Solo Women's Ride
- + Are there any women on here who have completed a through ride solo? I'm heading out this spring and would love to hear some inspirational stories.
Discussion started 03/07/2020 10:03 PM by Shelly - 1 reply (last reply by John at 03/13/2020 01:45 PM)Shelly from Clevland on 03/07/2020 10:03 PM
Are there any women on here who have completed a through ride solo? I'm heading out this spring and would love to hear some inspirational stories.
John from Pittsburgh on 03/13/2020 01:45 PM
Not sure if my last message went through but I would try Crazy Guy on a Bike for forums/journals. YouTube for videos, just type in GAP/C&O. Also the Great Allegheny Passage web page has a section called Trail Info and under that is Trip Reports with journals or videos. Good luck!
general condition (other than detours)
- + We are planning on riding from Cumberland to Washington D.C. using touring bikes. We will starting on May 20th. What is the general condition of the towpath concerning the surface (mud or soft areas)?
Discussion started 05/11/2019 04:06 PM by Kim - 4 replies (last reply by Cycle Chick at 03/13/2020 12:43 PM)Kim from Polk City on 05/11/2019 04:06 PM
We are planning on riding from Cumberland to Washington D.C. using touring bikes. We will starting on May 20th. What is the general condition of the towpath concerning the surface (mud or soft areas)?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 05/11/2019 09:28 PM
Without being flippant, if you can identify what the weather will be on May 17, 18 and 19 before you depart, one could perhaps provide a reasonable estimate of the conditions along the trail. If it has rained a lot in those preceding days, you can expect a fair amount of mud and puddles. My experience is that the trail conditions are worst after rain between Cumberland and Paw Paw with trail conditions generally better as you approach DC. In those muddy sections, you may likely incur lots of mud under the fenders albeit better there than on your back side.?? Other forum members may have a different opinion especially those local to various sections along the way.i
If you have not reviewed earlier forum posts, you should read those pertaining to the washout beyond Brunswick, MD to determine how you wish to deal with that damage to the trail. It may affect your plans.
Kim from Polk City on 05/16/2019 10:28 AM
Thanks-Sounds like the first leg of the trip could be a mud-slog if there is some rain. We have made the C&O a part of a few vacations, but have never biked the whole way and those visits were a few years back. We know there have been improvements and weren't sure how many. I am wavering between "just going for it" and "wimping-out" by biking from a couple of towns along the way.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 05/18/2019 03:06 PM
Just arrived in Cumberland from DC today. I didn’t see any “improvements” on the towpath from Harpers Ferry. The trail showed all the signs of spring rains but I’ve seen worse.
Cycle Chick from Portsmouth, OH on 03/13/2020 12:43 PM
Suggestions for getting from the bike trail to visit Fallingwater needed. No Uber, Lyft or taxi service offered from what I see and I remember the location as being way up a hill. I dislike steep hills!
How do you deal with trash on the C&O??
- + Hi everyone - I’m planning my first trip on the C&O in late spring and I’ve got a question.
How do you deal with your trash while you’re packing it out? In two senses:
1. How do you store it on y...
Discussion started 03/08/2020 04:26 AM by AA - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/11/2020 07:32 PM)AA from Tyson’s Corner on 03/08/2020 04:26 AM
Hi everyone - I’m planning my first trip on the C&O in late spring and I’ve got a question.
How do you deal with your trash while you’re packing it out? In two senses:
1. How do you store it on your bike until you can dispose of it?
2. Where do you dispose of it?
I’m hoping to stick to the path as much as possible and go “unsupported” but town visits...but my guess is that’s not possible when dealing with trash.
Any advice?
John from Pittsburgh on 03/08/2020 09:30 AM
Pack in, pack out. There will likely be no trash cans along the trail at campgrounds (to deter wildlife). Just bring some old shopping bags with you and put your trash in there and stuff it in your panniers while you ride. When you hit a town, find a trash can and get rid of it. That’s how I do it.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 03/08/2020 12:54 PM
I concur with John’s response. That said, with some planning you can try to minimize the amount of noncombustible waste you take onto the C&O. Note, you can burn combustible material with your campfires in the fire rings in the hiker/biker camp sites.
Anonymous on 03/11/2020 07:32 PM
Pack it out is the only option....I had a cargo net for my rear rack that I was able to secure a bag under until I found a trash can.
Shuttle service after coming off the ferry at Leesburg, VA
- + Does anyone know of a shuttle service at Leesburg, VA., once you come off the ferry to Leesburg? We are staying at an Air B&B, so I'm not sure how we will get into town.
Discussion started 02/12/2020 02:45 PM by cyclist - 8 replies (last reply by Arminius at 03/11/2020 01:53 PM)cyclist from Missouri on 02/12/2020 02:45 PM
Does anyone know of a shuttle service at Leesburg, VA., once you come off the ferry to Leesburg? We are staying at an Air B&B, so I'm not sure how we will get into town.
Lucas from Fairfax on 02/12/2020 02:49 PM
There’s no shuttle. Once I had a friend nearby pick me up and take me to downtown Leesburg. The second time I just rode down 15 into town. The cars move fast on 15 but there’s a decent sized shoulder and I didn’t feel unsafe. It’s not a long ride into town.
cyclist from Missouri on 02/12/2020 03:17 PM
How many miles would you say it is to Leesburg on 15?
Anonymous on 02/12/2020 03:57 PM
try Uber or Lyft and request a large vehicle.
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 02/12/2020 04:18 PM
Its about 3 miles from the intersection of White’s Ferry Rd and Hwy 15 and downtown Leesburg. While there indeed a shoulder about 2 miles of that, the shoulder stops as you approach downtown. There are sidewalks for most of that distance if you don’t want to ride on the street.
cyclist from Missouri on 02/13/2020 12:20 AM
Thank you for the helpful information.
bike traveler from Austin, Texas on 02/13/2020 12:21 PM
I passed through White's Ferry and Leesburg biking Pittsburgh to DC last July. Leesburg is bigger and busier than the other towns on/near the C&O. The auto traffic is heavier and faster. If it were me, I'd look for a way to avoid biking those two miles.
If you stay at a Leesburg motel, they may have a shuttle that can carry you between the ferry stop and the motel.
Rick from Grafton, Va on 02/20/2020 03:30 PM
About 4 years ago 1 of the chain motels like Days Inn, etc offered a shuttle. We called and the driver was there within 30 min. Darn, I can't remember the motel name. They didn't really advertise. We asked.
Arminius from Richmond, VA on 03/11/2020 01:53 PM
The ride from White's Ferry into Leesburg isn't bad at all. As previous commenters said, the shoulder is very wide on 15. I've never felt nervous. Once you get to Leesburg I'd take 15 into town instead of the bypass as the traffic could get pretty hairy.
which direction
- + If riding the entire length of both trails, which direction do you prefer, DC to Pit, or Pit to DC … and why ...
Discussion started 03/03/2020 10:25 AM by Robert Mull - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 03/03/2020 01:29 PM)Robert Mull from Chippewa Twp PA on 03/03/2020 10:25 AM
If riding the entire length of both trails, which direction do you prefer, DC to Pit, or Pit to DC … and why ...
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 03/03/2020 01:29 PM
See responses to recent same question on this forum.
Harpers Ferry footbridge closed indefinitely
- + News article confirms forum discussion from a couple weeks ago...
Harpers Ferry, W.Va., footbridge is closed indefinitely after December train derailment
Washington Post, 2.21.2020
A footbridge use...
Discussion started 02/21/2020 12:14 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 7 replies (last reply by John at 02/26/2020 07:19 PM)Ray (webmaster) from on 02/21/2020 12:14 PM
News article confirms forum discussion from a couple weeks ago...
Harpers Ferry, W.Va., footbridge is closed indefinitely after December train derailment
Washington Post, 2.21.2020
A footbridge used by hundreds of thousands of hikers each year to cross the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., is closed indefinitely, National Park Service officials said.
The pedestrian path was damaged two months ago when a CSX freight train derailed on the tracks next to it.
...
Full text of article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/02/21/harpers-ferry-footbridge-remains-closed-indefinitely-following-december-derailment/
John from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/25/2020 12:23 PM
Thanks for passing that along Ray.
I wonder how long this downed connection from the C&O to the town of Harpers Ferry will last? Hopefully a solution will be found soon.
As of now it looks like I’d make Shepherdstown my sleeping destination when in this area.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/25/2020 01:52 PM
John: If you truly would prefer to stay in the Harpers Ferry area and the pedestrian bridge is still closed, you might want to consider the Hillside Hotel in Knoxville, MD. I stayed there a few years ago. It is/was older and rather modest. There was a decent restaurant across the street as well. It is also an uphill ride from the trail up Sandy Hook Rd. It is about 2 miles from the trail at the pedestrian bridge.
John from Pittsburgh,PA on 02/25/2020 07:35 PM
Interesting suggestion Rivnuts. The location certainly would work.
How did you reach town from the trail? Can you access the Sandy Hook bridge from the trail, it’s really high up there?
Oh I see it now. Looks like you have to exit at Knoxville and get to Sandy Hook. Doable mileage for sure though. I will definitely consider this.
John
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/25/2020 10:49 PM
John: You can get onto Sandy Hook Rd readily from the trail. Then take Sandy Hook Rd up to Keep Tryst Rd. No way, need or desire to get up onto Rt 340. I suggest you call ahead to ensure the "hotel" is open. It was a low budget/cost operation but it was clean and quiet as I recall.
Willy from Alexandria VA on 02/25/2020 11:11 PM
Hillside Hotel is still open.
I stayed there twice during my up and back DC to Pittsburgh this year.
It seems to be thriving.
And Yes I give a hearty thumbs up to the Guide House Grill Across the street.
And for those who wish, there is a well stocked liquor store just next to the Hillside in case you need a sip of medicine during your travels.
Willy from Alexandria VA on 02/26/2020 11:09 AM
Oh yeah another thing...
You can access Keep Tryst Rd from the C&O canal at approximately mm58. Look for the sign directing you to the Appellation Trail as it leaves the C&O and goes up the hill.
After crossing the train tracks go to your left on Keep Tryst Rd. It is 1.8 miles to the Hillside Hotel.
John from Pittsburgh,PA on 02/26/2020 07:19 PM
Thanks to both of you for the directions and suggestions. I can clearly see the Keep Tryst Rd, Appalachian Trail, and the hotel clearly on Google Maps now. It all makes sense.
I would definitely book the hotel before committing to that ride into town. With HF potentially inaccessible, this hotel might see a huge uptick in guests.
So cool it has a restaurant across the street as well as a liquor store next door. What more does a touring cyclist need?! ; - )
Dravo Landing Campsite in Buena Vista
- + Can we stay overnight at Dravos landing with our motor home
Discussion started 02/23/2020 06:06 PM by Terry - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 02/24/2020 12:23 AM)Terry from JOhnstown on 02/23/2020 06:06 PM
Can we stay overnight at Dravos landing with our motor home
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 02/24/2020 12:23 AM
If you are referring to the trailside camping area at the historic Dravo Cemetery, then no. There is no motorized vehicle access to that camping area. There is a vehicle parking lot at the river launch area at Buena Vista and at Boston which are on either side if Dravo Cemetery. However, there is not typically over night parking at either and would likely result in a visit from the community police during the night if parked there all night without any prior notification of your presence.
Brunswick Temp Bridge
- + Does anyone have any updated information on the temporary crossing at the Brunswick culvert washout. I heard that it was underwater the past few days and really took a beating. Is it still passable.
Discussion started 02/01/2020 01:40 AM by Loren - 1 reply (last reply by Jay at 02/19/2020 10:19 PM)Loren from Pgh on 02/01/2020 01:40 AM
Does anyone have any updated information on the temporary crossing at the Brunswick culvert washout. I heard that it was underwater the past few days and really took a beating. Is it still passable.
Jay from Frederick on 02/19/2020 10:19 PM
Here's what it looked like a few weeks ago, it's pretty deep still
https://i.imgur.com/PZ21XsC.jpg
Rockwood Manor
- + Two part question:
First, I am thinking of renting a car in my home town (Pgh) and doing a "one way" car drop-off in Washington (since my wife is getting tired of driving me there). I know a big fee i...
Discussion started 02/17/2020 08:04 PM by Tom - 4 replies (last reply by Tom at 02/18/2020 07:24 PM)Tom from Robinson on 02/17/2020 08:04 PM
Two part question:
First, I am thinking of renting a car in my home town (Pgh) and doing a "one way" car drop-off in Washington (since my wife is getting tired of driving me there). I know a big fee is charged for that but that's ok. I considered the train but it doesn't get to DC until the afternoon so I burn a day. Does anyone know which car rental company will allow a drop-off closest to Mile 1 of the C & 0? Enterprise has a drop-off location at Union Station and that's what I will probably go with if no better/closer location is found.
Second, has anyone stayed at Rockwood Manor in Potomac MD (around mile 14)? Are they bike friendly and is it easy to get to on a bike from the towpath.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/17/2020 08:43 PM
Union Station is about 4 miles from The C&O Towpath Milepost 0 at the Thompson Boat Center and 5 miles from Reagan International Airport which would be another potential rental car drop off location. You can ride the Mt. Vernon Trail for much of the way from the airport to Milepost 0. There is also an Enterprise Car Rental location on Calvert Steet in the Georgetown section of DC and is about 2.5 miles from Milepost 0.
If you are spending the first night in Potomac MD, it would seem that you would have plenty of time to take the train to Washington's Union Station which arrives from Pgh around 1:05 p.m. and get to Potomac MD. It's less than 20 miles from Union Station to Potomac...so, say, about 2 hours. Depending on what time of year you are going you could make it to White's Ferry/Leesburg (40 miles) before dark.
Tom from Robinson on 02/17/2020 09:47 PM
Hey Rivnuts, good point about just taking the train. Had hoped to camp at Chisel Branch first night so that might work in early June. Thanks.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/17/2020 10:42 PM
I camped at the Chisel Branch H/B camp a couple of years ago. All I seem to recall is that it was rather buggy. In early June you can ride til around 9:00 pm which gives you lots of time to get there from Union Station unless the train is unusually late. You'd even have time to stop in Georgetown for a late lunch or pick up something to eat at Chisel Branch.
Tom from Robinson on 02/18/2020 07:24 PM
The car rental place at Calvert St is 2.3 miles from Towpath mile 0, and the entire 2.3 miles can be done on the Rock Creek Trail (paved and all downhill). Rock Creek Trail runs right by the car rental doors and ends at Mile 0. They open at 7:30am which means I will have time to bike to Shepherdstown instead of a half day to Chisel.
Bridge to Shepherdsville from C&O Canal Trail
- + How are the roads and the bridge to Shepherdsville from the C&O Canal Trail? Is it safe to cycle?
Discussion started 02/13/2020 12:26 AM by Cyclist - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 02/13/2020 08:36 AM)Cyclist from Missouri on 02/13/2020 12:26 AM
How are the roads and the bridge to Shepherdsville from the C&O Canal Trail? Is it safe to cycle?
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/13/2020 08:36 AM
I presume you are referring to "Shepherdstown". The route from the C&O Towpath to Shepherdstown across the Hwy 34/Shepherdstown Pike bridge is reasonably safe. First, the car traffic across that bridge is generally not very heavy. Second, you can ride the sidewalk along the road rather than the road itself if you so choose. There is little pedestrian traffic on sidewalk even as it passes along Shepherdstown University.
Note that the route from the Towpath to the bridge above is not well marked and can be easily missed if you are not aware or looking for it. It is a switchback path that begins on the upriver side of the bridge before you get to Lock 38. You can see it clearly in Google Maps' satellite view.
Hotels near Amtrak Pittsburgh
- + My brother and I are doing the GAP Easter weekend. We are going to take the Capital Limited from Cumberland to Pittsburgh on April 8, but the train doesn't arrive in Pittsburgh until almost midnight. ...
Discussion started 02/12/2020 10:43 AM by Lucas - 3 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 02/12/2020 04:01 PM)Lucas from Fairfax on 02/12/2020 10:43 AM
My brother and I are doing the GAP Easter weekend. We are going to take the Capital Limited from Cumberland to Pittsburgh on April 8, but the train doesn't arrive in Pittsburgh until almost midnight. Are there nice hotels near Union station? What are our best options for safely arriving to lodging that late at night?
Gary from Charlotte on 02/12/2020 01:31 PM
I stayed at the Hampton Inn on my way south. Bike friendly and 3 blocks away, well lighted.
Matt H from Charlotte on 02/12/2020 02:13 PM
Hampton inn, Marriott courtyard, & Westin are all with in 1 block of the station.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/12/2020 04:01 PM
There is a Homewood Suites about the same distance as the Hampton Inn from the train station.
Harpers Ferry
- + Is the pedestrian bridge open at Harpers Ferrt
Discussion started 02/08/2020 11:04 AM by VABiker - 2 replies (last reply by Luchs at 02/08/2020 06:37 PM)VABiker from Aexandria on 02/08/2020 11:04 AM
Is the pedestrian bridge open at Harpers Ferrt
VABiker from Aexandria on 02/08/2020 11:07 AM
. . . sorry "Ferry" - we are biking the C & O and have reservations in town. Are there alternative ways to get into town via bike?
Luchs from Harpers Ferry on 02/08/2020 06:37 PM
Not open yet and no ETA.