C&O / GAP Forum

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!

The Hostel is permanently closed as of October 25, 2019 per the phone recording.

Thank you for the heads-up on this. I have updated the listings.

Happy trails!

Hoping to do a long day trip from HF to DC this weekend with a friend. A bit ambitious and not enough time for camping and sightseeing, but wanted to be outdoors for a good long day. I've seen comments on this board about the section between Shepardstown and Brunswick being recently resurfaced. Anyone have info or observations about the condition of other sections of the towpath in the HF to DC stretch?

Road from Shepherds Town to Brunswick Monday and Tuesday . It has been resurfaced, like riding on pavement.

I know it’s a little late for Gabe but just got back from a week on the trail and about 5 miles of trail below Whites Ferry is resurfaced. Also about 3 miles above Whites Ferry, then you get a longer section that’s been scrapped in preparation for resurfacing but right now its very bumpy.The slack water paved section is in excellent shape as well.