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.
is C&O water pumps drinkable?
- + Hi all,
I am wandering if the water at the primitive campsites is being treated? I guess if there is a handle on the pumps can it be drank or should it be treated first?
I can't find for ...
Discussion started 07/20/2017 07:09 AM by Tank - 7 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/02/2017 04:43 PM)Tank from Pgh on 07/20/2017 07:09 AM
Hi all,
I am wandering if the water at the primitive campsites is being treated? I guess if there is a handle on the pumps can it be drank or should it be treated first?
I can't find for sure if the NPS is still treating the water or not? I will be making the trip in about 3 weeks.
Thanks.
tampabiker'swife from Tampa on 07/20/2017 11:08 AM
We were told by some volunteer workers at one of the lockhouses that if the pump is not ok to drink they have removed the handle, so pumps with handles have been treated and are safe. That being said, the water did not really smell or taste that good and we had to pump awhile before any water came out. (Maybe I am a spoiled bottled water drinker.) Good luck!
Richard from DC on 07/20/2017 04:36 PM
The pumps are obviously not treated water. I personally wouldn't drink water from a well along the canal or even wash dishes, my face, or hands with it. There are enough places along the canal where you can get treated water or at worst buy bottled water. But then I wouldn't drink from a well anywhere else either.
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 07/20/2017 07:08 PM
No offense Richard but that is a false statement on the wells not being treated. Tampabaiker has it right. When I ride the trails I do add Crystal light packs to the pump water I drink to make it taste better because carrying water can add weight fast to the bike. But wells are tested and treated. Richard is correct that there are a lot of places to buy water if you choose go that route also.
DJT from DC on 07/21/2017 07:02 AM
Believe me, there are better water sources out there! No one knows more about water than me. It's worth carrying extra water and buying extra bottled water along the way, believe me. This is a HUGE tip, the best tip you'll ever get on this site, believe me.
- "The Don"
Anonymous on 08/02/2017 10:57 AM
Just purchase a Sawyer Squeeze for $20 at walmart, screw it onto a thread matching water bottle which I purchase at Dollar General and you are good to go.
Rick from Grafton on 08/02/2017 04:15 PM
The pumps are treated. If a water source proves to be unsafe the park service removes the handle. They are pretty good at keeping this info current. However, the water does have a strong taste and sometimes takes quite a few pumps to prime. I've actually had the water turn color when I put it in a freeze dried meal! I usually will add some flavored powder mix to water I'm drinking along the route. The suggestion regarding a Sawyer Squeeze Filter is a good one they make 2 sizes and are inexpensive.
Anonymous on 08/02/2017 04:43 PM
The Sawyer Squeeze screws perfectly onto SMART water bottles you can find in any store...and EVERNEW water bladders that you can order off eBay.
GAP, McKeesport to Montour Trail, Connection Video
- + Hi. I made a 6 minute video of getting from the GAP to the Montour Trail if that interests anyone. Just copy and paste the link. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks.
https://youtu.be/hWHlFaUG17g
Discussion started 08/01/2017 01:09 PM by Stillriding - 0 repliesStillriding from Pittsburgh on 08/01/2017 01:09 PM
Hi. I made a 6 minute video of getting from the GAP to the Montour Trail if that interests anyone. Just copy and paste the link. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks.
https://youtu.be/hWHlFaUG17g
Overnight Parking Dickerson
- + I am looking for a place to park my car over night in near Dickerson. I see there is a park called Dickerson Conservation Park. I called the number listed on Google, but they were not able to tell me ...
Discussion started 07/28/2017 09:23 AM by Andrew - 0 repliesAndrew from Altoona, PA on 07/28/2017 09:23 AM
I am looking for a place to park my car over night in near Dickerson. I see there is a park called Dickerson Conservation Park. I called the number listed on Google, but they were not able to tell me if I could park there overnight. Does anyone know where I could leave my car?
Fee campgrounds
- + Are the First come first served hiker biker campgrounds still free?
Discussion started 07/25/2017 11:21 PM by C Mark B - 1 reply (last reply by Adelita at 07/26/2017 09:21 PM)C Mark B from Erving on 07/25/2017 11:21 PM
Are the First come first served hiker biker campgrounds still free?
Adelita on 07/26/2017 09:21 PM
Just finished the C&O and GAP. Hiker/Biker campsites are free and there is potable water (treated with iodine).
Camping along the C&O
- + My son and I are planning on walking the C&O from DC to Harper's Ferry. Are the campsites on the path limited to how many can camp there? Is it ok to camp along the trail elsewhere? Is there a general...
Discussion started 07/19/2017 06:02 PM by MAD - 5 replies (last reply by Rick at 07/24/2017 03:31 PM)MAD from Yosemite on 07/19/2017 06:02 PM
My son and I are planning on walking the C&O from DC to Harper's Ferry. Are the campsites on the path limited to how many can camp there? Is it ok to camp along the trail elsewhere? Is there a general info number we can call with our questions? We are planning 4 nights including arrival at Harper's Ferry. Is that reasonable?
Richard from DC on 07/19/2017 08:04 PM
The marked campsites, on Google maps, are big areas with ample room to camp depending on how close you and your neighbors want to be. Homeless people tend to camp around DC at least. You can camp anywhere, you just may not have restrooms or water. I have never walked it, but I walk at nearly a 3.5 mph pace, so depending on how long I want to walk in a day, I could do it in two or three days. I am not aware of anyone you can call, but you'll have lots of company with bikers. It's buggy and muggy at this time of year, so be prepared.
MAD from yosemite on 07/20/2017 11:11 PM
Thank you Richard. Appreciate it. MAD
Rick from Grafton on 07/24/2017 01:18 PM
The campsites along the Towpath are very large and can hold several groups. However, according to NPS rules group size is limited to A GROUP. Can't remember what thentotal number was but you can find it on their C&O WEBSITE. I've stayed along the route often and shared sites wuth other groups with no problem. Just.letting you know what the rulres state.
Rick from Grafton on 07/24/2017 01:38 PM
The campsites are mostly 7-10 miles apart. Contrary to what Richard states you should only stay in designated areas. Rangers do patrol and if your caught camping at unauthorized sites (stealth camping) you could be fined. Please don't ruin a good thing by breaking the rules. The sites are large, mostly shaded, toilet, and usually a water pump.
Rick from Grafton on 07/24/2017 03:31 PM
Just found the info. Max of 2 tents/8 people per site except for group sites. Having said that I can tell you that I have done numerous thru rides and hiked several stretches of the Towpath. I've always camped at the HBO's (hiker/biker overnighters) with no issues even when other's are already camping. It's fun meeting fellow travelers. This website can give you most of the info you need to plan a trip. Also check out BikeWashington.org.
Meyersdale area: camping
- + The GAP app lists "Meyersdale Primitive camping" -- I can't seem to locate it. Is there camping in/near Meyersdale? (THank you)
Discussion started 07/13/2017 11:55 AM by Wes - 2 replies (last reply by Rick at 07/24/2017 01:14 PM)Wes from Columbus Ohio on 07/13/2017 11:55 AM
The GAP app lists "Meyersdale Primitive camping" -- I can't seem to locate it. Is there camping in/near Meyersdale? (THank you)
Gene from Oakdale PA on 07/18/2017 03:53 PM
Maple festival campground. 814-634-5710
Rick from Grafton on 07/24/2017 01:14 PM
The campsite is less than a block away from Yoders Guest House. Very nice. Seems to be safe and secure. Check in at Donges Resturant.