stay over
- + 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.
Discussion started 05/21/2018 02:02 PM by Molly - 4 replies (last reply by Jeff at 06/15/2018 08:26 PM)Molly from West Newton on 05/21/2018 02:02 PM
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.
Will from Orange Beach, Alabama on 05/21/2018 04:36 PM
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
Peter from CLARKSVILLE, MD on 05/25/2018 01:35 PM
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.
Neil from Baltimore on 06/11/2018 07:19 PM
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!
Jeff from Phoenix on 06/15/2018 08:26 PM
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.
Trail song
- + 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. Discussion started 06/14/2018 09:59 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 06/14/2018 09:59 PM
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.
Cumberland amtrak station
- + What is best way to reach amtrak station from gap . Catching train back west after riding in. Thanks
Discussion started 06/07/2018 09:40 PM by Jerry - 2 replies (last reply by Dave O. at 06/14/2018 03:35 PM)Jerry from Evansvile ind on 06/07/2018 09:40 PM
What is best way to reach amtrak station from gap . Catching train back west after riding in. Thanks
Roadrider on 06/08/2018 05:45 PM
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.
Dave O. from Charlotte, NC on 06/14/2018 03:35 PM
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.
Catoctin Aqueduct Towpath Detour
- + I was wondering if anyone has found a good route around the Catoctin Aqueduct project.
Discussion started 06/13/2018 03:11 PM by McGuirk - 0 repliesMcGuirk from Minnesota on 06/13/2018 03:11 PM
I was wondering if anyone has found a good route around the Catoctin Aqueduct project.
Mudslide on GAP near MP 100
- + 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 t...
Discussion started 06/11/2018 08:30 PM by Tom - 1 reply (last reply by rdw47 at 06/12/2018 09:43 PM)Tom from Raleigh NC on 06/11/2018 08:30 PM
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.
rdw47 on 06/12/2018 09:43 PM
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.
C&O East of White's Ferry
- + 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 ...
Discussion started 06/11/2018 09:42 AM by Lucas Barwick - 0 repliesLucas Barwick from Fairfax on 06/11/2018 09:42 AM
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.
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