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.
C&O canal in December?
- + Thinking of doing the C&O canal over my winter break in late December. I've done the whole trail before supported, but want to do it unsupported with a bit more of a challenge. Have lots of experience...
Discussion started 09/16/2016 12:41 PM by PM - 5 replies (last reply by Randy at 09/16/2016 08:30 PM)PM on 09/16/2016 12:41 PM
Thinking of doing the C&O canal over my winter break in late December. I've done the whole trail before supported, but want to do it unsupported with a bit more of a challenge. Have lots of experience camping in the cold and long trips cycling but know the C&O canal will present some problems, most notably water and the tunnels. Have found they turn off the water pumps for winter and close the tunnels. Cannot find a specific date of when they do this. Was considering just using a filter and getting water from streams. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Keith on 09/16/2016 02:08 PM
Since you're already an experienced cold weather camper, I think your biggest obstacles will be getting around the Big Savage Tunnel and the limited hours of daylight.
This is intriguing though ...
Really? on 09/16/2016 02:59 PM
You're obviously in it for the challenge......do you have skis on your bike?
Willy from Arlington, VA on 09/16/2016 03:07 PM
Ok - the Big Savage Tunnel (which is closed from sometime after thanksgiving until spring-check the GAP website for dates) is on the GAP trail, not the C&O.
I don't know if they close the Paw Paw tunnel in the winter.
Randy on 09/16/2016 08:25 PM
They do close and block off the Paw Paw Tunnel. Don't know the exact date but it's before December. However, there is a trail where you can hike/walk your bike up over the Paw Paw Tunnel. That's the same trail the horses take. You mentioned the C&O. The Big Savage Tunnel would only affect you if you were riding the GAP Trail (past Cumberland, MD). As far as water. There aren't many streams and I would not take the water from the Potomac River. It's polluted!
Randy on 09/16/2016 08:30 PM
Just a heads up since you mentioned December. The long range forecast shows signs this Winter could be snowy and cold for the Mid-Atlantic. Many storms track along the Mason Dixon line (MD/PA), so plan accordingly. Good luck!
What's the GAP Trail terrain?
- + How's the terrain of the GAP? Is it gravel & direct like the C&O or more paved?
Discussion started 09/02/2016 11:35 AM by Mac - 3 replies (last reply by John Pescatore at 09/16/2016 07:17 AM)Mac on 09/02/2016 11:35 AM
How's the terrain of the GAP? Is it gravel & direct like the C&O or more paved?
Mac on 09/02/2016 11:37 AM
auto-correct....meant to ask: Is it gravel & dirt like the C&O or more paved?
Tim from Cincinnati on 09/14/2016 04:01 PM
GAP is mostly crushed Limestone. When dry and packed, rides like pavement. When really soaked can be a bit messy, run with fenders.
John Pescatore from Ashton, MD on 09/16/2016 07:17 AM
A few weeks ago we did West Newton to Cumberland on the GAP trail over 2 days. Mostly crushed limestone in very good condition but there are a number of spots where water runs across the trail and there was ruts and/or mud. Much better surface than the C&O Towpath but not pavement.
There was some flooding reported around Connelville the week after we did the ride, might be some muddy conditions.
I used my hybrid bike with 35mm tires, I think it would have been doable with my touring bike and 32 mm but it had been very dry before we went.
Wind direction along the trail
- + Is there a predominate wind direction along the trail or does it vary?
Discussion started 09/07/2016 08:26 PM by Robert A. Baird - 2 replies (last reply by John W at 09/14/2016 12:49 PM)Robert A. Baird from Washington on 09/07/2016 08:26 PM
Is there a predominate wind direction along the trail or does it vary?
Paul from Quincy, IL on 09/10/2016 04:12 PM
I gone Pittsburgh to Cumberland 5 times and don't recall wind at all. You are in dense forest most of the time.
John W from Pittsburgh, PA on 09/14/2016 12:49 PM
Yeah Paul is right. The trees negate a lot of it. Also, most the GAP/C&O is along a river surrounded by hills or your meandering along a river/canal that curves in many directions. You could be heading along the Potomac, Cumberland towards DC, which is a southeasterly direction overall but physically going north because that how the rivers twist and bend depending on where you are. Wind isn't an issue on this trail like if your doing the TransAmerica Trail coast to coast where that is a major concern.