C&O / GAP Forum

Hi all! We're planning an overnight trip the end of May and I want to confirm the trail is available to ride as well as campsites along the way are open to the public, considering the COVID-19 restrictions currently.

I know the Governor of Maryland has allowed some facilities and services to reopen with applicable COVID restrictions. However, as of this morning the NPS's C&O Towpath website has not been updated to indicate that that campsites are open/opening. Where is the reopening of the campsites being reported?

I'm going to assume that as long as DC remains locked down, so will the campsites along the C&O. I've postponed my May trip until July. hopefully DC will pull its head out of "its current location" by then.

That's really high hopes for this bunch of legislators. The worst I've seen in my 70 years.

There is no connection between the lock-down in DC and the closing of the campsites. The National Park Service, not the DC government, runs the campsites along the canal. However, if you want to eat in a restaurant or sleep in a hotel in DC, then you'll have to pay attention to what the DC government is doing. Otherwise, you can use the campsites as soon as the Park Service decides to do that. You might also watch the infection rate in Maryland. It's still unacceptably high. Many public places, like theaters and libraries, have already announced they will be closed through Labor Day.

No disrespect Richard, but DC remains the only area of the country on "full lockdown." (all 50 states have begun to relax their policy) & Given that the national parks service bases it's park status on local community regulations, and most of the national parks have reopened, one can only draw the obvious conclusions.

Matt, I am sorry but your obvious conclusion isn't obvious. The infection and death rates in Maryland, Virginia, and DC continue to climb. But shoot, if you don't think you'll get coronavirus, there is no reason you can't pack your own provisions and ride the trail. It seems to me that you want the federal government not DC to order federal employees to risk getting the virus so you can have fun.

It might not be obvious to you, but it is to most everyone else. Everything about, and apparently from, DC is a little out of touch with reality. It's time to move forward. Small, thoughtful steps maybe, but forward just the same.

Richard- Glad I have you to tell me what I want. Thanks for setting the record straight. ;)

Telo and Matt, Neither of you seems to agree with the president's decision to close the campsites on the C&O Canal, but until he changes his mind you're going to have to live with it. Things could be worse. As you may know, many people in DC want to sell off the canal to private developers, thus getting the government out of the business of running the campsites. Of course, that would also mean the end of the canal.

I'm pretty certain the president has no idea what the C&O towpath is, and if he does, he would want to open it since he is in favor of opening most everything as soon as possible. I really can't second guess the NPS decision to keep the campsites closed because I realize they have a much better view of their particular situation than I do. That being said, I've decided to go ahead with a DC to Pgh solo trip the first week of June. The trip was mapped out over six months ago and I will be staying at hotels, which all have opened back up by now. I will be strictly adhering to social distancing, masks and gloves. As an added precaution I plan to quarantine myself for 2 weeks after I get back. Water and food may be more difficult so I plan to carry extra with me. You younger guys can easily say "I'll just do it next year". Old, crusty geezers like me don't have that luxury. With me it's now or never. I have it stuck in my head that I need to see that trail one more time so for good or bad I'm going for it.

Telo, You're hard core! You probably can do it that way. Good luck.

If anyone is looking to do some bikepacking/camping, the three campsites on the Montour Trail are open. This is the southwest suburbs of Pittsburgh for anyone who is not familiar with it. The three are near the Boggs trailhead (west of Imperial), along Cecil-Henderson Road (northwest of Hendersonville and Southpointe), and at Gill Hall Road (in Pleasant Hills). By “open“, I mean nowhere does it say you can’t camp on their website. I do not know if the Porta Johns and water faucets are on so you may want to check. In fact, they may be locked or shut. I went by the campsite at Cecil Henderson, and three of the six sites were occupied on Saturday. Anyways, just an FYI if anyone has that bicycle touring camping itch!

John

If you plan to camp overnight at the Boggs Campsite, I would recommend you have some good ear plugs. When I last stayed there, there was a fleet of garbage trucks that went up and down the nearby road all night long.

If you plan to camp overnight at the Boggs Campsite, I would recommend you have some good ear plugs. When I last stayed there, there was a fleet of garbage trucks that went up and down the nearby road all night long.

If you plan to camp the night at the Boggs Campsite, I recommend you take a pair of ear plugs. The last time a stayed there, there was a constant stream garbage trucks traveling up and down the nearby road all night long.

I read where the pedestrian bridge from the towpath to Harpers Ferry is out due to a train derailment. I have accommodation booked in HF and need to cross! How can I do that? From looking at google maps, the railroad is a barrier on the approach from the South and the road looks very busy. And inaccessible from the trail. Thanks.

Park Service site says CSX anticipates work being completed at the end of July barring weather or Covid delays.

The Appalachia Trail Conservancy in HF has info about shuttles or taxis:
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/transportation.

You might want to ask the proprietor of your lodging in HF if they can provide free transport to/from their facility and the trail on the other side of the river.

I was planning on doing a section hike on the AT out of Harpers Ferry this summer. Here is another option for getting across the river since the pedestrian bridge is out.

You can take a 5:25am MARC train out of Harpers Ferry that arrives in Brunswick at 5:40am. It's early, but it's only a few bucks. Here is a link to the train.

https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule/marc-brunswick?schedule_date=05%2F27%2F2020&direction=0&origin=11942&destination=11943

From what I can find on various forums, it appears the trail from Pittsburgh to Washington DC is open the whole way, but visitor centers, restrooms & drinking fountains are not open as of May 19, 2020. Our trip is scheduled for June 18.

Our plan is to continue with our trip since we are self contained with tents, and restaurants are open for food/drink. I even see rafting is now open in OhioPyle.

Does anyone see any major issues with this plan. We will bring our masks for entering busy areas or restaurants/shops.

Thoughts?

I, too, have been trying to monitor the status of both the GAP and the C&O trails to DC as I look forward to making the trip again. Since I plan to camp along the way, the status of the campgrounds and campsites along the C&O are my primary concern relative to the logistics of the trip. As of this morning the NPS webpage for the C&O still states that the campgrounds and campsites are still closed. I don't know for certain if that is still the case or whether the webpage simply has not been updated. The issue of the spread of the virus remains an issue as well.

There should be no significant issues along the GAP itself. Over the last week or two I'm starting to see touring cyclists riding along the GAP out of Pittsburgh.

I’m shooting for early September, Rivnuts. I’ll either get to do it or accept defeat for 2020 and watch lots of videos about people riding the GAP to DC!.

John from Pgh

Pre-pandemic I had a tentative plan to make the DC trip in August with a friend from an earlier Erie Canal trip. I'm not sure if he still plans to make that trip or not. I admit to having cabin fever with other spring and early-summer tours being cancelled and thus was considering making a trip down the GAP/C&O even earlier...perhaps just the GAP, one way or round trip given the restrictions on the C&O. Just need the weather to warm up and dry out a little.

Re the Montour, if you want to brave a day-ride on that trail in the near term suggest a day/time good for you and I can meet you in Hendersonville.

Rivnuts...I’ve been hitting some solo runs on the Montour and even got up to the Panhandle trail this spring. Feels great although I’ve had to layer up on a few trips. If they can ever connect the east end of the Panhandle with Carson St. in downtown Pittsburgh, they could have a ton of cross country riders going though there.

We’ll get that Montour ride in at Hendersonville soon enough! Lets target this summer...July perhaps when things open up (hopefully)? Looking forward to that.

Did you do Erie Canal on your own or was it the PTNY Cycle the Erie Canal event? Highly recommend that tour and/or that trail. Such a great ride. Not crazy crowded like RAGBRAI but still feels like a big event...just the right size actually.

John from Pgh:

I,too, rode the Panhandle Trail out of Walker's Mill a couple of weeks ago. It is a great gateway trail to Ohio but, as you noted, is not directly accessible from Pittsburgh. You can get there from Pittsburgh via the Three Rivers Heritage Trail across Neville Island and the Montour albeit with a bit of road riding to reach the Montour.

I've ridden the Erie Canal Trail across New York including the excursion to/from Niagara Falls across the Peace Bridge a couple of times, most recently last year. It is similar in the number of participants to the GOBA and Shoreline West tours. The XOBA tour across Ohio is much smaller still which I rather like.

With nicer weather I think I'll revisit the Ghost Town, Armstrong and Allegheny River Trails for day rides until the C&O opens fully.


Stay safe.

It seems like quite a few extra miles are required going via Neville Island/Montour Trail. It’s a shame the Panhandle isn’t connected yet but maybe one day.. I suppose you could exit the GAP at McKeesport and take the Montour but you‘ll miss the approach to Pittsburgh which a great ride.

Quite possibly my favorite ride ever is the Greater Niagara Circle Route out of Niagara Falls, ONT. Head north to Niagara-in-the-Lake (NOTL) along three Niagara River Recreation Trail, then head west to Port Weller on the Waterfront Trail, then south to Port Colborne along the Welland Canals Parkway Trail, then west to Fort Erie on the Friendship Trail, then finally back north towards Niagara Falls on the Niagara River Recreation Trail. 87 miles total. Parts or all of those trails make up the GNCR.

I did it over two days to take in all the scenery and sights. Wineries, the Niagara Gorge, Queenston Heights, NOTL, old forts, an active shipping canal (with usually a freighter or two to see), and of course, the Falls. 90% trail. A really great trip and the only hills are the Escarpment but it’s not bad.

Has anyone ridden the Redbank Valley Rail trail north of Pittsburgh?
Also we rode a section of Raill66 in that same area. Nice. And more to be paved soon

I rode the Redbank Valley Trail from its origin on the Armstrong Trail to Brookville a couple of years ago. It is a nice rail trail and an easy ride. There is some pavement into and around New Bethlehem and Brookville. In normal times those small towns have diners and restaurants to eat and/or obtain food/drink. I recall there being one campsite on the way toward New Bethlehem. Others who have ridden this trail more recently and more frequently will have additional info, I'm sure.

The park across the street from G.I. Dayroom has a large gazebo. Shade from hot sun and place to eat covered from rain. Plus could dry off there. Try it. Nice place to eat your breakfast or lunch. Until covid rules change adjust. Have a great ride.

The park across the street from G.I. Dayroom has a large gazebo. Shade from hot sun and place to eat covered from rain. Plus could dry off there. Try it. Nice place to eat your breakfast or lunch. Until covid rules change adjust. Have a great ride.

Hey all bikers. G.I. Dayroom in Meyersdale, Pa is opened. Call ahead to order. Great food. Take out only. There is a park directly across the street. Hopefully the park will put in some picnic tables. There are other places that serve food but due to covid rules people can't go into the restaurants to eat. So would really be nice to get some picnic tables in the park and garbage cans. A really nice community in Meyersdale. Support the locals. You will get great food on the trail here!

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.