C&O / GAP Forum

I noticed they’re resurfacing the C&O around Brunswick. The new surface was a lot easier to ride on than what I’d seen closer to Cumberland.

I am disappointed in how the trail looks. What is the stuff being put down. ??? It takes away from the historical feel of the trail. It looks awful. To bad that it is being done. Very sad. Ugh.

I am saddened by this project and it’s effect on the historic character of the Tow Path. I love the grassy medians and the feel of being out in a country setting. The new surface is unappealing and gives one the feel of an urban walking/biking path. You are destroying History and the character of this Historic landmark. More people, more traffic, more speed will only ruin the beauty of this National Historic Park.
Please stop this expensive, nonsensical project. It is unnecessary, environmentally unfriendly, and unsightly. Who did the research for this project and why weren’t the local population and users of this Tow Path consulted? It is disgraceful!

I'm sorry you are saddened. That being said, I wish the resurfacing was done at approximately mile 170- 175 instead of Brunswick. That section needs resurfacing more than Brunswick, but I am not the one singing the checks.

I think that most people who have walked or biked this trail have a deep respect for the historical features of this area and specifically the trail itself. The many times that I have biked the C&O it crossed my mind many times that I was riding the same surface that was walked by the canal boat mules a hundred years ago. That sentiment aside, I have also pushed a fully loaded bike through miles and miles of unrideable mud. It seems as though the past few years have been especially wet and in my opinion the C&O surface should be upgraded to eliminate the heavy mud conditions that have ended many a trip early. I am certainly not in favor of asphalt paving which very much adds to excessive speeds and infinitely higher usage, but I would like to see the same crushed limestone surface like the GAP trail in PA. The GAP trail is still very primitive and rustic, just without the mud. I cannot argue anyones desire to preserve history, just hoping for a little compromise here.

For what it is worth, we are starting to use crushed asphalt rather than crushed limestone on rural rail trail sections in Michigan. It provides a firmer riding surface, drains better, and therefore doesn't get muddy. It has the feel of nicely compacted gravel road. I prefer to paved asphalt for the reasons mentioned above; it maintains a rural feel with out the hassle of washouts.

Considering riding the C&O / GAP trail this summer for the first time!

As noted in an earlier post following my ride from Pgh to DC last October, I concur with Dave's observations of the characteristics of the crushed asphalt resurface. I rode the section between Shepherdstown and Brunswick during a steady rain and was very pleased with the improved ride quality of that surface compared to the natural, unimproved trail in route to that section.

I'll leave the debate concerning whether such a surface is appropriate to maintain the history of the Towpath to a separate discussion.

I have ridden the Canal 16 times. From totally dry condition to ankle deep water. To see riders complaining about a better surface being put down blows my mind. Be happy that in this political climate any work is being done on the Canal at all. The NPS tends to spend its very limited budget on the big name parks (Yellowstone, Grand Canyon) neglecting others like the Canal.
Any surface improvement should be appreciated.
Enjoy the ride.

If it could be funded, I would welcome a crushed limestone resurface for the entirety of the C&O (similar to the GAP) where mule paths or dirt trails currently exist.

Too many people avoid or cancel trips on the C&O after rains because of it's poor condition. If resurfaced there would be no more questions about what kind of bike to use, what kind of tires do I need, will I fall because of the mud or strike a hidden-under-the-puddle tree root, etc.

I realize that crushed limestone after rains can be soupy in spots but it drains so much better and maintains a good, consistent riding surface so much better.

I understand the historic aspect of the C&O and respect that opinion. But all of the surrounding parts outside of the part you walk or ride on would remain intact. The Birders, photographers, hikers, etc. will all still be seeing the same things just with better footing. I feel most bike tourists would welcome this improvement to the surface by a wide margin if asked. Just my opinion...

I too would like to see some type of improvement to the tow path surface. Crushed limestone really works well on the GAP, but it may not be as effective on the C & O. The GAP was built on top of 100 years of railroad ballast build-up. This extremely porous rock material provides an excellent subbase that greatly facilitates positive drainage and surface stability. The C & O does not have the benefit of this porous rock subbase, only compacted soil. In my opinion, crushed limestone would be a big improvement here, but may require a little more upkeep and maintenance than the GAP due to the makeup of the subsurface materials. In any case, I'm an old retired civil engineer that had to cancel last year due to all the rain and the Brunswick washout. I'm running out of time, so here's hoping some improvements are done soon.

Interesting information about the railroad ballast Telo! I had not considered that. No wonder the GAP drains so nicely.

That said, any resurfacing of the C&O would be welcome by me!

Where do you recommend staying in Hancock? My top two choices are booked for my travel dates. I'm now looking at the Super 8 and the Hancock Motel now. Any thoughts? Thank you!

the Bike shop in Hancock has dormitory style bare bone accomodations that will work and are much cheaper than a hotel, if that would work for you.

C&O Bike Shop is not a bad choice. For $15 you get a towel, hot shower a bunk and a place to charge all your electronic gear. It is also walking distance to a laundromat, fast food restaurants and a grocery store. Stayed there last fall after riding all day in the rain.

I've stayed at the Super 8. It is a little further off the trail (with a little uphill grade) than the bike shop. It is an old-style motel. The room was small but clean and quiet the night I stayed there. The continental breakfast was quite austere but edible. They did have a hose to use as a bike wash which might be very useful if you're coming from Cumberland. That section of trail up to the WMRT pave trail can be very muddy if it rains or has rained recently.

It is a step up from the bike shop bunk house but not that big of a step up. Both are in close proximity to Weaver's Restaurant which is my favorite place to eat in Hancock, especially if you like pie!

Thanks for the feedback!

Are there any women on here who have tackled the trail from PGH to DC solo? I'm planning on a possible trip this spring and was looking for feedback about how safe you felt along the trail itself and in towns. I will be staying in hotels and plan on doing the whole thing in five days.

You'll be fine! :-) I've never heard/seen of any incidents on the GAP/C&O.

Obviously you'll be starting/ending in two large cities so use the normal precautions you would use. But the trail is safe.

Thanks! I live in Pgh now and used to live in DC. As backwards as it seems I'm more nervous about the more remote sections of the trail. Haha!

Being you are from Pittsburgh, you likely heard of the woman that was accosted on the trail just beyond the Homestead Waterfront shopping area. That is the only incident that I am aware of in the trail in the last few years. Aside from that, I agree with John's comments that the trail is has been quite safe for all travelers, both men and women. You should feel quite comfortable on the GAP portion as the distance between small towns and communities is rather short and the trail is rather open and generally well travelled. The C&O has more remote sections between towns and seems more isolated than the GAP, e.g. the section between Cumberland and Little Orleans. That said, I've met some unusual characters on the trail albeit harmless and interesting.

Like John, I don't view safety as an issue but I would point out that bicycle service along the C&O can be a challenge, especially if a mechanical issue arises in a remote section of the trail. You should take the normal precautions in terms of taking and knowing how to use simple bike tools and parts such as spare tire tubes. Further, you should have a backup plan for a more serious mechanical problem should it arise. Obviously a cell phone and some contact numbers could become quite useful in such an event. Note however, there are some sections of the trail where cell phone service does not exist. In that instance, other bike riders along the trail can be very helpful in getting assistance. In short, the Boy Scout motto of "Be Prepared" is well advised

Freight train derails and falls into Potomac River near Harpers Ferry, W.Va. - The Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/freight-train-derails-and-falls-into-potomac-river-near-harpers-ferry-wva/2019/12/21/6970e6f2-240a-11ea-a153-dce4b94e4249_story.html

where can one find updates regarding repairs, and when the pedestrian access will return?

There does not appear to be a scheduled or estimated return to service of the pedestrian bridge across the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry at this time. The Appalachian Trail website below may be the best source of updates regarding repairs.

https://appalachiantrail.org/home/explore-the-trail/trail-updates#WV

DISCLAIMER: I have no real experience and am simply in the planning stages of my trip

it looks like there is a 1.5mile detour that could bring you into Harper's Ferry slightly down the trail using US-340. Granted it looks like a busy 2 lane road, but with a considerable shoulder. This is only an issue if you plan on stopping in Harpers Ferry as the pedestrian bridge only connects the AT and does not obstruct the C&O. Obviously, ride at your own risk.

I had planned on overnighting in Harpers Ferry, but now it looks like Shepherdstown is going to be the better bet.

Rt 340 is fast and fairly heavy traffic (at least west of HF which I rode in route to Harpers Ferry (HF)) with some sections where the shoulder narrows. Depending on your tolerance for car traffic, it could be a little daunting.

Shepherdstown would be a fine alternative overnight albeit without the same historical significance but very quaint in and of itself.

Given the historical significance of HF and the traffic from both the C&O Canal Towpath and Appalachian Trails, I would expect that local officials will stress the importance and timeliness of repairs to the pedestrian portion of the bridge by CSX Railroad. I'd keep a close watch for plans and progress which may enable you to maintain your plan to visit HF without traversing Rt 340.

Planning a late spring/ early summer trip of the AP/C&O (Pit to DC). I'm curious what steps need to be taken to secure a bike during stops? I'm well aware that any bike lock is more about keeping honest people honest than eliminating the chance of theft. Is something minimal like the Otto cinch lock going to get the job done?

https://ottodesignworks.com/shop/ottolock

The GAP/C&O trail is generally safe and crime free. Not unsurprisingly, the greatest risks to your bike and gear are in the largest cities, Pgh and DC. I carry a light-duty combo lock to use when my bike and gear are not within sight. When camping I lock it even it the most remote hiker/biker camp sites. Although it’s probably not necessary, it seems like a rational and simple precaution to avoid having to walk home.

Hi, a group of us will be riding the entire 350 mile trail in mid October next year. We would like to schedule a rest/skip day to enjoy our surrounds. What locations have the most to offer along the route?
Thanks for the feedback.

That's a new and intriguing question. Which direction you plan to make the trip and the weather during the trip would likely impact your choice. That said, here are some thoughts:

1. Cumberland, MD is the largest town directly on the trail and offers multiple lodging and food options. The town itself is not particularly overwhelming but you might find a fall excursion trip up the hill on the Western Maryland Railroad to Frostburg, MD to be nice.
2. Ohiopyle, PA is a colorful stopover in the fall and a side trip to Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater home is a rather unique architectural entity.
3. Harpers Ferry, WV offers an opportunity to visit one of the well known sites from the Civil War. It's a small, quaint little historic town.
4. Great Falls, MD has an impressive set of waterfalls in the Potomac River and a working canal lock to see how the canal was traversed in its day. However there is no lodging at the falls themselves.
5. While not logistically consistent with a layover/rest day, the two terminus cities of Pittsburgh and Washington, DC offer all sorts of diverse sightseeing options which you should take advantage of it you have not visited one or both cities.

These are just some of my thoughts. Depending on what your interests are, there may be several others. I'm sure other contributors to this forum will have other suggestions as well.

Thanks for the suggestions! We will be riding from Pittsburgh to DC. Much appreciated. so many things to do..wish we could do them all!

Given you are going to travel from Pittsburgh to DC and assuming you are planning a 6 or 7 day trip, a layover in Cunberland would be my recommendation. It will accommodate larger groups, is about midway and s right on the trail. There are several food, lodging, laundry and bike shop options on or near the trail making it a good layover/rest option for your itinerary.

Spend a little time prior to your trip to read about the histories of the GAP and C&O trails to enjoy the trip and sites as much as possible n your short times there.

Best wishes for a great trip.

I appreciate you taking the time to help us with this decision. Cumberland has a lot of things to do and see.

Given you are going to travel from Pittsburgh to DC and assuming you are planning a 6 or 7 day trip, a layover in Cunberland would be my recommendation. It will accommodate larger groups, is about midway and s right on the trail. There are several food, lodging, laundry and bike shop options on or near the trail making it a good layover/rest option for your itinerary.

Spend a little time prior to your trip to read about the histories of the GAP and C&O trails to enjoy the trip and sites as much as possible n your short times there.

Best wishes for a great trip.

Don't forget Antietam, Civil war battlefield between Harpers Ferry and Williamsport.

Other suggestions might spring up reading the C&O -Gap Trailguide. It is 10 dollars well spent.

I have a place that can be used for one year if you put a new 100 amp b ox in. That's all I'm asking. You just put the utilities in your name. I have the cutest little place to use for your fishing, hiking, biking stone's throw from the Yough and short walk to the German Club. Rostraver Township. Get in touch with me. Put Yough River in subject line and I will be watching.

I would suggest either Ohiopyle or Shepherdstown for a zero day.

A stay in Ohiopyle will allow you plenty of time to visit and enjoy Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob or both. Not sure how late into the season the rafting goes, but that is another option of things to do while there.

I would recommend Shepherdstown because it is close enough to Antietam that you could definitely visit that, but I found that Shepherdstown is a much more interesting town than Sharpsburg and offers a lot of options in regards to dining. If you didn’t want to ride back to Antietam, I believe the bike shop in town offers a shuttle.

I would suggest either Ohiopyle or Shepherdstown for a zero day.

A stay in Ohiopyle will allow you plenty of time to visit and enjoy Fallingwater or Kentuck Knob or both. Not sure how late into the season the rafting goes, but that is another option of things to do while there.

I would recommend Shepherdstown because it is close enough to Antietam that you could definitely visit that, but I found that Shepherdstown is a much more interesting town than Sharpsburg and offers a lot of options in regards to dining. If you didn’t want to ride back to Antietam, I believe the bike shop in town offers a shuttle.

Thanks, we have settled on Shepherdstown.

anyone know how close to the trail this is?

It is across the river and ~2 miles from the C&O Towpath.

Completed the trip in October. Saw this news about the freight train derailment. Hope you figure out a workaround.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/freight-train-derails-and-falls-into-potomac-river-near-harpers-ferry-wva/2019/12/21/6970e6f2-240a-11ea-a153-dce4b94e4249_story.html

Hi all. One month ago I rode the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. From Key Largo to Key West then back. I made a video on YouTube for anyone that may be interested.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejr04R8e7SE
Just open the link. I have put out several videos on this site. Hope you enjoy this one.

What is the preferred direction to ride DC to Pitts or Pitt to DC

That depends on your priorities including travel logistics, physical conditions, preferred accommodations, etc. The biggest difference that most riders cite is the topography. From DC to Washington makes the 23-mile section from the Eastern Continental Divide to Cumberland a downhill ride whereas in the other direction it is an uphill ride. It doable either way depending on your preference.

Travel logistics to/from Pittsburgh and Washington, DC are the other most common factors in choosing which way to ride this trail.

Note this correction to the third sentence of my earlier reply. It should From "Pittsburgh to Washington" makes the 23-mile....

Is Whites Ferry the only way to get to Leesburg from the Towpath? Do I have to backtrack to the Ferry to continue East?

Coming from the west, Whites ferry is the closest to Leesburg.

I wouldn't recommend crossing at Point of Rocks and taking route 15 into Leesburg. No shoulder and crazy traffic.

Now once in Leesburg, you don't have to backtrack to Whites Ferry. The Washington and Old Dominion Trail runs through downtown Leesburg. You can take the WOD all the way to Arlington VA. Then use the four mile run trail from Arlington to National Airport, then the Mt Vernon Trail to DC.

You miss all the canal scenery for the last 35 miles to DC by taking the WOD instead of the C&O. There are more opportunities for food and beverages on the WOD though.

I agree with Willy, but I'd add that it isn't very far from White's Ferry to Leesburg, or at least downtown Leesburg. It's maybe three miles. The canal from White's Ferry to Georgetown is a lot more scenic than the W&&OD. And, it seems to me that if your idea is to bike the C&O Canal, you should bike the C&O Canal. There is nothing particularly historic about the W&OD.

While it is only 3 miles from the ferry to Leesburg, much of it is on Highway 15. As noted in various previous threads, Highway 15 is a busy road with certain sections with little or no shoulder. If you are taking a shuttle from the ferry to Leesburg then that is irrelevant.

Leesburg Colonial Inn shuttled us. Nice folks

Thanks all. Looking forward to the trip in the spring

I’m planning to pay for my husbands lodging so he can ride the C and O canal trail in the spring. Who do I contact to set up lodging?

Sarah at Noble Invention can assist you in obtaining lodging for your trip. It would helpful if you could provide an itinerary, I.e. how many days you plan to ride and/or what city you would like to stay in each night. She can provide recommendations also if needed. I’ll

There are other tour operators than can assist you as well.

Do we need to worry about black bears this time of year? Planning a 2 day trip from DC to Harper's Ferry and may need to camp out 1 night.

In 5 full trips from Pittsburgh To DC in the last 5 years and several partial trips on the GAP and C&O trails and camping along the way, I've not seen a bear..

Thanks Rivnuts, maybe i'l just buy some kind of air horn, instead of bear spray, happy traveling!