C&O / GAP Forum

My husband and I are planning a trip in July to ride from Homestead, PA to Cumberland. We have catrikes. Are the trails conducive to these types of bikes? We have ridden the Katy Trail in Missouri. Are the trails similar, as far as "crushed stone" is concerned?

Allison, the GAP will be perfect for your bike. Crushed limestone (like the Katy Trail) the whole way (the first 15 miles out of downtown Pittsburgh is paved) to Cumberland. Enjoy!

You might enjoy this Journal of a solo lady on a trike on the C&O. I have a trike and did the Katy but decided to forgo the tight towpath through the tunnels on the C&O. I will be riding on a 2 wheel. Have a wonderful trip. https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1fs&page_id=466633&v=7P

Thanks so much, John! What if we decided to go all the way to DC? Are the trails in good shape there, as well?

the towpath is rough with roots,puddles and ruts. Single track most of the way.

I've never ridden a trike so I can't say how well it would handle the C&O but I know people have done it. The C&O is much rougher than the GAP as it's not a Rail Trail but an old dirt path used by horses. Search for some images online and see what the towpath typically looks like to give you an idea of what's in store. There will be puddles even if it rained days ago! :-)

I think on a trike one wheel is going to be in the grass that separates the two tracks in most places. Keep in mind this trail is not as bad as some make it out to be, park service vehicles travel it all the time. I wouldn't be afraid to do it on a trike it will be a lot slower than the GAP. I have done this twice during wet times and it is quite rideable, there are lots of puddles but they have a rock base, I would definitely recommend fenders. My rides have been on a regular bike, one of the guys in our group tows a BOB trailer.

As others mentioned, a trike would be fine on the GAP, but not the C&O. Many sections of the C&O are single track with muddy ruts, potholes, roots, etc. The tunnel at Paw Paw would be a challenge.

During one of my trips on the GAP-C&O we stayed at an inn in Cumberland, MD, where some other riders had abandoned their tricycles. One of them actually got damaged trying to ride the C&O. They left their trikes at the inn while they went to get their vehicle to retrieve them, and cancelled the remainder of their trip.

Looking into flying to Pittsburg then taking the trails to D.C. then a flight back home to Nashville after visiting D.C. a few days. We have a zillion questions so wondering if there's a book about the trail or a website where someone has written about their journey. Thinking of early October this year. Thanks y'all

Check out "Crazy Guy on a Bike". Once in the site, click the Journals, then do a search for the "Great Allegheny Passage", "GAP", "C&O Canal" or "Pittsburgh to DC". Tons of journals there with photos to boot. Journals from all over the world are posted here but the GAP/C&O gets lots of entries, especially in spring and summer.

The best book to buy is "TrailBook 11th Edition: Official Guide to the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage". I highly recommend this book. Chock full of information on trail towns, where to camp/lodge, itineraries, sights along the way, etc. It also contains a water proof map which is worth it's weight in gold.

Also go to gaptrail.org and "Shop"there you will find the GAP trail book.

The Crazy Guy website, as already mentioned, has lots of journals that were very helpful when I was planning my first trip on the GAP-C&O. I posted my own journal after the first trip under the name Tarwheel.

The TrailBook mentioned by John W is the best resource and worth bringing along your trip. The GAP trail in particular is well-marked with excellent signs and maps available at towns along the route. The GAP also has brochures with maps for all of the larger towns along the way, which you can pick up at the entry points at each town. The C&O in general is more remote, rugged and less well marked. However, the park service has an excellent map that you can pick up along the way, and you could probably order one from the NPS.

Of course, this website is one of the best resources for planning a trip. There also is at least one app available for smart phones, but it isn't much help in the many sections of the trail where cell service is not available.

Any recommendations for the most comfortable saddle to ride the GAP & C&O ? Thanks!

Brooks.But they require a break in.

Selle Royal Avenue. Got several 1000 miles on mine no problem. Perfect compromise between stock and tractor seat. Not too big...not too small.

Good news on the Pittsburgh end of the trail. The Mon Wharf "Switchback" is to start construction. The connector will allow you to stay along the river all the way to Point State Park and the terminus of the trail. Currently, you have to negotiate some busy city roads to get there and the signage is very poor in my opinion. So happy this is finally being done!

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2017/04/22/Switchback-Smithfield-Street-Bridge-trail-connection-Point-State-Park/stories/201704210221

We're new on this forum and new travelers next week on the GAP! (East to west). Woohoo! It's spring break for teachers in NJ and we're ready to ride and roll. Any advice is appreciated. Hope to meet new friends!

Have a great trip and lots of fun.

Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

Allen

Sorry didn't notice you said you are going east to west, from Cumberland to the continental divide is a 24 mile uphill that is a lot of fun to come down and absolutely no fun to ride up. Read some other posts on this issue. I have ridden it both ways and west to east is much easier.

Allen

The difference in speed pedaling between Cumberland to the continental divide (6 ~7 mph)and the rest of the ride (11~15 mph) isn't that bad.
Just make that day a shorter distance than other days on your trip.

The speed will depend on your age and how much you are carrying on your bicycle. Carrying camping gear and food vs a credit card. Everybody is different.

According to National Parks Service:

"Due to flooding, the towpath is closed from MP 88-89. Visitors will need to use the detour at Burnside Farm off the towpath to Spring Dell Road, to Neck Road, to Dellinger Road and to Dam #4 Road to get around this area."

Ray, is this the same area that was detoured 3-4 years ago so they could rebuild the concrete path that hugs the Potomac? It was about a 6 mile detour on roads until it was completed. That mile marker range sounds familiar. Thanks, John

Planning a West to East of the GAP/C&O in late May-early June (starting Pittsburgh May 29th) with a couple friends and we don't want to miss a thing! We will be B&B’g with planned stops in Ohiopyle (1 extra day to mountain bike), Cumberland, Hancock, Harper’s Ferry and Georgetown. Besides the published known areas of interest along the route, which ones aren't worth the climb/miles/time and which are? Does anyone know of any hidden gems or little known places considered can’t miss opportunities? Bars, restaurants or bike shops? How about local mountain bike trail systems nearby?

We would love to know these places before we go because we don’t want to get home and someone ask: Did you see/go to the (insert cool place or site here) when you were in so-and-so?

Thanks in advance!

Some of my favorite things are:

--Many people forget to locate Mile Marker 0! It’s about 3/10’s of a mile from the end of the Canal trail in Georgetown. Look for the Thompson Boat Center. I used this video to remember it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kzs51zRsSY

--After Mile 0, I head over to the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall for some celebratory pictures. It's always buzzing with people so it has a great vibe to wrap up your trip and reflect on your accomplishment. DC is very cyclist friendly.

--Along the Youghiogheny River and hearing the white water rafters howling with delight. I also like the sounds the trains make blowing their horns far off in the distance (but I hate them when I camped in Rockwood...the campground is right across the river from where the trains cross at grade and they have to lay on their horns all night by law. Hard to get used to!).

--All of the small towns have places to grab supplies or a bite to eat. Shepherdstown took me by surprise at how nice it was. Harper’s Ferry is very nice. Went off trail to Williamsport, MD to eat lunch one day.

--Sheetz Made to Order! If stopping in a town with one of these convenience stores, I usually grab a made-to-order sub sandwich and pack it in some grocery bags with some ice I gathered from the soda machine so I can woof it down at camp. Awesome. GetGo’s now have similar cafe’s with the same type of made-to-order take out foods (subs, wraps, burgers, etc.).

--Swimming at Ohiopyle State Park is cool and refreshing (and free).

--The "Chicken Coop" bunks in the back of C&O Bicycle shop in Hancock, MD. Caged in, open air sleeping accommodations with bunks and showers right along the C&O and Western Maryland Rail Trail. I always lock my bike up inside and head into town knowing everything is safe.

Some more things to like about the trail:

--Great Falls at Mile 14 on the C&O. Love the raw noise the falls creates. Beautiful.

--There are ample free campgrounds along the C&O Canal every 5-10 miles. Just a great resource to have. Pump water, port-a-john, fire-pit, table. All Hiker/Biker sites are free. Just arrive and claim a spot. There are only four free camping areas along the GAP (but not spaced evenly…four sites within 33 miles of each other between Miles 89 and 122 but none before or after). Clearly not as many as the C&O but that’s because it’s an old rail trail whereas the C&O is a national historic park.

--I usually always see a huge Blue Heron at some point along the C&O.

--I kind of like the all of the noise and buzz of the trail in Pittsburgh from Point State Park to about Homestead. Since the majority of the trail is pretty quiet, this is a stark contrast to the rest of the trail and makes for a nice change. Hot Metal Bridge is a beautiful bridge to cross.

--Western Maryland Rail Trail. 22 miles that parallel the C&O before and after Hancock, MD. Did I mention its paved asphalt? :-) It's a nice break from all of the tree roots and rocks that the C&O dishes out. It's nice to just pedal and daydream and not worry about dodging everything the canal can offer.

--Bring a light or headlamp for the tunnels! Some are just amazing.

--If in Pennsylvania and buying beer in town to take back to your camp site, beware of our archaic sales laws! Six-packs, 12-packs, or individual bottles can be bought at bars or restaurants only! Yes….you will walk into a bar/restaurant and cozy up to the bar/cashier and they will have 6/12 packs in a cooler behind the bar for sale. Some exceptions have been made recently. Certain convenience/grocery stores are acquiring special licenses to sell beer but they are a rare find. “Beer Distributors” can only sell cases or kegs and cannot sell you a portion of it or anything like that. Those won’t be easy to carry on bicycles! ?

Also, don't forget the Western Maryland Rail Trail! This is a paved 22.5 mile trail that runs parallel to the C&O. Many people welcome this respite from the tree-roots, rocks, and puddles of the canals dirt path.

If coming from Pittsburgh, the exact mile marker is C&O Mile 136.3. A small connector path puts you at the western terminus of the WMRT, Mile 22.5. As you head east, you will pass through Hancock, MD and head towards WMRT Mile 0. There are seven other connection points if you happen to miss the ones on the each end. The last chance to get back onto the C&O is at WMRT Mile 0.75 (about 3/4 of a mile shy of Mile 0 and the eastern terminus of the WMRT). Basically once you pass WMRT Mile 1, keep an eye out for your turn off. When reentering the C&O, you’ll be at C&O Mile 114.5.

If coming from DC, the exact mile marker is C&O 114.5. This connects you to the eastern terminus of the WMRT (Mile 0.75). As you head west, you pass through Hancock, MD and head towards WMRT Mile 22.5. It dead ends there and you can see the little connector path to the C&O which puts you at C&O Mile 136.3.

Both are marked but I wouldn't say "clearly" marked. If you reach WMRT Mile 0, you've gone too far and need to backtrack approx. 3/4ths of a mile to get to the C&O connection point. WMRT Mile 0 just dead ends into local streets but there is no way to get back to the C&O from there. Did I mention this is a paved trail? :-)

Correction: Beer distributors in Pa may by law sell six and 12 packs.

Thanks for the suggestions John W! Noted and I'm sure some will be added to our cue sheet.

Also interested to know if there are any mountain bike trail systems (besides the Ohiopyle trails) that are close and worth side tripping to do.

Lenny's right...a new law took affect Jan 1, 2017 allowing distributors to sell 6-12 packs. Finally!! This is long overdue. I don't typically shop for my beer at these stores as I have options that were already allowed to sell 6-12 packs. I'll have to check my local one out now to see what they're selling now.

Speaking of beer, the GAP/C&O needs a map of all carry out beer sales locations within 1/2 mile of the trail. Ha ha. ;-)

Nothing better than a beer after driving all day.

I know I mentioned to bring a light for the tunnels but you'll need it also for the campsites also. Many parts of the C&O are very rural, covered with heavy tree foliage, and far enough away from the city lights. How dark? As in "I can't see my hand in front of my face" dark. You do not want to arrive at camp trying to set up a tent with just your iPhone. ;-)

Just saw this on NPS site:

C&O Canal Towpath Closure at Paw Paw Tunnel

Oldtown, MD - The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) will be performing a rock scaling project along the towpath at the northern or downstream portal of the Paw Paw Tunnel (Mile 155.2) starting mid-February 2017. Rock scaling is the physical removal of loose rock and unstable surface materials that pose a hazard. A portion of the towpath and boardwalk will be closed to visitors during the project. Visitors should also expect short intermittent closures and delays from the parking lot to the Paw Paw Tunnel entrance during the work.

The project will enhance visitor safety by reducing the risk of injury from falling rocks. The rock formation through which the canal and towpath cuts through, north and downstream of the tunnel, has a history of rock layers shearing off and falling on the towpath. This rock formation composed of shale is called “slickenslide” and is common to this area.

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.

The existing Tunnel Hill Trail will remain open to hikers approaching from the south or upstream. Visitors should be aware that the trail is steep and strenuous. Park visitors may still walk through the tunnel to the northern portal to experience the tunnel. The park anticipates the project to last 120 - 150 days with completion and full re-opening in late July 2017. Completion of this project may be impacted by weather conditions.

To facilitate the work, construction equipment staging will require closing a section of the Paw Paw Tunnel picnic area parking lot. Additionally, temporary delays on the towpath approaching the south portal should be expected as work crews and equipment move to/from the work site. Work crews will use the tunnel to gain access to the site.

Any idea how much mileage this will add to the trip? How far would one have to walk their bike?

Here's a detour video link to Feb 18th 2017 "push my loaded bike" to give an idea what it's like...about 1.5 miles
https://youtu.be/aw7Mw9jMDNM

Can you just take 51 hiway a mile to Malcom hill Rd then right to Tunnel hill road then right back to trail. This coming from west to east, or is this to dangerous or hard? The detour in video looks to be a nightmare if it was wet or raining.

Hi- I am planning a trip for two families ( about 12 people total) in late June/early July. I am wondering about lodging in/near Meyersdale? We would prefer camping as we have a bigger group w/ kids. I have not yet been able to find anything in Meyersdale- I found Husky Haven in Rockwood- but we would like to ride a bit further that day if possible. Anyone know of a campground? Thanks

I would suggest contacting the Morguen Toole Co.people http://www.morguentoole.com/

They have various accommodations and may be able to camp you on their grounds at the top of the hill next to path, or point you in the right direction. they are the best! The town has two great places for breakfast a diner and a little restaurant around the corner form Morgan Toole hotel. I have had the chance to do this ride in both directions. let me know if I can help in anyway! Good Luck and enjoy!!

Dave, from youtube did an excellent series of videos on his travels on the gap/towpath. Very informative and fun to watch. His entire trip consists of 12 months and 111 videos.

I have watched half of his videos, still watching the rest. Very informative and seems to be a great guy!

Love Dave's videos! Very inspiring and kind of makes me want to do a similar type trip although I don't know if I could video and talk to the camera as much as he did.

I read a post of his that says he's now sticking to the western states (I think he meant west of the Rockies). Or the poor guy needs a rest! :-) I think he's been riding, if you add it all up, for 2-3 years. Good quality videos if you want a good feel for bike touring.

FSBO: cute house for short money, there is a very cute one I will be selling on Mulberry Lane for only $25K. Great for bike and river enthusiasts and in good condition with nice yard! 704-345-1194

What town?

Perhaps in West Newton on the trail?!

Hello,

I'm the new guy. I justed wanted to say hi to the group in hopes of making new buddies.
I hope everybody is doing well and I'm looking forward to great discussions within the site.
Have a wonderful day!

I am wondering when the best time to ride the trail if seeing the fall colors is one of our objectives.

Late October.

For anyone coming from out of town and/or would like to see what Pittsburgh looks like, please watch my video. If the link does not work just copy and paste it into the YouTube search. Hope you enjoy it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZOFHL_7TiY

Great video. Thanks for posting it.

Thanks for sharing. I rode DC to Pittsburgh in late July. It was run to "re-ride" this section via your video. Thanks again.

Thanks, there is a lot to see and I wanted this video to point that out to everyone that is not from Pittsburgh.

Very nice! Nice soundtrack. I think I would like to do this ride sometime.

With it being 60+ degrees I did this ride yesterday because of your video and all the stuff you can see. Great ride and great video. The only disappointment was that they had the pump house parking lot closed. I had to park at Lowes and ride to the pump house which was only 2 minutes away. It is such a nice parking lot I could not understand why it was closed. But again, great ride and great video. Lots of people riding the trails.