C&O / GAP Forum

Will accommodation be busy over the Easter break or is it not a big deal in the US? I’m conscious that in Europe Easter is a 4 day break for most and so accommodation does get booked up plus it coincides with quite a lot of one or two week school vacations.

I’m expecting to be on the C&O and Gap for the week leading up to Easter Sunday. I have the first couple of nights booked but I’m wary of committing too far ahead until I’ve got into the ride and know my pace.

That early in the touring season, I wouldn't expect that trailside or near-trail accommodations would be a problem even, with say, only one day's notice. Obviously the earlier you know your itinerary and can made reservations, the more peace of mind you will have.

Would like to know when the bluebelll flowers normally start blooming along the tow path at dam #5 near Clear springs.? Email is whentosh@gmail.com

Thank you

I'm just curious if anyone has a dynamo hub installed and has any feedback on their usefulness on the C&O. I'll be riding Cumberland to D.C. and trying to minimize as much stopping time as possible for things like recharging devices. My initial thought was to get a dynamo hub and use that to charge my portable charge bank, then after camp set up, use the bank to charge any devices I might have depleted during the day. Right now I anticipate using a phone (for tracking ride data) and bluetooth speaker/earbuds for music/podcasts.

My main concern is that the dynamo hub will not reliably charge up my battery banks during the day, and this is a big cost if this turns out to be the case.

I have had a Schmidt dynamo hub on my long Haul Trucker for about 10 years. It has always worked flawlessly and I would hate to be without it. However I don't think that I would spend that kind of money for a week long trip. An extra battery pack or two might make more sense.

Hub generators tend to charge batteries better if you maintain a steady speed for an extended period. Starting and stopping to see the scenery will not get you a full charge on your battery. Hope that helps.

Good luck on your trip.

Would minibikes be allowed on the trail? Something small like a colman.

National Parks Service prohibits any kind of motorized bike, or even any use of electrical assist:

"Bicycle electric assist features cannot be used while on the towpath; they are defined by the National Park Service as motor vehicles and therefore are not allowed on trails."

Source: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/hikingandbiking.htm

I live near the Montour trail which is a limestone rails-to-trails that runs just west and south of Pittsburgh PA. The portion that runs through Imperial PA has a horrible, horrible, horrible problem with young boys/men riding ATV's and dirt bike on the trail, totally ripping the surface to mud, ruts and heavy tread marks. When you yell for them to get off the trail surface they give you the finger and tell you to go #@&% yourself. There is NO place for any type of motorized vehicles on these biking/hiking trails. They just don't fit in and it's not what the trail surface was designed for.

McMahon's Mill owner is now elderly and is not really able to keep up the campgrounds. IF there us big demand, perhaps others can take this over or we can make spaces on other land along the towpath. Do stop and enjoy the old red mill building and notice the water mill race and related waterworks. The cliffs are also interesting with small cave entrances. Heading south you'll be on the new paved sections, and travelling north/west you'll travel through the low section and up through Potomac Fish & Game Club where you're sure to find friendly people.

Feb. 5, 2019 @ 10:23 a.m., I called and left a message, stating that I would like information for a particular date in April at your campgrounds; to date I have received on reply...……

We are planning to attend, for 2 days, the market fair at Fort Frederick and are in need of a full hookup, or at least electricity for our RV. Can you help me, please?
Home phone # 937-548-0805

I look forward to hearing from you,
Karen Burkett
Greenville, Ohio

I'm used to riding rail trails that are open 24 hours a day.

So, I'm wondering just how "closed dusk to dawn" works or is enforced on both the GAP and C&O trails.
I understand the operating bodies of each trail differ, so is there a difference in enforcement?
Is it low-key or do some sort of rangers do a post-dusk patrol?

It's all unknown to me, I'm used to being able to ride at night (with lights) and not wonder whether I am running afoul of laws or rules.

My thoughts on the "dawn to dusk" rules. I've been told that the rule originated around the time the various parts of the trail were opening. In an effort to not affront the locals that live close to the trail (by having riders, runners, dog walkers)out there at all times of the day), that it was thought best to incorporate the "dawn to dusk" usage rule. I'm sure that this then was replicated for each new section opening.
My practical experience (at least on the GAP) trail is that it is not monitored and that the occasional ride through in the dark is not an issue. Making oneself a nuisance while passing through (noise, etc) is a different matter and may make cause for a phone call to an authority.

Eagle nails exactly how I feel about that rule. I also assume it’s to ward off kids from going back there at night so it’s not party central (not that that ever stopped them before!).

Also, many people have arrived at campsites we’ll after dark with their headlamps on. They may have gotten a flat they couldn’t fix or some other bicycle issue that slowed them down. Certainly no one is abandoning the trail or turning around because of the dawn to dusk rule, they’re going until they arrive at camp or trail town. Happy Riding!

While it may not be enforced, I would be EXTREMELY skeptical to ride on the towpath at night. There are several areas where there are hidden roots and close passings right next to water, and on aqueducts. Several of these are challenging enough during daylight hours. I think the reason this rule exists is for your SAFETY, plain and simple. I would do everything possible to avoid it. There is much less room for error on the towpath versus your typical rail trail.

In 2015 I was sleeping at horsemen branch and at about 2:30 am I was awoken by what must have been an ebike with a very bright headlight doing at least 25 mph towards Georgetown.

Thanks to all for the information.
I was mostly curious about the sort of 'being a bit late getting off the trail' thing, riding a trail for the first time at night would be pretty goofy - even for me.

I've done many overnight, solo campouts along the C & O and believe me there is nothing worse than having your tent approached by strangers late at night after you have turned in. The latest version was three years ago when two married couples wandered down off the trail near midnight and asked me if I minded if I shared the campsite with them. I was so relieved that they weren't axe murderers I was happy to share. They did keep me awake til around 2:00am as they tried to fix a flat. (That was the reason for their late arrival)
I always try to set up camp at least 2 hrs before nightfall, but I realize that stuff happens out there and people get delayed for one reason or another especially with all the mud and detours. Other than being a park rule, there are a ton of logical reasons not to bike that trail in the dark. You fall and get hurt your gonna lay there a long time before someone comes along. Ultimately though, its just a matter of respect for other campers and for the park itself.

I was told yesterday that some of the CO trail between Hancock and Lil Orleans has been paved. Anyone have info on this? Thanks.

The Western Maryland Rail Trail runs parrallel to the C&O there for 22.5 miles, both within sight of each other. Look for the access signs for the turnoffs. Check Google Maps and turn on Bicycling to see the two trails. The paved asphalt is a welcome change after the rocks, tree roots, and mud of the C&O!

Leaving DC April 18 headed to Pittsburgh. Anyone know when they turn the water pumps on?

The National Park Service webpage below indicates the faucets will be available "mid-April". The status of each of the water faucets along the towpath is also shown on this page.

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Here's a link to a recent PBS documentary about the GAP/C&O
"There Great Ride"
https://www.wqed.org/ride

Hurry and watch it free by March 31 (free online). After that, I suspect they'll be marketing the DVD of this excellent production!

Hi all, I’ll be cycling from Arlington/DC on 15 April. Obviously it isn’t clear yet what the conditions will be but I’m leaning to using the Washington and Old dominion to Leesburg and then travelling across country to Brunswick to pick up the C & O. Interested to hear views. This is the beginning of a transamerica for me so I’d like to have a smooth and manageable start.

That sounds like a great adventure. I am not a big fan of the W&OD trail. It's asphalt and fast but boring. Although there are some nice spots on it, the trail goes through the suburbs. It's a strip of green, and power lines, with houses on both sides. The best part of it is from Leesburg to Purcellville. The C&O Canal out of Georgetown, on the other hand, has views of the Potomac on one side and woods and rock cliffs on the other. It's macadam and slower of course, but at least you get to see Great Falls, which is better than any sight on the W&OD. The stretch of the canal from Georgetown to Seneca is the best-maintained too. If you do take the W&OD to Leesburg, you can get onto the C&O at White's Ferry. It's about one mile on Highway 15. The road carries high speed traffic, but it has a wide shoulder for a bike. The ferry is $3 for a bike, and the crossing only takes a few minutes. Leesburg is a quaint old-Virginia town, but if you are crossing the U.S., I doubt you'll want to tarry there at the beginning of the trip.

Thank you Richard. I’ll keep an eye on the weather and trail conditions before making my final decision-seeing the falls would be nice but I don’t want to be bogged down in the infamous mud! If it’s wet! I ran the numbers through the route planner and the ferry would be nice and i have jotted down a further option of going cross country to Harper’s ferry to join the c and o.

Next question- what is the situation with cash v card on the various trail services ie groceries, accommodation and restaurants/cafes? I’m assuming that most places take cards as I can’t see many options to get cash although I assume the larger towns will have an atm. I’ve travelled in the USA before and have cards that work although I mostly use Apple Pay at home these days.

The C&O Canal from Georgetown to Seneca won't be muddy. Maintenance is good on that stretch. The problems are farther up. You are braver than I am about riding on backgrounds without shoulders. I always imagine a drunk in a pickup truck coming over a hill behind me and not seeing me on a bike until he plows into me.
Everyone takes Visa and Mastercard. Some merchants don't like American Express because the fee is higher. Apple Pay will only work at supermarkets and bigger stores. I've never seen anyone use it at a restaurant.

Ok
You can avoid the washout at mm52 before Brunswick by using the WOD past Leesburg to almost Purcellville. Look at google maps. Take Rt 287 and go north to Brunswick past the washout on the C&O. Then run the C&O to Cumberland. If the washout isn't fixed by the next time I go to Pittsbrgh in September. That is what Im thinking of doing.
Willy

Thanks Willy, I was thinking of staying in Hillsboro (just south of Purcellville) if I do that route and taking the country route parallel to 287. I think I want to avoid washouts etc on day one as I get myself sorted out for the longer trip. Funnily enough I am 50:50 between suburbia and scenic charm- suburbia has its benefits aka bakeries etc!

Rode the gap last year and I am going to do the C and O this year. Last year I heard the C and O was in bad shape. Has it been repaired? Obviously spring flooding and storms are still coming.

Also what is the scenery like from Harpers Ferry to DC I was contemplating stopping at Harpers Ferry if the scenery and such was average.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I have had many good meals at this restaurant. However, they need to take a serious look at some of their serving staff. If you come during the overnight and ask the waitress (Barb) for some fresh coffee, forget it. As a matter of fact, forget about any friendly hellos.

This morning I was in at 5:00 A.M. and the waitress had some dismal show on about murder. I asked if she could put the news on or the weather channel. (She ignored me.) I asked her at least 5 times, and she ignored me. She even went into the kitchen for five minutes with the show still blasting mayhem. Finally, I said something when I went to pay my bill and she started yelling, "You shouldn't complain so much." I said that I think the TV's should be for the customers. I then tipped the cook and left.

That place is very terrible food and service. The Place should be condemned as its really nasty and the owners obviously don't put any money in the place. The employees are bottom of the barrel and uneducated. The place should be demolished.

I've always found the food and staff at Weaver's Restaurant in Hancock to be quite good although I doubt they are open during the night. The pies are very good.

Wow. Now I'm curious to go see.

Weavers is great.

We ate dinner at Buddy Lou’s last trip there. I was very impressed with the food and service. I would 100% go there again.

I’ve eaten at Weaver’s also and have enjoyed it.

Also, if you need something quick, Sheetz Is a good stop. Yes it’s a convenience store but not like others. They have a real kitchen with a ton of things you can order. Touch screen ordering, pay for all of your stuff, and then wait for your order to be called. You can eat inside or take it with you. Sometimes I grab breakfast sandwiches here when we’re pressed for time or grad a sub to take to camp or hotel room.

Im a 44 yr masculine gay guy looking for another LGBTQ person(s) looking to bike with. I don't do it for the endurance but for the peace and scenery. Give me your thoughts and lets start riding our way to a new friendship.

I’m just starting to research a ride for this summer. I’m interested in doing Pittsburgh to Cumberland and back. I have a mountain bike, but I prefer my road bike. Is it possible to ride this on a road bike? I’ve done Pittsburgh to Weirton and back on the Panhandle with a road bike without issue. Any advice would be appreciated! Looks like a beautiful ride.

Unless there were a monsoon prior to or during your ride, you should have no problem riding a road bike from Pgh to Cumberland and back. I'd recommend 28mm or 32mm tires in lieu of 25mm or smaller. The GAP is generally smoother than some sections of the Panhandle especially the first 2 or 3 miles out of Walker's Mill where there is a fair amount of gravel. That said, the portion of the Panhandle in Washington County is virtually all paved which makes a road bike easy for that trail.

Road bike is ok on the GAP. If fairly dry.

I'd recommend a hybrid type. But I'm pretty sure you can do the entire thing on a road bike without a problem, especially if the towpath is dry.

Has this bridge on the Path been repaired yet,ty

The National Park Service C&O Canal web site at:

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

indicates the towpath is still closed there and the temporary bridge which had been planned at that location has not proceeded.

You may want to look at the detour described at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDNlqPGyuk

Perhaps there is some more current local knowledge that someone can provide

Looking for advice/suggestions on best campsites around Williamsport. Something a little more upscale than primitive would be nice and within an easy distance to cafes,bars,food,etc. Thanks in advance.

I've not camped in or about Williamsburg but I can recommend the Elmwood Farm Bed and Breakfast there. A nice remodeling of the old farmhouse there made for an enjoyable stay. The adjoining alpaca farm was also unique. Unfortunately it is a little far off the trail, albeit rideable. There are no shops or restaurants nearby but the owners were very accommodating in transporting us to a local restaurant for dinner.

Hi, my friend and I have been wanting to ride the C&O from DC to Cumberland for a while, and it seems like mid-March 2019 is the best time for our schedules. Does anyone have experience or advice for this time of year (even if the advice is "don't do it!").

We had hoped to camp, but the more I read the more that seems like a bad idea, between the freezing cold (would have to lug tons of gear) and the water pumps being shut off til April. So we're fine with finding lodging, but I'm wondering what to expect for trail conditions? For example, I know in the summer the tree cover and river keep the trail shaded and cool -- are these trees all bare in winter and letting sunlight in, or should we expect trail temps to be even colder than the forecasted temperatures? It seems like the temps range from 40s-60s during the day and only a little chance of rain, so I'm hoping the silver lining might be that we can avoid the numerous trail washouts. Is the scenery still worth seeing at the end of winter? Any other obvious reasons why I can't find a single report by someone who's done the trail in March? :)

Thank you for any insights you all can share!

Most trips are taken from May to October. Depends how wet the winter was and if it gets time to dry out when the warmer weather finally arrives if a March trip is in the cards. It's a crap shoot really.

Last year may have been the worst I've ever seen it with regards to rain during the summer. So many people cancelled trips. Hopefully it's a one off.

It's probably gonna be cold and wet in March but you never know if it will get warm or not. I wouldn't go at this time personally as it could still be in the 30-40-50's if a late system comes through.

It can be done...hey people get muddy and wet in the heart of summer...but getting muddy and wet in March could be dangerous especially if you have a mechanical or physical breakdown and get struck in some of the more remote areas. I would just say proceed with caution and be prepared for anything.

John

Muddy, wet, soggy and partly snow covered between Cumberland and Spring Gap, March 10, 2019.

I'll be riding Cumberland to D.C. April 18-21. Sharpsburg is about my halfway point and I've stayed at the Antietam Creek Campground before and remember seeing some advertisements for Battle of Antietam tours. Has anyone done these and are there other fun/cheap attractions nearby I could occupy myself with? I recently became fascinated anything Civil War and thought it'd be cool to loop something like this into my trip if there is time. What about other cool attractions along the way? Definitely planning a lunch stop in Harper's Ferry my third day.

It's worth a short stop at Ft. Frederick. White's Ferry is rather unique although there's not much on the other side of the river if you take the ferry unless you want to ride on up to Leesburg. Shepherdstown is worth visiting if for no more than to get and ice cream cone. Check out the quaint coffee house in an old church in Brunswick. The falls at Great Falls is worth a peek also.

Siblings and I are biking the C & O/GAP trail in early June 2019 with a support vehicle. We can't decide which direction is best. Pittsburgh to Washington or visa versa.

Most people agree that travelling Eastbound from Pittsburgh to DC is a bit easier. The starting point at Pittsburgh is at elevation 710, and the elevation at DC is near 0, so just from that you have a net decrease in elevation of around 710 ft. Another huge advantage is the fact that the 16 mile segment between Frostburg MD and Cumberland MD drops about 1900 ft. making it a very easy trip down the mountain, as opposed to a tough uphill pedal if you start at DC. If you don't want to pedal uphill to Frostburg, there is a very interesting scenic railroad that follows the bike path between Cumberland & Frostburg that allows you to load your bikes onto the train and sit back and enjoy the fantastic view. In either direction though, it's a great trip that's not real difficult. (Unless the year happens to be 2018 and rains every day turning the C & O into a quagmire)

Both directions are great!

My opinion is that I like to go Pittsburgh to DC. I live in Pittsburgh so it's kind of anti-climactic to arrive at something I'm familiar with...DC is somewhere I'm not from so it's kind of exciting to arrive there and see the buzz of the city and all of the sights.

The uphill on the GAP from Pittsburgh to the Continental Divide is barely noticeable. Then you are rewarded with 24 miles of downhill bliss at 1-2% grade to Cumberland. The C&O Canal from Cumberland to DC is very flat except for the locks where you get these little plunges down a few feet. Not much but at least you aren't going up them.

Others like the opposite direction because although they have to grind up the continental divide for 24 miles (really, it's not too bad though), they feel the gradual downhill over 124 miles to Pittsburgh was worth the sacrifice and they expend less effort.

Not sure if wind is any factor. Both trails meander in so many directions along different rivers and you are covered by trees in many places it kind of renders that subject meaningless.

It's a great debate that always brings up many different answers.

Happy Riding!

The earlier commenters have provided good discussion of the pros and cons of travelling the GAP/C&O in each of the directions. I'll add a couple more observations. The weather could be something to consider if your itinerary is flexible given your use of a support vehicle. The C&O, especially the northern end from Little Orleans to Cumberland, can be a challenge and certainly less enjoyable following heavy rains as it can be quite muddy. So if there is rain in the forecast during the week, adjusting your schedule to travel that section on and after dry days would be more enjoyable. If there is rain in the forecast for the first day of your trip, starting in Pittsburgh is easier since the first 20 miles leaving the city is paved. The GAP trail beyond the pavement takes the rain much better than the C&O.

On an unrelated issue. I think you'll find the trip more enjoyable if you spend a little time before the trip studying the histories of the two trails (GAP and C&O) and the sites/towns along the way.

I have done it both ways. I prefer the DC to Pitt. The 24 mile grind from Cumberland was easier then the constant uphill for 120 miles . Get it done and your done.

But, riding into DC is nice.

I will see you all in July for my next trip. Always a fun adventure. Must be better then 2018.


Gary

I have done the route both ways several times. Since you live in Iowa I strongly suggest you got DC to Pittsburgh. You are 5 hrs closer to home. Also the C&O is a less friendly surface to ride, you get the hard part done first. You only climb 650 from DC to Cumberland. The 23 mile climb out Cumberland is a easy 1 1/2 % grade. And a climb of 1200 ft. Then you have a fairly smooth down hill to Pittsburgh at 670 ft. DC to Pittsburgh is my favorite way because you have an easy ride at the end.
Both ways work.

I floated this out there on Facebook and seemingly opened up a proverbial can of worms, but does anyone have any experience/advice for trying the entire GAP in one day. I may attempt it in summer 2019 if I can get the fitness. I'd be okay with delaying it a year if need be. The mid life crisis will still be there.
Thank you for any and all advice! Kevin

Kevin--I have the experience, and my advice would be... DO IT. I have done it in both directions, as well as part of a nonstop venture from Pittsburgh to DC. Was 55 years old at the time.
Please everyone, let's not debate the merits of "why would you do that...You'll miss all the scenery". I agree - - you will miss a lot of sights. But that is not the question that was asked.
It is very doable if you're in decent shape. You need not carry a lot of supplies. With proper planning, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to refuel, etc. I carried only a hydration backpack and two waterbottles. Food was stored in the backpack.
I rode it on a hard tail with a smoother tire, because... That's what I have. Your speed will probably only be about 2 mph slower than it would be on the road with the same bike.
If I had to choose the direction... I'd go from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. Yes the 24ish miles to begin the ride will be 20-30% slower than the rest of the ride. But, it's out of the way in the beginning. I found the 60+ mile grind coming the other way from Connellsville to the Eastern continental divide to be a grind.
If you choose to do this mid summer, you should be able to finish before dark. But if you find the need to be riding at night, a small headlamp like ultra runners use is adequate. I added a small handheld flashlight when I went from Pittsburgh to DC thru the night.
If you have any specific questions... Please ask and I'll try to respond.
More advice... Go back another time and explore the things you've missed. There is a lot to see.

I know a couple that did Pgh to DC on a tandem in 24 hours. Or that was their goal at least. I think they were late by a few minutes. They had support, meeting up with their sag crew at designated spots.

Just the GAP alone is a very doable goal for most able bodied people. That is, if it is preceded by months of high mileage training. But if you're asking the question, it probably means you aren't ready... yet. You may even already have the endurance but what about neck or back issues? Saddle sores, nerve numbness in the hands, etc?

But yeah totally doable! Build up to some high mileage days and you'll know if it's for you. I could probably swing it but have neck issues that make it not worth the aggravation. I can have just as much fun putting in 60 miles at slightly too fast a pace while fully loaded. That's how i'm handling my midlife crisis.

One day to ride the GAP is a reasonable challenge. I would suggest Pittsburgh to Cumberland the last 23 miles is a easy down hill.
Ride on!