large shopping centers (Homestead) and commercial districts (Pittsburgh's Southside area). IF you were want to seek them out there are several of the libraries built by Andrew Carnegie in these former steel mill towns, the largest of which is in Homestead PA a few blocks from the trail.

Well, so much for my travelogue this morning. If you don't already have one, the GAP Trail Guide book ($10) is a worthwhile resource and reference for your trip as well as this bikecando,com website,

Thank you so much (again)! I appreciate all your responses and we will add them to our list.

Do you offer shuttles for the GAP trail? I'm looking for a shuttle from Confluence to Meyersdale.

Robert, this is a general forum about the GAP/C&O. I would call Confluence Cyclery and see if they’re doing shuttles.

John

The Cumberland Trail Connection bike shop at:

https://www.ctcbikes.com/

will also provide shuttles along the GAP. You can contact via that website and information therein.

we will be riding the GAP trail and the C&O trail in a few weeks. We will be taking the train back to Pittsburg. Is there a clean, safe place to stay the night close to the Amtrak station?

There are three hotels in close proximity to the Pittsburgh's Union Station. They are in order of distance from the train station:

AC Hotel by Mariott
Hampton Inn
Homewood Suites

All are within reasonable walking distance and can be seen using Google Maps. That is a reasonably safe area of downtown.

There are others on Grant Street downtown that are not much further nor particularly more/less safe. They too can be seen on Google Maps.

There are three hotels in close proximity to the Pittsburgh's Union Station. They are in order of distance from the train station:

AC Hotel by Mariott
Hampton Inn
Homewood Suites

All are within reasonable walking distance and can be seen using Google Maps. That is a reasonably safe area of downtown.

There are others on Grant Street downtown that are not much further nor particularly more/less safe. They too can be seen on Google Maps.

There are three hotels in close proximity to the Pittsburgh's Union Station. They are in order of distance from the train station:

AC Hotel by Mariott
Hampton Inn
Homewood Suites

All are within reasonable walking distance and can be seen using Google Maps. That is a reasonably safe area of downtown.

There are others on Grant Street downtown that are not much further nor particularly more/less safe. They too can be seen on Google Maps.

Last summer I stayed at the Drury on Grant Street. My room was really big and they didn’t give me any trouble about taking my bike to my room.

Have a great trip.

Have you confirmed your amtrak ticket? We had ours completely reserved months in advanced for two adults and two bikes for a Saturday morning and got notice a couple weeks ago that they canceled our route. They offered us a different day, but there were no bike spots available. It definitely threw a wrench in our plan for sure, but we ended up renting a van for one way and in the long run, it will be cheaper and way more convenient.

As of 9.16.2020 the water at Roundbottom is non potable.