GAP trail to Ohiopyle campground
- + Is there a trail to get to the Ohiopyle SP Campground from the GAP? Google map shows going on roads to get there but the satellite map view shows that the campground is very close to the trail. I was ...
Discussion started 11/09/2016 11:19 AM by Tracy - 2 replies (last reply by Allen at 11/19/2016 10:46 AM)Tracy from Harrisburg, PA on 11/09/2016 11:19 AM
Is there a trail to get to the Ohiopyle SP Campground from the GAP? Google map shows going on roads to get there but the satellite map view shows that the campground is very close to the trail. I was wondering if there is a shortcut :) ?
Thanks!
Tracy from Harrisburg on 11/09/2016 12:03 PM
I found the answer to my own question from the State Park Recreational Guide, http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_003523.pdf
"CAMPGROUND CONNECTOR:
0.5 mile, unblazed, more difficult
hiking This emergency access road
begins off the Great Allegheny Passage
paralleling Beech Trail and then uphill to
connect with the back of Fir Road in the
campground. Bicyclists traveling between
the campground and the Great Allegheny
Passage should walk their bicycles up and
down this hill due to the steep grade."
Allen from Shawnee on 11/19/2016 10:46 AM
You might check this out a little further. I have used this trail before and would never go up it again. You would spend less energy riding to the next campsite. When you get to the top there is still more uphill to get to entrance of park to register. For reference I am 67 years old so maybe for a younger person more doable. There are many reviews of this trail on this website be sure and read them before going.
Just Finished ride from DC to Pittsburgh
- + I just finished a ride from DC to Pittsburgh earlier this week. The trip took about 4 and a half days. I have posted details about the first couple of days of the trip in my blog. Please check it out....
Discussion started 10/28/2016 09:29 PM by Sri Narayan - 2 replies (last reply by Awf Hand at 11/16/2016 11:36 AM)Sri Narayan from Chantilly on 10/28/2016 09:29 PM
I just finished a ride from DC to Pittsburgh earlier this week. The trip took about 4 and a half days. I have posted details about the first couple of days of the trip in my blog. Please check it out.
http://mundanemuses.blogspot.com/2016/10/washington-dc-to-pittsburg-bike-trip-on_27.html
Anonymous on 11/15/2016 05:36 PM
Just curious what type of lock did you carry for bike security when you weren't around it. I am planning on going into alot of towns when I do my trip.
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 11/16/2016 11:36 AM
I carry a medium weight cable with a combo lock. It's lighter than a U-lock and you don't need to keep track of a key. We never felt we were in a bad area on our bike trip, but if we were, I'd be more concerned about the bags/contents walking away.
Fenders for a dry weekend
- + My wife and I are headed down this weekend for a 2 day Cumberland to Pitt trip. I currently have both bikes setup with full fenders - they were a huge asset during a Pitt to DC trip I did back in May,...
Discussion started 11/01/2016 01:40 PM by Rick - 5 replies (last reply by Doug Riegner at 11/07/2016 02:04 PM)Rick from Wyandotte, MI on 11/01/2016 01:40 PM
My wife and I are headed down this weekend for a 2 day Cumberland to Pitt trip. I currently have both bikes setup with full fenders - they were a huge asset during a Pitt to DC trip I did back in May, which involved more rain and lots of mud on C&O. If I remember the GAP correctly, it all drains very well. Weather right now looks like a bit of rain Thursday, maybe Friday morning, but Sat/Sun will be dry. Is there any need for the fenders? I only ask because leaves occasionally get pulled up and stuck between the fender and tire, making for an annoying noise. If they are needed functionally, I'll put up with picking a leaf out every now and then. If not, I'd rather remove them before the trip. Thoughts?
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 11/02/2016 09:59 AM
I don't think I've ever wanted to take off fenders before. Usually I've been wishing I had them. That said, I'd probably leave them on and pick a leaf out every now and then, While the GAP does seem to drain very well, tires throw sand and silt onto a bottom bracket, chain or legs if there aren't any fenders.
Also, forecasts (especially 5-day outlooks) are generally worth what you paid for them.
Rick from Wyandotte, MI on 11/02/2016 10:49 AM
"Also, forecasts (especially 5-day outlooks) are generally worth what you paid for them."
Yep - that's a good point.
Michael from Pittsburgh on 11/04/2016 05:29 AM
No need for fenders. The trail from Cumberland to Pgh is in pretty good shape for the most part. Not as much mud as from DC to Cumberland. You will have the usual "spray" of dust/light dirt from the crushed limestone.
Anonymous on 11/05/2016 01:19 PM
keep your fenders on, it will keep you and your bike drivetrain clean and working properly (;
Doug Riegner on 11/07/2016 02:04 PM
Fenders are completely optional. trail is dry so I'd prefer without any extra equipt or items to get in the way...
check www.GAPtrail.org for interactive map. Big Savage tunnel closes Dec 2nd this year. FYI
Take Six Pizza & Subs in Meyersdale
- + Small town, hometown atmosphere. Terrific pizza! Friendly staff. Great beer selection. A pleasant experience. Will return!
Discussion started 11/06/2016 03:31 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Akron on 11/06/2016 03:31 PM
Small town, hometown atmosphere. Terrific pizza! Friendly staff. Great beer selection. A pleasant experience. Will return!
- + What recommendations would you have for where to stay in Confluence? I am more a motel/hotel person than a B&B but am open to best options...close to the trail.
Thanks for sharing your experie...
Discussion started 10/22/2016 12:12 PM by Confluence Motels? - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/29/2016 09:20 AM)Confluence Motels? on 10/22/2016 12:12 PM
What recommendations would you have for where to stay in Confluence? I am more a motel/hotel person than a B&B but am open to best options...close to the trail.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
Steve from Pittsburgh on 10/27/2016 09:44 PM
Stayed at the Parker House in July, was very good, clean, locked storage shed for bikes, check their web page. Ate at Rivers Edge for dinner, Sisters Cafe for breakfast the next morning. All great choices.
John Pescatore from Ashton, MD on 10/28/2016 01:06 PM
In August we stayed at the Parker House and loved it. It is a B, not a B&B (no breakfast) so very reasonably priced, grocery store a short walk away, full kitchen, TV room, shed to store bikes, close to the trail, etc.
Anonymous on 10/29/2016 09:20 AM
Very helpful! Thank you.
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Incline from Connellsville to Frostburg
- + How hard is riding the incline from Connellsville to Frostburg in one day? Looking at a 5-day ride from Pitt to DC next year including these two GAP overnights. THANKS!
Discussion started 10/24/2016 02:54 PM by JK - 3 replies (last reply by Rick at 10/28/2016 03:12 PM)JK on 10/24/2016 02:54 PM
How hard is riding the incline from Connellsville to Frostburg in one day? Looking at a 5-day ride from Pitt to DC next year including these two GAP overnights. THANKS!
Anonymous on 10/24/2016 03:49 PM
The elevation change from Connellsville to Deal (the highest point on the gap at around mile 23)is just over 1500 feet over 65 miles. That is an average of about 25 feet elevation change every mile.
That isn't too bad, that is less than the 1.75 percent grade going from Cumberland to Deal.
If you can do 78 miles a day without worrying about the distance you will be fine.
You go down around 500 feet in the last 7 or 8 miles to Frostburg.
John Pescatore from Ashton, MD on 10/28/2016 01:13 PM
In August, I did Confluence to Cumberland in an easy 62 mile day. You would be adding 28 easy miles from Connelsville to Confluence and subtracting 16 really, really easy downhill miles from Frostburg to Cumberland - very doable.
Rick from Grafton va on 10/28/2016 03:12 PM
My wife and I have biked from Ohiopyle to Cumberland 75 miles in appx. 7 hours including lunch in Connelsville. Wasn't difficult at all. Had a bit of rain the last 8 miles or so. It was mid Oct. so we finished just about dark. I was 59 at the time she was 64 but we bike a lot.
- + Back in August, four of us did the GAP from West Newton to Cumberland in two days. A blog write up here: http://security.typepad.com/internet_security_be_care/2016/08/john-carole-chris-june-their-exce...
Discussion started 10/28/2016 01:19 PM by John Pescatore - 0 repliesJohn Pescatore from Ashton, MD on 10/28/2016 01:19 PM
Back in August, four of us did the GAP from West Newton to Cumberland in two days. A blog write up here: http://security.typepad.com/internet_security_be_care/2016/08/john-carole-chris-june-their-excellent-adventures.html
One of the riders, Chris, enjoyed it so much, a few weeks later he went back and parked his car in Cumberland, biked in 3 days to Pittsburgh, and took Amtrak back to his car. Blog post here: http://security.typepad.com/internet_security_be_care/2016/10/guest-blogger-chris-does-the-entire-great-allegheny-passage-trail.html
In another post in the blog, I've detailed my wife and I doing the 34 mile Virginia Creeper trail.
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Bears, Snakes, & Other Wildlife on C&O
- + Curious if anyone had any encounters with bears, venomous snakes, or other potentially dangerous wildlife along the C&O towpath ?
Discussion started 08/30/2016 08:51 PM by JK - 10 replies (last reply by Steve at 10/27/2016 09:55 PM)JK on 08/30/2016 08:51 PM
Curious if anyone had any encounters with bears, venomous snakes, or other potentially dangerous wildlife along the C&O towpath ?
steve on 08/31/2016 12:12 PM
No bears or snakes 2 weeks ago, plenty of deer and turkeys.
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:44 PM
Nothing dangerous the last week of July...unless you count deer who seemingly had no fear or me/my bike whatsoever and just stood there and watched a few feet away as I SLOWLY moved past (not confident in their potential movements). It was awesome!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/31/2016 06:18 PM
I've never encountered any bears or snakes. Probably more blue herons and raccoons!
rICK from GRAFTON, VA on 09/02/2016 02:50 PM
There are poisonous snakes along the route as well as bear. But you'd be lucky to see one. We saw a Copperhead just east of Cumberland a few years ago. Got a neat video of a black snake stretched across the tracks on the Western Md. Rail Trail outside Frostburg. And I saw the Granddaddy of all blacksnakes several years ago near White's Ferry at a campsite. The sucker had to be 10' long! He was eye level with me, his body went to the base of the tree, into a hollow in the tree, came out the other side, then curled around and was almost touching his body where it first entered the tree. No joke. The most remote section of the C&O is between Old Town and just east of Paw Paw before you get to Hancock. There are bear along that stretch but you'd be lucky to see one.
brokebike on 09/06/2016 11:37 PM
In Sept of 2014, I spotted a rather large copperhead crossing the path about 8 miles from Georgetown on the C&O. It was strange because as many of you know, that's right where the trail starts getting pretty congested with all sorts of DC metro area recreational users. I stayed to make sure he crossed safely, and told a few users up ahead to keep an eye out.
Charlie from Manassas va, on 09/11/2016 04:37 PM
I've the c&o / gap several times. The biggest problem with wildlife I've had is raccoons. They will raid your camp site. They are smart, sneaky, and persistent. They may be cute in the cartoons but they are nasty in the middle of the night. Coyotes can be creepy to hear at night but have never come close.
Tim from Cincinnati on 09/14/2016 03:52 PM
Most dangerous animal I have encountered is the kind you see in the mirror. Just because you are away from large metro areas most of the trip does not mean there are not predators out there. Generally, though, those types are too lazy to leave the city...Take the usual precautions.
JH on 10/17/2016 09:08 PM
I did the entire C&O by myself this past summer. I went in July. I never saw any bears or poison snakes. The worst part for me was near places that rent bicycles for trail use by familes. Most young kids do not know to ride single file when approaching another rider!? I was nearly run over several times. I am hoping parents will do a better job teaching their children how to use/ride the trail.
TopShelf from Ohio on 10/27/2016 05:47 PM
My son and I rode the C&O in June. We saw quite a bit of wildlife - no bears or rattlesnakes, but there was a goat that was very reluctant to let us get by.
Steve from Pittsburgh on 10/27/2016 09:55 PM
Porcupine that had no intention of moving on the hill up to Savage tunnel, turtles, snakes, too many deer to count, no bear though.
Rockwood Trail House
- + Any reviews/comments on the Rockwood Trail House? Thanks.
Discussion started 10/19/2016 12:20 PM by JK - 4 replies (last reply by TopShelf at 10/27/2016 05:51 PM)JK on 10/19/2016 12:20 PM
Any reviews/comments on the Rockwood Trail House? Thanks.
Steve from Brooklyn on 10/21/2016 09:38 PM
Stayed at Hostel on Main, clean, full kitchen, AC, Cable TV, washer/dryer, $30, Basically a four star bunkhouse, although I had the whole place to myself mid August, 2016.
Charlie from Manassas on 10/23/2016 08:40 PM
I second Steve's recommendation. I've stayed at The Hostel on Main many times and never been disappointed.
Anonymous on 10/24/2016 09:41 AM
The first time my entire family did the GAP, we stayed at the Hostel on Main. We had the back room and when we got there, it seemed great. But about 11:00pm, the tenant upstairs came home, apparently drunk and was screaming and yelling and seemingly trying to bust through the floor. This went on for hours and we eventually had to go to the front room and sleep on the floor.
TopShelf from Ohio on 10/27/2016 05:51 PM
My son and I rode the trail in June 2016 and stayed at the Hostel on Main. The accomodations were fine, the hosts were very friendly, and the price was right. And the food at the Rockwood Mill Shoppes was very good.
water and food along C&O
- + just finished 5 day Pitts to DC. Be sure to have extra water and energy bars/snacks with you on the C&O portion. Not all the water pumps seemed to be primed/working and many of the restaurants were ...
Discussion started 10/24/2016 02:12 PM - 3 replies (last reply by Dave at 10/24/2016 06:18 PM)Anonymous on 10/24/2016 02:12 PM
just finished 5 day Pitts to DC. Be sure to have extra water and energy bars/snacks with you on the C&O portion. Not all the water pumps seemed to be primed/working and many of the restaurants were closed (maybe because of the season) or were far off the canal. Found almost nothing convenient and open from Cumberland to Hancock.
JK on 10/24/2016 02:37 PM
Where did you stay each night?
Did you try Bill's Place in Little Orleans?
Willy from Arlington, VA on 10/24/2016 02:43 PM
Yes, its after labor day.
Both Bills Place in Orleans is closed Mondays and Tuesdays...and the Schoolhouse Kitchen in Oldtown are closed on Mondays. Those are the two places I try to stop between Hancock and Cumberland.
Just after the west entrance of the Paw Paw tunnel you could leave the towpath and travel on route 51 for around a mile to get to Paw Paw WV and eat at the Liberty minimart.
Dave from Hollidaysburg on 10/24/2016 06:18 PM
You will go up a major hill so be prepared to use different muscles.
Man pulling a cart from LA to DC
- + Hi there, has anyone seen a man pulling a cart carrying a decorated box along the towpath?
The decorations on the box indicate that he is making some sort of pilgrimage or protest march from Los A...
Discussion started 10/18/2016 10:07 PM by Thom - 8 replies (last reply by Mac at 10/24/2016 02:50 PM)Thom from Philadelphia on 10/18/2016 10:07 PM
Hi there, has anyone seen a man pulling a cart carrying a decorated box along the towpath?
The decorations on the box indicate that he is making some sort of pilgrimage or protest march from Los Angeles to D.C.
I believe that he is a Mennonite and is making this trip for political/religious reasons. He should be east of Cumberland. I'm an independent journalist and would REALLY like to contact him. Please Let me know if you've seen or heard about him.
Thanks!
Thomas Parry
Willy from Arlington,VA on 10/19/2016 10:09 AM
There was a mention on the unofficial GAP facebook page of a sighting on 3/12 on the GAP trail between mile markers 12 and 11.
Willy from Arlington, VA on 10/19/2016 12:55 PM
Must be a slow day. I went and checked the facebook post re: "man pulling a cart carrying a decorated box". He might not be Mennonite, I dunno. He goes by the name Ras Ible on facebook.
Just had a facebook post on his account claiming he just left Falling Waters campsite in WVA.
Mac on 10/19/2016 01:17 PM
That's quite the cart and cause .... interesting to say the least.
Dmoney on 10/22/2016 03:37 PM
I just happened to see your post...I was running earlier today and saw him just coming into Point of Rocks at about 11:30 AM. He had stopped for a break...
Dmoney on 10/22/2016 03:56 PM
By the way...he was pulling the cart on foot. I noticed "Rasible for mayor" and "End Prohibition in 2016" painted on the cart. It also had a huge red cross symbol on the side. It is a good size cart. Large enough to sleep in. I was just amazed he was pulling it on foot. I did get some good pictures.
Anonymous on 10/22/2016 05:35 PM
Interesting story. He goes by Ras Ible...he is a military veteran on his way to D.C. (from the west coast) to protest for the legalization of medicinal Marijuana. The cart is actually solar powered.
Mac on 10/24/2016 01:13 PM
He made it to DC
Mac on 10/24/2016 02:50 PM
He's parked downtown DC in front of the Chamber of Commerce