C&O / GAP Forum

I plan to ride east from Pittsburgh but am reluctant to leave my car in an unsecured spot for several days. Can anyone advise me on safe parking near the trail in Pittsburgh for a reasonable fee?

someone posted back in June that they will be able to park at the Heaven Bicycle Museum for $10 day in a guarded lot. Their suggestion was to speak with Craig the owner. Worth a phone call!

Charles from Steel City Outdoor Adventures tells us we can park at Amtrak for free, and it's a nice lot, well-lit and the car will be safe

I am looking at trying to do a trip from Pittsburgh to DC in October, first or second week. Can anyone give me an idea of what kind of weather, temp. etc.. I could expect? Is this a good or bad time to do a trip? Thanks,

It's tough to predict. Early October can be wonderful, or it can be wet. Hurricanes and low pressure centers moving up the coast can bring as much as a week of bad weather. Otherwise, it's likely to be cool and dry, almost cold in the mountainous parts of the GAP. There'll be leaves on the GAP too. You have to take your chances. It could be your greatest or worst bike ride. But normally, early October is a good time of year that part of the country.

I did that trip over last two weeks of September last year and weather was perfect (no rain!) except for being really hot on a few days. Was very manageable in the shade of the paths.

Great question as I am also doing this trip the first 2 weeks of October too!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for wonderful weather for us.

We’ve been doing the canal for last 30 years and from Pittsburgh the last 15 or so during the last 2 weeks of October. As said, weather can be glorious or rainy. Last 2 weeks of October we usually don’t get temperatures below 35 - 40 at night which we like for camping, and daytime temperatures are usually 60’s to 70’s. Last trip we had no rain for all 11 days, trip b4 rained almost every day.

I am planning a reschedule of a DC to Pittsburgh trip that was cancelled back in early June when all hell broke loose on the trail. First question is, is the trail back to decent shape (mud, trees down, etc). I know there are a few detours to work around, but general rideability of the trail is my main concern. I'm an old guy and I'm not looking for a great adventure, just the peace and beauty of the Potomac valley. Also, has anyone taken the AMTRAK early morning train from Pgh to DC with bike? Is it hassle or is it a good way to get to DC.

My trip was a washout in mid-May. I have rescheduled for mid-Sept. Traveled on the am. train from Cumberland-DC. with my bike. Everything worked out great. As for the trail condition, like you I'll be checking frequently.

I would suggest Pittsburgh TO DC , as it is all downhill!
TO DC, Union Station is downtown and a ride through the city to Georgetown where the C&O canal starts. Not difficult, and there are lots of bike lanes.

We took Amtrak in July from Ohio to DC. They have a roll on service now in a special car where your bike gets securely hung. Great! Cars were over-air conditioned, and savvy travelers brought pillows and blankets. Fun way to start. Allow plenty of time to navigate to your hotel. We stayed in Arlington, 9 miles and the last half was all up hill.

Can I push my bike through or around the washout and if so how far of a push is it?

We rode Pitt to DC a few weeks ago. Washout was significant. Some people say walk along tracks, but it's very steep to bring a bike and 5 min after we arrived a train came thru. There is a way across though, if you walk down slight hill from washout to stream, you can walk your bike across, jumping from rock to rock and make it with dry shoes (I did), then push bike up muddy hill. Total time- < 10 min. Stream only 25 ft across and rocks are close together to pull it off.

We were there this past weekend. J-Rider described it well. The washout is passable on foot, but it may be dicey with a bicycle, especially if the water is a little higher like it might be after the recent rains. Regular shoes and a light bike would be easier than cleats and a fully-packed bike. We'll be doing the ride on a tandem and there's no good way to get that across the water. There are train tracks nearby that cross the washout, but if a train comes there's no good way to get off the tracks, and the tracks are up a short gravel slope - not recommended.

There isn't an official marked road detour, but if you do go on the roads around the washout it's about a 7 mile or so ride (to get you around maybe 4.5 miles of trail), hilly, with some sections curvy and 55mph with no shoulder.

Check with the bike shop in Brunswick MD to see about shuttles, I did see one operating when we were there.

My 14 yr. old son and I simply pushed our bikes around via the railroad tracks. Was not dangerous at all. Not a big deal.

Walked on tracks?? Dangerous. Bad Idea!!!!

It appears on google-earth that the rail line closest to the canal is only a local siding track and doesn't carry main line, high speed trains. This should be a lot safer than taking the road which I hear is super dangerous. Also, taking the shuttle might be a good alternative for some, but it somewhat destroys the "I did the whole trip" mentality that's stuck in my head.

I am planning a Pgh to DC ride in mid-September. I'm hoping the trail will be a bit drier than earlier. I have a new pair of Continnental GatorSkin 25 mm tires on my road bike. I ride often on the NCR trail and have no difficulty with occasional mud. Any feedback about whether or not these tires will pose a problem on the C&O portion would be appreciated. I understand that the surface on the GAP portion should be much more of a sure thing. Thanks!

I rode the Edwards Ferry to Seneca section last weekend. There were lots of mud holes. I had a mountain bike and went right through them although the bike slewed a bit. But I saw people with what I'd guess were 25 mm tires going through the mud holes too. The path beneath an inch or so of mud and water seemed firm, so unless there are torrential rains in September, I'd think you'd be okay.

I'm planningmy first DC to Pitt ride solo self supported camping all the way. I'm planning on lovely dehydrated dinners along the waybut really don't want to pack 6 meals. Does anybody know of a stop approx half way that carries dehydrated meals (think mountain horse type stuff) . I appreciate any tips.

There are outfitters in both Cumberland Maryland and Harpers Ferry.

The bike shop in Hancock had some when we passed through last October.

Starting Pgh to DC GAP/C&O 7/24 (tomorrow AM). Biking w/ 14yr old son. I'm worried about trail conditions. Any reports from recent bikers or advice on this route in rainy conditions?

We're going to get off the trail at White's Ferry and take Rt. 15 to Leesburg, cross river and ride the paved trail into DC. Any tips prior to this would be much appreciated!

If you stay at the Best Western in Leesburg they will pick you up at the Va. side of the ferry.
I did this after biking 1 day from DC. and then had to cancel the rest of the trip because of the flood in May.

C&O Canal proposes towpath rehabilitation between McMahon's Mill and Lock 42

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park plans to rehabilitate the park's towpath from McMahon's Mill to Lock 42 in Williamsport to better protect that section of the towpath from flooding.

Park officials said in a news release that the plan is to stabilize and raise the level of the towpath and a retaining wall along the section of it to lessen the impact of flooding.

The roughly one-mile section of the towpath consistently is under water during river flooding, which causes damage along the canal and requires pedestrian and bicycle detours, the release said.

Park officials will host an open house Monday, July 23, at their headquarters at 1850 Dual Highway to gather public input on the project.

The open house will give residents a chance to learn more about the project, and they also will be able to offer ideas, concerns and potential topics for consideration as the National Park Service works on the project, the release said.

The park is accepting public comments through Friday, Aug. 10. Besides offering input at the open house, residents may submit comments online through the Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/choh.

Comments also may be mailed to Kevin Brandt, Superintendent, C&O Canal National Historical Park, ATTN: McMahon's Mill Towpath Improvements, 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

After analysis of the comments, the park service will prepare an environmental assessment for the project, which will be made available for a 30-day public-review period.

Source: Herald-Mail Media
https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/c-o-canal-proposes-towpath-rehabilitation-between-mcmahon-s-mill/article_272555ea-8626-11e8-a85b-6fd37f9b6c9a.html

does anyone have any trail updates for the c&o?

My kids (14 and 19) and I just rode the C&O from Cumberland to Harpers Ferry on June 29-July 3, having done the GAP. The trail was pretty well dried out, with paste-like mud in spots. It's much more varied in texture than the GAP, and prettier scenery, but be careful if you pull off next to spots on the canal with standing water, since it will be a mosquito fest. We sprayed deep woods off every morning, and it seemed to work. Also, there is a marked detour between MP-88 and MP-89, which the NPS says is 3.1 miles. We went ahead and stayed on the towpath, and there are two sections where you have to walk your bike over 6-inch sized stones. There was a detour also at Williamsport, which was fortunate for us, since we were staying there anyway. The detour takes you through town.

finished i DC on 7-4-18 Gap is all good, C&O PAW PAW tunnel was open , don't take detour at mp-88 stay on trail you don't want to miss this section along river. Walked bikes up to rail line to get passed washout near Brunswick wasn't hard, everyone we talked to said roads were too dangerous. Mud on tow-path was tacky in spots but not real bad. was 98 degrees all week that was the hardest part.

I was just out on the towpath this morning. Culvert 82 (below Brunswick) is still out. There has been no work done on it. Three bikers were trying to get around by crossing the creek below the culvert. There were dealing with a great deal of water and mud. Above the culvert is a railroad bridge. There is little extra room if you choose to walk along the railroad tracks. I echo those who say taking the detour and biking the road is not a good option due to safety and hills. Whatever route you take, be careful and give yourself extra time.

We biked from Cumberland to Leesburg with 2 kids over many days from Sunday the 7th through the 12th, detouring around, 88, 89 was not needed, as only had to walk a few yards over stones (they were working on it as we passed). The closure at Brunswick did require a walk over stones on the side away from the rail. Thanks to Greg from 2 wheel escapes, who did not want to take our money, and assured us we could do it, an honest fellow. We did have to walk across stones, but our 9 year old and 10 year old did it easily, actually seemed easier and safer then the rails.
Trail did have some muddy spots, but no real issues.

There is a great new cycle shop, Threepoints, on West Potomac that we have had very good success with. They were friendly, reasonably priced and fast.

Good to know.

they have limited hours midweek (ie: they close at 2pm on Wednesdays) but I went by around 3pm on a Wednesday and someone was there and I was able to get a couple tubes,since I had used my last one - saved the day. They are right up the street real close to the trail. go there even after hours as they have a cell # to call for after hours service.

Hi, I am planning to bike the c&o next weekend and I just noteced that the alerts from Happers Ferry to Brownswick and from Brownswick to Point of Rock are gone from the C&O webpage. Can anyone please update us on the new condition of the c&o trail. Thanks

Yes, an update would be great. I am coming up from Charlotte and will be riding from DC to Pittsburgh

Just finished the GAP/C&O last week. The C&O was muddy, not impassable but close. We ignored the baracades and closure signs and trudged on thru sometimes in ankle deep mud, one section being close to a mile. Wish I could remember where that section was but can't recall, between Hancock and Harpers Ferry I think. There's a bridge out just east of Brunswick. We made our way up onto the railroad tracks and walked about a mile before finding a decent place to cross back down on to the towpath. Most trees were cleared, only three or four times did we have to dismount and crawl our way over a tree. There were crews cleaning up the mess but I will say that it'll be some time before the deeper areas of mud will be solid enough to ride thru. Just be prepared to do a little walking and don't be afraid of getting dirty/muddy. We took to hardsurface roads for about 5-6 miles close to Sharpsburg. Don't know if we saved any time or not since the detour added a couple of miles. I think we needed a break from wading thru the muck. Anyway, it was indeed an adventure, fun but muddy. I say go for it! Hope this helps.

Walked on the railroad tracks????? That seems very dangerous. Those Brunswick trains run frequently.

We encountered rough conditions. GAP is perfect, but C&O after Williamsport is very rough and closed in Brunswick. We absolutely did not take the tracks because the amtraks are fast and we have a toddler with us. There were also reports of rangers turning people away that were trying to take the tracks. We used this awesome guy Greg as a shuttle. He runs 2 Wheel Escapes, has a huge trailer, and gave us an excellent price. He is super awesome and friendly and fair. We felt like some of the other shuttles were expensive and taking advantage of the trail conditions and overcharging. Call Greg! 240-674-7626

whats the average these shuttles charge?

I am concerning with little Oleans and Williamsport area of the canal, how bad are these areas? Can I stay on the canal or do I have to get out of the canal?

Gary in Charlotte, do you want a passenger for gas contribution? I need to check on my property up there.

re: type of bike
Two of us rode gravel bikes, road bikes with disc brakes and knobby tires. 35-38mm tires. with panniers, frame packs. One of us rode a dual sport, hybrid/mtb cross and it worked ok but by the end of the trip he was wishing he had brought a gravel bike. Main thing are tires. Wide is good but not too wide. 35-45cm wide is ideal IMO.

re: train tracks
Yea, we weren't all hyped about walking the rails. Fast trains plus it's illegal. Fortunately we had no issues. I'll admit it took all three of us to get the bikes up and down the steep embankments along the railbeds.
It was an adventure!

Eileen - I am leaving CLT Saturday AM and driving to Connellsville, PA. Always nice to have someone to talk to on 7 hour drive.

I just finished cycling the c&o trail. The trail is in very bad condition and the detours kept pulling up. There are now 2 detours near Williamsport that are all hills. The mud still on the trail and people still falling from their bikes. The trail is full of potholes and trees still down. I got many help from many Samaritans on trail and they were all specials. I had a lot fun riding the c&o but I hope I don’t need to make this ride again. But, if you want to try go for it!??????

Currently in Cumberland debating tackling the C&O trail tomorrow morning but getting mixed reviews of trail conditions. Ivonete, honestly how bad was it?