C&O / GAP Forum

I intend to spend a ton of time camping along the C&O this spring,summer,fall..was curious about anyone's experience with wild life and food supply.. racoons, bears , cats, chipmunk's,,etc..
should I hang it in a the tree..realize its not a heavy bear population ..Maybe a few in Greenridge. or Washington county..I was just curious if anyone has had issues or what is the recommended storage practice while sleeping.. I'm retired an mostly traveling alone with freeze-dried and dried fruit.. any input would be greatly appreciated... Definitely self sufficient no restaurant's..

I’ve had very few and no significant issues with animals during my multiple trips across the GAP & C&O Trail either to myself or my food while traveling solo. I’ve never seen an entire bear… but may have seen the rear end of one scurrying across the trail a few years back. You’re likely subject to more risk from a deer, groundhog, squirrel, or Canadian goose sprinting across the trail in front of you or losing control by hitting and riding over a walnut!

That said, and aside from Washington and Greene Counties, bears do exist in Fayette and perhaps even more so in Somerset counties through which the GAP passes. But, as I said, I’ve never seen one. I have seen foxes along the C&O as they sought out young goslings but never near my campsites.

Food storage can be an issue, primarily from raccoons and, less so, from mice and ground squirrels. For that reason I do not leave fresh or packaged food exposed, e.g. left on a table. I typically put it in a sealed bag or sack and store in a pannier. That may not be as safe as hanging it from a tree, but I have not had a breach thus far although I usually keep my panniers under the porch area of my tent.

These have been my observances over the last 11 years. Others may have somewhat different experiences to share. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks Rivnuts...I've got some beefy panniers..Ortliebs..was really wondering about can I bring the food inside. I'm primarily hammock camping.. But if I can keep the food directly under me on a ground cloth in a pannier that would be fantastic.. 11 years Holy smoke..that's truly astonishing.. You must have a passion not matched by many..C&O has been on my bucket list for decades.. since I spent the night in a grave yard of people who died building it. At least thats what I was told by the Scout Leaders back in the early 70s..we stayed at a Boy Scout camp that was in GreenRidge state forest Maryland Thanks again

Doug:

Let me know when the time approaches and perhaps we can cross paths along the trail. Happy trails.

absolutely....I'd enjoy that.. I'm retired so when the weather brakes
probably mid to late March...I'm heading out.. most likely C&O
I will keep ya posted..Thanks..

How can I send ya my e-mail or some other contact.. I'm also on Reddit

Doug:

I too am retired and thus fiexible though limited somewhat by various family commitments and sporadic medical appointments. Living in Homestead,PA I’m closest to the GAP. You can email me at:

Rivnuts@yahoo.com

Best Wishes

I sent ya an e-mail
thelowry4@msn.com

Like rvrnuts, wife and I have biked trail dozens of times but never had any problems with bears. Have had problems with raccoons primarily at Swains lock, especially one particularly persistent one a few years back that was determined to get into our panniers that were on bikes. After finally chasing him completely out of campsite area he came back later and ended up spreading neighbors’s belongings over entire area. Other than Swains we’ve had no real issues other than one mouse who made a nest inside rear pannier.

I have hiked and backpacked all over the general area, and hike and backpack /a lot/ out in the PNW. I hike regularly into the Olympic Mountains specifically to see the emerging spring bear cubs. Lots of experience around wildlife, including active bear territory. Along the C&O, it's the small critters that can be a bit of an annoyance. Curious chipmunks, squirrels, racoons, and so on. If I were in a tent, not in a known active bear area, I would just keep any food or scented items in the tent with me. Not outside the tent, not in the vestibule. Unless you are using an Ursack - but even then you'll just spend the night being woken up by the sound of critters trying to chew the bag. Otherwise, a good hang. I find most people struggle with a good hang technique and place it too near their camp. Look up PCT Method of doing a bear hang and practice it.

Wow ...guess eating YOUR food is a heck of a lot easier than scrounging around for scraps...I'm primarily hammock camping.. wasn't sure about putting the panniers directly under me or hanging on a tiny string about 10 feet in the air..That's wonderful your wife did it with ya.. I've gotten my wife's bike all rigged up to do the same..we really ride well together, just haven't stayed out yet .. this year will be our first. Both in our 60's.. have camped together while canoe camping. up in Green Ridge 20 years ago.. children and grandchildren kinda change priorities a bit..I'm retired waiting for her..any site to avoid ??? not going to ask favorites.. LOL

Personally, I would not recommend the Evitts Creek campsite due both to its general condition and its proximity to Cumberland. Ignoring the raccoon, Swains Lock can be less than wonderful on summer weekends when it can be quite busy and noisy since it’s the closest free H/B site before DC. And while noise from trains is omnipresent along the trail, the Bald Eagle and Calico Rocks campsites south of Brunswick are virtually adjacent to the train tracks going to and from the switchyard in Brunswick. You feel certain they are going to pass though your tent when trying to sleep at those sites.

Thank you Rivnuts, G,S,&Z,Brian for the in put.., you all have definitely help me and I hope others who read these comments. What a great forum for a noob like me to ask questions and get unbiased answers...tip of the hat to ya all...if ya ever see an old fart ridding an old red Jamis mtb with red panniers.. and a smile..say hello..may the soil beneath your wheels be firm this season.,enjoy...keep up the good work

Hey Brian... I've got a arborist bean bag and throw line. for reaching up to do a good hang.. Thanks. I'll probably bring a dry bag and use that.. drag a different line up for the final hang.. small enough so a squirrel cant climb.. hopefully 1.18 mm 3/64" dia line with 100 pound capacity.. about 10 ft in the air....ok?? sound good??

Hey Doug, if you do a PCT Method* hang, you don't need a separate throw line and hang line. In fact, you don't want that because it probably means that you are tying off your hang line to a tree ... which you don't want to do ... clever racoons and for sure bears will make easy work of any line tied off to a tree trunk and send your bag falling to the ground.

As for line ... your line sounds fine and if you already have it, great, use it. A few specific ones I like though: Lawson Ultraglide. Great US line maker. A little thicker, but does not snag as easily on branches. Reflective Tracer. A really good, high quality line. Hilltop Packs sells a nice ultralight one that I use often. It's 1.75mm, Dyneema so no stretch (good), super strong, and also has a reflective tracer, which is great for finding your hang in the dark. I mostly prefer this one because it is lighter and packs smaller. It is slick and fiddly though so you need to be competent with your knots ... but if you are doing PCT Method*, the only knot you do in the field is a very simple clove hitch.

*https://theultimatehang.com/2013/03/19/hanging-a-bear-bag-the-pct-method/

Thanks Brian.. Dyneema is incredible line.. I've got a couple Whoopie slings and Dyneema continuous loops... Ohhh and by the way I've got the book The Ultimate Hang.. Love it..
my email is thelowry4@msn.com feel free. don't wanna bog this forum down.. I've spent some time out in the north west as well..back in the early 80's also Wyoming , South Dakota..Different worlds all together. Off topic C & O ,,, Can't wait...Thanks a ton Brian.. My middle name and my sons name Buttt..... Bryan

I am trying to find someone who would like to do a bike trip from D.C. to Pittsburgh sometime next summer. I have done ten (10) such trips in the past but have run out of buddies, kids and grandkids who are available to do it. I averaged 70-85 miles per day in the past but want to average no more than 60 miles per day this year. I can do all the planning. Just let me know if you are interested.

It may help potentially interested persons to know whether you plan to camp, stay indoors or a combination thereof. Also your thoughts about how to get to DC from the ‘Burgh such as by train, car, shuttle or other means would also be helpful. How many days you plan to take would be helpful as well. From your description it would appear your planning 6 days of riding.

Just a thought to help anyone that may have an interest.

Was curious about construction progress on the new steps .. going from the tow path to the pedestrian bridge for access to
Harper's Ferry.., a little wordy sorry....

It's been a month since I've been by. They were still working on foundation.

Thank you very much... I imagine the frozen precip and crazy ground freezing temps aren't going to help with the progress..

Just want to reach out to everyone and wish a very happy holiday and God Bless

You too Michael. My New Year plans are to ride the GAP/CO along about June. Hope closures don't present obstacles.

Thanks for the holiday wishes and hope you and yours have a great New Year. Spring is right around the corner my friend!

I haven't gotten to ride as much as I'd like but hope to do better in 2026. Maybe I'll see you out there.

Thank you, Michael.
I am late with my reply - I thought the reply but did not write it down. We are so very fortunate to have these trails available to us. Thank you for joining us.

Cathy,
Keep training during the holidays kid. It pays off when the warm weather arrives. Winter rides are navigable since indoor trainers don't do it for me personally.

Navigable perhaps but with multiple inches of snow and temps in the 20’s here in Pittsburgh, winter training rides are quite challenging but still better than riding indoor.

I got out yesterday, 1/7/26, and rode 10 miles. Temps were in the mid 40s with maybe 8-10 mph wind. It was easy. I was surprised and thrilled that I could handle that low temperature. So I'm optimistic about doing some rides when it is in the mid 40s or up and dry. And who knows, maybe the low 40s. Hopefully this post will not result in weeks of constant snow and temps in the 20s until April.

I agree that trying to train indoors just isn't the same as being on a bike on a trail.

Please 2026, be less traumatic than 2025! Well, ok, never mind about that. Just give us bikeable weather.

Are there places to hang hammock?

All you need to do is Google "horsepen Branch campsite" and the results will show multiple photographs that people have taken of the campsite. Reviewing the photographs should answer your question.

The Pedalshift Project YouTube channel provides short video clips of all the hiker/biker campsites. A link to the video for the Horsepen Branch campsite is provided below. While I have camped there a few times over my several trips to/from DC, my sleep kit does not include a hammock and thus I have not used one there. That said, this video indicates there are a couple of locations there that a hammock can be used along with tent camping.

https://youtu.be/QBDFh7EjEEI

When do the put the handles back the pumps $

Typically by mid-April but there is not a definitive date for each of the pumps along the towpath. Your best resource is the NPS webpage for this info.

Thank you

I am attempting the entire GAP and C&O at the end of March. It looks like I may need to find a way around the Big Savage Tunnel as it may not be be open when I come through.

Any recommend ride arounds? I’ve been looking on Komoot and Ride with GPS and it appears that there may be a jeep trail that comes down from Sampson Rock or there may be a way to utilize the windmill access road but it’s hard to tell definitively. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jasen

We would like to rent Trek bikes for the 333 mile ride. Do you rent?

I don’t know if Trek Bikes in Shadyside rents bikes for GAP/C&O tours but I know that Golden Triangle Bikes in Downtown Pittsburgh does during the touring season. You might want contact them.

See the notice below. This repaving is sorely (literally) needed.

Milling and Paving on Pittsburgh’s South Side
GAP Mile 145 | Reported on October 30, 2025 | Last Updated: October 30, 2025
The City of Pittsburgh is milling, flattening bumps, and repairing a culvert along the asphalt section of the Great Allegheny Passage on Pittsburgh’s South Side on October 30 and 31. This is a three mile section between Hot Metal Street and Haysglen Street (under the Glenwood Bridge) paralleling the Monongahela River. Please slow down and follow instructions from flaggers or construction workers when traveling this section. The GAP remains open during milling.
Once milling is complete, the City of Pittsburgh will repave this section with a smooth topcoat of new asphalt, tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 3. In order to accomplish this task, this section will be closed on that date. The Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy will underwrite a free shuttle service between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm that day. The shuttle will travel between the SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh Southside Works at 2950 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 and where the GAP crosses Haysglen Street under the Glenwood Bridge. The shuttle is first-come, first-served. Please wait on the sidewalk or out of the path of traffic.
If heavy rain delays the milling or paving, we will update this page.

This work is now complete.

The subject tunnel will close for the winter on Wednesday November 26.

I'm thinking of riding from Pittsburgh to Rockwood, PA this week. Maybe Meyersdale the next day. A Fall color tour would do me some good since surgery is on the horizon. 30 October. Kind of chilly for camping at night though. But that cyclist campground in West Newton is awesome. Anybody that wants to join me go ahead and post it.

FYI. It's going to be quite brisk here in western PA the next few days with highs around 50 and lows just above or below 40. What day are you leaving and returning?

Hey Rivnuts:

I decided not to journey on a Fall ride after all. But the post-op is going well after my surgery and I hope to cycle the entire Gap/Co in 2026. Thanks for the contact.

We usually go to Liberty laundromat on Sunday mornings and the door does not open at 6 last Sunday we waited until 10 after 6 Today the lights came on at 6:15 the door did not open until 7:15we did not know if the owner is aware of this. Thank You

The Gaptrail.org website reports that the segment detour between Markleron and Rockwood has been cleared and open for travel. Good news for fall cyclists.

Hi All,
Quality Inn & Suites Shepherdstown is now open again and fully renovated. Please come by and visit us. We also have secure bike storage inside the hotel as well. Thank you Mr.Moore (community member) for tagging us and letting folks know we are open and welcoming guests again! Look forward to seeing you soon.

https://www.choicehotels.com/west-virginia/shepherdstown/quality-inn-hotels/wv098

Yes, I stayed at the newly reopened and renovated Quality Inn in Shepherdstown and I'm so glad I did. It is a wonderful respite between Brunswick and Williamsport on the C&O Canal towpath. The rooms are all newly renovated and the breakfast in the morning was fantastic.... It fueled me up for a long day of bike touring. They also have a very secure indoor room to store your bike on the first floor. I highly recommend anybody touring on the towpath to consider stopping here for the night. It's worth it. Nearby is a grocery store, McDonalds, various restaurants, etc. Thank you Quality Inn Shepherdstown for a wonderful stay. I will be back :-)

I, too, stayed at the Quality Inn in Shepherdstown last Wednesday during my annual DC to Pgh ride following two straight days and one night of rain. They were courteous and rooms were nice and clean and allowed me to dry out my tent, clothes and gear.

The “locked room” for bikes was an electrical service room just inside the reception area that was very warm. Just great for drying out a wet bike and some gear.

With the exception of the “eggs”, their breakfast good.

We stayed at the Quality Inn Shepherdstown. Checking the directions on google maps was a treat. It called the routte from the C&O to the hotel,"mostly flat." That’s a hoot.

To West Virginians the climb up the switchback to the bridge and up to town after crossing the river is cosidered “mostly flat”! ????

Does anyone know if the hostel in Frostburg is still being used?
Thanks in advance!

While I stayed at the Frostburg Trail Inn Cafe and Tunnel Hotel campground last week, it was not apparent that the former hostel still operates as such nor does its booking website list any hostel reservations per se’. I’d give them a call at (301) 689-6466 to get the best current info.

On the C&O towpath trail south. Leaving Hancock in the morning. Hotel room in Harpers Ferry for the night. By chance, stopped in C&O bikes when I arrived in Hancock this afternoon and the had notice by register about Byron Bridge closure while a temp staircase is installed. Shuttle service in place 9-5 between lock 34 and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park Visitors Center. Anyone used the shuttle? How long did you have to wait? Heads up for anyone needing to get from/to the tow path and Harpers Ferry in next couple of weeks. More details with some maps here: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/byron-bridge.htm

If you are on a bike and need to get to Harpers Ferry, you have a challenge. The shuttle is a coach van with no bike racks. The driver told us he is authorized to take bikes and can load them in the back door “as long as there aren’t many passengers.” When we arrived this afternoon, there were about 20 people waiting so the driver told us he would be too full to take our bikes. When we asked what we should do, he said we could wait, he would be back in an hour, and there “might be room.” We were lucky because we have a friend nearby who was able to retrieve us. If you are riding a bike and have lodging in Harpers Ferry, probably need to arrange an alternate to the National Park Service shuttle until the temp staircase opens. I would imageine that the first shuttle back to lock 34 in the morning will be packed since it doesn’t start until 9:00am, so probably no room for bikes. Don’t know how long it would take you to get out of Harpers Ferry and back to the tow path.

Just a word of warning about the detour on the C&O Canal Towpath at Dam 5. This detour includes a two-level wooden stairway to/from the detour path. For those with heavily laden bikes or ebikes, you would do well to elicit the support of another person to aid in getting your bike up and down these stairs. Not getting some assistance could lead to both you and your bike falling.

I am doing the GAP and C&O in early September. Previous posts mention the GAP is closed due to landslide and that Shuttles have been running. Is this still the case?
Thanks.

Scroll just a little bit lower on this forum and you'll find a discussion about the closure due to the landslide and shuttles. I think the shuttles are expected to run through 10/1/25. It is covered in depth in that thread.

It has been reported that the shuttles will be offered AT LEAST through October 1 if a full evaluation and remedies are not completed before then.

I biked through that area last week. Short answer is that the 7-mile landslide area is barricaded due to terrain instability (not current condition of the trail), and the shuttles aren't always reliable. I arrived at the shuttle stop at 4:30 pm last Saturday, and later learned the last shuttle of the day had departed 15 minutes earlier at 4:15 pm. Best to have a "plan B".

The Gaptrail website has updated the shuttle service information as follows:

"This shuttle has been extended through at least October 19 or upon the segment reopening, whichever comes first."

This is consistent from what I heard from a shuttle driver a few days ago.

Is there any way to get to Leesburg VA by bike from the C&O trail (Poolesville area)? I know there used to be a ferry, but how can we cross the Potomac now?

This question has been raised on this forum on several occasions. The short answer is no unless you can locate a shuttle service to come get you on the Towpath and take you to Leesburg. An adventurous sole could cross the river in Harpers Ferry, wind their way uphill on roads to Purcellville and ride the W&OD Trail to Leesburg and continue to DC on that Trail. I’ve done that but do’t recommend it for most riders.

I would go to Brunswick, cross the Potomac there, and head to the W&OD. The bridge over the Potomac and the bit on Berlin Tpke may be uncomfortable, car-wise, for people who aren't accustomed to riding on the road (total distance for this bit is under 1.5 miles). Although Berlin Tpke takes you all the way to Purcellville where you can hop on the W&OD it's a 55mph road without much of a shoulder so I wouldn't go that way (even as an experienced road rider). You can take the first right off of Berlin Tpke onto Tollhouse Rd to get away from most of the traffic and then take backroads to Purcellville instead. That's what I would do.

I recently rode from Shepherdstown to Aldie, crossing Potomac at Brunswick. Took Wenner Rd (first left off of Berlin Tnpk) to Lovettsville, then network of hilly, mostly gravel roads to Purcellville where I accessed the W&OD. In my case, I jumped off at Ashburn to get down to Aldie. Sure wish the ferry would be resurrected...

While stopped at the White's Ferry Grill last week, the subject of getting across the river to Leesburg was being bantered about. One of the ladies working there noted that they have occasionally summoned a local shuttle to take a stranded cyclist to Leesburg.

The shuttle's name was "Transportation" at 240-224-6059. Their business card claims fast, cheap and safe service and accepts cash only.

Hi. I thought it would be useful to start a thread here on the subject of the HF footbridge being closed due to renovation. Timing? How to get to HF with bike if planning to spend the night?

Here what’s posted in the C&O Canal’s “Alerts”:

Harpers Ferry Area (MP 60.6)

Access Change. Byron Bridge. Beginning Sept. 22, the stairway between the Byron Bridge and C&O Canal will close for approximately 2 weeks. A shuttle will run between C&O Canal Lock 34 and Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center. Learn more about the project.
Learn More. For conditions at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, including Maryland Heights.

In addition to the NPS provided shuttle, several National Park Service Commercial Use Authorization holders have shuttle services available. Reservations, fees, and arrangements must be made directly with those businesses. For more information please call:

River & Trail Outfitters
301-834-9950
river@rivertrail.com
https://www.rivertrail.com/

Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle
304-876-3000
eddie@thepedalpaddle.com
https://www.thepedalpaddle.com/

There have been several comments posted on the facebook page: Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal Enthusiasts about this topic. It appears to change from bikes cannot be loaded on the shuttle provided by the NHP temp shuttle to they might be allowed.

Blew out my rear derailleur cable the day before our trip. Thus only had one gear in the rear. Being Labor day weekend, no bike shop was open at home. My first day on the trail I knew about the bike shop in West Newton. So I figured I could make it no problem. When I arrived
I was greeted a smile and great customer service. I asked to have both front and rear cables replaced. Was told yes, about 30minytes to an hour. So While the bike was worked on I went up stairs to have lunch at Trailside Restaurant and Pub. Good food and drinks.
While eating I could see them testing and adjusting the cables on the trail. Got done eating and went down to get my bike. They suggested a new chain and rear cog. Stated they were pretty warn. But no pressure from them to have it done. In fact they suggested maybe at end of season. I really appreciated there feedback and that they were not just trying to upsell me. It was just about an hour timeframe from start to finish (with food in my stomach too). Finished the GAP trail and had a great experience. I highly recommend West Newton Bicycle Shop. Though they were honest and fair. If they were in my home town I would use them for all my servicing needs.

A number of personal memorial plaques have been stolen from benches placed along the Steel Valley Trail section of the GAP Trail. They were forcibly ripped from their mounting screws. Another example of societal degradation. May those honored by those plaques continue to be remembered and rest in peace.

I’m told that the Steel Valley Trail Council has already ordered replacements. Kudos to the Council for their prompt reaction to this unfortunate occurrence.

This talk of closures. Ten of us are doing Cumberland to Hanover, with a shuttle in Hanover to bring us back again for a same-day ride.

If there are closures, we would be delayed meeting our prearranged shuttle.

What is the likelihood of one or more closures between Cumberland and Hanover in early October? Many thanks for the expertise on this board.

I’m sorry, that’s a correction: Cumberland to Hancock

I believe the closures you may be referring to are on the GAP Trail and not the C&O Towpath. The only detour, not closure, on the Towpath between Hancock and Cumberland is at Polly Pond Creek where the bridge is out. There is a detour using the Western Maryland Rail Trail paralleling the Towpath. That detour should not impact your arrival schedule for your shuttle.

For those starting or ending a C&O Canal ride in Georgetown, there are several closures in the last mile. I recommend adding a bit of time to your plans for your zeal to get your journey started or ended.

Those are not shown on the C&O Canal NHP site at:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Several sections of the towpath are closed for reconstruction. There are detour signs.

There is an overview of the Georgetown area projects at:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/construction-updates-georgetown.htm
but that's out of date and doesn't have block by block details or pictures of the detours.

You can go up the Rock Creek Parkway trail / sidewalk to get to the point where the towpath ends at Rock Creek and then originally headed down to the terminal lock (of Watergate fame) at the Mile 0 marker.

You can bypass all of that using the Capital Crescent rail to trail but then you miss the unique features of the canal route through Georgetown.

The original post rings true as I’ve ceased trying to ride the towpath all the way into Georgetown with a fully-loaded bike. While it is typically quite busy, the paved Capital Crescent Trail is my preferred route into town toward Milepost 0. I would suggest that if you want to see/follow the Towpath all the way to its end in DC, just take some time and walk along the last stretch and its detours) before finishing or starting your ride.

Update: Searching a bit more, I found a page with a detailed map at:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/repairs-to-locks-1-2-5-inlet-lock-1-and-georgetown-walls.htm

The alternative Capital Crescent trail actually ends as it crosses under the Alexandria Aqueduct remains and Key Bridge at the left of that labeled satellite view. The remaining alternate route is actually a two-way bike lane on the K Street under the elevated Whitehurst Freeway and then a parallel path.

Rivnut has a great suggestion to walk the open sections of the towpath if you have time.