Looking for a past route
- + 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 pac...
Discussion started 06/06/2018 03:04 PM by Patrick - 4 replies (last reply by zee at 06/09/2018 10:50 AM)Patrick from Westminster on 06/06/2018 03:04 PM
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.
Patrick from Westminster on 06/06/2018 03:14 PM
Forgot to mention, I was biking the trail in Western Maryland.
david gorman from hollidaysburg on 06/06/2018 03:46 PM
I believe that they were the bridges next to eacjh "lock" that were at various points on the C & O Canal trail.
Anonymous on 06/08/2018 06:58 AM
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.
zee from cumbrland md on 06/09/2018 10:50 AM
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?
Discussion started 06/06/2018 03:00 PM by Jb44 - 3 replies (last reply by Yvonne at 06/08/2018 05:15 PM)Jb44 on 06/06/2018 03:00 PM
Does anyone know of some unique swimming holes or just interesting things to see along the way of the C&O canal?
Anonymous on 06/06/2018 05:00 PM
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
Anonymous on 06/06/2018 07:17 PM
Aquaducts ?
Yvonne from DC on 06/08/2018 05:15 PM
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!
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- + 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. ...
Discussion started 06/02/2018 10:26 PM by Lynn - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/04/2018 10:03 PM)Lynn on 06/02/2018 10:26 PM
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.
rdw47 from richmond on 06/04/2018 09:58 AM
try Larry @412.302.0468. He's a retired gentleman living near Confluence. i'll be using him next Monday.
Anonymous on 06/04/2018 12:38 PM
Thanks for the information. Do you know his rate per mile?
Anonymous on 06/04/2018 07:11 PM
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
Anonymous on 06/04/2018 10:03 PM
I did call him and he is 1 dollar per mile. That would be round trip. . I have him booked for Sunday. Thanks!
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Cumberland
- + 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 ri...
Discussion started 10/05/2017 06:58 PM by bryan lindberg - 5 replies (last reply by rdw47 at 06/04/2018 01:00 PM)bryan lindberg from north irwin pa on 10/05/2017 06:58 PM
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
Rick from Grafton on 10/09/2017 03:28 PM
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.
tom roehl from washington dc on 06/03/2018 09:35 PM
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!
Donna from Portland on 06/04/2018 01:33 AM
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.
lenny on 06/04/2018 05:09 AM
I have parked a few times at the Ramada for several days.I always cleared it with the front desk.
rdw47 from richmond on 06/04/2018 01:00 PM
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.
Parking
- + 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
Discussion started 06/01/2018 06:49 AM by J. Williamson - 2 replies (last reply by JS at 06/02/2018 10:43 AM)J. Williamson from Lewes, DE on 06/01/2018 06:49 AM
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
Richard from Washington on 06/01/2018 08:47 AM
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.
JS from Florida on 06/02/2018 10:43 AM
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.
Parking
- + 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 s...
Discussion started 05/31/2018 03:24 PM by J. Williamson - 3 replies (last reply by J. Williamson at 05/31/2018 08:25 PM)J. Williamson from Lewes, DE on 05/31/2018 03:24 PM
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?
Richard from Washington D.C. on 05/31/2018 04:20 PM
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.
BWILLSON from DALLAS on 05/31/2018 05:24 PM
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.
J. Williamson from Lewes, DE on 05/31/2018 08:25 PM
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 ...
Discussion started 05/30/2018 05:00 PM by Rich - 1 reply (last reply by Bill at 05/31/2018 09:18 AM)Rich from Pittsburgh on 05/30/2018 05:00 PM
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.
Bill on 05/31/2018 09:18 AM
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
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Flood damage on towpath
- + Recent rains have damaged some areas of the C&O towpath. There are some closed stretches. I'll be leaving Pittsburgh this coming Thursday, and I'm not sure what to expect when I get into the Potomac b...
Discussion started 05/21/2018 11:42 AM by Chris Turner - 7 replies (last reply by Will at 05/29/2018 11:27 AM)Chris Turner from Carolina on 05/21/2018 11:42 AM
Recent rains have damaged some areas of the C&O towpath. There are some closed stretches. I'll be leaving Pittsburgh this coming Thursday, and I'm not sure what to expect when I get into the Potomac basin. Forging ahead anyway.
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/flood-event-information.htm
Clyde Rose from Beckley WV on 05/21/2018 04:04 PM
Good luck. I to am going to forge ahead since I have been planning this for six months.I am leaving Pitt one week later than you, still I expect rough conditions below Little Orleans.
Topuz from Frederick on 05/21/2018 07:14 PM
My husband and I will be leaving Pittsburgh as well on Thursday. I hope roads get better by then.
Chris Turner from Carolina, RI on 05/21/2018 08:16 PM
I made an inquiry with the Great Allegheny Passage
Trail Alliance about conditions from Pittsburgh to Cumberland and got the response that the GAP Trail "has no trail alerts from the recent storms, the trail surface is fine. "
Anonymous on 05/21/2018 09:41 PM
Glad to hear that all of you are going ahead. If it was easy it would not be the C&O Towpath and a great adventure. The weather just adds to the adventure.
Jeanne from Florida on 05/25/2018 05:33 AM
So glad to hear you are going ahead with your plans. Our trip begins in a couple of weeks and we don't want to cancel any of it. Please send updates when you can. Good luck and Happy Trails!
Jason Covington from Baltimore on 05/29/2018 09:53 AM
Is there a safe road route around Brunswick? Was planning to start the GAP/C&O in three weeks with my two and half year old son
Will from Al on 05/29/2018 11:27 AM
If you go to YouTube. Type in "ppp journeyonabike" he has great visual directions on how to get around Brunswick.
Mon Wharf Switchback
- + The missing link between Smithfield Street and Point State Park in Pittsburgh is almost complete! The ramp/connection should be completed sometime this summer.
The concrete has been poured on ...
Discussion started 05/27/2018 07:35 PM by John W. - 0 repliesJohn W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 05/27/2018 07:35 PM
The missing link between Smithfield Street and Point State Park in Pittsburgh is almost complete! The ramp/connection should be completed sometime this summer.
The concrete has been poured on the switchback and is curing as we speak. As you all know, you have to navigate busy downtown streets (and deal with poor signage) to get to Mile 0 at Point State Park. When completed, this will enable people to finish the GAP traffic free right along the Mon River. No more trying to figure out how to reach the park!
I saw it today on a local ride and it looks great...can't wait!
John
May 2018 GAP and C&O Trip Report
- + Sharing our trip report here: https://ttravel441155563.wordpress.com
We enjoyed the others we read and hope this helps to plan your trip!
Discussion started 05/18/2018 12:23 PM by JKT - 5 replies (last reply by JKT at 05/27/2018 04:45 PM)JKT from Tampa on 05/18/2018 12:23 PM
Sharing our trip report here: https://ttravel441155563.wordpress.com
We enjoyed the others we read and hope this helps to plan your trip!
Jeanne from Land O Lakes on 05/25/2018 05:49 AM
Thank you for sharing your trip. I had time to read one entry and appreciate all of it---your information, photos, and sense of humor. I'm saving the link to read later with my husband. We are scheduled to ride from Pittsburgh to DC in June. Hoping for drier conditions by then, but worried that the storm in the gulf might bring more rain to the area.
Anonymous on 05/25/2018 01:19 PM
Just found this link this AM. Planning to do the GAP from Pitts to Cumberland. Thanks for your trip sharing. I read the GAP portion and it was really nice.
Mr. Bill from Media, PA on 05/26/2018 08:32 AM
Excellent blog and exactly what I wanted to hear. The C&O Towpath looks a little soupy at this time but what the heck. I’m starting next week and it appears I’m staying at the same places that you did. I presume you were in the Garden Room at Hanna’s and that tub is right up my alley. Thanks for the laughs too. I love a little bit of whimsy.
TampaBiker on 05/26/2018 10:17 AM
JKT. Nice trip report. My wife and I went from Pitt to DC last June. We took pictures but I was she we would have made a blog with videos too.
I see you are from Tampa also. We couldn’t find any T-shirts for both the C&O and the GAP so my wife had a custom one made for each of us.
Several local Tampa Bay Area random people have commented to us they did the ride too.
JKT on 05/27/2018 04:45 PM
Best of luck with the weather (although you really can have a great experience even with a bit of rain!). Please share your trip observations. We found the ones we read extremely helpful in setting expectations and planning our time. -JKT
My June 2017 Pitt to DC video blog
- + Here’s my video blog of my ride on the GAP and C&O June 22-26, 2017.
http://bikingforachromatopsia.blogspot.com
Discussion started 05/26/2018 12:12 PM by JK - 0 repliesJK on 05/26/2018 12:12 PM
Here’s my video blog of my ride on the GAP and C&O June 22-26, 2017.
http://bikingforachromatopsia.blogspot.com
Brunswick, 2 guys I warned about a raccoon
- + Trying to get in contact about the 2 guys riding together that I stopped you on the Brunswick part of the trail on May tuesday 22 about the raccoon. I would like to meet up and ride with you guys as I...
Discussion started 05/23/2018 12:04 PM by Kirk - 0 repliesKirk from Brunswick on 05/23/2018 12:04 PM
Trying to get in contact about the 2 guys riding together that I stopped you on the Brunswick part of the trail on May tuesday 22 about the raccoon. I would like to meet up and ride with you guys as I'm sure we have the same interests. 267-671-6078
Meyersdale to Cumberland
- + How steep is the descent into Cumberland?. I am on a rental bike that is too big. (Don’t get many started in my disappointment with the bike shop that we rented from.) I having a great deal of difficu...
Discussion started 05/20/2018 09:30 PM by Donna - 4 replies (last reply by Richard at 05/22/2018 06:28 AM)Donna from Oregon on 05/20/2018 09:30 PM
How steep is the descent into Cumberland?. I am on a rental bike that is too big. (Don’t get many started in my disappointment with the bike shop that we rented from.) I having a great deal of difficulty braking safely because I can’t get my hands in the proper position to get enough leverage? We started our ride in Pittsburgh. It hasn’t been a problem while in the trail, but has freaked me out in a couple of the towns, including coming into Meyersdale today.
Additionally is there a bike shop in Frostburg or Meyersdale?
Richard from Washington on 05/21/2018 06:49 AM
The descent is gradual. The maximum grade on the trail is 3 degrees. You won't have to pedal. You might not even have to brake, but I can understand your anxiety. The only bike shops that I know of are in Cumberland. The trickiest part may be Big Savage Tunnel since it's dark, a mile long, and downhill. If you made it from Pittsburgh, you should be able to make it to Cumberland. To get into the town of Frostburg, you have to get off the trail and go up a steep hill, but it's only two blocks long, so you can walk it.
Donna from Oregon on 05/21/2018 08:33 AM
Thank you so much for responding. The information you shared was very helpful.
Anonymous on 05/21/2018 09:36 PM
The Big Savage Tunnel has lights in it, 3/4 mile long and level. With that said...a bicycle light does help.
Richard from Washington on 05/22/2018 06:28 AM
The trouble is that if you use a bicycle light, you blind those who are coming toward you. They lose their night vision and can't see for several minutes after you pass.
Pittsburg-DC
- + We are planning a 6 day trip from Pittsburg to Dc. When should we start our trip on the memorial weekend to experience less rain? We were debating Thursday or Friday.
Discussion started 05/21/2018 11:01 AM by Topuz - 0 repliesTopuz from Frederick on 05/21/2018 11:01 AM
We are planning a 6 day trip from Pittsburg to Dc. When should we start our trip on the memorial weekend to experience less rain? We were debating Thursday or Friday.
Amtrak bike. Policy
- + Does Amtsrak have a roll on bike policy for stops between Cumberland and Connellsville.
Discussion started 05/20/2018 02:07 PM by Jkh - 1 reply (last reply by Roadrider at 05/20/2018 03:20 PM)Jkh from Evansville ins. on 05/20/2018 02:07 PM
Does Amtsrak have a roll on bike policy for stops between Cumberland and Connellsville.
Roadrider on 05/20/2018 03:20 PM
Yes, Amtrak has roll on/roll off bike service at Cumberland and Connellsville. There are no stops between those stations. Fee is $20 for bike when making reservation. The difficult to use Amtrak website has all the information once you navigate through many pages.
- + Still trying to decide whether to take my less comfortable Bianchi with 32mm tires and fenders or a beloved Airporne with 25 mm tires and no fenders. Looks like some rain is possible for our Pittsburg...
Discussion started 05/19/2018 04:45 PM by gary - 1 reply (last reply by Charlie at 05/20/2018 08:41 AM)gary from bath,oh on 05/19/2018 04:45 PM
Still trying to decide whether to take my less comfortable Bianchi with 32mm tires and fenders or a beloved Airporne with 25 mm tires and no fenders. Looks like some rain is possible for our Pittsburgh to Cumberland ride beginning May 21. Advice?
Charlie from Manassas on 05/20/2018 08:41 AM
With the amount of rain we have been getting, I’d go with the 32’s and fenders.
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Tires
- + I am just passing through western Pa and thought about a quick ride from Connellsville to Ohiopyle and back. My bike I will be transporting is a road bike with 700/25 tires. Will these be OK on this p...
Discussion started 05/16/2018 11:48 AM by Boilernagy - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/19/2018 09:49 AM)Boilernagy from Lafayette on 05/16/2018 11:48 AM
I am just passing through western Pa and thought about a quick ride from Connellsville to Ohiopyle and back. My bike I will be transporting is a road bike with 700/25 tires. Will these be OK on this part of the trail?
Richard from Washington on 05/16/2018 12:50 PM
It should be okay unless all the rain has made a mess of things. The GAP is gravel. I have noticed the fine gravel tends to coat the chain and gears, and I've wondered if it causes wear and tear, but you're not going that far.
Anonymous on 05/19/2018 09:49 AM
Agree. 25s will be fine for that section of the GAP.
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Tires
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Jefferson County remains on flood watch
- + "...Flooding is expected at the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp, with significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath under water.
The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry is ...
Discussion started 05/19/2018 08:12 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 05/19/2018 08:12 AM
"...Flooding is expected at the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp, with significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath under water.
The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry is expected to crest at 18.4 feet on Sunday morning, the release states.
..."
Full article: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/west_virginia/jefferson-county-remains-on-flood-watch-through-saturday/article_e01f96d2-5aa7-11e8-97f5-7f45a2b73247.html
Riverfront camps shut down in face of Potomac Rvr
- + Riverfront camps shut down in face of Potomac River flood
The Brunswick Family Campground is among the Potomac riverfront recreation sites that have have been evacuated in the face of rising wa...
Discussion started 05/19/2018 08:08 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 05/19/2018 08:08 AM
Riverfront camps shut down in face of Potomac River flood
The Brunswick Family Campground is among the Potomac riverfront recreation sites that have have been evacuated in the face of rising waters.
Full article: https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/frederick-county/riverfront-camps-shut-down-in-face-of-potomac-river-flood/65-554572378
Big Bang Bike Shop
- + The Big Bang Bike Shop is no longer in operation as of the Spring of 2018.
Discussion started 05/19/2018 05:35 AM by Rivnuts - 0 repliesRivnuts from Homestead on 05/19/2018 05:35 AM
The Big Bang Bike Shop is no longer in operation as of the Spring of 2018.
- + Just got off trail at 530 between mile marker70 to 55 and it was very challagingreal bad conditions glad we made it too Brunswick ending our trip 55 miles short of finishing will come back when trail ...
Discussion started 05/18/2018 10:16 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 05/18/2018 10:16 PM
Just got off trail at 530 between mile marker70 to 55 and it was very challagingreal bad conditions glad we made it too Brunswick ending our trip 55 miles short of finishing will come back when trail is fixed