C&O / GAP Forum

Is there a computer expert that is also a bike rider that would be willing to create a search engine for this site? The same questions get repeated over and over again and it would be great though see all the answers.

About a year ago I had a friend who wrote a program to download every comment comment from that a forum and then I was able to search for “tires”.

But there must be an easy way or there is a way to search this forum and I cannot fogire our how to do it.

Thank you for asking!

I actually have Google's search built into a different website that I run (for the Katy Trail - http://www.bikekatytrail.com/search.aspx), and I'm not sure why I never added that search feature to the C&O/GAP site.

Give me a day or two, and I'll get Google Search added in, and will post something here when it's ready.

Thanks for the great suggestion.

This would be a great idea. Looking forward to it Ray! Best wishes.

Search feature added to website: you'll now notice a "Search" link in the top menu (just under the map above), plus in the links across the bottom of each page.

Thanks again for the suggestion! Happy trails!

Wow. Thanks a million. I really was just venting frustration and did not think you would (or could) do it. Fantastic. This is such a valuable realirce for anyone making the trip.

or you can use duckduckgo.com instead of google (no tracking) javascript:Qr=prompt('Search%20Site%20for','');if(Qr)location.href='http://www.duckduckgo.com/?&q=site:'+encodeURIComponent(window.location.hostname)+'+'+escape(Qr)

Thank you for the suggestion - I will experiment with duckduckgo and will add it as a second option on the search page if it seems to work well.

Hello All

Ok for starters I'm definitely not a cycling expert. I just got into it this year and have been taking rides of 20-30 miles.

My question is what type of bike I need for the C&O trail? I currently have a 2018 Giant Escape 2 Hybrid bicycle. It's great for the paths (sligo creek and capital crescent) but do I need something more durable for this trip? Something more like a trail bike or mountain bike?

Reviews seem to suggest a hybrid bike would be ok, but I just want to make sure I'm not being crazy given my amateur status. I'm looking at doing the C&O ride in October.

All comments welcome. Thanks.

I believe that a hybrid bike would be fine but would want to make sure that your tires will be able to handle the trail on the C & O Trail, especially with the weather that we have been having. Something better than the normal "street" tires that may be on your bike.

I agree. It's the tires and not the bike. Conventional hybrid tires might be too thin for the mud and rocks. I'd suggest taking it out to Seneca and riding to White's Ferry as a test. That's about 20 miles roundtrip and is muddy for weeks after the last rain.

Hey y'all! If anyone is needing a shuttle to either get around the closure in Brunswick, get through the mud south of Williamsport, or just get anywhere on the GAP or C&O...call Greg from 2 Wheel Escapes! We just used him on the C&O and he was friendly, had an awesome set up with a huge enclosed trailer for bikes and gear, and his prices we're significantly cheaper than all other shuttles we contacted. Greg's number is 240-674-7626. We were so thankful to find his flyer at the Desert Rose in Williamsport. He even brought a car seat for our toddler!!

i am arriving on amtrak from DC at midnight. any recommendations for hotels, close to amtrak and not far from beginning of GAP?

The Westin or the Drury are closest to Amtrak and easy ride to Three Rivers heritage trail which takes you to start of GAP. I stayed at Cambria on my ride last year. They were very accommodating and reasonably priced thru priceline.

We stayed at the Omni William Penn which was really nice and happened to be not too expensive the day we were there. It was probably a 5 minutes ride from the Pittsburgh station.

Thanks for all the information. also, i will be able to park a car at the Heaven Bicycle Museum for $10 day, best rate in Pittsburgh, guarded lot. speak with Craig the owner.

Hi, I am planning to ride the C&O trail next weekend, and I wander if the trail is disable. Does anyone knows how bad the C&O trail from Cumberland to DC I now? Also is the trail from Harpers Ferry to Brunswick open? Thanks

Hi Ivey, I’m planning to ride this section on Monday, I too am also interested in these conditions.

I was told that one can cross the Catoctin Aquaduct (which is closed) heading West from Lander, by taking a very short jaunt on the adjacent train bridge. Is that true? Safe enough?

I just find shed riding down from Pittsburgh to DC yesterday. I posted a comment several days ago. Here is a complete synopsis of trouble spots. This obviously omits any new trouble areas associated with last night’s storm,

The Gap itself was fine last weekend - no issues whatsoever.

Cumberland to PawPaw is basically fine. Some mud in spots but easily rideable. Note: this stretch is very rustic from Cumberland through Hancock; make sure you have enough food to care for yourself,

Hancock. Get off the trail as soon as possible about 10 mikes north and take paved Western Maryland Trail. The towpath is not passible during this stretch. The county paved trail also goes 10 miles south of Hancock.

Williamsport: you will be detoured off the trail due to trail construction. I followed the advice of some other riders and road the state roads into Sharpsburg. The shoulder is very wide and the hills are rollling (i.e., not too hilly). While bypassing Antietam ( It is worth touring if you have the time), I did stop at Nutters Ice Cream in downtown Sharpsburg - do it, it’s great!

At Sharpsburg, you can pick up the trail again, and it was a little muddy in spots but fine enough into Harper’s Ferry. If you do not mind the rolling hills, you also can stay on Harper’s Ferry Road to about 1/2 mile before transferring onto the trail.

The trail from Brunswick to Point of Rocks is apparently still not passable, I am guessing things are even worse after last night’s storms. There are really no good work-arounds yet, I knew one group of riders who detoured down to Leesburg to catch the paved W&O trail back into DC (I think this adds another 15 or so miles). Others like me paid to get shuttled to Point of Rocks. If you have very strong legs, you also can ride very hilly roads from Harpers Ferry to Point of Rocks (check RidewithGPS for a cue sheet).

The rest of the Towpath is relatively fine and very rideable.

Happy spinning!

Currently in Hancock. I left DC on Friday, and foolishly decided to take “country” roads to get around the closure between point of rocks and Brunswick. I ended up on a 50mph hilly road with no shoulders and often no bailout option. I had a tractor trailer pass me at full speed with inches to spare. Definitely one of the scarier/stupider things I’ve done in my life. I’d strongly advise not repeating my mistake. The NPS website has phone numbers for shuttle services. Wish it had a warning about not biking around the closure.

How do I get to the Antietam Trail from the C&O Canal to avoid Williamsport? Or is there any other easier way to reach Shepardstown or Harppers Ferry? Thanks.

Just wondering if a July journey along GAP and C&O is safe for a single woman camping? Are campgrounds usually available without reservations for cyclists? Will there be other people around or is it going to be lonely? Thanks!!!

The GAP will feel more comfortable to a lone rider. It has heavier traffic. You might try to tie up with other riders that are the same speed. The C&O path is pretty overgrown and bumpy in places, meaning it doesn't carry as much traffic. I take lots of day-rides along the Harpers Ferry to DC section. The campgrounds always seem to have enough people to be safe at night. Still, it wouldn't hurt man or woman to ride with a companion whether it's someone you started out with or met on the ride. As with any similar trip, if something makes you feel uncomfortable, get off the trail and find somewhere else to spend the night.

I am able to let you stay at my house along the trail if you will be going through West Newton. Also a single woman. I do have friendly dogs. Also there is a bed and breakfast there and a camp cheap campspot at Yough outfitters which is safe on the riverbank.

On the C&O some of the lock houses are available for rent for a nominal fee.

Last July I hiked the C&O alone and it was great. I stayed on the free overnight campsites along the trail without any problem. Then I meet a man who asked if he could hike with me and I said yes and it was fine too. I am planning to bike the trail this July if you are interested in coming along you are welcome.

Thank you for the feedback. It sounds like it will be a lovely journey.

I am going to cycle the whole path from Cumberland to DC this weekend. Feel free to text and join me if you are going as well now, 415 994 7620

I’m planning to ride from Cumberland to DC on Monday the 25th June. If anybody is interested to come along. Maybe one night stay in a hostel or hotel along the way. Happily Married male 50 from Australia.

It is a long way off but I plan on riding from Pitts to DC last of August or Sept. Plans are uncertain as of now. happy biking

There is now a really nice bed and breakfast in Smithton. Adele's Bed and Breakfast. Check them out on Facebook - Address is 139 First Street

Im going to biking DC to Pittsburgh starting july 7th, and am a little worried about all the detours and problems. Wondering if anyone has any updates. Also wondering if anyone else is heading out in that direction at the same time? wouldn't mind biking with other poeple

Is this campground open or is it closed due to the enormous amount of rain we had in the past months? Thanks

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.