PIttsburgh airport to GAP route
- + Is there an easy/safe route by bicycle to get from the airport to the GAP? We have a rental car to turn in once in Pittsburgh and thought it may be easier to start our journey from the airport instead...
Discussion started 08/15/2017 07:41 AM by Stephen - 9 replies (last reply by Henry at 09/07/2017 11:59 PM)Stephen from Jamestown,NC on 08/15/2017 07:41 AM
Is there an easy/safe route by bicycle to get from the airport to the GAP? We have a rental car to turn in once in Pittsburgh and thought it may be easier to start our journey from the airport instead of having to be taxied back to Pt.State Park. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Joe from Wildwood Mo on 08/15/2017 02:10 PM
You might google public transportation in Pittsburgh
Anonymous on 08/15/2017 03:25 PM
Yes, bike the Montour Rail Trail from PIT Airport into the point park & there at point join the GAP.
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 08/15/2017 07:12 PM
The SAFEST route in my opinion is to take the Airport to the Montour Trail. Then take the Montour Trail to the Clairton Trailhead. Then the the trail connector to the GAP in McKeesport. Anyway you go you will be doing many miles on the Montour Trail and roads but some roads and directions are less busy and safer then others. If you want to start off at mile 0 in Pittsburgh then you would have to Google that information. For the other directions just search YouTube for the Montour Trail connector and it will bring up the videos that you need. Hope that helps.
Anonymous on 08/15/2017 09:11 PM
Thanks for the info. How far is it from the airport to Clairton/GAP?
First overnight is Connellsville. Want to keep mileage to around 60. Will leaving from airport require more miles than leaving from Pt.St.Pk?
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 08/15/2017 11:07 PM
Here is your numbers. From Pgh. Point State Park mile 0 to Connellsville is 60.5 miles. From the airport parking lot to Pgh. Point State Park is 27.5 miles. From the airport parking lot to Mckeesport is 43.5 miles. So unless your willing to do 90 to 100 miles that 1st day (and I would not and/or could not do) I will get public transportation to Pittsburgh like Joe said and do the 60 miles from there. Good luck in your planing and trip. Hope this helps.
Willy from Arlington,VA on 08/17/2017 03:54 PM
Hello
Okay...If it is 43.5 miles from airport parking lot to McKeesport, McKeesport is at the 132 mile marker on the GAP trail, Connelsville is at 88 mile marker, then the distance from airport to Connelsville is 87.5 miles.
Stillriding is correct 87.5 miles might be rough for a first day.
You might want to make the first stop either Perropolois (72.5 miles) - or Smithton (67.5 miles) or West Newton (61.5 miles).
I’ve stayed at the Choice Inn in Smithton. It is a steep 1.5 mile climb from The Gap Trail at Cedar Creek Park to the hotel, but doable.
tampabiker'swife from Tampa on 08/19/2017 05:03 PM
We got a ride from the Pitts. airport to the beginning of the trail in downtown Pitts. from the guy who rented us our bikes (Tom, from Get Out and Go) and it took about 40 minutes or so. So we didn't get started til about 1:00pm. With trying to find the trail, stopping for a monsoonlike downpour, a stopped train, taking pictures, etc., we were so glad we had booked a room at the Bright Morning B & B in West Newton. It is right on the trail, beautiful view, hose to wash off bikes, shed to lock them in, comfortable, great breakfast, and nice place to eat dinner about 100 yards away. I'd highly recommend staying there, especially on first day starting the trail.
Ric on 08/24/2017 08:51 AM
Stayed there as well on our recent trip. Great place.
Henry from Plano, tx on 09/07/2017 11:59 PM
We flew into Pittsburgh, then took airport bus 28 X to downtown . Where you can find your way to the Point park. It cost $2.50 from the machine near the baggage claim, and the bus runs every half an hour.
Speed on the trail
- + For those have ridden the C&O and GAP, how does your speed on the trail compare to your speed on an hour or two ride on the street?
I averaged about 20% slower on the trail than on the street...
Discussion started 09/01/2017 11:07 PM - 4 replies (last reply by Henry at 09/07/2017 11:52 PM)Anonymous on 09/01/2017 11:07 PM
For those have ridden the C&O and GAP, how does your speed on the trail compare to your speed on an hour or two ride on the street?
I averaged about 20% slower on the trail than on the street (even with stop and go traffic).
Anonymous on 09/02/2017 01:15 PM
I average 14-15 mph. on paved roads. Riding the C&O and GAP an overall average of about 10 mph. Better on the GAP, the Canal was not in the best of shape when we rode it a couple weeks ago.
Richard from DC on 09/02/2017 02:21 PM
I agree completely with anonymous. On the downhill part of the Gap from the Continental Divide to Cumberland, you can go as fast as traffic permits, but on muddy stretches of the Canal, I slowed to about 9 mph.
Vinesy from Melrose, MA on 09/04/2017 05:45 PM
Just finished a 3 day - Pittsburgh to D.C. last night. We rode the following: Pittsburgh to Rockwood, Rockwood to Hancock, Hancock to D.C. So yes, it was aggressive. I normally ride on the road about a 17 mph pace, the pace on Day 1 was avg of 12, Day 2 was avg of 11, and Day 3 was avg of 11. Day 2 and Day 3 - the trails were muddy and wet.
Henry from Plano, tx on 09/07/2017 11:52 PM
Expect 20 % slower on the GAP, possibly 30 % slower on the C&O, especially during and after rain.
Hiker/Biker Campsites
- + Riding the trail in late September/Early October and we are planning on alternating between camping and hotel/B&Bs. Just wondering--do the hiker/biker sites fill up? I know online it says they are f...
Discussion started 08/26/2017 03:04 PM - 4 replies (last reply by lenny at 09/07/2017 10:00 PM)Anonymous on 08/26/2017 03:04 PM
Riding the trail in late September/Early October and we are planning on alternating between camping and hotel/B&Bs. Just wondering--do the hiker/biker sites fill up? I know online it says they are first come first serve, but wasn't sure if anyone had encountered a site that was full before you arrived? Thanks in advance for your help!
Joe G from Wildwood MO on 08/26/2017 04:06 PM
I will be starting my trip on September 1st and will be camping I will let you know what I find.
Rick from Grafton on 08/28/2017 03:27 PM
The C&O campsites are supposed to be first come..but I've shared sites on numerous occasions. Also most are quite large. People are usually very compatible.
Joe G. from Wildwood, MO on 09/07/2017 07:44 AM
I just finished yesterday the only campsite that had multiple tents set up was in Connellsville I don't think you will have a problem.
lenny on 09/07/2017 10:00 PM
Never in my four full trips have I seen a crowded campsite.
Steubenville to DC
- + Trying to plan a DC trip to visit a friend in mid-October. Need a few suggestions/recommendations.
Currently, the plan is to leave (a friends house) Steubenville, OH early on Saturday morning, mak...
Discussion started 08/31/2017 04:14 PM - 11 replies (last reply by Whit1906 at 09/05/2017 06:20 PM)Anonymous on 08/31/2017 04:14 PM
Trying to plan a DC trip to visit a friend in mid-October. Need a few suggestions/recommendations.
Currently, the plan is to leave (a friends house) Steubenville, OH early on Saturday morning, make stops in Connellsville (Saturday night), Cumberland (Sunday night), and Shepherdstown (Monday night).
Mileage:
Day 1 - 93, Day 2 - 90.5, Day 3 - 103, Day 4- 75.7
Spend 3 nights in DC (Tues/Wed/Thurs).
Amtrak to Pittsburgh. Hotel for the night. Ride to steubenville (~54 miles) and drive 2 hrs back to Columbus on Saturday. 1 buffer day before work on Monday.
I commute year round on a bike ~25miles so I'm used to the weather, bags being loaded, dark rides, and enduring pain. I'm wondering if the mileage is too unrealistic?
I typically average 15-18mph with stop/go traffic comfortably. Thinking I could step that up slightly on designated trails.
Thoughts?
tampabiker'swife from Tampa on 08/31/2017 07:30 PM
That sound quite ambitious to me. My husband and I ride a lot slower than you (10-12 mph), but we found that riding the trails took a lot longer that we had planned. We usually ride on paved trails and the crushed limestone of the GAP and the gravel, dirt, and mud of the
C & O made for really long days! If we planned 5 hours to do 52 miles, it took us 7. If we planned a short day of 30 miles (3 hours) it took us 4 or so. The terrain, stopping for water, stopping to take pictures, talk to people, wait for a train, look at the map, duck inside during pouring rain, find a bathroom, etc. all added time. Maybe keep that in mind, But good luck with your trip.
Richard from DC on 09/01/2017 05:03 PM
I doubt you can come anywhere close to that distance each day unless you plan to spend the whole day on the bike. The GAP is crushed gravel. It's good but a lot slower than pavement. The C&O Canal is in wretched condition much of the way. It takes the muddy spots, which may be twenty feet long, a week to dry after a rain. Those areas of the towpath cut my pavement speed almost in half. And then there is the traffic from bikers, runners, and walkers.
Anonymous on 09/01/2017 08:08 PM
Just a thought if you have not done so already. If you have any trails that are grave near Columbus you should try it out on a rainy day to get a little heads up on what you could be in for.
Anonymous on 09/01/2017 09:51 PM
Gravel. Forgot the L. My bad.
Dint on 09/02/2017 01:27 PM
Not saying you can't do this but why? At those mileage distances you will be doing nothing but hard riding. If the Paw Paw tunnel is not open then factor that detour in also. Are longest day out of Cumberland 60 miles to Hancock took us close to 8 hrs. That part of the canal up to the last 10 miles was one mud hole after another. We did stop at several lock houses and the Paw Paw Tunnel but still the faster you ride the more difficult this part of the ride becomes.
Anonymous on 09/04/2017 09:11 AM
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
The people I know that have ridden the path, did so on nice days. They described the trail conditions to that of a decent dirt road. Wasn't aware of how bad it could get.
In reference to the hard days. I'm OK with that. I'm not a big sights type of person. I appreciate beautiful scenery but I don't typically stop for pictures. With only a week to work with and going solo, this ride wasn't intended to be more car-less travel than leisurely ride. Fully expecting long days in the saddle.
I will likely tack on an additional ride day and see where it goes.
Vinesy from Melrose, MA on 09/04/2017 05:53 PM
Just finished a 3 day ride from Pittsburgh to D.C. Pittsburgh to Rockwood 106, Rockwood to Hancock 104, and Hancock to D.C. 124. This was pretty aggressive. The trail conditions were wet and muddy on days 2 and 3. As other people have commented - yes, you will not stop and smell the roses. And yes, you will be on the bikes ALL DAY. I avg 17 on the roads, but 10-12 on the trail. GAP is an uphill (doesn't seem like it, but it is). I commute via bike 18 miles round trip and will ride 50-70 on Saturday and maybe Sunday. Trail conditions will actually pace you ride, but your pace will drop
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 09/04/2017 09:54 PM
Vinesy. Congratulations on your accomplishment! That's amazing to do that distance in 3 days. Everyone has there own ideas of how they want or would complete this trip and you did it your way. In the end that is what counts. When the rider crosses that finish line in 3, 6 or 10 days, it's that accomplishment that is important.
Anonymous from Falls Church, VA on 09/05/2017 10:53 AM
This is a very optimistic plan. Just finished five days from Pittsburgh to DC. GAP was in good condition for the most part, but C&O was very wet/muddy and an endless slog to get through. Didn't really get better until we approached Great Falls. We stopped in Connellsville, Cumberland, Hancock, and Harper's Ferry. I commute 22 miles round-trip daily, and this ride was tougher than expected.
tampabiker from Tampa on 09/05/2017 04:35 PM
If you are camping, then an aggressive, optimistic ride is clearly possible.
However, if you are planning on staying in B&B's or Motels that require you to book in advance, you may be in trouble because it forces you to ride in what may be dangerous conditions.
I urge you not to go to fast through the standing water. You don't know what is under it. I was going about 5 mph through a puddle and hit a rut which stopped my bike dead in its tracks. I lunged forward and the pedal went around and hit my shin. Fortunately, I didn't break anything and only cut my shin badly. I brought stuff for insect bites but nothing like Neosporin for the cut. It could have been a huge problem if I was going even 10 mph.
The C&O is a wilderness trail. We had to stop several times to lift the bikes over trees that fell on the trail (no way to go around it).
Not trying to discourage you, just letting you know that weather can greatly slow you down. It is not like riding through the rain on paved roads.
Pray for no rain, and you will be just fine!
Whit1906 from Yorktown on 09/05/2017 06:20 PM
Last year I did the ride (Pittsburgh to DC) in 4 days so it’s possible. My only suggestion is to consider slowing it down a bit and enjoy the ride/scenery if time permits. Enjoy
Steven Hammer
- + Hello! Running wind and success on the road!
Discussion started 09/03/2017 11:06 AM by Santosreall - 0 repliesSantosreall on 09/03/2017 11:06 AM
Hello! Running wind and success on the road!
Side trips / Must-See Sights on the Trail
- + What are your MUST-SEE side trips/attractions along the trail? Already planning on visiting Fallingwater, but looking for some other suggestions. Thanks!
Discussion started 08/22/2017 09:08 PM - 1 reply (last reply by Ben at 08/29/2017 09:31 PM)Anonymous on 08/22/2017 09:08 PM
What are your MUST-SEE side trips/attractions along the trail? Already planning on visiting Fallingwater, but looking for some other suggestions. Thanks!
Ben from Los Angeles on 08/29/2017 09:31 PM
Near falling water is Ohioplyle. There is a natural waterslide in the area to cool off. Harpers Ferry has historic civil war buildings and many points of interest.
Frederick Fort East of Hancock is right off the trail. An old Revolutionary fort.
Great Falls has many well built hiking trails for short hikes.
Camping near Frostburg
- + Riding the section from Rockwood to Hancock this weekend, but just discovered the Trail Inn campground in Frostburg shut down. Anyone know of alternatives for a small party nearby?
Discussion started 08/29/2017 10:13 AM by Ian - 0 repliesIan from The District on 08/29/2017 10:13 AM
Riding the section from Rockwood to Hancock this weekend, but just discovered the Trail Inn campground in Frostburg shut down. Anyone know of alternatives for a small party nearby?
Cumberland to little orleans how long it's take
- + How long it's take to bike from cumberland to little orleans
Discussion started 08/09/2017 01:35 AM by Vayo - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/24/2017 08:53 AM)Vayo from New Zealand on 08/09/2017 01:35 AM
How long it's take to bike from cumberland to little orleans
lenny on 08/09/2017 05:03 AM
About 4 hrs at 10mph.
Anonymous on 08/24/2017 08:53 AM
Don't count on Bills being open. Arrived in middle of afternoon on a Wed. place locked up tight.
Weather in August on the C&O
- + Wondering what the conditions might be late August along the C&O
Discussion started 07/19/2017 10:38 PM by marbla - 6 replies (last reply by Ric at 08/24/2017 08:47 AM)marbla from Erving on 07/19/2017 10:38 PM
Wondering what the conditions might be late August along the C&O
DJT from DC on 07/20/2017 07:41 AM
If it's raining, then the conditions will be wet and muddy. If not, then it should be dry -- unless of course it recently rained, then it will be muddy. I'd recommend checking the weather forecast before you depart.
- The "Don"
Richard from DC on 07/20/2017 09:28 AM
The Don is being facetious but accurate. It's hard to predict the weather in late August in the area. Afternoon thunderstorms are always possible. An early hurricane could bring several days of rain. You can ride in the rain though. You only worry about lightning.
Anonymous on 08/12/2017 09:26 AM
I rode from Cumberland South 10 m.in mid July this year. It was probably my 5th time on the towpath. I usually ride the GAP or Montrail South. I had planned to ride at least 15 or maybe 20 m.then back track to Cumberland . The trail was a sloppy mess.my bike was so full of mud after 10 miles , gears and braking were affected. The entire 10 miles was awful.holes, mud, ruts, huge puddles all the way across the trail. I can't believe this trail isn't better maintained. I was able to wash my bike off at the bike shop in Cumberland and continue on to the GAP to finish my ride .It was great as usual.
Thomas from Western PA on 08/21/2017 11:45 AM
Finished the CandO yesterday; passable but requiring constant focus thru mud, so we found alternate RtoT routes to avoid it. Met other riders with varying degrees of frustration over muddy sections. Overall it was a good trip but future rides will be on other trails. PawPaw detour is another source of anxt in 88 degree heat with matching humidity.
lenny on 08/22/2017 05:05 AM
This is the towpath my friends. It was never intended to be anything but an historic mule path.
Ric on 08/24/2017 08:47 AM
Completed the GAP and C and O August 19. We found the Canal to be one mud hole after another. This trail will require your constant attention.
- + Planning another through ride this oct along the Passage. Will arrive via amtrak close to midnight. I know there are a ton of hotel options close to the station but I'm interested in cheaper rates. I ...
Discussion started 08/14/2017 04:26 PM by Rick - 0 repliesRick from Grafton on 08/14/2017 04:26 PM
Planning another through ride this oct along the Passage. Will arrive via amtrak close to midnight. I know there are a ton of hotel options close to the station but I'm interested in cheaper rates. I checked with 1 place and the rate increases by $60 for an overnight stay between now and oct. Hate to pay over $100 for a few hours sleep. Thinking hard about dozing in the station. Any advise?
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short trip with kids
- + We are planning to take a two or three day bike trip with our four kids (ages 4-11) in the next few weeks. We are hoping to find a good section of either the C&O or the GAP that would provide enough s...
Discussion started 08/03/2017 09:37 PM by tbluke - 1 reply (last reply by sergio at 08/04/2017 11:31 AM)tbluke from Herndon, VA on 08/03/2017 09:37 PM
We are planning to take a two or three day bike trip with our four kids (ages 4-11) in the next few weeks. We are hoping to find a good section of either the C&O or the GAP that would provide enough stops/interest to keep the kids from complaining about the monotony of riding all day. We'd like to camp a couple of nights too. My husband and I did the whole DC to Pittsburgh trip years ago but we can't remember what would work best. Any suggestions?
sergio from OC, CA on 08/04/2017 11:31 AM
We found so much to see between Hancock and Williamsport that we just rode 25 miles that day. Fort Frederick has a lot for kids (and adults) to see and do. We spent over 2 hours there. We also toured the Bowles House right out of Hancock. Hancock has a nice park and a restaurant right on the canal. You can take the WMRT which is a faster ride and also has interpretive signs. The NPS center in Williamsport is small, but they do boat rides a couple times a day and it’s pretty there. There’s a park just up the hill that is nice and also useful as a safer back way if you stay at the Red Roof. We went to Antietam the next day and you could stay in Sharpsburg or Shepardstown either B&B or camping. We just did the Burnside Bridge and the Antietam Creek Winery and didn’t do the visitor center since we went on to Harpers Ferry. There are many kid friendly activities and sights in Harpers Ferry and it is a beautiful spot. I think there’s a KOA near there. It was fun taking Whites Ferry across the Potomac. Staying in a Lock House might be a fun alternative to camping. Especially in the rain. With the Paw Paw Tunnel closed, I’d skip that first 60 miles of trail with kids.
Parking in Pittsburgh
- + Any recommendations on good places to leave a car for 8 or 9 days in Pittsburgh? I will be taking the train back so reasonable access from the train station is desirable. Thanks in advance.
Discussion started 08/04/2017 09:41 AM by Nelson - 0 repliesNelson from Lebanon, NH on 08/04/2017 09:41 AM
Any recommendations on good places to leave a car for 8 or 9 days in Pittsburgh? I will be taking the train back so reasonable access from the train station is desirable. Thanks in advance.