C&O / GAP Forum

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.

Heads up folks! Theres a new B&B in Paw Paw called Wrenwood Inn. Located in the same house as the old Heritage Trail B&B thats 2 doors up from the Liberty gas station, across the street from the bank. Open 7 days/week, year round, newly upgraded and furnished. (And I know how to cook!) Check out our website www.wrenwoodinn.com The new bike trail built by the Park Service that connects the towpath and Paw Paw is scheduled to be finished this fall. Come visit! Carol

This is GREAT news. I really hope it works out for you. We stayed in Paw Paw on our first through ride. Our second time through there was nothing open and we had to ride to Cumberland. That made for about a 60 mile day. Very hard due to rain and a muddy trail. Would have loved to been able to stop and stay in Paw Paw.

Good luck and hope to stay with you some time!

In order to get to Paw Paw WV from the Towpath do you have to go across the Highway Bridge? Cars fly across that Bridge and it does not seem safe.
Is there a Pedesterian Bridge that can take you over to PAW PAW?

The Wrenwood Inn is a a nice lunch stop in Paw Paw. I was there in June 2016. Their wraps are very good. I also looked at their rooms for future reference - they have both B&B rooms and hostel rooms. Best news - the new bike trail to Paw Paw is complete and keeps you away from traffic - no problem getting to Paw Paw.

Planning on riding from Pittsburgh to DC in late April/early May. Wondering if anyone has an opinion if buying the Trail Guide book is useful or is there enough info online? We had one for the Erie Canal trail but found it out of date pretty fast when we actually rode.

There is certainly enough info online and elsewhere that the Guide Book isn't needed. There is a very nice waterproof map of the Passage/C&O available. And it's free. BUT.... I assume that the proceeds from sales support the trails in some way and it's only $10 so I usually purchase a new one each year. The guide includes a very nice waterproof map that's worth the price alone. Some places sell it for 1/2 price near the end of the riding season.

BTW meant to add that yes it is updated regularly and there always seems to be at least 1 new item that wasn't included the year before.

Thanks for the feedback. While it does look like there is more than adequate info online, $10.00 is not going to "break the bank" and like you said it probably goes to support the trail. It will give me something to look at other than my computer and phone.

I highly recommend the Trail Book as well. Excellent resource, loaded with good information. Benefits the Trail as well. The waterproof map in the back of the book is worth its weight in gold. The other reason I would suggest bringing this (or something printed) is that there are many parts of the trail where you will not get cell service. Some of the Hiker/Biker sites for sure. I always feel it's best to carry something like that if some kind of emergency were to occur.

Just received the Trail Guide today. It will be nice to have to just look through over the winter to get more familiar with the trails. The comment on the maps being worth the purchasing the book was a "spot on" commment.

I picked the new 12th edition trail guide and it has plenty of trail Info and a map. The same company prints maps for different trails in the US. Good reading and a great way to plan for this trip.

Can anyone give me an idea on current trail conditions above Point of Rocks? Looking to do an overnight out-n-back this coming weekend. MTB or Gravel bike?

It's probably pretty good right now ... but may change depending on the amount of precipitation we get overnight tonight -- but looking like a nice weekend

Hello, I want to plan a 4 day ride in late Sept or Oct. I wanted to get input on the best towns to stop and spend the night. At the age of 53 I plan to sleep in a bed, get a hot shower, have a good bike friendly dinner and check out a place I have never been before.

I've done 5 thru rides on the Passage and 2 along the C&Okay. Also assorted other rides along different parts of both trails. Feel free to contact me and I can share info. My cell is 757 619-5522. It'seems usually.best to call as different ideas lead to different questions. Most of my trips are multiple day with a mix of indoor/outdoor stays.

I want to plan a 2 ( 1 night) or 3 (2 night) hiking trip along the C & O. No camping. Sleep in motels and eat in rest.Any itineraries out there?

I'm riding from Pittsburgh to DC in early June. I heard someone say there's a speed limit on the trail. Is this true? If so, what is the speed limit and how is it enforced?

15 MPH ... RESPECT IT PLEASE!!!!!!

Nothing to worry about really. If your going PIT to DC you average 10 mph going gradually uphill until the continental divide of which you be going down hill to Cumberland and you can expect 15-18 mph but it's only 24 miles. Cumberland to DC is flat except for the small plunges at the locks. You'll likely be going around 10-11 the whole way to DC. The dodging of rocks and tree roots and puddles on the C&O slows you down a bit. The GAP is an easier ride in terms of paying attention to the ground beneath you.

If your going DC to PIT, the C&O is the same expect for the little uphills at the locks. Cumberland to the Continental Divide is a slower grind, likely 8-10 mph. Continental Divide to PIT is slighty downhill but you wont coast! Maybe 10-12 mph.

There no one enforcing speed on the GAP or C&O.

Tim--I believe that the 2 comments previously listed are correct... That 15mph is the speed limit and it is never enforced. Depending on one's ability, 18ish mph is doable on the flatter sections of the GAP and mid 20s on the downhill into Cumberland. Just please respect others as you approach and pass. I've never had an issue as long as you announce your presence beforehand and thank them as you pass. For me a cheap bell mounted to the handlebar worked best. It can be heard much farther in advance than your voice. Ride safely and enjoy.