Trail conditions
- + Getting ready to ride the trail starting in Cumberland 9/18 to D.C. Has anyone been on the trail recently to give an update on the conditions?
Discussion started 09/13/2017 11:53 AM by Lisa - 6 replies (last reply by ALM at 09/23/2017 01:40 PM)Lisa from Charlottesville va on 09/13/2017 11:53 AM
Getting ready to ride the trail starting in Cumberland 9/18 to D.C. Has anyone been on the trail recently to give an update on the conditions?
Willy from Arlington,VA on 09/13/2017 03:14 PM
Was on C&O Sept 5 through 7. Mile 176 through 170 was a mosh pit in places that I had to walk bike through. Used old credit card to scrape mud out of front fender.
Paw Paw detour took 45 minutes. Steep but not that much of a killer.
Otherwise mud puddle jumping most of the way.
Got tired of puddle jumping and took Whites Ferry to cross the Potomac. Rode the 5 miles to the W&OD trail from Leesburg to DC
Anonymous from Falls Church on 09/13/2017 03:34 PM
Biked GAP and C&O in early Sept. The C&O was muddy and spent most of our time dodging mud/ The trail takes a long time to clear up after a substantial rain. Conditions didn't really improve until we approached Great Falls. Definitely carry wire brush and chain lube.
Julia from Bradenton Fl on 09/15/2017 03:20 PM
Lisa, we are starting from Pittsburgh at the end of September and going through tomDC somI will be very interested to know how you find the C &O . It isn't our first time so I know what It can be like but an up date is always welcome. Hope you have fun.
Joe from Asheville, NC on 09/16/2017 06:46 AM
Anybody think the C&O will dry out by next weekend (9/23)? Looking to do a very fast run from Pittsburgh -> D.C. I've dealt with the post-Cumberland mud pit before and was hoping to get away with using my cross bike instead of larger-clearance mountain bike...
archinbalt from Baltimore on 09/16/2017 06:34 PM
Rode from south from Hancock today - decent conditions...
ALM on 09/23/2017 01:40 PM
I biked from Cumberland to DC from 9/15-9/22. Entire towpath bone dry.
Some general advice after my 3 day ride
- + Over the Labor Day weekend, I rode from Pittsburgh to DC over 3 days. Yes, I agree this was aggressive, but only had a limited vacation. Here are my suggestions/advice.
Bike - Crossbike or a...
Discussion started 09/23/2017 01:18 PM by Vinesy - 0 repliesVinesy from Melrose, MA on 09/23/2017 01:18 PM
Over the Labor Day weekend, I rode from Pittsburgh to DC over 3 days. Yes, I agree this was aggressive, but only had a limited vacation. Here are my suggestions/advice.
Bike - Crossbike or adventure bike. I rode a Diamondback Haanjo Comp Carbon
Tires - 34c tires at a minimum with tread. I rode Kenda Flintridge Pro 35c tubeless and carried extra tubes just in case of an issue with tubeless setup. (I had no flats over the 3 days)
Water - Camelback bladder and 3 water bottles - you can never have too much water.
Pedals - Clipless mtn bike shoes/pedals. I rode TIME pedals
Lights - front and back. Lights you can actually use to see as well as if you are out riding later than planned. Some of the tunnels are pretty dark.
Rack and bags - I rode with Topeak rear rack and Ortlieb Back Roller Classics
Food - carried plenty of bike food. On the GAP, there are plenty of places in the towns and pretty close to the trail. On C&O - most towns were off the trail. So my advice is buy food and carry it with you vs waiting to find a place off the trail. Better to have food when you want it vs not having it.
I will post more info about each day and suggestions.
Parking or loading bicycle near mile zero in DC
- + Where is the best place to park a vehicle and load a bicycle after completing the trail near mile marker 0 in DC?
Discussion started 09/11/2017 12:00 AM by Speedy - 3 replies (last reply by Vinesy at 09/23/2017 12:24 PM)Speedy on 09/11/2017 12:00 AM
Where is the best place to park a vehicle and load a bicycle after completing the trail near mile marker 0 in DC?
Richard from DC on 09/11/2017 06:34 AM
The towpath ends under the elevated Whitehurst Freeway in Georgetown. There is plenty of street parking. It has parking meters. But since it's a deadend, you can double park while you load bikes onto a car. There is also street parking for miles in all directions. If you are asking where you can leave a car for an extended period, there are parking lots although they are rather expensive.
Rick from Grafton on 09/13/2017 07:19 AM
If your biking the complete route park/leave your vehicle at Great Falls. With a pass you can park that multiple days. Your only 14 miles from the end of the trail. Contact me for more info.
Vinesy from Melrose on 09/23/2017 12:24 PM
The official mile 0 is located behind Thompson Boat Center. Here is a video on how to find the marker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kzs51zRsSY
There is a small parking lot for the Boat House. Check out their website
http://boatingindc.com/boathouses/thompson-boat-center/
Also, there is a parking garage for The Washington Harbour as well.
https://www.thewashingtonharbour.com/visiting-parking
Water Proof Shoes
- + Any recommendation for inexpensive waterproof shoes? I am not used to riding in the rain and I cannot carry several pairs of shoes on the trip. Not clip-on. How about shoe covers?
Discussion started 06/07/2017 08:24 AM by Tampabiker - 2 replies (last reply by tandemdriver at 09/22/2017 09:37 AM)Tampabiker from Tampa on 06/07/2017 08:24 AM
Any recommendation for inexpensive waterproof shoes? I am not used to riding in the rain and I cannot carry several pairs of shoes on the trip. Not clip-on. How about shoe covers?
Willy from Arlington,Va on 06/07/2017 12:14 PM
I have found the plastic bags that my morning paper come in make excellent disposable, rain covers over my regular shoes. Don't take any space to carry.
tandemdriver from state college on 09/22/2017 09:37 AM
I use bike sandals (cut for clips, but don't need to use them), much like mountain bike shoes. Also easy to walk in. Smartwool socks for rain or cold, and barefoot in warm. Socks are way easier to pack and change (and wash too). Sandals were $50 on sale.
- + From the GAP to Benner's Meadow Run at Ohiopyle, is it an arduous 6 mile climb uphill to the campsite?
Discussion started 06/20/2017 11:15 AM by JEFF MCNARY - 1 reply (last reply by tandemdriver at 09/22/2017 09:27 AM)JEFF MCNARY from LUSBY, MD on 06/20/2017 11:15 AM
From the GAP to Benner's Meadow Run at Ohiopyle, is it an arduous 6 mile climb uphill to the campsite?
tandemdriver from state college on 09/22/2017 09:27 AM
Terrain isn't the issue. Narrow, blind curve roads and country drivers are the issue. Be smart, be safe.
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https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=1436&tonly=1
Pittsburgh
- + Looking for a bike shop to repack my bike into a box for flight home. Looking at October DC-Pitt. Any recommendations? Thanks!
Discussion started 08/03/2017 11:51 AM by Andy - 1 reply (last reply by tandemdriver at 09/22/2017 09:11 AM)Andy from Austin on 08/03/2017 11:51 AM
Looking for a bike shop to repack my bike into a box for flight home. Looking at October DC-Pitt. Any recommendations? Thanks!
tandemdriver from state college pa on 09/22/2017 09:11 AM
bike heaven is a shop/museum/curiosity place of all things bicycle. Just north of carnegie science center in Pittsburgh on the 3 rivers heritage trail about 2 mi from the Point. (412)734-4034 These folks will do it or will know who will.
Lost watch
- + If anyone finds a Skaggen watch between miles 100 & 124, please post. Reward!
Discussion started 09/16/2017 06:28 PM by archinbalt - 0 repliesarchinbalt from Baltimore on 09/16/2017 06:28 PM
If anyone finds a Skaggen watch between miles 100 & 124, please post. Reward!
learn your skills
- + Find out what you need to improve in yourself to become more effective!
Discussion started 09/10/2017 10:39 AM by SteveFap - 0 repliesSteveFap on 09/10/2017 10:39 AM
Find out what you need to improve in yourself to become more effective!
Irma
- + I would rather be riding through the rainy, muddy C&O than sitting here in Tampa watching the weathermen on the news talking about a Cat 3 hurricane coming right for my house to Tampa.
Discussion started 09/09/2017 05:46 PM by Tampabiker - 1 reply (last reply by Stillriding at 09/09/2017 07:31 PM)Tampabiker from Talmpa on 09/09/2017 05:46 PM
I would rather be riding through the rainy, muddy C&O than sitting here in Tampa watching the weathermen on the news talking about a Cat 3 hurricane coming right for my house to Tampa.
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 09/09/2017 07:31 PM
Hope all goes well for you and everyone else down in that way!
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Irma
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=2230&tonly=1
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?