C&O / GAP Forum

Planning a trip this summer and want to make sure the trail will be open.

The trails themselves are open with certain conditions but the campgrounds and campsites along the C&O portion are currently closed by the National Park Service. That may change in the near term with the "reopening" of the economy.

Lodging, stores and services along the way are subject to state and county stipulations as well as owner preferences.

Will there be some sort of announcement? We are in Ohio and don't get much info. east of Cleveland. THX

Matt:

While you can ride on the GAP and C&O trails now, there are some restrictions, particularly along the C&O, where campgrounds and camp sites are closed. These are described at the following NPS webpage the text of which is copied below.

I'm unaware of any announcements but am cautiously optimistic that there may be one on May 10 when the NPS indicates they may begin accepting applications for event and site reservations. I would suggest you monitor this web page for updates.

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, the following closures are in effect:
C&O Canal NHP visitor centers, including the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Brunswick Visitor Center, Williamsport Visitor Center, and Cumberland Visitor Center.
Restrooms, vault toilets, and portable toilets are closed throughout the park.
Water fountains and wells are closed throughout the park.
Some parking areas may be closed, including the Great Falls, Fletchers Cove, and Carderock Recreation Area. Parking at Anglers is limited to provide access for EMS and rescue services.
All campgrounds and campsites are closed throughout the park.
Fee collection at Great Falls Tavern has also been temporarily suspended.
Gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited.
C&O Canal NHP will cancel permits and reservations and will not accept applications for demonstrations, special events, or park site reservations until May 10.
All park lands remain open. Updates will be posted on this page and to the park's social media channels. For more information please visit the National Park Service Public Health Update page.

Along the GAP the majority of the public/free campgrounds are open, the governor has also recently permitted private camp sites to open. However, you would do well to contact each particular facility at which you would want to stay to insure they are open.

Lastly, and on a personal note, might you have ridden from Napoleon to Pittsburgh and, if so, what route did you take? I have a son in Waterville and am looking for good routes from Pittsburgh.

Will there be some sort of announcement? We are in Ohio and don't get much info. east of Cleveland. THX

National parks website was updated yesterday to remove reference to a revaluation or potential changes after May 10. The site now just states that facilities, camping, etc. are closed until further notice.

I'd say any plans of multi day trip in the spring or early summer should be shelved.

I am a writer in Washington DC and regularly bike sections of the towpath from Georgetown to White's Ferry and beyond. I am dismayed at how little signage on the Civil War history of the canal there is in those sections. I imagine it's just as bad farther north too. But I've been giving talks and have an article pending about what happened in 1863 between Great Falls, to the south, and Lock 24 or Seneca Creek to the north. There is signage but it's both wrong and in the wrong place. Anyway, I did a presentation for the Montgomery County History Society in April 2020 and put it online. Anyone riding that section might want to watch it. Not only was the towpath constantly patrolled by Union cavalry, but also on the night of June 27, 1863, 5,000 Confederate cavalry rode where you are riding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aos39Vx6ZEk&t=41s

This sounds like a fantastic Eagle Scout project to add proper Civil War History signage.

Jim:

Congratulations on your excellent research on the location of the Rowser's Ford crossing. I'm always amazed at historians' ability to find and correlate various sources of historical records to craft or correct the underlying story. Having ridden between Pittsburgh and DC a few times, people often inquire as to how to prepare for this ride. Aside from the obvious bike mechanical and logistics issues to make the trip, I strongly suggest they spend a some time beforehand to read about this histories of both the GAP and the C&O Towpath. The trip is certainly more meaningful when you know those histories and find various references thereto along the way. More historical signs along the way would only enhance the experience.

Thanks for an excellent presentation.

For info, the very short side trail (maybe 200 yards long) has been upgraded with crushed gravel into/through Dead Man's Hollow about 20 miles outside Pittsburgh just before Boston, PA. There's not really much to see albeit there is a couple of remaining concrete walls of former buildings now covered by graffiti.

There were no ghosts to be found at the time I passed through today. :-)

Not familiar with Dead Man's Hollow. Any stories you can share?

A litany of legends can be found at:

https://popularpittsburgh.com/dead-mans-hollow/

Since we're all home due to COVID-19 and it's still too early for summertime trips, thought I'd start a discussion on what things you like best on the GAP/C&O, large or small.

--The hunt for Mile 0 in Georgetown. Yes, it should be marked better, but there's something about trying to find it, especially the very first time riding the trail. The great way to close out a week long adventure.

--The downhill to Cumberland. This mellow downhill has it all. Gentle grade, two tunnels, awesome scenery of the mountains after Big Savage, riding alongside the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and the Mason-Dixon Line.

--The restaurants! The Trailside in West Newton, Crabby Pig in Cumberland, and Buddy Lou's in Hancock are three of my favorites. Love Sheetz if I need to grab a sub to take to a campsite or a quick breakfast sandwich.

--Free Hiker/Biker sites. How great are these? Spaced out every 5-10 miles, water pumps, port-a-johns, table, and fire ring. No reservations required. We're so lucky to have these available.

What are yours?

Hey, John. Thanks for your post. I have nothing to add except to say, thanks for the positive and uplifting message. It made my day. It's nice to read something fun amidst all that news. Ride safely!

Oh my, where to begin. Other restaurants that John did not mention that I can recommend include:

Sutersville – Twister’s for ice cream
Perryopolis – The Inn at Lenora’s for dinner (Reservations and appropriate dress required)
Ohiopyle, PA – Falls Market for breakfast, lunch or dinner
Rockwood, PA – The Opera House for breakfast and lunch
Meyersdale , PA - Morguen Tool Company for dinner
Meyersdale, PA - Yoders Bakery for pastries
Meyersdale, PA - GI Dayroom Coffee Shop for breakfast
Cumberland, MD – Queen City Creamery for ice cream and sandwiches
Hancock, MD – Weaver’s for all meals…and pies!
Shepherdstown – Shepherdstown Sweet Bakery Shop for coffee & pastries
Brunswick, MD - Beans in the Belfry coffee and sandwich shop

The free, trailside primitive, but well kept, campsites along the GAP Trail including:

Dravo Cemetery Camp Site
Cedar Creek Park
Round Bottom Camp Site
Connellsville Camp Site

For the adventurous types try some of the adjoining or spur trails including:

Connellsville - Sheepskin Trail to Dunbar (See the glass sculpture and its history along with the restored beehive coke oven)
Washington – Capital Crescent Trail
Washington – Mt. Vernon Trail
Washington – Custis Trail

Some off-the-mainstream sites along the way including:

Whittsett, PA – Sager Ruins Project Mosaics
Dawson, PA – Memorial United Methodist Church and Restored James Cochran House
Ohiopyle, PA – Falling Water House
Rockwood, PA – The Opera House
Frostburg, PA – Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Engine Turntable
Hancock, MD – C&O Bikeshop “Chicken Coop” Bunkhouse
Big Pool, MD - Fort Frederick
Dickerson, MD – 1992 Olympic Whitewater Paddling Course
Leesburg, VA – White’s Ferry
Various – Railroad Stations

There are many remnants of the histories of both the GAP Trail and the C&O Towpath Trail to take in as well.

I forgot to add the Washington and Old Dominion (WOD) Trail from northern Virginia to Washington among the list of adjoining trails you might want to consider. So many trails and so little time. :-)

The approach to Ohiopyle State Park from the west. It’s a gradual climb through a continuous canopy of trees with the river running to your left. As you approach the park, you pass over two bridges with fantastic views of winding water water below. I hope I go back someday.

Thanks for all the nice comments and suggestions! There really are a ton of nice things about this trail.

I, too, love the approach to Ohiopyle. And just before that you can hear all of the white water rafters howling with delight below you. Such a great section. I’ve also swam in the river in “downtown” Ohiopyle. Just bring your shorts! What’s great public resource and at no cost.

I’m a huge fan of the W&OD trail also. I fact, I will take that when I do my next Pittsburgh to DC trip (branch off at Whites Ferry). I’ve done the GAP/C&O in its purest fashion (downtown Pitt to Mile 0 in Georgetown) so it’s no big deal for me now to stick to the trail, but I love the W&OD and prefer to end at the Mt. Vernon Trail at National Airport. After the mud and rocks of the C&O, that ferry across to Leesburg looks pretty good! I realize I will miss Great Falls going this way but I prefer the approach to DC on this route. Lots of cool bridges to cross too.

How cool is watching the planes takeoff/land at Gravelly Point? If you haven’t done so, I recommend it.

When we rode the GAP/C&O last year we detoured to the WOD. It was paved, lots of ups and downs. Probably not as scenic as the C&O would have been but a nice change of pace.

Agreed, WOD is not particularly scenic but does have a nice history of the railroad along its path. If you have had to ride through wet conditions on the C&O to Whites Ferry/Leesburg, the paved WOD is a welcome alternative route to finish the trip into DC.

The subject says it all.

Thanks! :)

Glad I did my first RAGBRAI last year!

Seems like a lot of posters are postponing their June/July trips to early September which is a great month to do the GAP/C&O. Even then, it all depends on if COVID-19 diminishes and how soon. Nobody really knows right now. I suppose you could plan it out now and cancel if we’re still on stay-at-home orders.

I’ve never been on the KATY trail so I can’t comment on that one. But any of these are great week long rides. Erie Canal (Buffalo to Albany) and Ohio to Erie (Cincinnati to Cleveland) are possibilities also.

John

I used to live in Missouri and still pay attention to what is happening there. Also I used to bike on the Katy Trail a lot. There is a website like this one for the Katy Trail (run by Ray the Webmaster who runs this site): bikekatytrail.com. You can check on there. On that site you can probably link to the Missouri State Parks site that will clarify what is open and what is closed. The last I heard bathrooms at the trailheads on the Katy Trail were open, but I don't remember when I heard that. There is not very much camping along the Katy Trail, so you'll need for hotels, B & Bs, etc to be open. Missouri is under a stay at home order/state shut down. But I believe the planned re-open date is 5-8-2020.

With the administration indicating that some national parks could begin to reopen soon, the C&O would seem to be a likely candidate given the very low density of people on that trail. If so, self supported trips thereon can resume. However, support services along the way will likely be much slower to resume operation.

Heading to Confluence in a week for a few days of riding. Just day rides. Will post when I’m done.

I rode the Katy end to end 2 years ago and the GAP/C&O last year. The Katy was a great ride. We didn't camp, used B&B's along the way. I would love to ride the Katy again.

I had planned on doing a solo trip (west to east) of the GAP/C&O at the end of May. I felt that even under current circumstances, doing the trip solo was still with-in guidelines. figured I would just make arrangements to cary a little more food & water than I had planned. However, it looks like under CDC recommendations I'm going to have to cancel or at least postpone until fall.

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
All campgrounds along the C&O are now closed.

I recognize that things could change in the next 6-7 weeks, but it looks like I'll be social distancing at home rather than on the trail.

Bummer. I was scheduled for June, the same direction, and although I haven’t cancelled yet, I’m probably gonna pull the plug very soon. We’ll see how this plays out but I’m not hopeful at this moment in time.

Interestingly, I contacted the Westnoreland County PA offices yesterday as to whether Cedar Creek Park currently allows overnight camping which I am considering for a solo day trip albeit with very conservartive social distancing and hygiene. They responded that the park and camping area is still open without any specific exceptions about restrooms and faucets.

Of course that is only one possible camping site along the trail . Other potential campsites including the National Park Service would have to be researched for at the time of trave for availability and water. Even more problematic would be the availability of other services including restaurants, delis, B&B's, bike shops, etc. as well as transportation to or from origin and destination cities..

If one were planning to make the trip self-supported and recognizing some likely atypical nconveniences, (AND RISKS) it may be possible. Earlier and more detailed research, planning and provisioning will be necessary. Lastly, conservative social distancing and hygiene would still be appropriate which may make the trip somewhat less enjoyable.

I, myself, am cautiously optimistic about making a scheduled. full trip in August with a fellow bikepacker. Only time will tell..

Be well and stay safe.

Just heard on The Pedalshift Project podcast (of which the host of is traveling on it as we speak) that while the C&O is open, the Park Service just took off the handles on the water pumps and locked the port-a-johns due to virus concerns.

The Campgrounds are still open. The host said the trail is really empty once you get out into the suburbs outside of DC.

That is consistent with the info on the National Park Service website that Matt referenced in an earlier post.

So it sounds like a 1 or 2 day ride may still be ok if we carry enough food and water and camp out and so the only variables now are if some of the grocery stores along the way will be open just in case, and if UBER will be available if something breaks down and is unrepairable.

so, are we saying the statement from US parks service: "All campgrounds and campsites are closed throughout the park." doesn't mean that all campgrounds are closed?

I have no problem digging a cat-hole to do my business, I have no problem carrying a couple of liters of extra water or an extra day of food, but I'm not a big fan of the potential of getting chased out of a campsite or getting charged with trespassing for ignoring the closure.

Has anyone who has actually been on the canal willing to fill the rest of us in on what is really going on?

I sent an email to recreation.gov asking if we could still use the campsites along the C&P canal path even though the water and bathrooms have been closed and i doubt i'll hear back with their offices being closed, but at least we can we tried to contact them, but i doubt if anyone would prevent us from camping at one of these sites.
https://www.recreation.gov/contact-us
https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/huckleberry-hill-campsite/

I was on the canal at Seneca Creek last weekend. There were quite a few people out. Many wore masks. Starting Monday, you can't go into even the open businesses unless you wear a mask. I personally don't think they are necessary outdoors, but you're not going to make friends if you're biking the canal without one. The governor's stay-home order allows outdoor exercise, but it prohibits going out of state as does DC's. In short, while it might be possible to bike from the canal and GAP, it isn't a very good idea.

Yes in Tim’s "The Pedalshift Project #200" podcast for April 9th, link below, Tim mentions that the water and bathrooms are closed, but he ends up camping at the Marble Quarry campsite (38.2mm) without any hassles, so i’m going to go ahead with my plan to ride to Harper’s Ferry around mid May and will bring some masks for when there are groupings of people on the trail.
https://pedalshift.net/pedalshiftproject-bicycle-touring-podcast/

Just heard back from a C&O canal admin person and she said the campsites are closed, even the small remote campsites adjacent to the canal like Huckleberry Hill, but they will re-evaluate May 10 and there is a $250 fine if caught camping, so will update on May 10th.

Yikes. Ok thanks for that. There is no grey area now.

While the C&O Towpath campsites are closed at this time the GAP Trail is open albeit with certain constraints and conditions related to the public, primitive campsites and services as described at:

https://gaptrail.org/trail-info/trail-alerts

If you want to stay at other private/pay camping sites you may want to contact them ahead of time. These would include the KOA before Connellsville, Husky Haven at Rockwood and the YMCA in Cumberland.

With interest and proper planning I think you could make the trip from Pittsburgh and Cumberland or vice versa.

It's April 2020, and Deli on the Rocks is Under New Management, and they make wonderful Pizza. I order the one called Grand Slam at least once a week. In my opinion, Deli on the Rocks is much much better than it used to be.

If you need a socially-distanced sanity break, the C&O and GAP trails remain OPEN. Facilities such as restrooms and visitor centers may be closed.

C&O details: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

GAP details:
https://us10.campaign-archive.com/?u=a89b4a7aa485e12a60cf42c07&id=20e7644ea4

And as you'll see on the GAP link above, Big Savage Tunnel is OPEN

Follow the guidelines, be smart, be safe, enjoy the wind and sunshine.

One more thing- any word on White's Ferry? As more and more localities are self-quarantining (if that's a word) I'm wondering about things like ferries. I see that Dare County, NC is blocking all non residents from entering. I can see points like this ferry closing, though it would be simple enough to drive across the border.

Just wond'rin.

With the country shutting down and social distancing seems to be what is needed to combat the corona virus outbreak, I'm considering doing my part and getting away from it all on the trail.

It'll be a last minute decision as to when I go, but I'm hoping in the next two weeks or so, depending on the weather.

Does anyone have an update on the conditions of the trail- specifically between Leesburg and Hancock and then also Little Orleans to Oldtown? Muddy? Dry? What tires do you recommend?

Also, how has the washout been fixed?

Thanks!!

I was out between point of rocks and shepherdstown over the weekend and it was all fine. The resurfacing feels like it was just done in my opinion. There were a couple of quick detours due to washouts, but no real problem. I rode on my Gravel Kings.

Thanks!

I'm already getting excited about a self supported, all camping trip from Pittsburgh to DC this summer. Plan is to camp each night at the free hiker biker sites (C&O has many more choices than the GAP).

Last time I did a camping trip, I took a 30 year old, traditional two man pup tent and realized immediately that this was on the heavy side. The tent weight was just too much for bikepacking. I fought with the weight and completed the trip, but vowed to upgrade the tent the next time I camped.

That got me thinking about ultralite tents. While researching these, I kept coming across people suggesting bivvy bags. Both sound like they could work for me and the range of prices all seem to be the same scale based on quality.

I'm mostly concerned about rain and how they hold up when it comes down. Also, is not being able to sit up in a bivvy bag too much of a hassle?

Does anyone have any thoughts on either and what's worked for you in the past? I'm leaning towards Ultralite tent but am intrigued by a bivvy bag.

John

I've had the same conversation with myself after the first time I biked with a heavier tent!

I upgraded everything to fit what I desired/looking for. But keep in mind, this is what I prefer.

I got an REI Passage 2 tent (two-man, but really 1 plus space) weighing about 4 pounds. There are lighter 2 mans out there but this had what I was looking for. Just this tent alone saved me 6+ pounds from my last one. I prefer tents instead of bivvy bags because I like to bring my panniers inside at night and keep them by me. I'm just paranoid. But also I can rearrange stuff inside if I need to, especially if it's raining.

Depending on the weather, if its warm enough I'll just take a sleeping bag liner and leave my bag at home. But, if I go early spring, I have a Kelty bag that is less than 2 pounds.

With my Big Agnes sleeping pad, all told, my camping gear adds up to less than 14 pounds. You could do better but my setup works for me.

The tent I use is Six Moon Designs Trekker, it weighs 28 oz. when I’m on the AT in the summer I carry my Warbonnet hammock so I don’t have to find a flat spot which is difficult at some of the shelters. The tent has plenty of room to get gear out of the weather

I carry a 1-man, relatively light weight (4.5 lbs) tent in my handlebar bag on self supported trips such as the GAP/C&O. (I have a 2-man tent (5.5 lbs) by the same manufacturer for supported tours where the extra room is nice and I don't have to carry it on my bike.) With both a netted inner tent with floor and outer flysheet, it provides both rain and bug protection. It also allows me to sit up, change clothes and pack most of my gear if it is raining. I've considered lightening my load by only taking the fly sheet which would protect me from the rain. However, I am not anxious to travel the C&O in the summer without the barrier to the bugs.

While I have not used a bivvy bag per se', I have used a low profile, light weight biv tent. I abandoned it and elected to carry the extra pound or two of my 1-man tent so I could sit up. You are welcome to try it out if you'd like. Its not quite as light as a biv bag alone but it will keep you dry and bug free.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I’m gonna go with an ultra lite tent. One man if it has a bit of space or two man if it’s more like “1 plus space”. I think it comes down to being able to sit up, read, and also be able to rearrange things inside a tent. I like that as a refuge. As Arminius said, I like to bring bags into my tent at night (or at least some of it).

I feel like a bivvy bag is too constricting for me and offers no wiggle room to do anything other than sliding in and sleeping. Plus I always get dressed for the day in the tent. ;/)

John

Have you thought about using a hammock? My cycling buddy convinced me to use one before we did the C&O/GAP from DC-to-Pitt last year, and I'll never go back. I used an ENO hammock, blanket, and mosquito net. Had a rain cover, but didn't need it, since two of the three nights we hung the hammocks in shelters. The hammock, straps, and two covers only took up about 1/3 of my Ortlieb saddle bag.

Hammock = 16 oz
Bug net = 9 oz
Rain cover = 22 oz
XL straps = 13 oz

Blanket (or small bag) of your choice.

I find regular hammocks too confining as I sleep on my stomach or side. Anyone out there used a bridge hammock?

Where do we park if we use the camping facilities at Calico Rocks.

There is no parking immediately adjacent to the Calico Rocks camp site itself. There is a parking area at the boat launch in Point of Rocks. From there you would have to hike/ride to the camp site. There is also a large commuter Park-N-Ride lot on the north side of the railroad at Point of Rocks. While it might appear to be closer to that camp site, you would have to walk along and cross the RR tracks to get to the campsite itself.

In general there is no parking immediately adjacent to the hiker/biker camp sites along the C&O Towpath.