C&O / GAP Forum

Could you tell me the detour route for the closure of the Paw Paw Tunnel? We are planning a trip June 24, and we need to know how long the detour will be.
Thank you for your assistance and have a nice day
Robin

The PawPaw tunnel is currently open. The detour is about 1.5 miles up over the hill. I think you have to walk it, so it shouldn't add more than an hour or two to your ride.

Is the CSX trail a reasonable workaround? How well does it join to the C&O on both sides?

To provide thru-access for bicylists during the project, a bypass trail will be opened using an old logging road on the berm side of the Canal upstream of the south tunnel portal. A temporary “bridge” will be installed across the Canal prism that connects with an abandoned logging road that provides a gentler grade to the top of Tunnel Hill. This temporary by-pass then connects with the existing Tunnel Hill Trail. The existing Tunnel Hill Trail will remain open during the project, but for safety reasons, cyclists will be required to dismount and walk their bikes across the mountain using the bypass trail detour. The bypass will be clearly marked with signs.

You can read the whole article on the National Park Service website at: https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/news/co-canal-towpath-closure-paw-paw-tunnel.htm

After some research, I find that the national park has this on its web page."To provide thru-access for bicylists during the project, a bypass trail will be opened using an old logging road on the berm side of the Canal upstream of the south tunnel portal. A temporary “bridge” will be installed across the Canal prism that connects with an abandoned logging road that provides a gentler grade to the top of Tunnel Hill. This temporary by-pass then connects with the existing Tunnel Hill Trail. The existing Tunnel Hill Trail will remain open during the project, but for safety reasons, cyclists will be required to dismount and walk their bikes across the mountain using the bypass trail detour. The bypass will be clearly marked with signs." My questions are 1: is there any better bypass if you leave the C&O on the west side of Paw Paw to the roads and return asap? 2 How strenuous and long is the trail around? I anxiously await a local person's opinion.

What would the blogosphere think about taking 51 at the campground to Malcolm Rd SE to Tunnel Hill Rd? A 2.3 miles ride. What are the surfaces of the roads like and the net elevation? To summarize this looks much less like a mountain bikers solution. Then the logging road and the footpath.

Looking at Google maps...
Cross 522 bridge at Hancock.
Just after bridge turn left on Airport Lane.
Shortly after that turn right on what is listed as CSX trail.
Follow CSX trail until Low Line Rd somewhere near Great Cacapon WVA.
Take Low Line Road until Paw Paw WVA.
Right on 51 until Paw Paw campground.
That would take you to the other side of the tunnel.

I ran this route through google maps for bike touring. The elevation changes weren't that steep.

The CSX trail from Hancock to Low Line road are along the side of the CSX line. Low Line Road runs close to the river on the WVA side of the Potomac.

Unless someone convinces me otherwise , this is the route I'm taking when I go Arlington to Pittsburgh near Labor Day.

I will have to miss Bills Place in Orleans this time.

Maybe if I turn around and go Pittsburgh to Arlington for a round trip excursion I will get to Bills and the Paw paw logging detour.

How hard is the trip from Williamsport to Harpers Ferry. The itinerary we got shows it we will probably travel half the speed as other areas along the trail. How long should it take and please indicate your average pace on the street so I can compare to my level? Thanks in advance.

Hi Tampa, My wife and I have ridden a tandem from Williams Port to Point of Rocks MD several times, we are pretty slow. You can figure about 4 hours to get to Harpers Ferry.

That part of the path is the same for me as the rest of the C&O. perhaps a little faster around Big Slackwater as it is paved. I average 10+ mph the entire ride.

I am planning the trip in the fall and I do not like to ride more than 40 miles a day. Other than the lock houses are there no camping overnight possibilities between Harpers Ferry and Georgetown. I know about the Lock houses. I am willing to stay in: Hostels, B&B's etc. I would prefer not riding off trail more than 10 miles.

Download the C & O Companion App. It was very helpful during our ride from Cumberland to D.C.

I know I'll encounter possums, raccoons, snakes, deer, and all other sorts of creatures, even maybe a skunk or two.

How bout bears? Are they an issue on the C&O canal?

I'm hiking from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry in June.

Thanks

I'm riding DC to Pittsburgh; left Monday morning from Georgetown. Lots of mud! Had to stop and clean my derailleurs at just about every camp ground because I couldn't shift anymore due to mud accumulation. Stopped at Harpers Ferry for first night at Town Inn. Yes, carrying a loaded bike up the stairs is hard work! Harpers Ferry is nice after every one leaves for the day - you have the place to yourself. Left this morning for Hancock. Ran into mud quickly - no surprise as it rained last night (again!). Deviated off C&O onto Western Maryland Rail Trail - 12 miles of paved trail from which you can actually see the C&O and right into Hancock. Staying at Super 8 tonight - cheap, clean and a free breakfast. As soon as I was in my room a terrific Thunder & Lightning storm passed through the area. I can imagine how muddy the C&O is again! Tomorrow will take the remainder of the Rail Trail (about 10 miles) to connect to the C&O. If super muddy may deviate off onto Rt 51 past Paw Paw tunnel.
BTW I talked to some folks eastbound on Monday at White's Ferry and they were getting off the trail, going to Leesburg and then picking up another trail into DC - they were fed up with the mud. I talked to another eastbound rider today in Hancock and he is thinking of bypassing the remaining C&O and going on W. Md Rail Trail to local highways til connecting with the Harpers Ferry Rd to get to Harper Ferry.
Perfectly doable though I suspect he will run into some hills away from the river. I'll post again asap.

We're planning on riding the GAP and C&O Towpath June 17 to 24th and are looking for parking somewhere between Washington and Bethesda. Ideally free parking. Does anyone one know if you can park for a week at the parking areas on the Clara Barton Parkway near Locks 6,7 or 10 or at the Carderock Recreational area? Thanks

How about contacting some of the WarmShowers hosts? Lots in the area and I'm sure someone wouldn't mind letting you park at their place for a week or so.

Give me a shout I can let you know about the FREE PARKING. athiker80@cox.netSPORT8

I am planning to go on Tour de France bike tours and looking for a tour organizer who can organize my whole tour under $500-$1000. Please give your suggestions.

I am looking for a seven day itinerary from Washington, DC to Pittsburg. All of the tour sites go the other direction. Which direction is better? Can someone point me to a tour with a DC to Pittsburg site.


Also, I am sure this question has been asked by others. Is there a way to search this forum? Thanks in advance.

This is just one mans opinion, others may feel differently. To me, Pitt to DC is a more enjoyable ride. The downhill from the Continental Divide to Cumberland is a joy to ride. From there you go down all of the downhills at the locks along the C&O Canal to DC. Not huge drops, they're small, but you don't have to climb them either going this way. The consensus is that the continental divide to Pittsburgh is "Downhill" and while technically true, it really isn't noticeable at all when you're riding. I hated the climb from Cumberland to the Divide (especially with camping gear) and when I got to the top I was expecting a slight downhill reward the rest of the way to Pittsburgh but it never seemed to arrive. It seemed pretty flat. That said, the other way isn't bad either. A week on the GAP/C&O is amazing either direction!

How are the conditions after all the rain?

We'll be riding a loaded tandem and wonder about the spiral staircase we see on the bridge to Harpers Ferry. Any tips? We'll be coming from Antietam that day.

It's doable...but a pain in the butt!. We had 5 people in my group all on 29er's or 700 hybrids. We got the bikes up by lifting and carrying them with a person on each end. In hindsight we should have removed the panniers. It wasn't THAT HARD but it wasn't that easy. The staircase isn't really a true spiral you have room to maneuver.

Thanks!

I am planning on riding the C&O / Allegheny trail. My plan is to drive to Washington, DC with my bicycle and ride to Pittsburg. Then I would like to take Amtrak from Pittsburg back to DC with my bicycle. Questions> How far is it from the trail to the Amtrak station? The cheapest fair starts at 5:30 am. Is the Amtrak Station safe at 5:30 am? Has anyone done this and if so, how did it work out? Where could I leave my car in Washington, DC? Obviously, I am looking for the cheapest way to do this. Another thought is to have my bike shipped from a bike shop in Pittsburg to my home in Tampa, FL and I would take a plane to DC and drive home. Does anyone know a local bike shop in Pittsburg that can take care of packing and ship it for me? About how much will that cost? Thanks in Advance!

Amtrak station is a couple of miles from Point State Park where the trail officially ends. Bike path or protected bike lanes are available. PGH is a very safe city but I would not leave a nice bike on the street without a good lock. Unfortunately the ONLY train to DC is at 5:30 am. Costs $10 to bring your bike but you need to reserve a place for your bike early otherwise you will need to box it up. REI in Pittsburgh will ship your bike to another REI store. Pittsburgh REI is on the trail about 3 miles from the Point. Contact them about details.

William Davis was my great grandfather who ran lock 13. If anyone else anymore information about him I would really love to know more.

My daughter and I are planning a leisurely bike trip mid-June from Connellsville to Cumberland--about 30 miles a day so we can enjoy the towns and scenery. We’re coming from Wisconsin and this is our first time on the GAP trail. We plan to start early afternoon from Connellsville, stay at B&Bs Thurs and Friday night, bike to Cumberland Saturday morning, then get a shuttle back to our starting point in Connellsville, before heading back to Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon. So, a couple questions: 1) Is there somewhere to leave our vehicle overnight in Connellsville for two nights? 2) Are there any inexpensive shuttles that would take us and our bikes from Cumberland to Connellsville Saturday afternoon? The Amtrak would arrive back in Connellsville too late for us to start the drive back to Wisconsin on Saturday. We had a great time on the Katy Trail in Missouri last year and were able to find a shuttle (shout out to Marvin Cotton Shuttle Service) for under $100 back to our starting point. Any suggestions would be wonderful! Thanks!

Donna,
Give me a call 757 619-5522 I can give you some good advise/suggestions. My wife and I have done 5 thru rides along the Passage. Be glad to share some of the high points, shuttle, and lodging choices.
Rick

Martin's super-market allows multi-night parking for free. The trail runs right along the parking lot.

You should certainly be able to park at the trail head for a couple of days. There is ample parking space. In have never in the past ten years of riding and using the trail head have seen limits put on parking.

Take the Amtrak train!!! You can take your bike with you for $20.00. Park at train station and enjoy a nice train ride back to your car as part of your trip.

We would love to take the Amtrak, but it arrives back in Connellsville too late for us to start the drive back.

Is the Paw Paw tunnel closed for repairs this summer ? If so, is there an alternative route to use to get around it and back on the trail ?

See here: https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/news/co-canal-towpath-closure-paw-paw-tunnel.htm

can any locals comment on this alternative?
Looking at Google maps...
Cross 522 bridge at Hancock.
Just after bridge turn left on Airport Lane.
Shortly after that turn right on what is listed as CSX trail.
Follow CSX trail until Low Line Rd somewhere near Great Capacon WVA.
Take Low Line Road until Paw Paw WVA.
Right on 51 until Paw Paw campground.
That would tak you to the other side of the tunnel.

I dont know about the elevation changes on Low Line Rd. Thats is why I ask if a local to the area could chime in on this route.

Rode Cumberland to DC this past weekend. I called the NPS in advance and they explained that the tunnel would remain open into June. It was open and in fine, creepy condition. I would check with them when you get close to your departure date.

Doing Point Park to DC June 28- July2. Leaveing Pgh. around 6am. if interested or for more info call or text. 724 237 7345.

Hey everyone,

My wife and I are going to try and hit the trail again in June. We are only doing a small segment, (Connellsville to Cumberland). Does anyone know of a reliable and relatively inexpensive person that will take us and our bikes from Cumberland to Connellsville? Thank you in advance!!

My daughter and I are doing the same--Connellsville to Cumberland--over 3 days, 6/15-6/17 and need to get back to Connellsville that Sat. 6/17 for our drive back to Wisconsin. Which days are you going?

My daughter just booked with Cumberland Trail Connection--$180 for both. We're getting picked up at 3:00 on Sat. June 17th in Cumberland and shuttling to Connellsville. There's an added fee for each additional person/bike, but that total could then be split 4 ways.

Any progress news on the PawPaw
Tunnel.

From the following website: https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/news/co-canal-towpath-closure-paw-paw-tunnel.htm
The date for limited access in the Paw Paw Tunnel and the downstream boardwalk is now expected to begin on or around beginning of June, 2017.

I rode Pitt to DC year before last during the middle of June and it was close to perfect. Now I'm wanting to do it again this coming fall. Best in late Sept or early Oct? Looking for some fall colors and maybe a bit drier but I can live with the mud puddles if I have to. Camping all the way. How's the insects and wildlife that time of year? Thanks in advance.

I've ridden the GAP& C&O the last two falls during that time. In my opinion October will be prettier as the leaves change mid-October. I've did not have a problem with insects. Wildlife is the normal, squirrels, groundhogs, deer, turkeys, snakes and turtles. Nothing dangerous. I encountered one very wet trip as a fall oceans storm moved inland. While the GAP portion takes water quite well, the C&O was quite sloppy especially south of Cumberland. The trip last fall was dry with very few puddles and soft spots.

Sounds like I need to move things into mid October. How's the weather,night temps,etc during mid Oct? Thanks again for any info.

Years ago, I spent a lot of time here as a volunteer and the inexpensive lodgings allowed me to make many visits which I would not have been otherwise able to afford. I loved camping, and feeling the trains rumble by just below. I loved the private rooms, when weather made camping less desirable. And it looks like the recent, new management may have made the dorms more welcoming, along with the many other improvements. Looking forward to returning soon, and doing lots more exploring!

Even before the canal existed, this area was a ford on the Great Wagon Road. Its present quiet and beauty belies the activity of two centuries ago, however, and its my favorite place in the world to rest and just enjoy. The big stone house there, Clara's guest house, has the most wonderful upstairs screen porch to enjoy your morning coffee.

Have stayed at almost all of the B&B's along the towpath, plus many Inns, campsites, even most of the Lockhouses. Many are wonderful; this is unsuppassed. Best breakfast I've ever had.

Hi, this is a pretty, quiet setting that makes for a nice destination wherever you begin. It seems that the best route is via the towpath, though. when I tried to drive to the lock, the road was steep and in very poor shape. Maybe a few years have changed that.

Have stayed here maybe a dozen times and just love it. It's relaxed, superclean and comfortable, and Susan and Sinclair are great hosts. Plus, the sunroom overlooking the towpath has amenities you'd not expect - I always hate to leave.

Where ?

I recently finished hiking the C+O Canal.
It was a great convenience to find the Red Roof Inn has a coin operated washing machine and a dryer right in their building. I was able to get a shower and clean clothes both at the same place and in 1 day :)

How was the ride from trail to Inn? Hilly, traffic volume etc?

Well, I hiked the canal trail so I walked, not rode, from the trail to the inn. It's up hill but nothing undoable on a road with what I'd call moderate traffic. The road and traffic shouldn't be anything to deter you from making it to the inn.

It is quite a climb (approx. 1 mile+) to the Red Roof but worth it. There is a bike lane for about 1/2 of the trip and busy traffic. The place is clean, roomy and reasonably priced but you don't want to eat their breakfast of stale donuts. Go to the Waffle House next door. Red Roof also let you take your bike inside the room. Very accommodating receptionist.

I thought the ride was actually not bad--good wide bike lane the entire way and a few hills but not much. Reasonably priced and nice to bikers.

Have always enjoyed staying here until recently. It's convenient, comfortable, affordable, and the clerk behind the desk was one of my favorite locals. but in the ast year or so, they seem to have been taken over by a new team. Luckily the nice woman still works there but how she can stand them I don't know. Honestly, he was the rudest person I've ever met. Hate to give a bad review, ever, but his attitude was uncalled for. I'll miss staying there, but can't deal with him.

As a southern Marylander, I know my crabcakes. And beleive it or not, when I go to Hancock, which is pretty often, I can't wait to get the crabckes here at Park N'Dine. NO pimento (ugh!) to overshadow the delicate crabmeat taste, and they are carefully made so the big chunks of meat stay intact. And they are about half the price of what you pay in a seafood restaurant down here.

Hi,

I'm planning on doing the C&O on 5/12-5/13. I'm a couple of hours north of Cumberland but I know the area got rain the last couple of days. I see the weather report is calling for some more rain on the days I'm planning for the ride. I don't mind getting wet during the ride but how much mud should I expect? I'll be spending the night in a hotel and I don't want to be covered in mud... I'm riding a bike with 40mm tires so I don't expect any problems handling the trail.

Cheers,

Jacob

We just finished our ride from Cumberland to D.C. yesterday. Plan on getting muddy to some degree, fenders are a must! Make sure u have quality rain shoe covers