Stove Fuel Canister on GAP trail
- + I'm going to do the GAP/C&O trail from Pittsburg to DC (taking amtrack from DC to Pittsburg), and would like to bring my gas canister MSR stove. It looks like I can't carry the canister on Amtrak. S...
Discussion started 09/25/2016 11:25 PM by andy b - 5 replies (last reply by Rick at 10/06/2016 03:31 PM)andy b from alexandria on 09/25/2016 11:25 PM
I'm going to do the GAP/C&O trail from Pittsburg to DC (taking amtrack from DC to Pittsburg), and would like to bring my gas canister MSR stove. It looks like I can't carry the canister on Amtrak. Suggestion of a place I can get a gas canister along the GAP trail?
Anonymous on 09/26/2016 06:58 AM
There's an REI right after you cross the Hot Metal Bridge ...
Rick from Grafton, Va on 09/27/2016 05:22 AM
I was told just a few weeks ago via phone that there was NO PROBLEM bringing a fuel cartridge on board. I specified canister and not liquid fuel (white gas.) So I'm going on that info. Yes there is an REI across the bridge so that would work also.
Rick from Grafton va on 09/27/2016 07:25 AM
Another thought. We are planning indoor stays along the Passage and camping once we hit C&O. We can (and might) purchase our fuel at Cumberland Connection Bike Shop. That way we won't be carrying needless weight.
Jacque from Suffolk on 10/05/2016 05:15 PM
Cumberland bike shop sells the larger canisters. They will also accept a shipment and hold until your arrival. The camppground in Brunswick will also hold a package for you. I did this for my thru hike and it was nice to not carry the extra weight!
Rick from GRAFTON, VA on 10/06/2016 03:31 PM
Jacque, Thanks for the info about Cumberland Connection holding packages for you. There are also storage containers out front of the shop that you could store some gear in. When we bike both the Passage and C&O we typically stay indoors the 3 nights along the Passage then gather our overnight gear once we hit Cumberland. Never had a problem with theft.
Location of trailhead @ confluence ?
- + I'm a little confused reading the maps. Is the trailhead & parking at the Lucky Dog Cafe/Riversport, or is it really the RamCat put-in on the yough ?
Discussion started 10/04/2016 11:55 AM by jimmyo - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 10/05/2016 05:06 AM)jimmyo on 10/04/2016 11:55 AM
I'm a little confused reading the maps. Is the trailhead & parking at the Lucky Dog Cafe/Riversport, or is it really the RamCat put-in on the yough ?
lenny on 10/05/2016 05:06 AM
2 different locations.
Camping at Whites Ferry
- + Does anyone know if the camping near the C&O at Whites Ferry (a) requires reservations, (b) ever fills up, (c) costs money? Thanks!
Discussion started 10/04/2016 11:08 AM by Josh C. - 1 reply (last reply by John W. at 10/04/2016 06:35 PM)Josh C. from DC on 10/04/2016 11:08 AM
Does anyone know if the camping near the C&O at Whites Ferry (a) requires reservations, (b) ever fills up, (c) costs money? Thanks!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 10/04/2016 06:35 PM
Hiker/Biker sites are free! Turtle Run (Mile 34.4) and Marble Quary (Mile 38.2) are on both sides of White's Ferry (Mile 35.5). No reservations as they are free and are first come, first serve. Just pick a spot and put up your tent.
Port-a-John, Water Pump, Picnic Table, and Grill. Bring a couple lights as it is really dark! I've never been to H/B site that filled up but I've only ever gone in summer so I would say you might have the site to yourself as trail traffic drops this time of year.
Riding C&O this Fri thru Sun (Oct 7-9)
- + Weather permitting, I'll be starting Friday AM in Cumberland and staying in Hancock (Super 8) Friday night, then riding to Knoxville, MD (Knights Inn) Saturday, then to DC on Sunday. I'll try to pos...
Discussion started 10/03/2016 11:42 AM by JK - 2 replies (last reply by JK at 10/04/2016 08:03 AM)JK on 10/03/2016 11:42 AM
Weather permitting, I'll be starting Friday AM in Cumberland and staying in Hancock (Super 8) Friday night, then riding to Knoxville, MD (Knights Inn) Saturday, then to DC on Sunday. I'll try to post updates on trail conditions.
Gary from Lake Frederick on 10/03/2016 02:03 PM
JK, I would appreciate any trail updates. I plan to start a ride from Whites Ferry on 10/11 be great to know about all the mud puddles before I hit them.
JK on 10/04/2016 08:03 AM
Will do....but with Hurricane Matthew making its way up the coast, I suspect it will cause a lot of rain starting this weekend into next week. For this reason, I am starting my trek on Thursday morning from Cumberland.
C&O trail conditions
- + A group of friends and I will be riding the GAP/C&O Oct 12-16 (2016). With all the rain lately, I'm curious about the condition of the trails? Can someone share?
Discussion started 10/02/2016 07:06 PM by Bill - 0 repliesBill from Cleveland on 10/02/2016 07:06 PM
A group of friends and I will be riding the GAP/C&O Oct 12-16 (2016). With all the rain lately, I'm curious about the condition of the trails? Can someone share?
Trail conditions?
- + Hello-
I'm riding the C&O / GAP trails next week and I was curious if anybody knew the current trail conditions for the C&O specifically. Last year when I rode the C&O it was pretty muddy. I'm hopi...
Discussion started 09/29/2016 11:41 AM by Michael Harley - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/01/2016 10:52 PM)Michael Harley from Nashville, TN on 09/29/2016 11:41 AM
Hello-
I'm riding the C&O / GAP trails next week and I was curious if anybody knew the current trail conditions for the C&O specifically. Last year when I rode the C&O it was pretty muddy. I'm hoping for dryer conditions this year.
MrsHiggi from Smithsburg, MD on 09/29/2016 11:45 AM
There has been minor flooding this week along the river, but the canal has not breached. Heavy rain advisories have been posted for the entire region through tomorrow afternoon. I wouldn't count on dry.
Michael Harley from Nashville, TN on 09/29/2016 11:57 AM
Ah well that's a bummer but such is life. Thanks for the information.
Anonymous on 09/30/2016 11:17 PM
I have friends riding the past few days. They moved on to the GAP today. Said riding yesterday on the C&O was pretty muddy. Hopefully the rain will move out and you'll be ok. Best wishes.
Anonymous on 10/01/2016 10:52 PM
We rode the 25 miles from Hancock to Williamsport on 9/30. It was easily passable but a lot of puddle dodging. We averaged about 8mph. Heavy rain this morning (10/1) so we decided to stop.
Question on Current Trail Conditions
- + Planning to ride the C&O from Cumberland to DC the last weekend of September. How are the current trail conditions? Any detours or bypasses? THANKS
Discussion started 09/01/2016 08:26 PM by McCulloch - 1 reply (last reply by radmann at 10/01/2016 07:09 PM)McCulloch on 09/01/2016 08:26 PM
Planning to ride the C&O from Cumberland to DC the last weekend of September. How are the current trail conditions? Any detours or bypasses? THANKS
radmann from Inwood wv on 10/01/2016 07:09 PM
Sounds awesome. Hope you enjoy. Trail conditions vary section to section especially the towpath. Hope the rain didnt damper your spirits.
Trail Web Design?
- + So, odd question for you folks who have used this website for your trip planning.
How many other bike trails used this web designer for their sites?
-bikecando.com
-bikekatytrail.com
-...
Discussion started 09/29/2016 10:26 AM by Awf Hand - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/30/2016 11:18 PM)Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 09/29/2016 10:26 AM
So, odd question for you folks who have used this website for your trip planning.
How many other bike trails used this web designer for their sites?
-bikecando.com
-bikekatytrail.com
-bikecowboytrail.com
All appear to be from exact same designer. I REALLY like this format and would research more trails.
Anonymous on 09/30/2016 11:18 PM
I believe the webmaster/owner of all 3 sites is a person named Ray. I agree - they are quite useful.
- + Planning to take Amtrak to Pittsburg from Union Station DC. Parking at Great Falls (permit) and riding to end of trail then Rock Creek to National Mall then to end of Mall. From there what is the bes...
Discussion started 09/29/2016 06:14 AM by Rick - 0 repliesRick from Grafton on 09/29/2016 06:14 AM
Planning to take Amtrak to Pittsburg from Union Station DC. Parking at Great Falls (permit) and riding to end of trail then Rock Creek to National Mall then to end of Mall. From there what is the best option street wise to take? Bike friendly streets, easy no brainer route? Thanks
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dressing for canal in october
- + we will be riding on the c&o canal during the last week of October. Seems that mornings would be on the cool side. I am a new-ish rider. does anyone have suggestions for how to dress? THanks!
Discussion started 09/14/2016 06:23 AM by marie - 9 replies (last reply by PT at 09/28/2016 09:49 PM)marie on 09/14/2016 06:23 AM
we will be riding on the c&o canal during the last week of October. Seems that mornings would be on the cool side. I am a new-ish rider. does anyone have suggestions for how to dress? THanks!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 09/14/2016 11:55 AM
Lots of layers that you can shed during the day. You'll have cool mornings/evenings but days should still be mild and reasonably warm. Gloves for sure. Rain is the big X factor. Expect some amount of rain but also the trail could be wet and muddy from rain that occurred a couple of days ago. The C&O doesn't dry out that well. You will likely contend with puddles and mud. I like to keep all of my spare clothes in gallon zip lock bags inside my panniers to keep them dry. I'm a bit envious, it should be amazing to see all of the autumn leaves in full color!
marie on 09/14/2016 07:34 PM
Thank you for your reply, John. I don't know if it will be too late for the fall colors or not. But, I am excited about the trip. I was wondering about mud and rain. I guess we will figure it out as we go!
anonymous on 09/15/2016 10:03 AM
fenders ...
George from Kennett Square on 09/15/2016 08:01 PM
2X on the fenders, a must if it rains!
marie on 09/16/2016 06:30 AM
thanks for fender advice! I am still keeping fingers crossed for great weather.
Stupid question about the layering..... long sleeve synthetic lightweight shirt over synthetic short sleeve one? I love cotton but learned the hard way that it is not the best for long rides!
Mike on 09/16/2016 08:38 PM
October will have changeable weather conditions. The 2nd half of October may be much more cooler than the first half of the month. Higher elevations may even see Snow.
Ron S. from Overland Park KS on 09/28/2016 10:22 AM
I use wool cycling jerseys, the classic type. They are far superior to synthetics while touring. In hot/humid weather sweat in the wool evaporates and keeps you cool. In wet weather wool keeps you warm if it is wet. It does not begin to smell for maybe 3 days of wear, although I often wash mine every night in hot weather. Available in short and long sleeve versions. Google them for source but I by mine from Portland Cyclewear.
marie on 09/28/2016 08:07 PM
Thanks for the suggestion about wool jerseys. It is interesting that you wear in warmer weather! Will start googling and see what I come across.
PT from Camp Hill, PA on 09/28/2016 09:49 PM
Just finished Pittsburgh to DC on Sept. 27, 6 days, sunshine 5 days, rain during last night, last day sunny again but the C&O coming into DC was full of puddles, hard to avoid, I was a mess...install fenders. Everyday was better than the last, you're going to have a blast.
Places to eat in Shepherdstown & Harpers/Brunswick
- + I'm riding from Williamsport to Whites Ferry Saturday and planning to grab a bite in Shepherdstown and either Harper's Ferry or Brunswick while en route.
Suggestions for some quick and yummy ...
Discussion started 09/07/2016 12:12 AM by John - 5 replies (last reply by Ready2Bike at 09/26/2016 04:58 PM)John on 09/07/2016 12:12 AM
I'm riding from Williamsport to Whites Ferry Saturday and planning to grab a bite in Shepherdstown and either Harper's Ferry or Brunswick while en route.
Suggestions for some quick and yummy places to grab a bite at these spots?
Anonymous on 09/07/2016 10:06 AM
I had a pretty good meal at the Potomac Grill in Harper's Ferry while passing through a couple weeks ago.
I also had a good little BLT sandwich at the little snack shop/grill right there on the shore at White's Ferry as well.
Have fun. I'm jealous. Ha. (I live too far away to ride there often.)
steve on 09/13/2016 05:25 PM
Didn't cross the bridge to Harpers Ferry, too much of a hassle. Brunswick, Beans in the Belfry was good, ice water and a hose to rinse bike. Shephardstown, Bettys Restaurant was good. Snack shop at White's Ferry looked good, right off the trail, loaded up on supplies but didn't have time to eat there as the rain was imminent.
Mike Newberry from Loveland, Ohio on 09/22/2016 04:20 PM
IMO it is well worth the trouble to cross the bridge to Harper's Ferry. It turned out to be one of my favorite stops on the whole ride from Pitt to DC. We stayed and ate at The Mountain House. I highly recommend it.
Anonymous on 09/24/2016 02:07 PM
Agree - I don't find crossing the bridge that big of a hassle. Well worth taking a look around downtown Harpers Ferry. And...there's always ice cream for desert!
Ready2Bike from Shepherdstown on 09/26/2016 04:58 PM
Shepherdstown has better dining options than HF. Take it from a local. Blue Moon is casual, with a great menu and outdoor seating. Maria's Taqueria is casual, quick and cheap with great food. Betty's is the best diner breakfast food around even at lunchtime, not open for dinner. Everything else is fancier, costlier, or too far away. Can't go wrong. But if you have time, take a walk over to lower town Harpers Ferry. Great history and a couple of OK restaurants with outdoor seating. Eat in Shep, sightsee in HF. Good Luck!
Paw Paw Tunnel Status
- + Can anyone confirm that the tunnel is open?
Discussion started 09/21/2016 04:47 PM by Mac - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/21/2016 10:23 PM)Mac on 09/21/2016 04:47 PM
Can anyone confirm that the tunnel is open?
J Bradshaw from NYC on 09/21/2016 05:07 PM
It's open, I just rode from Pittsburg to DC last week. Bring a good light.
Anonymous on 09/21/2016 10:23 PM
FOR SURE - A LIGHT.
Metro
- + If I ride Cumberland to DC and I want to ride the Metro back to NoVa which metro stop should I get on at the end of the trail in Georgetown?
Discussion started 09/21/2016 05:46 PM by Josh - 2 replies (last reply by Mac at 09/21/2016 06:36 PM)Josh from WV on 09/21/2016 05:46 PM
If I ride Cumberland to DC and I want to ride the Metro back to NoVa which metro stop should I get on at the end of the trail in Georgetown?
Mac on 09/21/2016 06:34 PM
Foggy Bottom
Here you can get on the Silver, Orange or Blue lines
Mac on 09/21/2016 06:36 PM
Foggy Bottom link
http://www.wmata.com/rail/station_detail.cfm?station_id=40
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Metro
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Bike Your Park Day, 9/24/16
- + We will be riding from Cumberland to D.C. on 9/24, 5 day 4 night trip. Adventure Cycling Association is celebrating their 40th anniversary also on 9/24, and would like people to register their ride. B...
Discussion started 09/21/2016 03:39 PM by George - 0 repliesGeorge from Kennett Square PA on 09/21/2016 03:39 PM
We will be riding from Cumberland to D.C. on 9/24, 5 day 4 night trip. Adventure Cycling Association is celebrating their 40th anniversary also on 9/24, and would like people to register their ride. Be it a 1 mile or 30000 mile, whatever and wherever you are doing a ride on the 24th. Here is some info about Adventure Cycling from their web site.
"As a nonprofit organization, Adventure Cycling Association's mission is to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle. Established in 1973 as Bikecentennial, we are the premier bicycle-travel organization in North America with more than 35 years of experience and 50,000 members."
Here is a link to register if interested.
https://www.adventurecycling.org/about-us/40th-anniversary/bike-your-park-day/register/
Number of Locks
- + So, everything I've read says there were 74 locks between Georgetown and Cumberland.
-Yet I camped at Lock 75.
Also, we saw a couple locks that had 1/3 and 2/3 numbers. Wiki claims 74 or 77 dep...
Discussion started 09/21/2016 11:06 AM by Awf Hand - 1 reply (last reply by Willy at 09/21/2016 12:34 PM)Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 09/21/2016 11:06 AM
So, everything I've read says there were 74 locks between Georgetown and Cumberland.
-Yet I camped at Lock 75.
Also, we saw a couple locks that had 1/3 and 2/3 numbers. Wiki claims 74 or 77 depending on where you look on the page.
Anybody know what the number is or why this should be confounding?
Willy from Arlington,VA on 09/21/2016 12:34 PM
Quote from the GAP C&O Trail Guide...
"Mile 154.5-Lock 63 1/3 and lock 64 2/3: When Building the canal, the company decided that only two locks were needed instead of the three planned. Instead of renumbering the locks upstream,they numbered the two locks with fractions and skipped lock 65."
The Gap C&O Trail Guide is full of information regarding the trails and is well worth the cost.
Fall colors
- + Will there likely be any fall colors at the higher elevations on the GAP next week?
Discussion started 09/21/2016 11:03 AM by Martin - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 09/21/2016 11:12 AM)Martin from Phoenix on 09/21/2016 11:03 AM
Will there likely be any fall colors at the higher elevations on the GAP next week?
Anonymous on 09/21/2016 11:12 AM
Not likely. The leaves start to change their colors in earnest after the first frost and temps have been warm lately. It is a bit dry overall, you might see a couple leaves on the trail, but things will be mostly green next week.
bike camping gear & Amtrak
- + I'll be bike camping along the GAP next month and will be making the return trip via Amtrak at Pittsburgh. Question is, how will I need to handle certain camping items like knives, stoves and stove fu...
Discussion started 09/06/2016 11:24 PM by brokebike - 3 replies (last reply by PFCharles at 09/20/2016 10:02 PM)brokebike on 09/06/2016 11:24 PM
I'll be bike camping along the GAP next month and will be making the return trip via Amtrak at Pittsburgh. Question is, how will I need to handle certain camping items like knives, stoves and stove fuel? Is all that stuff scanned or checked like at the airport? Can I just get by with it all in my panniers as long as I don't mention it? Much appreciated!
Paul from Quincy, IL on 09/10/2016 04:25 PM
Nothing is scanned or checked like airlines. However, technically "Incendiaries, including but not limited to flammable gases, liquids, fuels, fireworks and other explosive devices" are prohibited." If it were me and I absolutely had to take the fuel home with me, I would make sure it could not leak and go for it.
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 09/20/2016 08:44 PM
I'm planning a thru ride from Pittsburg to DC mid Oct. I spoke to an Amtrak Customer Service person and was told no problem bringing a fuel canister aboard. Didn't think to ask about pocket knife. If your concerned there is an REI in Pittsburg. I think it's near Smithfield Bridge?
PFCharles from Pflugerville on 09/20/2016 10:02 PM
I took a pocketknife through the gate Sept 8 in DC Union Station. No one even suggested searching my gear.
WMRT logistics
- + Hi, I'll be cycling from Pittsburgh to DC next week. I'd like to divert onto the WMRT between Pearre Road and Fort Frederick to take advantage of the smooth surface. How clearly marked is the new tr...
Discussion started 09/13/2016 04:09 PM by jrosenthal - 2 replies (last reply by John W. at 09/20/2016 09:44 PM)jrosenthal from Pittsburgh on 09/13/2016 04:09 PM
Hi, I'll be cycling from Pittsburgh to DC next week. I'd like to divert onto the WMRT between Pearre Road and Fort Frederick to take advantage of the smooth surface. How clearly marked is the new trailhead at Pearre? Will we be able to access the road that goes north to Fort Frederick from the end of the WMRT? Thanks!
John W from Pittsburgh, PA on 09/14/2016 12:30 PM
If coming from Pittsburgh, the exact mile marker is C&O 136.3. That takes you to the western end of the WMRT (Mile 22.5). And yes, the paved surface is a pleasure to ride on! As you head east, pass through Hancock, and head towards WMRT Mile 0, the last chance to get back onto the C&O is at WMRT Mile 0.75 (about 3/4 of a mile from 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 be at C&O Mile 114.5. Both are marked but I wouldn't say "clearly" marked. :-) If you reach WMRT Mile 0, you've gone too far and need to go back approx. 3/4ths of a mile to get to the C&O connection point. WMRT Mile 0 just dead ends into local streets but no way to easily get back to the C&O.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 09/20/2016 09:44 PM
Also, if you happen to miss either one of the two connection points to the WMRT on either end of it (as described above), there are 7 other connection points along the C&O that you can use as well. It's not like if you miss it on far end (depending on your direction), you won't have another opportunity to do so. That would be frustrating because it's so close in many parts! :-)
White's Ferry Store
- + I will riding the C&O Oct. 11 - 14, 2016. Does anyone know the weekday hours for the store at Whites Ferry?
Discussion started 09/16/2016 09:54 AM by Gary - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/18/2016 08:54 AM)Gary from Lake Frederick on 09/16/2016 09:54 AM
I will riding the C&O Oct. 11 - 14, 2016. Does anyone know the weekday hours for the store at Whites Ferry?
JK on 09/16/2016 09:59 AM
The Ferry is open 5am - 11pm. You can call them at (301) 349-5200
Anonymous on 09/18/2016 08:54 AM
Had a really good BLT sandwich there a few weeks ago as I was riding through.