C&O / GAP Forum

Is there an access point to the C&O from the Capital-Cresent trail near Bethesda? Thanks.

Yes, there are a few places to get from one to the other, but the easiest is about 1-1.5miles north of Georgetown, where the two run parallel and almost at the same grade a few feet apart.

What is the best way to get from DC to Cumberland to start my ride

Amtrak, Book early to get a spot for your bike- (extra $). The train usually gets into Cumberland around 9pm so good idea to also book a room at the hotel across the tracks. Have a fun adventure.

If it is just you, the train is probably your best option. If there are others traveling with you, consider a one-way car/van rental. Shuttle services may be more flexible but generally more expensive.

When I ran the trail in the 90's ( alittle at a time) I thought I bought a book saying the C&O was 174.5 miles. Have I lost my memory and it's always been 184.5 or did they (the man) change the distance.

Thanks
TR

It’s 184.5.

Just saw this on the Canal Towns Partnership Facebook page...it looks like additional funding was picked up and for the next two weeks, there will be DAILY shuttles (May 25 to July 7).

http://www.canaltrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Washout-Free-ShuttleL.pdf

GOING EAST: Brunswick (Mile 55) pick up next to MARC train station
S. Maple Ave. at 10:00 am and will drop off at Point of Rocks Community Commons Park at 10:30 am.

GOING WEST: Point of Rocks (Mile 48) pick up at Community Commons Park, Monroe St. at 11:00 am and dropped off at Brunswick Train Station at 11:30 am.

"The shuttle is first come, first served and is only free at scheduled times. Riders should plan to arrive 15 minutes early as shuttles leave promptly at times posted. Each shuttle will transport up to the first 10 riders per trip, courtesy of the sponsors mentioned to the right. Additional paid shuttles may be scheduled through River & Trail Outfitters, 301-834-9950."

Looks like the local town organizations and businesses realized that the washout was a major issue and people were cancelling trips. This is such a great idea to offer this shuttle. Lets hope they offer more frequent services if the amount of travelers warrants it.

Is there a shuttle for those heading in the other direction? It doesn’t seem so.

This is good to know that someone is looking out for their interests. Three of us are debating on riding from DC to Pittsburgh in late summer. Hope the bridge is fixed or something like the free shuttle continues. This will be a deciding factor of making the trip.

I finished riding from DC to Pittsburgh this week. However, rather than riding on the C&O Towpath from DC to Harper's Ferry and worrying about the washout at Catoctin Creek, I rode the Washington and Old Dominion (WOD) Trail from DC to Purcelville and then local and state roads on down to Harper's Ferry. This route is fully paved except for a small stretch of the WOD that was being repaved at the time. It is generally down hill from Purcelville to Harper's Ferry. This alternate route added about 20 miles to the overall distance of the trip o Pittsburgh. If you are not comfortable riding on public roads, I would not recommend this alternate route but I, myself, felt safe riding them perhaps with the exception of the short stretch of Rt 340 into Harper's Ferry which was heavily traveled by cars at fairly high speeds. Of course, after arriving in Harper's Ferry you must pass over the pedestrian bridge to the Maryland side of the river and carry your bike and gear down the spiral stairs to rejoin the C&O Towpath and continue northward. I stayed in Leesburg in a hotel as I was not able to find a camping site at the north end of the WOD.

It's just another option for the trip.

Not listed but Sheetz has a "made-to-order" kitchen (you order by touch screen) and a pretty good selection of subs, burgers, breakfast sandwiches, etc. on top of the usual c-store items. Makes for a nice quick and easy stopm

And Weaver's Restaurant has great pies.

At the Sheetz, there is an unattended hose on the exterior behind the building that makes an impromptu bike wash station if you've spent a long day riding through the mid pits of the C&O Towpath.

Oh man, that’s a great thing to know. Most places won’t leave the hose out. Thanks for sharing that Rivnuts.

I have 7 days what the best way to hike from cumberland Maryland to georgetown or is it to much

Although I’ve never hiked long distance, I do read about it a lot (and daydream to do it one day!!). Cumberland to DC is 184.5 miles and that does not factor trips into town for eating/resupply. That would be 26.3 miles a day minimum on average and unless you have your “hiking legs” that long distance hikers develop over weeks, that seems like a lot of mileage to cover out of the gate but that’s just what I read. On the other hand, you wont have hills to contend with like an Appalachian Trail hiker would so that will be in your favor. You might want to ask that question to a hiking forum like WhiteBlaze perhaps? All the best...John

Found this on the "Fredricks News-Post" web site

"May 24 to 26.
May 31 to June 2.
June 7 to 9.
June 14 to 16.
June 21 to 23.
June 28 to 30.
July 4 to 7.
The shuttle service may expand the number of trips or weekends now that it has more funding.

The shuttle will leave Brunswick and head to Point of Rocks at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The shuttle will leave Point of Rocks and drive to Brunswick at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Check-in begins 30 minutes before the shuttle departs."

It looks like it is being sponsored by local business and towns to help promote tourism. SPEND MONEY in these towns to say Thank You.

I'm planning a mid to late June c&o canal hike. Harpers Ferry to mile 123 or so. I live near Rockville MD. Is there transportation from my area to Harper's Ferry and a return trip from Harper's Ferry or an access point North of Harper's Ferry? I'm flexible with entry point drop offs or pick ups.

Two Slow Bikers doing GAP C&O, 25-40 Mile's/day, not camping, motels ok.In early to mid-June, do you need reservations everywhere or can we call ahead day before OK? Any particular stretches that get heavily booked up we should plan more for?

I've done the GAP/CO twice in the last three yrs and will be doing it again next month. I've always made reservations a couple of months ahead of trip just so I know I'll have my name on a place to camp or a motel room. Last yrs trip was very wet and muddy and we ended up making last minute decisions to motel it instead of camping. We had no issues getting a room the day of. Every campground we've stayed has had plenty of other sites to pitch a tent and the motels have had rooms available. I like the comfort of knowing I have a reservation. Peace of mind, so to speak. Hope this helps.

Hi. My husband and I are riding the GAP / C&O whole length June 21 to June 28....32-51 miles per day. We are staying at a few hotels, but mostly B&B's along the way. It is HIGHLY recommended to reserve months in advance as these trails are very popular if the weather cooperates. I made our reservations back in January.

Has anyone spent the night at the HI Washington, DC? Just wondered how secure their bicycle storage is.

I was waiting for someone else to respond as I have not stayed there but thus far no one has. A web site describing their services indicates that "bike parking" is available but does not elaborate. Why not just give them a call and inquire as to where and what security may be provided in that bike parking area.

I'm hoping to ride to DC within the next month and would be staying near that hostel, I'f so, I'll attempt to stop by there and see what that parking area consists of. If I get any further info and no one else has responded, I'll post a future comment.

Thanks Rivnuts. I talked to the front desk and was told that bikes can be left on the back patio or locked in a storage room. I'll be there one day next week and will do a report.

I spent the night at the HI Washington, DC last week so I can now answer my original question. Bike storage is out on the patio which has walls on 3 sides and a tall fence on the fourth side. I locked my bike to the railing behind the stair well and removed the front tire. I could have also locked the bike inside a wooden shed located on the patio. I felt like it was a safe place to leave a bike overnight.

The hostel itself was nice and the staff was friendly. I would definitely stay there again.

Taking the family and some friends on their first hiking trip. Roughly 70 Mike's on the C&O and I am stoked to have 10 of the closest people on this beautiful hike. Spent a small fortune getting good quality gear for my four but it will be so worth it. Anyone going to be in the area between the 15th and 22 of June?

Taking Boy Scouts from Cumberland to DC. What campsites along the trail can our support vehicle and trailer park and get to us. Trying to keep the gear with the trailer instead of hauling it on the bicycles. campsites that have showers would definitely be a bonus.
Thank you

Here is a decent listing but I am not sure about a support vehicle authorized to park overnight on the following suggestions: But FIRST you must visit the NPS (National Park Service - https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm . The reason is there is a critical part of the trail closed and no real option to detour. The sight suggests a shuttle between Brunswick and Point of Rocks. Biking is NOT an option on the road and the site states that. Too dangerous. You may also be able to find a copy of the C&O Map that provides the same info that follows. Also Google Maps zooming down , you can see campsites near the road. One, I know that none of the C&O Campsites on the actual trail have showers but they have a well and pump and I use that to bath.
So out of Cumberland, approx 30 miles is Paw Paw Tunnel (under repairs) but a flagger will let you pass at designated times (see website NPS) If the troop can go further (mile marker 140) there is Fifteen Mile Creek (there is a parking area for the boat ramp next to camping. next one is at mile marker 118 or so and there is a campground at HISTORIC Fort Frederick State Park. Or just a 3 miles away is McCoys Ferry campsite with parking but not sure about overnight. Call the park services (NPS) then one campsite for a fee for the vehicle is Antietam at mile marker approx 68 and near the infamous Antietam Civil War battlefield National park.Then in Harpers Ferry are two sites (Potomac campground and a HI Hostel/campground. then Nolands Ferry (mile 43 or so) and Swains Lock is a large campground (C&O Canal campground) no fee but not sure about overnight parking allowed. All the campgrounds on the C&O have portapottie and well and fire pits and a table. Good luck *Note strongly recommend accessing the Western Rail Trail parallel to the C&O for 22 miles and goes through Hancock, MD (It is paved and senic and there are services noted on the trail signs)

None of the hiker-biker camp sites have showers. Non of them as remember have parking close to the hiker biker camp sites.

James -

We did this with a troop a few years back. We had the same set up. Two cars, one with trailer. The drivers would drive ahead, then ride north to meet the group.

Cumberland. Park under the overpass.
Paw Paw. $20/site. Plenty of parking
??? $20/site Can not remember the name. Parking across canal.
Brunswick Family Campground - We rented a Pavilion
Swains Lock

Rode into DC, rode down the mall and then went to Jefferson Mem, behind it we found the trail that goes across 14th street bridge. Got on the Mt. Vernon trail, South, and went to the Gravely Point parking lot. Plenty of room and did not require driving in Downtown DC traffic with the trailer.

You will need to figure out the shuttle around the outage. Maybe shuttle from Brunswick to Point of Rocks. Is there camping at Point of Rocks?

Remember, Google Maps is your friend.

Gary

James -

Just remembered we stayed another night south of Hancock. Was able to drive right up to the campsites.

Gary

thank you for the updates. I am continuing to research spots where we can get a support vehicle parked by a campsites. if anyone can think of additional spots. i'll be checking back often. i appreciate it.

Wayne, thank you for the heads up on the trail being closed. I will be sure to check out the park service for the details.

Go check out Facebook page Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal enthusiasts page. People are posting daily about the various washouts, waterlevwls, detours, and downed trees. The Canal is always an adventure. This year mother nature seems bent on making that point clear.

Please Consider sending this letter edited appropriately.


NOTE: Please address and send all Letters to Kevin D. Brandt, Superintendent, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP at the following address or emailed to ben_helwig@nps.gov All letters must be received in the mail or electronically by COB May 13, 2019.
Kevin D. Brandt, Superintendent
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Dear Superintendent Brandt:
__________(Municipality/Individual/Organization) is/am is writing to express support of the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s “Phase III, Towpath Rehabilitation: A Safe Towpath” project being submitted for consideration for a grant through the Maryland Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in 2019. Please include this letter in the application package, whereby we also request favorable consideration of this project by the team assessing TAP proposals.
We truly believe that repairs to the towpath will bring tangible benefits to our communities, as well as a safer and improved experience for park visitors.
Local businesses are already reaping the economic benefit of the increase in park attendance since the completion of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail to Pittsburgh. Attendance topped 5 million for the first time in 2014, and in 2017, park visitors spent an estimated $89.5 million in local gateway regions around the C&O Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP).
This year’s project is phase three of a five-phase program to address the worst portions of the canal towpath and create a world-class riding and hiking surface for our visitors. TAP funding will continue to match the $5 million the C&O Canal NHP has requested for this program over five years.
We believe the State of Maryland would benefit considerably from the many Marylanders and the out of state hikers/bikers that enjoy the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
__________(Municipality/Individual/Organization) fully supports the TAP application being made by the park, and urges favorable consideration by the TAP assessment team for the proposed Towpath Rehabilitation project.

The National Weather Service has a water level flood gage on the Potomac River at Little Falls, results of which can be seen online.
The current water level is shown to be 4.4 ft. which is pretty low and nowhere near flood stage.
Does anyone know if we can reliably predict the water level at the creek at the Brunswick culvert washout by looking at this information online? This might allow us to have a good idea if that creek is safely crossable before physically looking at it.
Being that they are only about 45 miles apart, it seems there may be some correlation between water levels at each location. I am trying to avoid a situation where I get there and the water level is too high to cross and I am tempted to do something stupid either by crossing in dangerous water or even more stupid (and unlawful), playing chicken with the trains.

No way of really telling that I’m aware of. You could email the staff at the Canal HQ? The rangers are likely just going to suggest that you take a shuttle I would guess (being on the safe side) but they might know the water level.

The day we were there (and crossed the creek) the water was low. We had to take all of our bags off the bikes, carry the bikes over the creek, then go back across the creek to collect our bags, go back over, then reassemble. Also know that the rocks are really slippery so I went slowly, step by step, rock to rock. It was a lot of work to get everything across but we made it. We lucked out because it was relatively dry compared to the rest of the season last year. Money saved as we were determined to not take the shuttle.

Good luck!

Check out google maps for a detour on the VA side. I am starting in Cumberland next Thursday and my plan is to try and ask any riders coming from D.C. how bad the washout was. If bad, I plan to detour via RT 287 bridge and back roads to the RT 15 bridge at Point of Rocks.

As long as you are on Rt287 coming out of Brunswick, why not continue on 287 for 14 miles and pick up the Washington and Old Dominion Trail outside of Purcelville,VA.

Then ride the WOD to DC.

Wildly: How is the ride on Rt 287 to the WOD with a loaded bike? Is there a wide shoulder? How about traffic? I've not ridden the northern end of the WOD and was considering doing so in the next few weeks in route to DC. Is there any place to pitch a tent around Purcelville or Leesburg?

I biked up to the washout last week and levels were low.
However, we just had a ton of rain this week. So it won't be fun to get across now - the river was significantly higher when I was on the trail today. At least a foot and half higher than it was last week.
Also, I would recommend not biking on route 15 if you can avoid it. It is a very dangerous highway.
If you can get a ride from Brunswick to Lander Road, I would recommend that instead - you'd be much safer. And it's only a few miles that you'd not be doing.
Be safe everyone and hope to see some of you out there!

Hi I am a big guy so I have a large bike and want to take it on the train to DC then ride back. Will the Capital Limited handle a 29ER with 2.0 tires? How high is the ceiling in these trains. I am 6'5"? Thanks

Amtrack says 2” or narrower tires. I am 6’5” and did the trip last year. Took my 60 cm Disc Trucker and had plenty of room. Left my ECR at home because of the 3” tires.

Thanks Zen-B. The height of the bicycle is what I am very concerned about. With the extra large frame I have and 29" wheels it is 74" long. Your Disc Trucker has 26' wheel so that is 6" shorter. I can let out some air of the tire to make it fit the 2.0 for tire width, but how high are the ceilings. This the only bike I have so will this work or what can I do to make this work. (anyone know for sure).

I took a 29er large frame on last fall and 2.3 wide tires. No problems.

Thanks Kubotaki, That's exactly what I needed to hear.

We plan to stay in Crystal City, VA before starting our C&O GAP ride. I am looking for the best/safest way to get to the C&O trail-head. I am not familiar with the area and hope someone has some good advice.

It has been a few years but as I remember...
Mt. Vernon Trail
14th Street Bridge
Rock Creek Trail

Thanks, I was not sure of the safest bridges to ride across. I was looking up further at the Arlington Memorial Bridge, so I am glad I asked.

I've ridden across both the Theodore Roosevelt and Francis Scott Key Bridges to get from the Mount Vernon trail to the DC side of the Potomac River in route to/from the C&O Canal Trail. Both have sidewalks across those bridges to avoid having to ride "on street". That said, there is some street riding to do once you get across the bridges.

I was just there. If you go over Arlington bridge, then pick up the rock creek trail to the left. Turn into the marina/water front and follow the the walkway next to Potomac. Then follow signs for crescent trail. C&O is parallel to the right. It’s confusing right there because of construction. Maps look like you can get on the C&O there after waterfront, but you can only get to crescent trail.