C&O / GAP Forum

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Camping Supplies DC

John McBurney from Greenville SC on 08/19/2018 06:28 PM

I’m riding the C&O GAP trail starting in Georgetown on Oct 8. I’ll be traveling to DC from Atlanta to Union Station. Is there a camping supply store nearby where I could buy the little butane/propane canisters that go on an MSR pocket rocket camp stove? How about between Georgetown and Shepardstown WV?

Ty on 08/19/2018 08:16 PM

There’s an REI a mile away on 2nd & M. How are you shipping your bike?

Richard from Washington DC on 08/19/2018 08:21 PM

REI supposedly carries those. There is an REI about six blocks north of Union Station. That's in the wrong direction from where you want to go. I think that's the only sure place between Union Station and perhaps Ohiopyle. The C&O Canal is pretty barren.

Anonymous on 08/19/2018 08:26 PM

REI in Washington and Harper’s Ferry has camping/hiking stores

John McBurney from Greenville SC on 09/22/2018 03:07 PM

I’ll be coming on Amtrak. Thinking about smuggling a canister in my panniers on the train n

Cathy from Pittsburgh on 09/23/2018 05:43 PM

Call me old-fashioned, but if it is something you are instructed not to carry on a train, you should not carry it on the train. In this day and age law enforcement etc is alert to bad actors and you could be mistaken for one if you have a gas cannister in your bag. Perhaps you don't watch the news. There are people who are into setting off bombs in train stations. Just drop in an REI at your destination and pick one up there.

John from Greenbelt on 09/26/2018 03:53 PM

The REI is very close to Union Station, only a 10 minute walk and less than 5 min on bike. Easy option. Yes it's the wrong direction but not far enough away for that to make a difference.

John McBurney from Greenville SC on 09/28/2018 08:02 AM

Thanks to all for the info. Of course you are right that bringing a fuel canister on board is a bad idea born out of frustration over not knowing how I was going to get fuel for the first day. Now that issue is resolved. Hopefully REI will let me bring my loaded bike indoors and can make it a quick stop.

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Liberty Convenience Store in Paw Paw

Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 03/17/2013 02:39 PM

Fantastic deli! There is also a little Italian Restaurant across the street. Great pasta, pizza and salads!

Darel from Norfolk, VA on 12/29/2013 04:57 AM

Sad to report that the Anthony’s Jr. the Italian Restaurant across the street is CLOSED. The Deli at Liberty is still going strong and cooking up a good breakfast too!

Jeffro from Greensburg on 05/19/2015 01:29 AM

Anthony's was delicious. It stinks that they are closed. I always would get off the trail at Paw Paw for a big plate of their spaghetti and meatballs. Plus, I kind of liked hanging out in town and talking with some of the friendly locals. Since this place has closed, we usually just ride on by now. There isn't much of anything else in town to warrant a detour off of the trail to see.

KWB from Lees Summit on 09/04/2018 04:48 PM

I will be riding my bike through this fall and is the Liberty still open? Any other places to eat in town/area?

Andrew from Pittsburgh on 09/24/2018 05:02 PM

The Liberty was open this past July. My daughter and I had a late lunch there. As mentioned above, it isn't a destination, but for food and drink, it works.

KWB from Lees Summit on 09/25/2018 04:02 PM

Thanks!!

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Bikepath Bed and Bath in Paw Paw

Chad E Lavender from Dixonville, PA on 06/14/2018 04:38 PM

Has anyone stayed here? If so, what was your experience?

Bikechick from Shepherds town on 07/26/2018 08:17 AM

Sorry this is so late. But I stayed there in 2016. Great experience! Owner is a canal steward and wonderful host! I plan to stay again.

Christopher Ormsby from Toronto on 07/26/2018 07:36 PM

Nothing fancy, but Dan makes a great host, and a better breakfast.

bobthebuilder from Cleveland Ohio on 07/26/2018 09:49 PM

We just completed the C&O and Gap on July 21st. Couldn't find lodging in Paw Paw so stayed in Little Orleans at the Hilltop Inn. 6 miles of the trail but they have a great shuttle service. By far the highlight of our trip. Don't miss this place!

Don from Dyer on 07/27/2018 11:48 AM

I stayed at Three Otters in that area. They will canoe you from the path across the river to their property and back. They were very friendly and accommodating. www.threeotters.com

Rich And Samantha kros from Stevensville md on 09/15/2018 10:22 PM

6/6/18
HEY Dan wanted to give you shout out after peddling from Cumberland to paw paw we stopped. all the camping areas mostly closed stopped at BIKEPATH bed and bath I've met a lot fine folks over my 65yrs but this guy was great. had to detour to 84marker he transported us last thing he told me was the adventure starts here he was spot on 2hrs to go 2 miles trail covered with 4" of muck and downed trees 5hrs to Sheppards town something my granddaughter will always remember. I'm sure to go back soon thanks Mr.Dan
R&S
2fast3

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Parking in DC

Carl from Marriottsville on 09/12/2018 06:11 PM

Starting in Pittsburgh on oct 6 was looking for a place to have a vechicle in DC for when we finish on the 11th

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Bike Shipping

Beth from Minneapolis on 08/23/2018 03:58 PM

Just curious if anyone has used BikeFlights before and can offer up opinions on their service? I'm thinking of using them instead of FedEx. Thank you!

Ty on 08/23/2018 08:47 PM

I use them all the time. They’re great!

Anonymous on 08/23/2018 11:19 PM

I took my own bike from Australia on the plane to NY. Amtrak down to DC. Greyhound bus to Pittsburgh. I had it in a bike box all the way. I used bike packing saddle bag at rear, a frame bag and a handlebar bag. This works if you’re not carrying too much. Good luck!

Beth from Minneapolis on 08/24/2018 10:09 AM

Awesome! Thanks for your input!!

Anonymous on 09/03/2018 07:41 PM

Bike flights is a good way to go. But they don't ship on weekends or holidays. You have to figure that in when scheduling.

Steve from BEND on 09/05/2018 01:00 AM

Have used them several times and have always saved many $$$ over what FedEx would have charged. You just print out the prepaid online labels and pack them up. I've dropped them off at FedEx offices for shipping, no hassle at all. Did 5 bikes at one time once. Great company.

Beth from Minneapolis on 09/06/2018 05:20 PM

Awesome! Thanks Steve!

Jon M from N TX on 09/11/2018 01:54 PM

Shipbikes.com is similar to BikeFlights as a reseller for Fedex. Used them to ship my bike home from Chicago at the end of a tour. Door-to-door residential pickup and delivery was less expensive than rates quoted directly from Fedex.

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Seneca

Sharon from Altoona, PA on 09/09/2018 07:15 AM

Lodging is listed for Seneca. Could you provide name and contact information? I can’t seem to find lodging there. Thanks

Anonymous on 09/09/2018 08:07 AM

There is a free hiker biker campsite at mile marker 26. Also, you can stay in Lockhouse 22...go to canaltrust.org and you should find more information there. All of the lock houses available to stay in are designed in different time periods so you’ll definitely want to make sure it has the amenities you are looking for. We stayed in Lockhouse 10 and it was really a fantastic end to our ride from Pittsburgh.

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Riding solo and camping

Steve Jorgensen from Bend, OR on 09/05/2018 01:08 AM

Hi, I'm looking at flying out and riding from Pittsburgh to DC, maybe as early as this Thursday. I fly space available so I often just need to wing it and not have detailed plans if flights have a bunch of open seats. I have a folding Dahon set up for touring and all supplies and camping gear ready to go. Is it going to be a problem to find camping along the way if I just show up in Pittsburgh at the airport and ride to the trail or trailhead and just head out? I'm figuring 40-50 mile days. Is it difficult to ride from the airport to the trail?
Thanks!

Anonymous on 09/05/2018 08:37 PM

Not sure about the ride from the airport to the trail, but I'm sure if you search the forum you could find a post about that. As for camping...campsites are not as prominent on the GAP as they are on the C&O. We stayed at Cedar Creek which is a free campsite right on the trail, approx 40 miles from Pittsburgh. Once you reach the C&O, free hiker biker sites are available every 5-7 or so miles. I don't see you having any problem--enjoy your trip!

Mike on 09/05/2018 09:31 PM

If you see heavy Grafitti near a Camp Site or close to it, move on to the next Camp Site further out. I wouldn't camp solo near a road juncture (unless there is a group of Campers sharing the same Camp Site). Never know who might show up in the middle of the night. Just sayin.

Steve from BEND on 09/06/2018 12:56 AM

All good advice that also applies just about anywhere, thanks!

Willy Prost from Alexandria , Va on 09/06/2018 12:32 PM

The campsite that fits your 40-50 mile destination on your first day from the airport is the Gill Hall campsite near mile 46 on the Mountour trail.
https://montourtrail.org/plan-a-visit/camping/
Here is a map of the Mountour trail
https://montourtrail.org/plan-a-visit/map/

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emergency shuttles/Uber

Skipper from Oregon City on 09/04/2018 12:01 PM

We are leaving Pittsburgh end of Sept, taking our time to DC. What are options for unforeseen mechanical or bodily breakdowns? I can fix minor issues but if something major occurs are there local folks who will help out in a pinch? (with compensation of course) Thanks!

Tom L. from Robinson Twp Pa on 09/04/2018 01:09 PM

If you are near Hancock MD go to the C&O Bicycle shop which is located directly at the trailhead, right next to the canal. I had a serious mechanical breakdown last fall, and these guys did a complete rebuild of my main bearings for $40. Within 45 minutes of me getting to their shop I was back on the trail. They also sell trail-type foods and supplies and have a very reasonable bunkhouse if you need to stay overnight. They really got me out of a jam & I stop by every time I'm through there. Very honest & reasonable. Just great people.

Anonymous on 09/04/2018 02:56 PM

Thanks! We will be staying one night in Hancock. Hopefully we won't NEED their services!

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solo

tom from pgh on 09/04/2018 09:47 AM

Planning a solo bike trip from DC to Pgh in late September. Will be camping 3 nights along the C & O and was wondering if anyone could give me their overall impression of the overnight safeness of the trail campsites, Chisel/Horseshoe Bend/Big Woods in particular.

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Pitt--->DC this October

Ty from Wheat Ridge, Colorado on 08/29/2018 11:40 AM

Leaving Pittsburg on September 30th headed for Washington DC! Will take 8-10 days getting there, no plans to rush. My ride will actually end in Baltimore since my flight home is out of BWI. Plan to do short days, 40-50 miles. I'll be hammock camping along the way. If you see me feel free to say hi! I'll blog about the ride on my Instagram at Portland_2_Portland

Anonymous on 09/03/2018 07:40 PM

We may see you on the trail! Leaving Pittsburgh 9/29 by way of Montour trail. Going very very slow, taking time to explore this part of the country. Coming from Oregon. Safe riding!

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Ohiopyle

John Bonbright from Shepherdstown, WV on 08/31/2018 09:12 AM

The accuracy of the mileage figures from different sources seem to be off, in some case significantly. For instance, I ran westward from Ramcat to Ohiopyle in June. The last mile marker I saw before reaching Ohiopyle was "71" and the trailhead was another 0.2 miles further, so, using my keen mathematical abilities, I put Ohiopyle at 71.2. Your info has it at 74, however. I'm not being nitpicky but since I'm running this, accurate mileage is nice to have. For instance, your town info for Connellsville has it at 88, which would mean 14 miles from Ohiopyle. However, the mileage figures posted on the actual signs on the GAP have that at 19 miles. Those 5 miles make a big difference on foot, at least for my old slow arse! Confusing things further, the mileage chart on the "official" GAP web site lists it at 17 miles. Anyway, thanks for any clarity you can provide. Perhaps the mile markers themselves aren't correct due to the opening of that one tunnel a few years back? And maybe I'm the only one who actually cares about any of this! BTW, I LOVE this site, the town info is awesome.

Ray (webmaster) on 09/02/2018 08:54 AM

Thank you John for pointing this out. After going back through all my records and references, I can only conclude that the listing of Ohiopyle as MM 74 was an error. I have corrected this number to 71.2 throughout the website.

Having said that, there is some variance in the town mile number and they cannot be counted on for absolute precision, but they all should be accurate within a few tenths of a mile - like you said, not a big deal for cyclists but a bigger deal for someone on foot.

Thanks again for catching that, and I apologize for any trouble caused by that error.

Happy trails!

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SAG vehicle Pittsburgh to DC

ItaliaTeach from Youngstown Ohio on 08/31/2018 02:42 PM

Is anyone familiar with a service that will haul my gear to campgrounds while I ride? Dont want the additional weight or hassle.

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Paula Termini from Takoma Park md on 08/23/2018 07:11 AM

Any news on the detour in Brunswick?

David from Grafton on 08/28/2018 09:35 AM

Check Youtube. Looks like a path has been established.

Anonymous on 08/29/2018 11:37 AM

Where on YouTube? That's such a generic answer. No better than saying "check Google."

Anonymous on 08/29/2018 02:12 PM

:-) I thought the same thing. I'm not sure if this is the link David is referring to but here you go.

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

Also the park service web site https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm says "Construction on the temporary low water bridge is anticipated to begin the week of August 20 and will be completed by mid-September"

Hope this helps. I'm hitting the trail Sep 8th from the DC end.

Ocala Jim from Ocala on 08/29/2018 07:28 PM

Paula,check out Towpath update post,fourth reply down.
I will be making the trip in late Sept.
I can't believe people will not help you.
Wish you the best.

Ingrid from Pittsburgh 2fast3 on 08/29/2018 07:59 PM

Check out Pedalshift on YouTube. It’s a video about the washout.

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Lock #21 (Swain's Lock) in Potomac

Lowell J Herschberger from Brooklyn on 08/17/2018 08:19 PM

Is it safe to leave a car here for several days?

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Towpath update

Shicks from Pittsburgh on 07/24/2018 09:57 AM

Is the towpath detour free? Will be riding it next week.

Decafsoylatte from Pittsburgh on 08/12/2018 03:42 PM

I called both shuttle services listed on the NPS site. Shephardstown Pedal charges over $100 per, the Brunswick shop said around $60 for two of us. We are going to move over to the W and OD next week.

Anonymous on 08/14/2018 01:04 AM

$100?!? No thanks. I’d pay $10 and not a penny more. I’ll find a way around.

John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/15/2018 09:03 PM

There is an easy way around with just a little bit of backtracking. Check out this video from The Pedalshift Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDNlqPGyuk Move the video up to 2:38 to see the shortcut. Look for the red survey flags. He's going Cumberland to DC so you know which direction he's going. Hope this helps.

Anonymous on 08/16/2018 11:41 AM

Thanks John

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