C&O / GAP Forum

Three of us have plotted out a bike trip next week on the C&O, making reservations at various B&Bs along the way. We'll be carrying our gear with us. We're pretty much locked into the itinerary we have mapped out. I'm getting nervous about this, though, after hearing about various closures on the C&O. How difficult is it to find alternative routes around the closures? And what is the best site to check for the most up-to-date alerts about what's closed where? FYI - We're pretty comfortable riding on streets with cars, but we don't want to do anything stupid either. Thanks!

I began the c&o onmonday june 4 the day after the great deluge hit the area.cumberland topaw paw was muddy but doable.south of the tunnel to williamsport was a nightmare of downed trees and ankle deep mud.the potomic was receeding but had been at least 3 ft deep over the towpath in places.i carried my bike over,around and through about 30 trees before mileposr 99.gave up at williamsport and took to the backroads of western md. To point of rocks where i crossed the river on rt 15 bridge and followed back roads to leesburg where i will plck up the GW old dominion/eustice trail to DC tomorrow.towpath looks to me like it will a very long time to fix to decent riding condition.CR

Heading south from Cumberland Wed the 6th recommend taking The Western Maryland Rail Trail south of LilOrleans to Handcock. And avoiding the trail from the 90MM to the High Water Detour (87MM). The NPS detour will take you into a couple miles of thick mud MM 87-90. Why can't MPS post more detailed information.

Thanks for the advice!

We road from Cumberland to Hancock today and took the Western MD Rail Trail at MM 140 - we heard the towpath was a mess.
We are heading to Harpers Ferry tomorrow and are a bit concerned about the trail conditions. When you mentioned to avoid the trail between 90MM & 87MM - how do you do that? Is there a road that can be taken to bypass?
Thanks much

Please continue to post conditions on your ride to Harpers Ferry and DC. We will be starting the ride down from Pitt on Monday.

Friday June 8th we biked from Nolands Ferry MM44 to Edwards Ferry MM31 thru mud. My bike could make it but my daughter's had to be pushed thru it. From Edwards Ferry to Georgetown no mud, just some loose gravel,and the trail was clear. I heard some bikers were going thru Virginia to Whites Ferry into Maryland.

Also heard the trail was thick mud and down trees from MM45 to Harper's Ferry.

We saw a lot of mud and a couple dozen down trees between MM 100 and 150 Friday and Saturday. It was all passable, but slow.

There was more rain in the area this weekend.

I started riding on Saturday from Pittsburgh and am currently in Hancock. Here are my $.02.

The GAP is fine - no problems whatsoever.

There is some mud south of Cumberland to Paw Paw. It is only a minor nuisance and very rideable

About 10-15 miles north of Hancock, the trail becomes not rideable. There are many fallen trees, requiring constant portaging, I did not realize until too late that the county has a parallel asphalt path about 50’ higher that is smooth sailing. I was unable to connect to it until about 6 miles from town. Do not make the same message stake as me and get off the C&O for this lovely county trail.

As others have mentioned here in this forum as well as those of us currently in Hancock tonight, the supposedly remains a nasty flood in Williamsport. including a nice diversion into Antietam for those interested). I plan to skip Harper’s Ferry land go into Shepherdstown (about 4 mikes west of Sharpsburg and adjacent to the C&O) as the final resting spot - it’s a funky little college/ artsy town for those who do not know this community.

I just finished riding from Pittsburgh to DC on the GAP and C&O trails. We left Pittsburgh on June 10 and reached Georgetown on June 15. It rained heavily during several nights while we were out, but not while we were riding during the days. Both trails were very rideable in MOST sections but the bad portions are terrible to un-rideable. This was the third time we have ridden the GAP-C&O and by far the most difficult due to trail conditions. It is hard to get good information about trail conditions, from the park service or this website.

We encountered a large mudslide on the GAP about MP 100, and apparently another one happened around MP 90 after we passed through. This forced us to detour onto very hilly roads for about 10-15 miles. The rest of the GAP was fine, but I don’t know how long it will take to clear the mudslides (and perhaps they are already fixed).

We hired a shuttle to carry us from Cumberland to Hancock after talking to other cyclists who had ridden or attempted to ride that section. We were told that was the worst section of the entire trail, with thick mud and many downed trees blocking the trail. Be aware that the Western MD rail trail north of Hancock has been closed due to mudslides and downed trees. The WMD south of Hancock is fine, as well as the section of the C&O that parallels it.

We started encountering mud and downed trees about halfway from Hancock to Williamsport but NPS crews were clearing trees the day we came through (6/14). The trail grew progressively worse as we rode from Williamsport to Harpers Ferry, and that was our toughest and longest day (68 miles). We encountered numerous sections with thick slimy mud and downed trees. The mud was difficult to ride through and quickly clogged our fenders. We had to stop and unclog our fenders numerous times to be able to even move. We also had to lift our bikes over many large trees. The worst section was just below Dam 4, where the road detour rejoins the trail. I can’t imagine how how bad the trail must be in the section bypassed by the detour where the trail is closed. When we got to Harpers Ferry our B&B had a hose, so we spent 30 minutes cleaning the mud off our bikes, which were nearly in-rideable. By the time we finished cleaning our bikes and taking showers, all of the restaurants were closed except for one.

The next day, and our final one, the B&B owner generously offered to shuttle us to Point of Rocks because the NPS had closed the trail between Harpers Ferry and Brunswick. Apparently the roads in that section are dangerous to ride on and it’s not recommended. From Point of Rocks to Seneca we encountered several sections with thick mud and many downed trees but it wasn’t as bad as it was south of Williamsport. The mud went away as we approached Great Falls, but there are many spots where flood waters eroded the trail and left potholes, ruts and rocky areas. It is rideable but you need to be cautious and alert.

We ended up the week with 330 miles of riding, about 70 miles less than previous trips. I won’t ride the C&O trail again if there has been recent heavy rains or forecasts are calling for it. Riding through that mud was one of my most unpleasant cycling experiences ever, and I’ve been riding for 40+ years. I hope that I never ride in such conditions again.

If anyone needs a stop point at West Newton, let me know. I can accomodate for a donation if you check out as safe person/s. Thanks and have a good ride.

I have a reservation at 9 Decatur on the 4th of June. I'll be riding to Pittsburgh with an average of about 30 miles a day. I would love to have a secure place to stay the night. Bowlingranger55@gmail.com

Will be doing GAP from Pitts next Wednesday (5/30) starting around 1pm time. Plan to stayover in either WN or Connellsville. Am interested in simple and affordable single bed/shower/bike storage in WN or connellsville on Wednesday Nite to Thursday AM. I am undecided on if I could make the 62 miles to Connellsville when starting in the afternoon from Pittsburgh. I am a safe person (I am 60 yo and just retired from federal civil service. Wife of 33 years and she is still work (to support me on this bike trip) so doing trip on own. Two grown/working sons and empty nested now). I am willing to "donate" appropriately. I will check my email in the next couple of days as we are attending our church's retreat in Grantham, PA this weekend.

Molly,

I am riding the C and O/Gap starting Wednesday, and should be passing through West Newton Saturday or Sunday night. Would love to have a place to stay, I do not require much more than a bed or couch to sleep on. I am a safe person, 30 y/o male, I am a coach at UMBC who is doing this as his summer vacation! If this offer still stands, email me at neilwitt@umbc. I can give you some more info on myself then, and hash out any details. Thank you very much!

Hi Molly, we (3) would love to stay with you Saturday night (June 16th) if you have the space. Email can be a bit iffy for me but you can call me @ 602 four four eight 9531. I'm a fiftyish married (riding single) with my sister and brother-in-law (on a tandem) destined for Pitt Sunday.

Down the GAP to Meyersdale, We have hit the muddy trail, as those bikers go rolling along.
Lift your bike o'er that tree, duck your head and scrape your knees, as those bikers go rolling along.
For its "high, high, ho!"
On the old C&O,
Yell out those swear words loud and clear!
And where 'ere we go, you will always know, as those bikers go rolling along.

What is best way to reach amtrak station from gap . Catching train back west after riding in. Thanks

Amtrak station is a short walk or ride from mile 0. Just the other side of the tracks running through the center of Cumberland. Google says .6 miles for a car.

As you roll into Cumberland, the last street that you cross is Baltimore St. and then you transition to the C&O. Take Baltimore St. to the east (away from the river) until you cross the railroad tracks and the Amtrak station will be to your right. Turn right on Park St. to get there.

I was wondering if anyone has found a good route around the Catoctin Aqueduct project.

Anyone have more details about the mudslide on the GAP roughly near MP 100? We were diverted off the trail near Layton today by other cyclists who had reached the mudslide and turned back. They said the trail was impassable with no way way around the slide. There were very heavy rains in the area on Sunday night and early Monday morning. We took a detour on roads about 10-15 miles to go around the spot.

some peopls have slogged through it today, but now there is a slide around MP 121 that is no pasable so the section between Boston and Connellsvile is effectively impassable. we used Uber to shuttle from Boston to Connellsvile.

Has anyone been on recently from White's Ferry eastward towards Seneca Creek? I'm curious how the recent rains have affected the trail condition in that section as I'm considering a leisurely two-day bike/camp in that area. Also is camping allowed at the little overlook near Riley's Lock? There are fire rings and grills there but no signs about camping.

Hi, I was riding the C&O about 2 years ago and came to a bunch of “bridges” on the trail that were cement with railings that seemed like they were right over the river. It would go from the hard packed dirt/stones trail to the cement and back to the trail a few times. It was a great stretch for views of the river. I cant remember where these “bridges” were located but would love to visit again. Does anyone recognize what I am talking about and can tell me where they are located?

Thanks.

Forgot to mention, I was biking the trail in Western Maryland.

I believe that they were the bridges next to eacjh "lock" that were at various points on the C & O Canal trail.

Are you talking about the big Slackwater/McMahon’s Mill section of the trail? I don’t recall there being too many railings, but it is a stretch where you are riding right next to the river for a bit.

there is one bridge in hancock Maryland. Not too far from the C&O bike shop and parking areas. Not can't remember where the othe one is but I think it is quite a few miles down the path.

Does anyone know of some unique swimming holes or just interesting things to see along the way of the C&O canal?

The really interesting things are, in my opinion, towards Washington. Such things as Great Falls and the various Civil War towns along the way such as Harper's Ferry. Also there are a number of Civil War battlefields along the way. Check out the web site for the C & O Canal or google C & O Canal

Aquaducts ?

You can swim, canoeing, tubing and more at one stop on the C&O trail at the Brunswick Campground located on the trail. The best thing I like about this camp is that if you are hiking or circling the trail you can walk in and get a site for your tent and they have a nice worm shower. Enjoy!

I am planning to ride from Homestead to Confluence next week. We will be needing transportation from Confluence back to Homestead with our bikes. Is there any recommendations for a shuttle service. The shuttle service will be needed on Sunday.

try Larry @412.302.0468. He's a retired gentleman living near Confluence. i'll be using him next Monday.

Thanks for the information. Do you know his rate per mile?

no, but i have a call into him. the only other quote i got was $200. i will be shocked if he isn't cheaper. he was recommended by the folks at the bike shop in Confluence which i have been in twice before and they're very friendly and helpful.tree78

I did call him and he is 1 dollar per mile. That would be round trip. . I have him booked for Sunday. Thanks!

I am planning a bike ride from Connellsville to Cumberland this fall and was wandering if anyone knew if their is a place in Cumberland to drop off our vehicle to park from Friday to Sunday for our ride back ? Thanks

Free multi day parking under the I68 bridge at Canal Place. We parked there this past Monday and completed Passage on Friday. No problems. Parking lot is monitored and supposed to have cameras.

Is that the fenced in lot at the corner of Howard and Canal Street? I've parked there before on day trips but never overnight. Their is a sign at the entrance that says it's open 7am to 6pm mon-fri and violators will be towed. However there is a sign right under it that says Trail Usage Extended/Overnight Parking. Do you need to register your car somewhere or something? I would hate to go on a trip and come back to find my car had been towed!

We left our car there from 5/17-5/21 while riding from Pittsburgh back to Cumberland. We did not register anywhere. All was well while returned.

I have parked a few times at the Ramada for several days.I always cleared it with the front desk.

put in Cumberland Trail Connection 14 Howard st. in your GPS. park in the lot right there. just don't park on the row closest to the store. while all the construction is going on they're not collecting a fee.

Thanks for the advice on parking at Union, but that is cost prohibitive. How safe are the parking areas along the trail - Our truck would be there for a full week. Thank you

I've never parked overnight along the trail. It's secure enough during the day. The bigger concern might be whether your truck would get towed. I don't know what the Park Service policy is about week-long parking. There are cheaper parking lots near Union Station. You should check with Parking Panda. I'd think any indoor parking should be safe for a week's stay.

I don't know how this compares, cost-wise, but we are leaving our car in a parking garage in Arlington for 11 days for $151.00. I found it through SpotHero.

My husband and I are biking to Pittsburgh and wonder how safe it is to park at Reagan International and then bike to the path. Also, we will return via Amtrak - is there a better location for us to start at? I am concerned with exiting Airport on bikes - do I need to be?

National Airport parking is perfectly safe both for the car you leave there and for bike access. There are bike trails from the airport that connect to the C&O Canal. To get from Union Station to the airport upon your return, you'll have to ride on city streets for a couple of blocks to get to the National Mall where there are big gravel paths to the 14th Street Bridge. But why not park at Union Station at the beginning? It has a big elevated garage. I haven't compared the rates with those at the airport, but if you park there, you can walk your bikes to your car upon your return. It will save you a 40-minute ride to get your car.

My wife and finished the GAP/C&O last Oct in DC. We needed to rent a car at Reagan for our return trip, so we rode/walked a several blocks from mile marker 0 to a nearby Metro (Foggy Bottom/GWU) and rode the Metro to Reagan, very easy.

Thanks so much - we will check into parking at Amtrak tomorrow!

Planning a trip next week from Deal, PA to DC. Does anyone have any recent updates on the condition of the C&O. I will be heading east bound. Can you get around the fencing at the end of the PawPaw tunnel? Is the trail passable between MP 70 to 42? This would encompass between weverton & Huckleberry Hill Campsite, Mondcacy Aqueduct and Antietam Creek and Brunswick.

I spoke with the park service on 5/29/18 and they said the tunnel is open and will remain open for the next few weeks, but a bridge is out around MM51