Parking and Inexpensive Shuttle Service
- + 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...
Discussion started 03/09/2017 04:16 PM by Donna & Jenni - 5 replies (last reply by Donna & Jenni at 05/23/2017 04:00 PM)Donna & Jenni from Wisconsin on 03/09/2017 04:16 PM
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!
Rick Hancock from GRAFTON, VA on 03/10/2017 07:24 AM
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
Anonymous on 03/10/2017 03:06 PM
Martin's super-market allows multi-night parking for free. The trail runs right along the parking lot.
lenny on 03/10/2017 07:44 PM
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.
Fixer 54 from Tampa florida on 03/30/2017 08:51 PM
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.
Donna & Jenni from Wisconsin on 05/23/2017 04:00 PM
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 ?
Discussion started 05/13/2017 01:44 PM by kseew44 - 3 replies (last reply by DS Maryland at 05/23/2017 02:58 PM)kseew44 from Newark Del on 05/13/2017 01:44 PM
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 ?
Anonymous on 05/15/2017 04:23 PM
See here: https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/news/co-canal-towpath-closure-paw-paw-tunnel.htm
Willy from Arlington,VA on 05/16/2017 12:58 PM
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.
DS Maryland from Bethesda MD on 05/23/2017 02:58 PM
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.
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- + Doing Point Park to DC June 28- July2. Leaveing Pgh. around 6am. if interested or for more info call or text. 724 237 7345.
Discussion started 05/20/2017 04:09 AM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 05/20/2017 04:09 AM
Doing Point Park to DC June 28- July2. Leaveing Pgh. around 6am. if interested or for more info call or text. 724 237 7345.
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Transport?
- + 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 i...
Discussion started 04/30/2017 12:51 PM by Wayne - 2 replies (last reply by Donna & Jenni at 05/17/2017 02:33 PM)Wayne on 04/30/2017 12:51 PM
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!!
Donna & Jenni from Wisconsin on 05/16/2017 03:03 PM
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?
Donna & Jenni from Wisconsin on 05/17/2017 02:33 PM
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.
Discussion started 05/15/2017 12:59 PM by Lenny - 1 reply (last reply by Seth at 05/15/2017 03:08 PM)Lenny on 05/15/2017 12:59 PM
Any progress news on the PawPaw
Tunnel.
Seth from Rockville, MD on 05/15/2017 03:08 PM
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.
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Sept or Oct for GAP/CO
- + 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 ...
Discussion started 05/13/2017 12:49 PM by Stephen Hudson - 2 replies (last reply by Stephen Hudson at 05/14/2017 04:43 PM)Stephen Hudson from Jamestown on 05/13/2017 12:49 PM
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.
Rivnuts from Homestead PA on 05/13/2017 07:34 PM
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.
Stephen Hudson from Jamestown on 05/14/2017 04:43 PM
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.
Harpers Ferry Hostel in Harpers Ferry
- + 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 ...
Discussion started 05/14/2017 11:07 AM by ES - 0 repliesES from tall timbers on 05/14/2017 11:07 AM
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!
Taylors Landing Boat Ramp in Sharpsburg
- + 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 r...
Discussion started 05/14/2017 11:01 AM by es - 0 replieses from Tall Timbers, MD on 05/14/2017 11:01 AM
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.
Jacob Rohrbach Inn B&B in Sharpsburg
- + 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.
Discussion started 05/14/2017 10:56 AM by es - 0 replieses from so md on 05/14/2017 10:56 AM
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.
Mountain Lock Recreation Area in Shepherdstown
- + 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...
Discussion started 05/14/2017 10:49 AM by es - 0 replieses from southern md on 05/14/2017 10:49 AM
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.
home away from home
- + 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 n...
Discussion started 05/11/2017 06:00 PM by ES - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/11/2017 11:17 PM)ES from Tall Timbers, MD on 05/11/2017 06:00 PM
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.
Anonymous from Rock on 05/11/2017 11:17 PM
Where ?
Red Roof Inn Williamsport in Williamsport
- + 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 an...
Discussion started 05/08/2011 08:02 PM by Paul A - 5 replies (last reply by Disappointed at 05/11/2017 06:30 PM)Paul A on 05/08/2011 08:02 PM
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 :)
Charlie from Pittsburgh on 08/30/2011 04:50 PM
How was the ride from trail to Inn? Hilly, traffic volume etc?
Paul A on 08/30/2011 07:06 PM
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.
gg from springfield on 10/30/2011 07:00 AM
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.
Dana on 09/11/2012 10:33 AM
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.
Disappointed from southern md on 05/11/2017 06:30 PM
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.
crabcakes!
- + 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...
Discussion started 05/11/2017 05:55 PM by ES - 0 repliesES from Tall Timbers, MD on 05/11/2017 05:55 PM
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.
Trail conditions for the coming week
- + 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...
Discussion started 05/07/2017 09:22 AM by Jacob - 1 reply (last reply by Keith Powell at 05/07/2017 11:06 AM)Jacob from Mechanicsburg, PA on 05/07/2017 09:22 AM
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
Keith Powell from Fairmont, WV on 05/07/2017 11:06 AM
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
Video from The Waterfront to Boston Trailheads
- + I did another video. Hope you like it. Copy and paste to YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=JLqbOyi3TD8
Discussion started 03/26/2017 11:08 AM by Stillriding - 8 replies (last reply by Stillriding at 05/01/2017 07:14 PM)Stillriding from Pittsburgh, PA. on 03/26/2017 11:08 AM
I did another video. Hope you like it. Copy and paste to YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=JLqbOyi3TD8
roadrider from Rochester on 03/26/2017 09:48 PM
That link doesn't work for me.
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 03/27/2017 09:06 AM
LOL it did not work for me either. Just copy and paste the heading on the YouTube search and it will bring it up. Should be the first one on the list. Great Allegheny Passage, Waterfront/Homestead Trailhead to the Boston Trailhead. Thanks for letting me know.
Stillriding from Pittsburgh on 03/28/2017 08:48 AM
Here is the correct link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLqbOyi3TD8 But you will have to copy it and paste it in the YouTube search box.
Anonymous on 03/28/2017 06:34 PM
Thank you for the link. I enjoyed your production. I would appreciate information on your camera and especially the file size of the video for that segment. I hope to do the GAP in May.
Thank you,
Roadrider
stillriding from Pittsburgh on 03/28/2017 08:12 PM
Hi Roadrider, Glad you enjoyed it. The camera is a Contour 1080HD that is about 5 to 6 years old. They had trouble with the early models when you went right into the sun. That's why you see a line sometimes. I have the camera set at 720HD for a longer recording time. Hope that helps.
Nick from Washington, DC. on 05/01/2017 09:06 AM
Good information to have. I am riding from Pgh. to DC end of May.
sergio from OC, Ca on 05/01/2017 11:08 AM
Thanks! We're basically starting in downtown McKeesport and it looks a bit confusing on the maps. Your video is so helpful! Except for downtown Pittsburgh, looks like this first part is not the most scenic nor bike friendly part of the trail. Without the video I would think I was lost when it dumps you onto the road with the cars. I guess we just follow the bike signs? Looking forward to all of your videos!
Stillriding from Pittsburgh, PA. on 05/01/2017 07:14 PM
Thanks Sergio, I made the videos so people can actually see every turn. Thanks for the nice comment. The scenery kind of comes and goes all the way from Pittsburgh to DC. Sometimes it just looking at the blue sky or a flower along the trail that will make you say WOW! But most of all, it's the people you will meet.
Shuttle ride to Pittsburgh on 11MAY17
- + Anybody heading to Pittsburgh from the NOVA area on 11 MAY. I am looking to ride West to East on the GAP/C&O. I'll split the cost of gas.
Discussion started 04/29/2017 07:58 PM by JT - 0 repliesJT from NOVA on 04/29/2017 07:58 PM
Anybody heading to Pittsburgh from the NOVA area on 11 MAY. I am looking to ride West to East on the GAP/C&O. I'll split the cost of gas.
Trail Conditions in rain
- + Several friends and I are riding the C&O from Cumberland to D.C. We leave this Thursday May 4. Weather is calling for rain everyday. Would anyone advise taking any other routes in different sections t...
Discussion started 04/29/2017 02:39 PM by Keith Powell - 1 reply (last reply by Willy at 04/29/2017 06:51 PM)Keith Powell from Fairmont, WV on 04/29/2017 02:39 PM
Several friends and I are riding the C&O from Cumberland to D.C. We leave this Thursday May 4. Weather is calling for rain everyday. Would anyone advise taking any other routes in different sections to D.C. because of all the rain? Thanks in advance
Willy from Arlington VA on 04/29/2017 06:51 PM
If you can stand traffic, you can cross at Whites Ferry on the ferry (I think its 1 dollar for bicycles). Take congested route 15 into Leesburg for about 3 or 4 miles and take the WOD trail from Leesburg to DC.
The WOD is paved the entire 47 mile length.
It also has more amenities along its length than the C and O. + cell coverage
At the end of WOD take the short jog to the Four mile run trail for 2.2 miles, then go on the Mount Vernon Trail up to the 14th st bridge. Cross into DC and you are at the Jefferson monument.
Biking Early June
- + We planning to bike the entire trail in early June. Will mosquitoes be a problem? We know there may be showers and humidity..
Discussion started 04/25/2017 08:29 PM by Sergio - 4 replies (last reply by Sergio at 04/26/2017 03:45 PM)Sergio from Orange County, CA on 04/25/2017 08:29 PM
We planning to bike the entire trail in early June. Will mosquitoes be a problem? We know there may be showers and humidity..
lenny on 04/26/2017 05:12 AM
I've never experienced many on my rides. As long as you are moving.
Charlie from manassas on 04/26/2017 07:12 AM
They can be bad along the canal if you are off your bike. If you are camping I recommend a head net and bug spray. Also watch out for poison ivy it is every where.
Anonymous on 04/26/2017 09:30 AM
As long as you are moving, mosquitoes are not likely to be an issue. However, if you are planning to camp, bring along some repellent and make sure you tent has netting.
My suggestions are:
- Carry plenty of water. There are several long stretches of the trail with no access to water, food, etc. The trails does have hand pumps along the way, but some of them are closed and the rest are treated with iodine, which affects the taste.
- Make sure that your tires are at least 32-35 mm with some tread. Mud is likely the biggest obstacle that you'll face, but that depends on the amount of rainfall. Fenders are also nice for the same reason.
Sergio from Orange County, CA on 04/26/2017 03:45 PM
Thanks for the tips!
trail conditions DC - Harper's Ferry?
- + Hi everyone,
I'm wondering if someone can tell me what the trail is like from DC to Harper's Ferry, i.e. how smooth the trail is. We plan to bike with hybrid bikes, or similar, so they might not b...
Discussion started 04/13/2017 12:17 PM by KC - 6 replies (last reply by Rick Hancock at 04/26/2017 03:21 PM)KC from Washington DC on 04/13/2017 12:17 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm wondering if someone can tell me what the trail is like from DC to Harper's Ferry, i.e. how smooth the trail is. We plan to bike with hybrid bikes, or similar, so they might not be great on rocky roads or in mud. Any idea what portion of the trail is paved for the first 60 miles or so (if any)? Thanks!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/13/2017 02:49 PM
You'll be fine on a hybrid. No paved parts though. You might experience mud if it rained a few days ago (in spots). I did all of my trips on a hybrid. I just always expect mud and puddles and if I don't get them, then, hey, it's a bonus. :-)
lenny on 04/14/2017 07:16 AM
Never drove anything but a hybrid. Rained at least one day, in each of the five times that I rode. Also I use non aggressive high pressure tire. More for speed than traction and do fine.
Leonard on 04/17/2017 09:59 PM
Personally I prefer a Mountain Bike. Rolls much better on the rough terrain that is common in many areas of the C&O. There are stretches where there are heavy tree roots and some rock. You could get by on a hybrid, but for a long run, I'd prefer a Mountain Bike. I ride the trail in 40 to 50 mile stretches. Be sure to take along a spare inner tube and know how to change a flat. The area from Harpers Ferry to Shepardstown is beautiful. Trail is pretty good in that section. Enjoy!
Sergio from Orange County, CA on 04/25/2017 11:12 PM
Does the trail get bad enough in early June that it would be advisable to take alternate routes like the Washington &Old Dominion trail if not on a mountain bike?
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 04/26/2017 09:24 AM
A hybrid bike would be fine on C&O Canal. Tires are the more important consideration, and I would recommend at least 35 mm wide with some tread. Mud is likely the biggest obstacle you might encounter, and that depends on how much it has been raining.
I have ridden the entire C&O-GAP trail twice, both times on touring bikes. The first time I rode with 32 mm road tires (Panaracer Paselas), which were fine except for sections with mud or deep gravel. The second time, I rode with 35 mm cross tires (Clement LAS), and they worked great in all conditions.
Keep in mind that the section from Great Falls to Harpers Ferry is one of the most remote of the entire C&O Canal trail, with few places to get water or food. Make sure that you have bike tools and tire repair equipment. Bring plenty of water. From Great Falls to Georgetown is more accessible and heavily travelled but also one of the most beautiful sections. Allow plenty of time to appreciate Great Falls. There is a great place to eat there (Old Anglers Tavern), which is the ONLY place to eat for miles. It's rather expensive but worth it.
Rick Hancock on 04/26/2017 03:21 PM
We biked the complete Passage/C&O this past Oct. The final day we biked appx. 46 miles from Harpers Ferry to Great Falls. Took about 5 hours 6 hours including lunch at Whites Ferry. There were no ruts, few wet spots, and 1 large tree we had to lift bikes over. Tree was appx. 2' in diameter. Trail was in exceptional condition and we had no rain except the last 8 miles when it poured! 2 of our group had 700X38's and the rest were running 29'ers X 2". No problem with any tires but we did break 2 chains.