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.
Catrikes on the GAP
- + 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. ...
Discussion started 03/29/2017 05:02 PM by Allison - 7 replies (last reply by Tom M at 04/26/2017 09:46 AM)Allison on 03/29/2017 05:02 PM
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?
John W from Pittsburgh, PA on 03/29/2017 05:44 PM
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!
Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 03/31/2017 09:36 PM
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
Allison on 03/31/2017 10:50 PM
Thanks so much, John! What if we decided to go all the way to DC? Are the trails in good shape there, as well?
lenny on 04/01/2017 07:44 AM
the towpath is rough with roots,puddles and ruts. Single track most of the way.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/01/2017 09:19 AM
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! :-)
Allen from Shawnee, Ks on 04/03/2017 09:11 AM
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.
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 04/26/2017 09:46 AM
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.
trail questions
- + 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 th...
Discussion started 04/23/2017 06:21 PM by Vickie - 3 replies (last reply by Tom M at 04/26/2017 09:40 AM)Vickie from Nashville on 04/23/2017 06:21 PM
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
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/23/2017 07:16 PM
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.
lenny on 04/24/2017 04:43 AM
Also go to gaptrail.org and "Shop"there you will find the GAP trail book.
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 04/26/2017 09:40 AM
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.
Saddle Recommendations for GAP/C&O ???
- + Any recommendations for the most comfortable saddle to ride the GAP & C&O ? Thanks!
Discussion started 04/24/2017 10:31 PM by JK - 2 replies (last reply by Rick Hancock at 04/25/2017 03:29 PM)JK on 04/24/2017 10:31 PM
Any recommendations for the most comfortable saddle to ride the GAP & C&O ? Thanks!
lenny on 04/25/2017 05:08 AM
Brooks.But they require a break in.
Rick Hancock on 04/25/2017 03:29 PM
Selle Royal Avenue. Got several 1000 miles on mine no problem. Perfect compromise between stock and tractor seat. Not too big...not too small.
Mon Wharf Switchback
- + 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 termin...
Discussion started 04/23/2017 09:53 AM by John W. - 0 repliesJohn W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/23/2017 09:53 AM
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