C&O / GAP Forum

Hi all, I’ll be cycling from Arlington/DC on 15 April. Obviously it isn’t clear yet what the conditions will be but I’m leaning to using the Washington and Old dominion to Leesburg and then travelling across country to Brunswick to pick up the C & O. Interested to hear views. This is the beginning of a transamerica for me so I’d like to have a smooth and manageable start.

That sounds like a great adventure. I am not a big fan of the W&OD trail. It's asphalt and fast but boring. Although there are some nice spots on it, the trail goes through the suburbs. It's a strip of green, and power lines, with houses on both sides. The best part of it is from Leesburg to Purcellville. The C&O Canal out of Georgetown, on the other hand, has views of the Potomac on one side and woods and rock cliffs on the other. It's macadam and slower of course, but at least you get to see Great Falls, which is better than any sight on the W&OD. The stretch of the canal from Georgetown to Seneca is the best-maintained too. If you do take the W&OD to Leesburg, you can get onto the C&O at White's Ferry. It's about one mile on Highway 15. The road carries high speed traffic, but it has a wide shoulder for a bike. The ferry is $3 for a bike, and the crossing only takes a few minutes. Leesburg is a quaint old-Virginia town, but if you are crossing the U.S., I doubt you'll want to tarry there at the beginning of the trip.

Thank you Richard. I’ll keep an eye on the weather and trail conditions before making my final decision-seeing the falls would be nice but I don’t want to be bogged down in the infamous mud! If it’s wet! I ran the numbers through the route planner and the ferry would be nice and i have jotted down a further option of going cross country to Harper’s ferry to join the c and o.

Next question- what is the situation with cash v card on the various trail services ie groceries, accommodation and restaurants/cafes? I’m assuming that most places take cards as I can’t see many options to get cash although I assume the larger towns will have an atm. I’ve travelled in the USA before and have cards that work although I mostly use Apple Pay at home these days.

The C&O Canal from Georgetown to Seneca won't be muddy. Maintenance is good on that stretch. The problems are farther up. You are braver than I am about riding on backgrounds without shoulders. I always imagine a drunk in a pickup truck coming over a hill behind me and not seeing me on a bike until he plows into me.
Everyone takes Visa and Mastercard. Some merchants don't like American Express because the fee is higher. Apple Pay will only work at supermarkets and bigger stores. I've never seen anyone use it at a restaurant.

Ok
You can avoid the washout at mm52 before Brunswick by using the WOD past Leesburg to almost Purcellville. Look at google maps. Take Rt 287 and go north to Brunswick past the washout on the C&O. Then run the C&O to Cumberland. If the washout isn't fixed by the next time I go to Pittsbrgh in September. That is what Im thinking of doing.
Willy

Thanks Willy, I was thinking of staying in Hillsboro (just south of Purcellville) if I do that route and taking the country route parallel to 287. I think I want to avoid washouts etc on day one as I get myself sorted out for the longer trip. Funnily enough I am 50:50 between suburbia and scenic charm- suburbia has its benefits aka bakeries etc!

Rode the gap last year and I am going to do the C and O this year. Last year I heard the C and O was in bad shape. Has it been repaired? Obviously spring flooding and storms are still coming.

Also what is the scenery like from Harpers Ferry to DC I was contemplating stopping at Harpers Ferry if the scenery and such was average.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

I have had many good meals at this restaurant. However, they need to take a serious look at some of their serving staff. If you come during the overnight and ask the waitress (Barb) for some fresh coffee, forget it. As a matter of fact, forget about any friendly hellos.

This morning I was in at 5:00 A.M. and the waitress had some dismal show on about murder. I asked if she could put the news on or the weather channel. (She ignored me.) I asked her at least 5 times, and she ignored me. She even went into the kitchen for five minutes with the show still blasting mayhem. Finally, I said something when I went to pay my bill and she started yelling, "You shouldn't complain so much." I said that I think the TV's should be for the customers. I then tipped the cook and left.

That place is very terrible food and service. The Place should be condemned as its really nasty and the owners obviously don't put any money in the place. The employees are bottom of the barrel and uneducated. The place should be demolished.

I've always found the food and staff at Weaver's Restaurant in Hancock to be quite good although I doubt they are open during the night. The pies are very good.

Wow. Now I'm curious to go see.

Weavers is great.

We ate dinner at Buddy Lou’s last trip there. I was very impressed with the food and service. I would 100% go there again.

I’ve eaten at Weaver’s also and have enjoyed it.

Also, if you need something quick, Sheetz Is a good stop. Yes it’s a convenience store but not like others. They have a real kitchen with a ton of things you can order. Touch screen ordering, pay for all of your stuff, and then wait for your order to be called. You can eat inside or take it with you. Sometimes I grab breakfast sandwiches here when we’re pressed for time or grad a sub to take to camp or hotel room.

Im a 44 yr masculine gay guy looking for another LGBTQ person(s) looking to bike with. I don't do it for the endurance but for the peace and scenery. Give me your thoughts and lets start riding our way to a new friendship.

I’m just starting to research a ride for this summer. I’m interested in doing Pittsburgh to Cumberland and back. I have a mountain bike, but I prefer my road bike. Is it possible to ride this on a road bike? I’ve done Pittsburgh to Weirton and back on the Panhandle with a road bike without issue. Any advice would be appreciated! Looks like a beautiful ride.

Unless there were a monsoon prior to or during your ride, you should have no problem riding a road bike from Pgh to Cumberland and back. I'd recommend 28mm or 32mm tires in lieu of 25mm or smaller. The GAP is generally smoother than some sections of the Panhandle especially the first 2 or 3 miles out of Walker's Mill where there is a fair amount of gravel. That said, the portion of the Panhandle in Washington County is virtually all paved which makes a road bike easy for that trail.

Road bike is ok on the GAP. If fairly dry.

I'd recommend a hybrid type. But I'm pretty sure you can do the entire thing on a road bike without a problem, especially if the towpath is dry.

Has this bridge on the Path been repaired yet,ty

The National Park Service C&O Canal web site at:

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

indicates the towpath is still closed there and the temporary bridge which had been planned at that location has not proceeded.

You may want to look at the detour described at:

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

Perhaps there is some more current local knowledge that someone can provide

Looking for advice/suggestions on best campsites around Williamsport. Something a little more upscale than primitive would be nice and within an easy distance to cafes,bars,food,etc. Thanks in advance.

I've not camped in or about Williamsburg but I can recommend the Elmwood Farm Bed and Breakfast there. A nice remodeling of the old farmhouse there made for an enjoyable stay. The adjoining alpaca farm was also unique. Unfortunately it is a little far off the trail, albeit rideable. There are no shops or restaurants nearby but the owners were very accommodating in transporting us to a local restaurant for dinner.

Hi, my friend and I have been wanting to ride the C&O from DC to Cumberland for a while, and it seems like mid-March 2019 is the best time for our schedules. Does anyone have experience or advice for this time of year (even if the advice is "don't do it!").

We had hoped to camp, but the more I read the more that seems like a bad idea, between the freezing cold (would have to lug tons of gear) and the water pumps being shut off til April. So we're fine with finding lodging, but I'm wondering what to expect for trail conditions? For example, I know in the summer the tree cover and river keep the trail shaded and cool -- are these trees all bare in winter and letting sunlight in, or should we expect trail temps to be even colder than the forecasted temperatures? It seems like the temps range from 40s-60s during the day and only a little chance of rain, so I'm hoping the silver lining might be that we can avoid the numerous trail washouts. Is the scenery still worth seeing at the end of winter? Any other obvious reasons why I can't find a single report by someone who's done the trail in March? :)

Thank you for any insights you all can share!

Most trips are taken from May to October. Depends how wet the winter was and if it gets time to dry out when the warmer weather finally arrives if a March trip is in the cards. It's a crap shoot really.

Last year may have been the worst I've ever seen it with regards to rain during the summer. So many people cancelled trips. Hopefully it's a one off.

It's probably gonna be cold and wet in March but you never know if it will get warm or not. I wouldn't go at this time personally as it could still be in the 30-40-50's if a late system comes through.

It can be done...hey people get muddy and wet in the heart of summer...but getting muddy and wet in March could be dangerous especially if you have a mechanical or physical breakdown and get struck in some of the more remote areas. I would just say proceed with caution and be prepared for anything.

John

Muddy, wet, soggy and partly snow covered between Cumberland and Spring Gap, March 10, 2019.

I'll be riding Cumberland to D.C. April 18-21. Sharpsburg is about my halfway point and I've stayed at the Antietam Creek Campground before and remember seeing some advertisements for Battle of Antietam tours. Has anyone done these and are there other fun/cheap attractions nearby I could occupy myself with? I recently became fascinated anything Civil War and thought it'd be cool to loop something like this into my trip if there is time. What about other cool attractions along the way? Definitely planning a lunch stop in Harper's Ferry my third day.

It's worth a short stop at Ft. Frederick. White's Ferry is rather unique although there's not much on the other side of the river if you take the ferry unless you want to ride on up to Leesburg. Shepherdstown is worth visiting if for no more than to get and ice cream cone. Check out the quaint coffee house in an old church in Brunswick. The falls at Great Falls is worth a peek also.

Siblings and I are biking the C & O/GAP trail in early June 2019 with a support vehicle. We can't decide which direction is best. Pittsburgh to Washington or visa versa.

Most people agree that travelling Eastbound from Pittsburgh to DC is a bit easier. The starting point at Pittsburgh is at elevation 710, and the elevation at DC is near 0, so just from that you have a net decrease in elevation of around 710 ft. Another huge advantage is the fact that the 16 mile segment between Frostburg MD and Cumberland MD drops about 1900 ft. making it a very easy trip down the mountain, as opposed to a tough uphill pedal if you start at DC. If you don't want to pedal uphill to Frostburg, there is a very interesting scenic railroad that follows the bike path between Cumberland & Frostburg that allows you to load your bikes onto the train and sit back and enjoy the fantastic view. In either direction though, it's a great trip that's not real difficult. (Unless the year happens to be 2018 and rains every day turning the C & O into a quagmire)

Both directions are great!

My opinion is that I like to go Pittsburgh to DC. I live in Pittsburgh so it's kind of anti-climactic to arrive at something I'm familiar with...DC is somewhere I'm not from so it's kind of exciting to arrive there and see the buzz of the city and all of the sights.

The uphill on the GAP from Pittsburgh to the Continental Divide is barely noticeable. Then you are rewarded with 24 miles of downhill bliss at 1-2% grade to Cumberland. The C&O Canal from Cumberland to DC is very flat except for the locks where you get these little plunges down a few feet. Not much but at least you aren't going up them.

Others like the opposite direction because although they have to grind up the continental divide for 24 miles (really, it's not too bad though), they feel the gradual downhill over 124 miles to Pittsburgh was worth the sacrifice and they expend less effort.

Not sure if wind is any factor. Both trails meander in so many directions along different rivers and you are covered by trees in many places it kind of renders that subject meaningless.

It's a great debate that always brings up many different answers.

Happy Riding!

The earlier commenters have provided good discussion of the pros and cons of travelling the GAP/C&O in each of the directions. I'll add a couple more observations. The weather could be something to consider if your itinerary is flexible given your use of a support vehicle. The C&O, especially the northern end from Little Orleans to Cumberland, can be a challenge and certainly less enjoyable following heavy rains as it can be quite muddy. So if there is rain in the forecast during the week, adjusting your schedule to travel that section on and after dry days would be more enjoyable. If there is rain in the forecast for the first day of your trip, starting in Pittsburgh is easier since the first 20 miles leaving the city is paved. The GAP trail beyond the pavement takes the rain much better than the C&O.

On an unrelated issue. I think you'll find the trip more enjoyable if you spend a little time before the trip studying the histories of the two trails (GAP and C&O) and the sites/towns along the way.

I have done it both ways. I prefer the DC to Pitt. The 24 mile grind from Cumberland was easier then the constant uphill for 120 miles . Get it done and your done.

But, riding into DC is nice.

I will see you all in July for my next trip. Always a fun adventure. Must be better then 2018.


Gary

I have done the route both ways several times. Since you live in Iowa I strongly suggest you got DC to Pittsburgh. You are 5 hrs closer to home. Also the C&O is a less friendly surface to ride, you get the hard part done first. You only climb 650 from DC to Cumberland. The 23 mile climb out Cumberland is a easy 1 1/2 % grade. And a climb of 1200 ft. Then you have a fairly smooth down hill to Pittsburgh at 670 ft. DC to Pittsburgh is my favorite way because you have an easy ride at the end.
Both ways work.

I floated this out there on Facebook and seemingly opened up a proverbial can of worms, but does anyone have any experience/advice for trying the entire GAP in one day. I may attempt it in summer 2019 if I can get the fitness. I'd be okay with delaying it a year if need be. The mid life crisis will still be there.
Thank you for any and all advice! Kevin

Kevin--I have the experience, and my advice would be... DO IT. I have done it in both directions, as well as part of a nonstop venture from Pittsburgh to DC. Was 55 years old at the time.
Please everyone, let's not debate the merits of "why would you do that...You'll miss all the scenery". I agree - - you will miss a lot of sights. But that is not the question that was asked.
It is very doable if you're in decent shape. You need not carry a lot of supplies. With proper planning, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to refuel, etc. I carried only a hydration backpack and two waterbottles. Food was stored in the backpack.
I rode it on a hard tail with a smoother tire, because... That's what I have. Your speed will probably only be about 2 mph slower than it would be on the road with the same bike.
If I had to choose the direction... I'd go from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. Yes the 24ish miles to begin the ride will be 20-30% slower than the rest of the ride. But, it's out of the way in the beginning. I found the 60+ mile grind coming the other way from Connellsville to the Eastern continental divide to be a grind.
If you choose to do this mid summer, you should be able to finish before dark. But if you find the need to be riding at night, a small headlamp like ultra runners use is adequate. I added a small handheld flashlight when I went from Pittsburgh to DC thru the night.
If you have any specific questions... Please ask and I'll try to respond.
More advice... Go back another time and explore the things you've missed. There is a lot to see.

I know a couple that did Pgh to DC on a tandem in 24 hours. Or that was their goal at least. I think they were late by a few minutes. They had support, meeting up with their sag crew at designated spots.

Just the GAP alone is a very doable goal for most able bodied people. That is, if it is preceded by months of high mileage training. But if you're asking the question, it probably means you aren't ready... yet. You may even already have the endurance but what about neck or back issues? Saddle sores, nerve numbness in the hands, etc?

But yeah totally doable! Build up to some high mileage days and you'll know if it's for you. I could probably swing it but have neck issues that make it not worth the aggravation. I can have just as much fun putting in 60 miles at slightly too fast a pace while fully loaded. That's how i'm handling my midlife crisis.

One day to ride the GAP is a reasonable challenge. I would suggest Pittsburgh to Cumberland the last 23 miles is a easy down hill.
Ride on!

I just bought an Amtrak ticket to ride D.C. up to Cumberland with my bike and gear and plan to ride the length of C&O back to Union station over three or four days (starting April 17). I have a couple questions:

1) Does anyone know if the boarding process at Union station is the same for those rolling on a bicycle? I can't envision just strolling through to the terminal with all my gear but maybe that's the only way.

2) It seems the trail is closed at Brunswick Family Campground and there are some local services offering shuttles around the closure. Are there any other options? Any timeline for completing the repairs?

3) Does NPS advertise exactly when the water pumps will be turned on and porta-potties maintained? Website currently says mid-April but it'd be helpful to know if I need to bring my water filter and/or extra TP.

1. Yes just as you described...you will be walking through the terminal with your bikes and gear. Don’t worry lots of people do this. Also when you are waiting in the terminal to get called for boarding, those with bikes will be separated off to the side. You will line up with your bikes and be called to the car where your bikes go and then take your seat anywhere on the train after docking. All of the cyclists will walk their bikes to a specific train car before the rest board the train.

2. I just posted an update about the washout, scroll down through the forums for Brunswick Culvert Washout. In short, it will not be repaired in time for your trip.

3. NPS will probably have a more specific date as April approaches. Might have to do with weather or if we have a warm spring. Keep checking their site. There should be adequate opportunities to purchase water in town but I totally understand the uncertainty of the pumps and bringing a filter.

Stay on the lookout for the "spring " 2019 closure of the Paw Paw tunnel to continue its reconstruction as per the NPS C&O Towpath website.

Hopefully they won't close it till after memorial day.

Does anyone have any information on any progress in the construction of the temporary bridge or bypass at the Brunswick Culvert washout around mile 54. The NPS site does not indicate that the temporary bridge has been completed even though it was started last summer.
Also, is big slackwater portion of the trail still closed.
Sure wish NPS would update their site a little more often.

I was wondering the same thing. I plan on leaving Pittsburgh on May 10 riding to D.C.

Looks like attempts were made to provide a temp bypass but those got washed out again. I would assume it will be out until they say is fixed on their site or twitter feed. The shuttles are the following:
Shepherdstown Pedal and Paddle, (304)-876-3000
River and Trail Outfitters, (301) 834-9950

You can try and traverse the creek yourself but proceed with caution. If the water is high (and you won’t know till you get there), I would not attempt to cross but you would then have to backtrack back to the pickup points for a shuttle. We had to take all of our bags off the bikes, carry the bikes over the creek, then go back across the creek to collect our bags back over then reassemble. Also know the rocks are really slippery! It was work to get everything across but we made it. We lucked out because it was relatively dry compared to the rest of the season.

I didn’t attempt this but people are adamant about not going up to the railroad tracks and crossing there. Apparently the trains come thick and fast and there’s not a lot of spare room up there on the sides near the rails. Apparently the nearby roads that constitute a “detour” is very dangerous with little sight distance, little or no shoulders, and fast car traffic.

I agree that they should be more forthcoming with news!

How safe is it for a single rider arriving at midnite in Pittsburgh at the train station to get to a hotel? I am planning to take Amtrak from DC early June 2019 and doing a unsupported ride back to DC.

The train station borders downtown Pgh and an area known as the "strip district". The Strip District is an old location where fresh produce would come in by train and be made available to local merchants. "Strip" does not refer to the generally popular connotation. The Strip still has it's fruit stores and cheese shops, but it's also more geared to restaurants, hotels and entertainment. Very safe during daylight hours. The old original "Primanti's" is also located in the Strip and is open 24/7 if want to ride down Smallman St. about 6 blocks or so.
The area around the train station is also near the bus station and can get a little shaky after 10 or 11 pm, but not really what I would call a dangerous area. As always, just be alert to whats going on around you. The area is generally well lit and well patrolled by the police. Also, there are several nice hotels within 3 block of the train station: Homewood Suites ($116), Hampton Inn ($118), and Marriot ($111) so you won't be on the street very long - 2 minute bike ride at best. I also am planning a C&O/GAP bike ride in late spring. Going from DC to Pgh though. Hoping for better weather as I cancel twice last spring/summer. Good luck to you.

I did this same exact ride your looking to do. Drury Hotel was bike perfect and close to station. Enjoy.

I walked at midnight from the Amtrak station to a hotel that was further away than the three hotels mentioned above. You have the option of walking your bike on the city sidewalks if you are not equipped and experienced with night riding.

I have done the opposite (leaving early in the morning) after riding from DC to Pittsburgh. The William Penn has really good deals on Priceline, and is a 1/4 mile from the train station. Downtown hotels can be pricy though.

Good luck on your ride!

I've arrived back in Pgh at midnight and proceeded to ride to my home some 9 miles out of the city along the trail. The city was nearly deserted with very little traffic although I chose to ride on the sidewalks for the few blocks downtown to pick up the trail.

Hi. Can anyone recommend a bike rental place near Point of Rocks, MD?? We are only there visiting for a couple of days, but would like to ride part of the C&O canal. We will be staying north of Leesburg and the only place I was able to find was in Ashburn. Thank you!

We are planning to ride from Connellsville to Pittsburgh, take the train to DC and ride back to Connellsville in late May/early June. We have 2.2 inch tires and Amtrak states that the maximum tire width can only be 2 inches (no fat bikes). How strict is this rule? Will we have a problem or can we deflate the tires if necessary? Also, we have to get the train very early morning in Pittsburgh and are staying at the Hampton Inn close to the station. How safe is this area at 4:00 am?

Thanks for any advice!

Your tires will be fine, no worries since they’re not fat bikes. You could always deflate if it came to it but I’ve not heard of anyone having to do so. But it’s not that strict.

I would exercise the same caution you would use in any mid-size or major city at that hour. Once in the station,though, there should be other travelers inside.

Happy Riding!

Can anyone inform me as to the current(ish) conditions on the GAP? Is there snow on parts of the GAP or have rains come through. Continuing through from the C&O to Pittsburgh.
Thank you for any info!!

I cannot comment on the higher elevations near Big Savage Tunnel (isn't this closed for winter?) the northern half of the GAP (say Connellsville to Pittsburgh) should be a little wet but fine. Most, if not all, of the snow has melted.

hi,

looking for a list of casual cyclist campgrounds on the GAP for a ride im planning this summer, starting Pittsburgh. Trying to avoid the big KOA style or motorhome camgrounds, if possible. Looks like the GAP doesnt have as many as the C&O so i think i need to plan more carefully. Thanks

Here's the free ones. If I could give any suggestion to the stewards of the GAP I would say please put one around Mile 35-40, only paid campgrounds exist there:

Mile 89 Connellsville Adirondack Shelters (I think you can pitch a tent around them if these are full)
Mile 99 Roundbottom Primitive Campground
Mile 110 Cedar Creek Park Primitive Campground
Mile 122 Dravo's Landing Primitive Campground

Any cyclist camping options in this area?

Try Festival Park Campground. Seems to be liked by riders though I have not personally stayed there.