C&O / GAP Forum

My understanding is that the Paw Paw Tunnel will be closed sometime this year so that they can remove loose rocks, and gravel from above.

Does anyone know the time frame as to when this is supposed to take place? I'm planning on leaving Cumberland and hiking to Harpers Ferry on May 6. Thanks.

See the NPS website for updates. The latest word there is that the tunnel renovations will begin early May but that the tunnel will remain open and flaggers will control the flow of traffic. Expect 10 to 15 minute delay.

Thanks Cenzo. I've hiked the trail before, I just wasn't looking forward to the thought of having to hike over the mountain. :)

I'm planning to ride the GAP out and back from Pittsburgh this year. I'm going to drive from Toronto (about 5 hours), leaving early in the morning so I can ride 80km or so day 1. I'll ride to end of the GAP (or just beyond) and back, staying in B&B's (etc).

I've done some reading on this topic but wanted to ask in this forum - where can I "safely" park a car close to the start of the trail (or even 5 miles or so along the trail), where I'm allowed to leave the car for 4 days or so? What are my options, which ones are free, or paid...both are fine to consider in my planning? Dropping off the car and picking it up will be done during the day.

Thanks for posting this as I have the same question. I do not know the safe areas to park and if I pay, what would be a reasonable amount to pay.

According to their site, the First Ave Garage now advertises itself as long-term parking for GAP rides. They encourage you to notify the garage manager for multi-day stays and download the extended stay form. It's not cheap ($13 a day on weekdays, $6 a day on weekends), but it has 24 hour security and is probably one of the safest options.

http://www.pittsburghparking.com/first-avenue-garage-and-station

As for free? I did the trip in 2013 and my friend decided to park his truck in an unmetered spot next to the Cork Factory in the Strip District. The truck was still there when we got back and was not ticketed. Not sure I would I would be comfortable leaving MY car there though.

Besides the excellent advice for the others have given on this thread, you could also check out the parking lots across the street from PNC Park on General Robinson Way. I do not know their overnight policy but I have heard people have parked there for multiple nights. I would check with someone there to confirm. Anyways it’s right across the river, a quick hop over the bridge, and you are at the Medallion indicating the beginning of the GAP at Point State Park. Good luck!

Hi,
My husband and are taking 8 days to ride the entire length of the GAP and C&O from Pittsburgh to DC in late June. Not sure if you were planning at least 1 hotel night or not, but the Hampton Inn, downtown Pittsburgh allows you to leave your car for extended days if you stay there and let them know. Maybe consider coming down the night before, and staying there? That would give you a safe, secure place for your car while gone. Just a thought!

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I really like the Hampton Inn and it's location to the trail. Also, I have to spend the night somewhere. Enjoying the pre-planning during the cold and snowy winter.

Another option might be to travel and stay a little further out of town in Homestead, PA which is right n the trail. There are two or three hotels in the large shopping area right along the trail and ample, free parking. It's about 8 miles from downtown. You could stay or park there and ride back into town if you wanted to see the city and the origin of the GAP Trail at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers where the Ohio River begins.

Could you be more specific about the hotels and shopping area in Homestead where one might park? Thank you!

There are three hotels in the Waterfront shopping area through which the trail passes. They are: Courtyard by Mariott, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express. I suspect you would be able to park a car in any of their parking lots simply by asking as there is ample parking at each. Aside from the hotel parking lots, there are acres and acres of free parking including covered parking adjacent to the now closed Macy's Department Store and Dave and Busters which are a couple of blocks from the hotel.

This shopping area (formerly the largest steel mill in the world) has virtually anything you might need EXCEPT for a bike shop. There are grocery stores (Costco and Giant Eagle), clothing/department stores (Target, Ross, Marshall's), specialty retail shops, restaurants (Burgatory, Bravo, Mitchell's, Red Robin,PF Chang, Primanti Bros, McDonalds, Chick Fil A), hardware (Lowes), etc.

There is also a large multi screen AMC theater facility across the street from the Mariott and the Hampton hotels.

I hope this provides the info you were looking for. If not, let me know.

Thank you! You have been very helpful!. I am very happy to have found this forum. Like another writer, I, too, am spending these frigid winter weeks (which is lasting waaay too long in Wisconsin), dreaming about and planning for my summer GAP trip. We are introducing our 14 year old son (who is not as highly enthusiastic about touring as his parents are) to bike touring on this trip. Any suggestions from anyone on how to make this more interesting/ fun for a young teen would be appreciated. I am researching away! (Have found all of the scary /spooky stories associated with Dead Man's Hollow!, We'll spend some extra time in Ohiopyle and raft and zip line as well)...

It's been several years since I've tried to keep a 14-year old happy on a vacation trip but here are some thoughts. There is a large waterslide park (Sandcastle) at the west end of the Waterfront shopping area. There is also a large amusement park (Kennywood) between Homestead and Duquesne. Both would require the better part of a day and you may not wish to spend that much time.


The GAP and C&O trails are all about the history that spawned their existence and use. If you read about the history of the P&LE railroad and the industries along it as well as the history and design of the C&O Canal and the historical events along the way before you make the trip, you'll appreciate the trip much more. History may not be something he cares for but he certainly could write a lengthy paper on "How I spent my summer vacation" having studied, ridden and photographed the trip.


My last suggestion would be to make ample use of the locals in each community through which you pass or spend an overnight or those other trail riders that have already been where you are headed. They can provide more insight as to "what is down the trail" as you proceed. Inquire about quaint/unusual places to eat or visit.

Thanks! We are planning day #1 at either kennywood OR sandcastle ( he gets to choose) then will start biking the following day. I haven’t done much research into the railroad history yet, but will do wth your suggestion. He loves people and to make friends so will seek out some of that “trail magic” in the people we meet. We’re planning mostly B and B stays so that will help! Thanks again. Happy trails!

I came to this forum with the exact same parking questions. Just want to thank everyone who responded. The suggestions have been very helpful.

We are planning a trip in late May/early June to bike the GAP and C&O staying in B&Bs, inns and hotels along the way. Any suggestions as to bike locks? I’m wondering how safe our bikes will be locked outside restaurants and at the inns and hotels that have outside bike racks. Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Joanne

Nearly all the B&B's I've stayed at along the GAP and the C&O have an indoor location to store your hikes overnight. I've actually taken my bike indoor at those few hotels I've stayed, particularly in Cumberland and Leesburg. I admit to not locking my bike at restaurants and inns away from the larger cities and have not had anything taken.

Howeve, I've finally conceded to take along a light cable lock when my bike is not within site when I leave it. It's just not worth, what I believe, is even a small risk. I have had a bike stolen at a coffee shop in downtown Pittsburgh and it's truly a sinking feeling but, at least, I wasn't far from home and not hundreds of mile down the trail.

If your staying in B&B’s, inns, and hotels, you will be able to bring your bike inside or to a secure area. I’ve only stayed at hotel/motels and always brought the bikes right into the room. Never stayed at a B&B but their main clients are likely bicycle tourists so they’ll help you out.

As for restaurants at lunch time, we leaned them against the building and sat next to windows so we could keep our eyes on them. Of course we brought all of our valuables (phone, wallet) inside with us.

Might be a good idea to bring one cable lock with you if it gives you an extra sense of security. When we completed the journey in DC, we spent the next day riding around to different things and needed our locks. Depends on your plans I suppose.

John

I am doing a little test ride on the C&O out of DC tomorrow. I have two bikes I can ride. One is a specialized Crux, the other is a specialized rock hopper. Would like options on what you think the best bike would be for this test ride. I will only ride 25-40 miles. Depends how I feel.

My suggestion and not knowing conditions of C&O I would ride the mountain bike.

Within 40 miles of DC and assuming there hasn't been a deluge rainstorm in the last couple of days, you could certainly ride the cyclocross Cruz with 28mm tires or larger without problem. That said, I'd simply ride the most comfortable one for you.

Good call on the mountain bike choice. It is more comfortable than the cyclocross bike. I have to keep reminding myself that speed isn’t everything. Trail was dry and in good condition. Downside is that I learned a big lesson on saddle choices. A minimal racing saddle I don’t recommend for this type of ride. I will be getting a more comfortable saddle.

Is there any place to buy a fuel canister other than REI near the trail on the way out of Pittsburgh? I would like to get an early start and don't want to wait until REI opens at 10 o'clock.

There is a Dick's Sporting Goods store in Homestead, PA about 9 miles from downtown Pittsburgh that opens at 9:00 am. There is a Lowes in that same shopping complex that opens earlier but I don't that they carry the camping-type gas canisters.

You already mentioned the REI about 3 miles from downtown.

If you really want a daybreak start, I could bring you one or more as I live near the trail and am up early in the morning.

Thanks for the offer Rivnuts but I don't need to leave too early. Dicks in Homestead seems like a good option. That should work out just about right. Thanks for the info.

If you take a bic lighter, you can make a fire anywhere you camp.

Great news that Paw Paw tunnel will remain open during phase 2 construction. No need to do that tough push over the mountain. I'm 68 and I did that detour in the mud two years ago and it nearly did me in. Thank you to NPS for figuring out a way to make this happen. Now if we can get the Brunswick culvert washout fixed, I'm going to try the DC to Pgh trip one more time.

Indeed. This is good news and not having to take the detour up and over the mountain is well worth any brief delay there. Below is the latest news from the National Park Service pertaining to the Paw Paw Tunnel repairs.

"The Paw Paw Tunnel is currently open. Phase 2 of construction will begin the first week of May 2019. During construction, both portals of the tunnel will remain open and flaggers will be stationed to control traffic. Visitors should expect 5-10 minute delays."

Okay, I want to plan a group bike ride to/from Bills Place in Little Orleans & PawPaw. I can't find any straight forward answer as to whether there is direct access to either of the C&O Trail or the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Like, how far off the trail is Bills Place, and how to connect to the trail. Do we need to ride several miles on a road, or just a bike path?
Thanks for any help.

That depends on what your definition of "direct acces" is. If you are planning to drive to Bill's Place and to Paw Paw, you can ride your bikes to the trail easily from both. From Bill's Place, you simply ride down a road with a short grade to 15-mile creek park to access the trail. From Paw Paw, you have to ride a little farther (about a mile) albeit down hill along a lightly travelled highway and bridge over the river to get to the trail.

I' be more concerned about whether the Paw Paw tunnel is open as it is scheduled to be closed this spring for further maintenance. The detour up and over the mountain in route to/from Bill's Place is not rideable and quite challenging if wet.

Rivnuts, thanks. I wasn't aware the tunnel was to be closed again this year. But Yes, we were planning to drive to Bills Place at Little Orleans and bike to PawPaw and back. And we are planning to do that ride on April 27th.

If you are unsupported is there a way to get back to Pittsburgh from D.C. with your bike?

You can take the train. Bikes roll on, leaves DC at 4:00 pm. gets to Pitt. midnight. Best to have reservations. Cost around $80 per person and bike. I have used it several times and had a great experience.

If you are unsupported is there a way to get back to Pittsburgh from D.C. with your bike?

Amtrak may be the least expensive way back to Pittsburgh ($53 + $20 for the bike). It is best to make a reservation ahead of time. The space for bicycles fills up pretty quick this time of year.

Also check out the Amtrak website to see the dimensions of bikes they accept (eg, if you have a fat tire bike, non-standard size bike, or trailer). I believe DC to Pittsburgh has "roll on" service so you don't need to disassemble.

Yes. Amtrak leaves DC around 4:00 PM and arrives in Pgh around midnight. There is roll-on service as well for your bike. You will need both a passenger reservation as well as an add-on reservation for your bike. Bike reservations are limited, so you need to insure there is bike space before making your personal reservation. Go to the Amtrak web reservation page for pricing and more info. I've done it a few times and other than arriving in Pgh at midnight, it normally works fine, I.e. No train delays.