Culvert Washout Crossing
- + Has anything changed for the washout just outside of Brunswick? The NPS has changed their wording and it isn't clear if they have installed a temporary crossing or just updated the description of "wa...
Discussion started 06/21/2019 11:19 AM by Andy - 4 replies (last reply by Andy at 07/05/2019 12:30 PM)Andy from Pittsburgh on 06/21/2019 11:19 AM
Has anything changed for the washout just outside of Brunswick? The NPS has changed their wording and it isn't clear if they have installed a temporary crossing or just updated the description of "walk across the creek only when the water is low."
Here is the current wording:
"Towpath Detour. There is a short towpath detour around the washed out area - follow the signage off the towpath and onto a desginated pathway that leads to a temporary low-water* crossing across the creek. Get back onto a desginated pathway that leads back up to the towpath. Follow signage and dismount bikes before crossing.*During high water events, the crossing may be under water and unsafe to cross."
Unless there is significant rain Monday onwards, we will likely at least take a look at it Wednesday morning. If not passable, back to the free shuttle.
John from Pittsburgh on 06/21/2019 12:41 PM
I just googled “C&O Canal Twitter” and their twitter page is showing photos of a “low water bridge” spanning the creek at the top of their page. Hooray! They laid boards down across 3-4 huge concrete blocks.
There are no barriers or handrails so this is clearly a temporary fix until they put in the real bridge.
This is so great, no more shuttles (barring another washout).
Andy from Pittsburgh on 06/21/2019 01:06 PM
I hadn't thought to check twitter. That looks like a much easier and cleaner crossing than the one I did last summer just a bit downstream from the boards.
Jill from Herndon, VA on 06/26/2019 04:13 PM
My husband and I went through the Brunswick temp bridge this past weekend (23 Jun 2019) and there was no problem. It's very steep on the eastern side getting down to the bridge so we got off our bikes and walked across but it is easily passable.
Andy from Pittsburgh on 07/05/2019 12:30 PM
Just a followup, we went over the crossing on June 26th with no problem. All three of us rode down the approach from the Brunswick side and across the stream. My girls couldn't make it up the other side and had to get off and push, but I managed to clear the rise. Quite steep on the Point of Rocks side, but quite passable. They have extended the trail surface down towards the creek, so it was much more "built-up" than I was expecting. IMO, this is meant as a multi-year fix and not a one-season band-aid.
Cacapon junction and Devil's Alley hiker/biker campsite Water pumps
- + Hi All. I just finished a multi day backpacking trip on the C&O tow path Williamsport to 15 Mile Creek Area. The NPS listed all water pumps as ON for my section hike as of 7/1/19.
Please note that the...
Discussion started 07/05/2019 12:01 PM by MH - 0 repliesMH from Kensington on 07/05/2019 12:01 PM
Hi All. I just finished a multi day backpacking trip on the C&O tow path Williamsport to 15 Mile Creek Area. The NPS listed all water pumps as ON for my section hike as of 7/1/19.
Please note that the Cacapon Junction H/B campsites and The Devils Alley Pumps are in reality off or broken.
The campsite between these 2 sites has a working pump that is ON. Hope nobody reached this area mile 134 in need of water or plans to camp at Cacapon like me.
If you are really in need of water, get on the Paved bike path located in the been side of the canal, local residents have coolers of cold bottled water for sale. $1 (accessible by several paths or just walking across a dry area of canal)
I always travel with a water filter so I could have filtered water from the canal or Potomac if I had to do so. Lesson learned!
I emailed NPS but it's a holiday so pump info may not be corrected until next week.
water pumps on GAP
- + The National Park Service publishes the locations of the water pumps on the C&O Canal Towpath Trail here: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Is there a similar list for the GAP?
Discussion started 07/04/2019 08:56 PM by bike traveler - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 07/05/2019 04:52 AM)bike traveler from Austin, Texas on 07/04/2019 08:56 PM
The National Park Service publishes the locations of the water pumps on the C&O Canal Towpath Trail here: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Is there a similar list for the GAP?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 07/05/2019 04:52 AM
I am not aware of a similar, comprehensive listing of water pumps per se' for the GAP as there is no common entity that oversees and maintains the GAP like the National Park Service does for the C&O. That said, there is water available at several public trailside locations along the GAP. Here's a list of locations with free water along GAP that I am aware of.
Pittsburgh Point State Park.- Fountains
Homestead Pumphouse - Restroom sinks
McKeesport Marina - Fountain
Boston Ballfield - Fountain
Dravo Campground - Pump
West Newton Visitor Center - Fountain
Cedar Creek Park Campground - Hose bib
Round Bottom Campground - Pump (Non-Potable)
Connellsville Trailside Campground - Fountain
Ohiopyle - Fountain
Rockwood - Fountain
Meyersdale Visitor Center
Frostburg - Fountain
Cumberland Visitor Center - Restroom Sinks
There may be others and I invite other travelers to augment or correct this list. Of course, water can be obtained or purchased at other commercial locations in cities along and near the trail.
December travel
- + I am traveling in the USA for a conference in December and was considering riding the C&O trail during this time.
Is it possible to ride it in December, or will it be too cold and snowy/rainy?
Discussion started 07/01/2019 08:55 PM by EN - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 07/03/2019 06:46 AM)EN on 07/01/2019 08:55 PM
I am traveling in the USA for a conference in December and was considering riding the C&O trail during this time.
Is it possible to ride it in December, or will it be too cold and snowy/rainy?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 07/03/2019 06:46 AM
December is not the ideal time to ride the C&O Canal Towpath. As you questioned the temperature can be cold with highs in the 40's (F) and lows in the 30's with extremes beyond that. Rain and snow could be encountered as well. Camping would be uncomfortable and the wells at the hiker/biker camp sites would not likely be operational.
While you did not mention riding the GAP Trail, note the Big Savage Tunnel would likely be closed at that time as well.
In summary, I'd lobby the conference sponsors to reschedule the conference to late spring or summer. ??
Shuttle with a 3 wheel recumbent
- + My husband and I are biking the GAP in mid July, from Pittsburgh to Cumberland. He has a 3 wheel recumbent and I have a surly. We are camping along the way. The problem we have is how to get our bikes...
Discussion started 06/28/2019 10:51 PM by 3wheeler - 3 replies (last reply by Pat Ness at 07/02/2019 01:07 PM)3wheeler from Aggieland on 06/28/2019 10:51 PM
My husband and I are biking the GAP in mid July, from Pittsburgh to Cumberland. He has a 3 wheel recumbent and I have a surly. We are camping along the way. The problem we have is how to get our bikes/selves back to Pittsburgh after we arrive in Cumberland. We've considered the train, but it arrives in Pittsburg around midnight. We would then need to ride our bikes back to where our car is parked, hopefully along/near the trial, and the train station seems like a sketchy part of town, especially at midnight.
I guess my question is this: what's the best way to park at one end, get a ride back to the GAP, so that you can finish where you parked your can? Oh, "budget" seems to guide our decision too. Trying to do it on the cheap side if possible.
Any references or services would be appreciated.
charles from pittsburgh on 06/29/2019 04:02 PM
we use get out and play to bring 15 people back to pgh they have a trailer and vans maybe you could get a ride back with other bikers and split the cost . as for parking in pgh you leave car at the station or bus station across the street from Amtrak. my be you rent a van and put bikes inside . you can leave car at train station take train to cumberland and bike back . the only thing is you will have to bike up a 12 mile hill to frostburg first but from there it down hill to pgh
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 06/29/2019 11:04 PM
I don't have a definitive answer to your question but here are some options and observations.
1. I'm not certain how/whether a 3-wheel recumbent can be loaded on the Amtrak Capital Limited. The bike cars appear to be equipped to hang 2-wheel bikes. In multiple trips on that route, if not seen a recumbent in the bike cars. I'd check with a knowledgeable Amtrak representative to determine whether or not they can accommodate a 3-wheel recumbent.
2. Shuttles back from Cumberland to Pittsburgh are rather expensive given their normal "per person" pricing that I've seen. A one-way van or SUV rental may be a less expensive and more flexible option for more than one person and their bikes.
3. When riding from Cumberland to Pittsburgh, Frostburg is closer to 16 miles up the hill from the start of the GAP in Cumberland. Further, the GAP continues uphill from Frostburg to the Eastern Continental Divide some 23 miles from the start at Cumberland. The grade is not steep given it is/was a rail line but it is a continuous uphill trek.
Pat Ness from Greencastle on 07/02/2019 01:07 PM
Hello. We just finished the thru ride from Pittsburgh to DC this past friday....awesome. we did take the Amtrak back from DC to Pittsburgh on the Capitol limited. Our storage car had no racks at all... had to lay the bikes flat. No idea whether Amtrak can say what type of car you may have for your bikes, but this was just an open space, so a recumbent would have fit fine.
Additionally, you mention budget is a concern, but the Hampton, although a bit pricey, is about 2 blocks from the train station when you return, and takes 5 minutes or less to ride to upon returning. Also, if you stay there when you leave, your car can stay for free while you are gone. We were gone 8 days, and car was looked after and fine. Most, if not all other hotels in the immediate area charge for parking.
Just some more info for your planning
Trailside B&B in Meyersdale
- + My dad and I stayed at the Trailside B&B during our epic adventure riding the GAP and C&O. It was located just steps from the trail and the old train station. We ate dinner at Morguen Toole Company, t...
Discussion started 06/30/2019 08:43 AM by Kathleen - 1 reply (last reply by Fargone at 07/01/2019 06:07 PM)Kathleen from Oolitic, IN on 06/30/2019 08:43 AM
My dad and I stayed at the Trailside B&B during our epic adventure riding the GAP and C&O. It was located just steps from the trail and the old train station. We ate dinner at Morguen Toole Company, they also own the Trailside B&B. It started to rain cats and dogs and the owner was gracious enough to give us a lift back to the B&B. They were also very accommodating for my dad who had injured himself the previous day and couldn't ride from Confluence to Meyersdale. They got our room ready as soon as possible so he could rest after the shuttle dropped him off. We had a wonderful visit with Harry Beal at the train station the next morning. Google him!!! He's pretty amazing and he loves to show everyone his scrapbook. He was the highlight of our trip.
Fargone from Kennett Square PA on 07/01/2019 06:07 PM
We have stayed at Morguen Tool Company twice, they are the best! Inside storage for our bikes, clean room, great food and cold beer! The owner always seems to be there, great guy. Go to the GI Day Room just down the street for breakfast, they have the best pan cakes. We plan our trips making sure we stay at Morguen Tool Company.
Smithton
- + @Rivnuts, we took the road up the hill at the trailhead. At top of hill hung a left and took bridge over river. Cross the railroad tracks. When you see the fire station turn right. Adele's is down the...
Discussion started 06/29/2019 07:47 AM by Kathleen - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/29/2019 11:15 PM)Kathleen from Oolitic, IN on 06/29/2019 07:47 AM
@Rivnuts, we took the road up the hill at the trailhead. At top of hill hung a left and took bridge over river. Cross the railroad tracks. When you see the fire station turn right. Adele's is down the road on the right. Can't miss it.
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 06/29/2019 11:15 PM
Thanks for the information. I've never crossed over the river at Smithton from the trail. I'll have to ride over there and check out Adele's on one of my rides up and down the trail there.
FYI. I just spent two weeks visiting family south of Indy and riding out and about Martinsville, IN. Not as far south as Oolitic however. I love riding back in the Hoosier state. Lots of riding options, good and lightly travelled roads and mostly flat. The only problem is that I am a transplanted Boilermaker and that's generally Hoosier country down there. :-)
Hanna House Bed and Breakfast in Confluence
- + My Dad and I stayed at Hanna House on our recent bike trip on the GAP and C&O. Francis is a delightful host. Her home is beautiful. She has a beautiful new room with 2 twin beds in it, perfect for thi...
Discussion started 06/29/2019 07:54 AM by Kathleen - 0 repliesKathleen from Oolitic, IN on 06/29/2019 07:54 AM
My Dad and I stayed at Hanna House on our recent bike trip on the GAP and C&O. Francis is a delightful host. Her home is beautiful. She has a beautiful new room with 2 twin beds in it, perfect for this father/daughter team. Although Hanna House is not located directly on the trail is was easy to find and not a difficult ride. Francis made a delicious breakfast for us the next morning, the perfect fuel for the day ahead. I highly recommend Hanna House!!
Trail conditions
- + We just road from Cumberland to Hancock. The trail was pretty muddy and bumpy. Is it like this all the way to DC?
Discussion started 06/20/2019 05:59 AM by Peter Liaw - 6 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/23/2019 05:49 PM)Peter Liaw from San Jose CA on 06/20/2019 05:59 AM
We just road from Cumberland to Hancock. The trail was pretty muddy and bumpy. Is it like this all the way to DC?
Richard from DC on 06/20/2019 11:57 AM
It's usually muddy until you get to Violette's Lock, which is about mile 22. From there on into DC, the towpath is compacted sand.
Peter from Dallas on 06/20/2019 12:39 PM
I did DC -> Pitt last week. The stretch between Hancock and Cumberland was definitely in the worse shape, very muddy. We did have rain the previous night, and during the day, but I think that it still would have been muddy. Conditions should be better on the other side of Hancock with variable trail conditions, some sand, some gravel, a bit of mud, and some crushed stone. The 15-20 miles N of Harpers Ferry seemed to be a bit bumpier than the rest of the trail.
Stephen from Jamestown,NC on 06/22/2019 09:15 PM
Just completed DC to Pittsburgh this past week. C&O is pretty much mud and muck. Certainly passable but be prepared to get dirty/muddy. The GAP is fine, not much mud. Several trees down on both trails too. All and all it was drier than last year but still plenty wet.
Peter Liaw from San Jose CA on 06/23/2019 07:23 AM
Thanks for your feedback. We arrived in DC Friday night. Cumberland to Hancock was definitely the worse part of the trail. There was a paved path for over 10 miles that would have saved us some rough riding through mud and mosquitoes but we but we missed it. It was not marked at all. Conditions were better from Hancock to DC.
Anonymous on 06/23/2019 02:02 PM
Do you know approximately where the over 10 miles of paved path is?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/23/2019 05:49 PM
The paved Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) runs parallel and within sight of a portion of the C&O Towpath. It runs from about 2 miles east of Fifteen Mile Creek (Little Orleans) to 11 miles southeast of Hancock for a total of about 28 miles. It was formerly only about 22 miles (11 miles on either side of Hancock) but has been extended to the west to within a couple of miles of Fifteen Mile Creek. You need to be watchful while traveling on the Towpath to find the new ramp that takes you up to the WMRT.
Pittsburgh bike shop near the trail
- + I’m flying into Pittsburgh next month to bike the trail to DC. My plan is to ship my bike to a Pittsburgh bike shop that can take the bike back out of the shipping box and reassemble it. Anyone know...
Discussion started 06/22/2019 09:02 PM by Bike traveller - 2 replies (last reply by Dave Gorman at 06/23/2019 12:10 AM)Bike traveller from Austin, Texas on 06/22/2019 09:02 PM
I’m flying into Pittsburgh next month to bike the trail to DC. My plan is to ship my bike to a Pittsburgh bike shop that can take the bike back out of the shipping box and reassemble it. Anyone know of a Pittsburgh bike shop near trail?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/22/2019 09:19 PM
Thick Bikes in the South Side of Pittsbugh is just a few blocks from the bike trail on the south side of the Monongahela River that joins the formal GAP trail at the Hot Metal Bridge about a mile up river. You can Google them to get contact and location info.
Dave Gorman from Hollidaysburg, PA on 06/23/2019 12:10 AM
Not necessarily a bike shop but REI is one block from a portion if the trail and can help you out. If you are not a member and like doing bikepacking, etc they are the best and many of their members (and you will be able to figure out which ones quickly) do this outdoor "stuff".
please help planning
- + My wife and I planning 3 days biking during the July 4th weekend.
We are not not novice bikers but not very strong either, so doing the entire C O canal is too ambitious for us.
So please advise: sho...
Discussion started 06/22/2019 07:21 PM by nadiv - 3 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/22/2019 09:11 PM)nadiv from wilmington, DE on 06/22/2019 07:21 PM
My wife and I planning 3 days biking during the July 4th weekend.
We are not not novice bikers but not very strong either, so doing the entire C O canal is too ambitious for us.
So please advise: should we start at Cumberland and end in Harpers Feryy, or, start at Little Orleans and end in DC?
I understand the trail from Cumberland to Little Orleans is more bumpy and muddy. On the other end, Harpers Ferry to DC is a long stretch.
Thx.
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/22/2019 08:00 PM
Based on what you stated, I would be inclined to start in Liitle Orleans and go to DC. A large portion of the first day could be on the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) making for a rather easy first day. Aside from that, I think that the Little Orleans to DC portion of the C&O is nicer with more sights than the Cumberland to Harper's Ferry portion.
nadiv from wilmington, DE on 06/22/2019 08:44 PM
Thx.
I guess the Harpers to DC will not be too long?
And what about the washout?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/22/2019 09:11 PM
Regarding the "washout" near Brunswick, there is a recent report, including photos, of a temporary creek crossing at that location which would allow passage unless the river level is high backing up into the creek.
On the trail from Cumberland on Friday 21st
- + I'm going to do the C&O trail starting this Friday in Cumberland around 1 pm
Any advise on where to sleep
Being safe
What to carry with me on the bike
Thank you
Discussion started 06/19/2019 12:37 AM by Anai - 3 replies (last reply by L. Alvarado at 06/20/2019 07:57 AM)Anai from washington on 06/19/2019 12:37 AM
I'm going to do the C&O trail starting this Friday in Cumberland around 1 pm
Any advise on where to sleep
Being safe
What to carry with me on the bike
Thank you
Anonymous on 06/19/2019 10:33 AM
Well with these few questions it does not sound like you are ready or did any homework for this trail (trip) ride. This is not just a short ride. Do your homework first then come prepared with specific questions not general ones that would plan your entire trip. And your leaving in two days. Good luck with that.
dave gorman from hollidaysburg on 06/19/2019 10:49 AM
I agree, while I am not quite as skeptical as the other individual who posted a comment, I agree that this trip is not a trip to be taken lightly and you want to keep your suffering down to a minimum so as to enjoy the trip and not curse the day when you thought this was a good idea. There is a boatload of info on line and a bikeshop in Cumberland so read up and spend some money to allow you to enjoy the trip.
L. Alvarado from Chevy Chase on 06/20/2019 07:57 AM
Anai - I just finished a four day trip from DC-to-Pittsburgh. Day 1 was spent in at the Jordan Junction site. Found that to be a good site.
But, if you haven't been training, I would recommend a more leisurely pace and enjoy!
REI has a great bike packing checklist here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bikepacking.html
There are many variables, but certain truths carry:
- Make sure your bike is in good working order.
- Try to minimize carrying things on your back (use your bike as a trusty mule)
- Hydrate (lots of potable water pumps along the C&O)
- Use the buddy system
Happy to share more experiences
Paw Paw Tunnel Campground in Paw Paw
- + Where does a main road intersect with it come near Paw Paw mile 157 on towpath? Meeting a driver.
Discussion started 06/14/2019 03:54 PM by MH - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/19/2019 02:18 PM)MH from Kensington on 06/14/2019 03:54 PM
Where does a main road intersect with it come near Paw Paw mile 157 on towpath? Meeting a driver.
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/19/2019 02:18 PM
The closest "main highway" at Paw Paw is Rt 9/51. This highway travels over the bridge over the Potomac River well above the Towpath. The highway itself does not directly intersect the Towpath. However, you can ride a bike down from the bridge to the Towpath. If you actually want to reach the Towpath by directly by car, you can do so in Oldtown where Rt. 51 does directly cross/intersect with the towpath. There is a parking area adjacent to the Towpath there.
Access from Virginia side
- + I'm planning to do a retreat outside Charles Town, WV in the very late summer. I noticed references to C&O when I was considering biking from Dulles. I'm wondering if anyone has found a good way to cr...
Discussion started 06/16/2019 03:20 PM by Jason B - 2 replies (last reply by Richard at 06/17/2019 10:01 AM)Jason B from Seattle on 06/16/2019 03:20 PM
I'm planning to do a retreat outside Charles Town, WV in the very late summer. I noticed references to C&O when I was considering biking from Dulles. I'm wondering if anyone has found a good way to cross the Potomac east of Point of Rocks - by bike. I've generally found east coast biking unsafe because of the highway speeds on most roads, and would love to get on the trail as soon as possible after leaving the airport. Alternately, I see a dotted line on the map, on the Virginia side of the river - is there perhaps a trail that I can pick up and take to Point of Rocks?
Thanks in advance!!
Jason
bob kennelly from McLean on 06/16/2019 11:06 PM
From Dulles you can almost immediately get on the WOD trail and take that to White's Ferry near Leesburg VA and take the Ferry across the Potomac right onto the C&O trail
Richard from DC on 06/17/2019 10:01 AM
Indeed, you can take the W&OD trail from Dulles to Leesburg and then get down to the ferry. That requires you to go about a mile on a high speed highway, but it has a wide shoulder. The problem is that once you get on the Maryland side, you still will encounter the washout at Brunswick. I don't think that's been repaired. You can see the postings on that. Some riders claim to have taken highways from Leesburg to Harpers Ferry. I haven't bike any of those roads, but my general impression of rural Virginia roads is that they are dangerous for bikers.
Western Maryland Rail Trail Extension?
- + Last season when I rode from Pit to DC, you would exit the C&O at mile 136.3 and a small connector path would put you at the western terminus of the WMRT, Mile 22.5 (Pearre). I saw them building an ex...
Discussion started 06/10/2019 06:10 PM by John - 2 replies (last reply by John at 06/11/2019 04:24 PM)John from Pittsburgh on 06/10/2019 06:10 PM
Last season when I rode from Pit to DC, you would exit the C&O at mile 136.3 and a small connector path would put you at the western terminus of the WMRT, Mile 22.5 (Pearre). I saw them building an extension going north but it wasn't yet paved and no signage existed.
I just saw the official map and it looks like it goes out to about 28.5 miles in total, a six mile extension. According to map, it says the first interconnect would be approximately Mile 141 of the C&O which would put you just shy of WMRT Mile 28.
Can anyone confirm if the new interconnect exists? If so, how's the new trail?
Rivnuts from Homestead,PA on 06/10/2019 06:52 PM
I’m having difficulty correlating your C&O trail mileage mark with my recent observation. During my ride from DC to Pittsburgh 3 weeks ago, It appeared that the WMRT has been extended to within a couple of miles of Little Orleans/Fifteen Mile Creek. There was a new ramp down to the C&O. However I did not ride that far on the WMRT itself so I can’t comment on its level of completion or condition beyond its former end toward Little Orleans.
John from Pittsburgh on 06/11/2019 04:24 PM
Riv, that’s the one. Last year, the first entry to the WMRT was at Pearre. Now it looks like a new entry is up near Fifteen Mile Creek to connect to the new extended part of WMRT. Yay, six more miles of paved goodness!
H/B Availability
- + Two of us will be traveling Pittsburgh to DC by bike midweek during the last week of June. Plan on camping each night. Anyone have issues with H/B availability during that time?
Discussion started 06/10/2019 11:46 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 06/10/2019 11:46 PM
Two of us will be traveling Pittsburgh to DC by bike midweek during the last week of June. Plan on camping each night. Anyone have issues with H/B availability during that time?
Weird guy
- + At mile 30.5. Very strange guy here saying all this stuff about religion. About to see if we can get someone from the C&O on the line but who knows. Does anyone know who this guy is and if he is a saf...
Discussion started 06/10/2019 06:27 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 06/10/2019 06:27 PM
At mile 30.5. Very strange guy here saying all this stuff about religion. About to see if we can get someone from the C&O on the line but who knows. Does anyone know who this guy is and if he is a safety hazard? Will do all the necessary things but wanted to ask here and let ppl be aware
Smithton
- + MY dad and I stayed at Adele's Bed and Breakfast on May 23,2019. Christine and Dan were wonderful hosts. Breakfast was great too!! You can find them on facebook: Adele's Bed & Breakfast
Discussion started 06/09/2019 08:13 PM by Kathleen - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/10/2019 04:48 AM)Kathleen from Oolitic, IN on 06/09/2019 08:13 PM
MY dad and I stayed at Adele's Bed and Breakfast on May 23,2019. Christine and Dan were wonderful hosts. Breakfast was great too!! You can find them on facebook: Adele's Bed & Breakfast
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/10/2019 04:48 AM
What outer did you take to get from the GAP Trail across the river to Smithton and Adele's?
C and O trai conditions for biking
- + I am considering riding from Point o Rocks to Cumberland over three days. I rode from DC to Point of Rocks in October and it was complete mud. I was constantly having to make sure I didn't slip in it...
Discussion started 06/09/2019 04:09 PM by Vaughn Greene - 2 replies (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/09/2019 07:41 PM)Vaughn Greene from Chapel Hill on 06/09/2019 04:09 PM
I am considering riding from Point o Rocks to Cumberland over three days. I rode from DC to Point of Rocks in October and it was complete mud. I was constantly having to make sure I didn't slip in it. According to the 'almanacs' June is the wettest month. Should I assume the same amount of mud?
Also is the GAP a more 'finished road surface or does it have a similar mud/dirt condition? Thanks!
Henry fonvielle from Alexandria, va on 06/09/2019 04:20 PM
The gap trail is incredible. It is ‘crush and run’ gravel which is very smooth. We just finished riding from Cumberland to Pittsburg. Very different surface than the dirt of the tow path. I highly recommend it.
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/09/2019 07:41 PM
I Believe that the C&O from DC to Point of Rocks is the best part of the C&O with any recent wet weather. In my opinion the trail gets muddier the further north you travel toward Cumberland. Given the tree cover over the trail, there are sections that seem to never dry out even in late summer and fall. Of course you can avoid a portion of the Towpath itself by taking the paved WMRT on either side of Hancock. That said I believe the miles from Spring Gap to Cumberland are the last to dry out if at all.
- +
Discussion started 06/09/2019 03:31 PM by Robertapash - 0 repliesRobertapash from ?????? on 06/09/2019 03:31 PM
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=8378&tonly=1
Water and food protection at C&O hiker/biker campsites.
- + I'm backpacking along the canal tow path in late June 2019. Has anyone camped between Williamsport and Cumberland lately?I
To save weight of carrying a lot of water,I plan on filtering water from pump...
Discussion started 06/07/2019 09:55 AM by MH - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/07/2019 04:28 PM)MH from Kensington on 06/07/2019 09:55 AM
I'm backpacking along the canal tow path in late June 2019. Has anyone camped between Williamsport and Cumberland lately?I
To save weight of carrying a lot of water,I plan on filtering water from pumps. Is there anyway to find out if pumps are working before I reach them? I remember a summer or two when some pumps were turned off for some reason.
Also, I have been taught to hang food and articles that have a small in Bear/rodent bags.( You know throw rope an hoist from tree etc.) How are others dealing with their food overnight while camping at hiker/biker campsites?
How is cellular coverage North of Williamsport?
Rivnuts from Homestead. PA on 06/07/2019 04:28 PM
Yes. I rode and camped from DC to Pittsburgh a couple of weeks ago including at the Indigo Neck Hiker/biker campsite between Wiiliamsport and Cumberland along with others. The pumps were working at all but one that I tried. You can find the status of water at the hiker/biker sites at:
www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Page down to find the list of "remote water faucets" and there status. I can't vouch for the accuracy of that entire list however.
I did not encounter any varmits after my food but I didn't carry a lot with me. I have heard recent reports of raccoons pillaging bags for food but those were at sites along thr GAP rather than the C&O.
Cellular coverage from Williamsport to Cumberland was spotty at best and nonexistent much of the time.
Camping between Potomac and Georgetown
- + Hello,
I will be hiking from Harper's Ferry to DC. I do not see any camping on the last stretch (14 ish miles) from Potomac to DC. The rest of the journey I will be primitive camping at the designa...
Discussion started 06/07/2019 12:26 PM by Ashley - 2 replies (last reply by Richard at 06/07/2019 01:51 PM)Ashley from Kansas City on 06/07/2019 12:26 PM
Hello,
I will be hiking from Harper's Ferry to DC. I do not see any camping on the last stretch (14 ish miles) from Potomac to DC. The rest of the journey I will be primitive camping at the designated locations.
Any recommendations? Thanks in advance!
John from Pittsburgh on 06/07/2019 12:33 PM
You are correct. The last hiker/biker site is at Mile 16.6 Swains Lock. I’m not sure where else to check. Good luck!
Richard from DC on 06/07/2019 01:51 PM
I live in Bethesda and bike that stretch all the time. The last campground that I can remember is at Swain's Lock, so it seems right that there's nothing after Potomac. You probably wouldn't want to camp any closer to the city anyway for safety reasons and besides, once you get inside the Beltway, it tends to get buggy and swampy.
Point of Rocks parking
- + I was going to bike from Harper's Ferry to DC, but I see on the NPS website that the trail is closed between MP 55 and 50. It looks like the next location eastward is Point of Rocks. I know there ar...
Discussion started 06/04/2019 09:56 AM - 1 reply (last reply by MH at 06/07/2019 09:39 AM)Anonymous on 06/04/2019 09:56 AM
I was going to bike from Harper's Ferry to DC, but I see on the NPS website that the trail is closed between MP 55 and 50. It looks like the next location eastward is Point of Rocks. I know there are no guarantees in life, but is that parking lot relatively safe to leave my vehicle parked for 3 days while I visit DC? If not, do you have another suggestion? Thanks for your help.
MH from Kensington on 06/07/2019 09:39 AM
Hi. I can't vouch for 3 days but I left my car in lot for a full day in early May and it was fine. There is a small restaurant/ Pizza place right across the street and the park and parking lot are pretty open to view.I think Visibility helps to detour crime.There was some lighting after dark too.
Lily Garden Bed And Breakfast in Harpers Ferry
- + How far is the B&B from the C&O trail. We will have biked over 60 miles when we arrive in Harper's Ferry and will need to transport our bikes and our selves to the location.
Will they allow us to st...
Discussion started 06/05/2019 10:06 PM - 1 reply (last reply by Rivnuts at 06/06/2019 06:54 AM)Anonymous on 06/05/2019 10:06 PM
How far is the B&B from the C&O trail. We will have biked over 60 miles when we arrive in Harper's Ferry and will need to transport our bikes and our selves to the location.
Will they allow us to store bikes ?
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 06/06/2019 06:54 AM
The actual "distance" is short, perhaps 1/2 mile. However, you must cross the river to get to Harpers Ferry from the C&O Towpath trail. To do so, you must travel across the pedestrian portion of the railroad bridge across the river. To access the bridge deck from the C&O, you must go up a steel, spiral stair. Its not all that high of a stair and its quite wide. Nonetheless, you will have to carry your bike and gear up those stairs. Once on the Harpers Ferry side of the bridge you can ride to the B&B albeit with a manageable uphill grade.
I can't comment on the bike parking situation directly. The only B&B I've stayed at in Harpers Ferry did not have a specific bike storage area but did enable bikes to be locked to an outdoor railing just outside the B&B. Just call your particular B&B to determine their bike parking situation.