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.
Weather and trail conditions in June
- + Hi - 3 of us are planning to ride from Harpers Ferry to Pittsburg in June of 2017, what can we expect the weather to be like in June? We will be camping mostly. Thanks for any info!! Steve
Discussion started 09/11/2016 09:01 AM by Serenitycyclist - 1 reply (last reply by RB Greenwalt at 09/13/2016 11:04 AM)Serenitycyclist from Fulton, NY on 09/11/2016 09:01 AM
Hi - 3 of us are planning to ride from Harpers Ferry to Pittsburg in June of 2017, what can we expect the weather to be like in June? We will be camping mostly. Thanks for any info!! Steve
RB Greenwalt from Baltimore on 09/13/2016 11:04 AM
I rode the C&O 6/26 - 6/29/16. Weather was hot and steamy, but no rain. I think that would be typical for C&O stretch in June. Advantage of long daylight hours. But there are lots of bugs, with all the stagnant water around. I did not camp, opted for hotels and slept better. Good luck, it is a great trip for cycling.
Bald Eagle Island Campsite in Point of Rocks
- + At least a couple pairs of trees allow a camping hammock. Large trees, so bring long tree huggers.
Campsite is close to the C&O train line, which runs after midnight -- the train will wake you....
Discussion started 09/11/2016 03:29 AM by complex - 0 repliescomplex on 09/11/2016 03:29 AM
At least a couple pairs of trees allow a camping hammock. Large trees, so bring long tree huggers.
Campsite is close to the C&O train line, which runs after midnight -- the train will wake you. Bring earplugs.
Easy water access for kayaks and fishing.
Access from C&O is steep - a dirt path just north of the campsite is the easier option for rolling bikes into the campsite.
Connellsville flood
- + I was curious if any of the GAP was damaged by the recent flood in Connellsville, PA.
Discussion started 09/08/2016 01:01 PM by pdean - 5 replies (last reply by jerseydinerguy at 09/09/2016 02:13 PM)pdean on 09/08/2016 01:01 PM
I was curious if any of the GAP was damaged by the recent flood in Connellsville, PA.
mike on 09/08/2016 02:23 PM
I stayed the night of the flood in Connellsville & rode from there the next morning. Other than some minor debris & one small tree (going north), the trail suffered little. A testament to great trail maintenance!
Rick from Grafton, va on 09/08/2016 05:54 PM
Mike, I asked this question awhile back and got no answer. Since you were recently in Connellsville did you notice a new motel very near the park just before you roll through town heading east. This past spring on our ride we saw a structure being built that looked like it might be a smaller motel maybe 20 rooms? I've camped at the Adirondack shelters just west of town but sometimes a bed and shower are nice too. Thanks
mike on 09/08/2016 06:31 PM
Yes. It's been under construction for some time. It looks now to being closer to completion. I would guess 'early' spring maybe?
Rick from Grafton, Va on 09/09/2016 01:42 PM
Thanks, appreciate the reply.
jerseydinerguy from cape may,nj on 09/09/2016 02:13 PM
rick,
checking online shows that the new motel is called cobblestone inn & suites..the facebook page shows it is very close to completion
Grouseland Tours in Cumberland
- + Called to get information on riding the Great Allegheny Passage, got absolutely no help from a guy who board on rude. Asked for recommended tire size and he said, "I dun't know!"
Discussion started 09/02/2016 10:55 AM by Petrabun - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/06/2016 11:58 PM)Petrabun from Clayton, Ga on 09/02/2016 10:55 AM
Called to get information on riding the Great Allegheny Passage, got absolutely no help from a guy who board on rude. Asked for recommended tire size and he said, "I dun't know!"
Anonymous on 09/03/2016 08:02 PM
Sorry about that.
If you still have the question you might do a search here for previous answers.
My answer (just finished DC to Pittsburgh in 5 days the end of July)....32 mm would be my recommended minimum on the C&O - especially if you get rain and it gets muddy. And if you get rain - IT WILL GET MUDDY.
Personally, I would ride any tire width on the GAP...right down to the 25s that are on my road bike.
Hope this helps. Enjoy the ride!!
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 09/05/2016 08:48 PM
I've seen pretty much any size bike tire ob the Passage. I've ridden it with my Trek Hybrid 700X38 with no issues. All so rode with my Trek Mamba 29X2" I like a wider tire on the C&O as there are some rough spots and a wider tire is just a better option in my opinion. I wouldn't want anything less than a 38 but that's just me carrying my body weight and gear.
Anonymous on 09/06/2016 11:58 PM
Given my experiences, I would agree with the previous post about 38s. They are my favorite width for the C&O. Wider feels sluggish to me. Narrower feels too unstable especially if there is any kind of rain. Have ridden on muddy days with 32s but would have liked wider.
C&O Trail Conditions
- + Any impassable parts of C&O trail or detours?
Discussion started 09/03/2016 08:59 AM by Curious - 0 repliesCurious on 09/03/2016 08:59 AM
Any impassable parts of C&O trail or detours?
Pittsburgh
- + does any body know of an affordable hotel close to the end of the trail in pittsburgh?
Discussion started 09/02/2016 07:52 AM by jimt - 1 reply (last reply by Mookav at 09/02/2016 12:27 PM)jimt from queens ny on 09/02/2016 07:52 AM
does any body know of an affordable hotel close to the end of the trail in pittsburgh?
Mookav from Okemos, MI on 09/02/2016 12:27 PM
There is a Holiday Inn Express south of the 10th st bridge. There are a couple more in that area like SpringHill Suites, Hyatt Place etc within a couple of miles on the same side of the river. Another option is to book away from the trail head. In this case you can book for a cab with facility to transport you and the bike from trail head to the hotel.
What are eBike rules on C&O Canal trail?
- + Are power assisted bicycles permitted on the C&O Canal trail?
Discussion started 08/23/2016 09:14 PM by John - 7 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/02/2016 01:53 AM)John on 08/23/2016 09:14 PM
Are power assisted bicycles permitted on the C&O Canal trail?
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 04:08 PM
True E-bikes (that adhere to legal description), are street & trail legal by state law which was passed in 2014 that deems them 'bicycles'.
**Must be less than 750 watts, under 100 lbs, 20mph max assist only. Riders must be 16. No combustion engines, electric assist only.
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:50 PM
The signs say nothing with a MOTOR.
Truman from Washington on 08/31/2016 07:40 PM
Again, as previously stated...it (eBike) is deemed nothing other than a bicycle by federal mandate & redundantly, STATE LAW.
Anonymous on 09/01/2016 11:40 PM
The trail signs don't say it's open to bicycles (no matter whose definition of bicycle we are talking about). The trail signs say NOTHING with a motor is allowed.
Anonymous on 09/02/2016 12:39 AM
Where are these 'signs' exactly? I don't recall seeing them.
JK on 09/02/2016 01:25 AM
I called the bike shop in Cumberland and the person told me that power-assisted e-bikes are indeed permitted on the C&O Canal trail
Anonymous on 09/02/2016 01:53 AM
Seems like some people just want to try to keep people from use of the trail.
pittsburgh to ohiopyle in day 1
- + my wife and i are riding both trails next week pittsburgh--georgetown and have all lodging reservations made for the week.we rented a room at yough plaza in ohiopyle for first night of the start and w...
Discussion started 08/31/2016 10:24 AM by jerseydinerguy - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/01/2016 11:41 PM)jerseydinerguy from cape may,NJ on 08/31/2016 10:24 AM
my wife and i are riding both trails next week pittsburgh--georgetown and have all lodging reservations made for the week.we rented a room at yough plaza in ohiopyle for first night of the start and was wondering if that initisl 75 mile day seems crazy.we are both expierienced riders.has anyone else done that?
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 11:37 AM
If you've ever done 50-75 miles in a day before, you'll have no problem riding the GAP for 75 miles. The surface is almost like riding on pavement. In fact the first 20 miles or so to Boston will be paved. If you can ride 12-15 mph it's relatively easy to do the whole 150 mile GAP in a day. I've done it a few times, but you enjoy the journey more breaking it up to 2 or 3 rides for the GAP. Once your on the C&O it's a bit harder on the body. While I've done the 180 miles in 1 day, it's not a fond memory. Though it is totally flat while the GAP has a small grade.
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:47 PM
If you are an experienced rider, I don't believe you'll have any problem. I did Cumberland to Ohiopyle...then Ohiopyle to downtown Pittsburgh in back-to-back days without any problem (on the heals of doing 3 62-68 mile days back-to-back on the C&O coming out of DC. 5 days DC to Pittsburgh worked GREAT for me). As noted, the trail surface on the GAP is great and was a welcomed relief after 3 days of lots and lots of mud/rain on the C&O!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/31/2016 06:24 PM
Perfect mileage!
On my one 5 day trip my mileage was:
--Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle (78 miles)
--Ohiopyle to Cumberland (74 miles)
--Cumberland to Hancock (67 miles)
--Hancock to Harper's Ferry (72 miles)
--Harper's Ferry to Washington, DC (77 Miles)
The trail is only 335 miles so these include the trips into town along the way.
Anonymous on 09/01/2016 11:41 PM
The schedule outlined above is what I rode a few weeks ago. Worked GREAT for me....I just rode it east to west.
Paw Paw Tunnel Railing
- + How sturdy is the railing inside the tunnel?
Discussion started 08/31/2016 03:37 PM by John - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 08/31/2016 03:48 PM)John on 08/31/2016 03:37 PM
How sturdy is the railing inside the tunnel?
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:48 PM
I wouldn't trust leaning on it. The surface under my feet/bike wheels was quite uneven as well going through there....AND YOU NEED A LIGHT. IT WAS DARK!!! REAL DARK!!
It was awesome!
Trike use on trail
- + I love riding my recumbent trike on long distance extended rides. The front wheel width is 34". Can anyone tell me if there are restrictions on the tow path that would limit my passage? If so is there...
Discussion started 08/28/2016 04:39 PM by Steven Gaub - 4 replies (last reply by Steven Gaub at 08/31/2016 01:57 PM)Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 08/28/2016 04:39 PM
I love riding my recumbent trike on long distance extended rides. The front wheel width is 34". Can anyone tell me if there are restrictions on the tow path that would limit my passage? If so is there an easy workaround.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/28/2016 06:29 PM
No restrictions. I've seen all sorts of wheel sizes on the trail, no worries.
Enjoy your trip.
JIMT from QUEENS NY on 08/29/2016 04:55 PM
I TOO HAVE A TRIKE AND CONSIDERED TAKING IT ON THE TRAIL THIS FALL BUT FROM THE PICTURES I'VE SEEN A LOT OF SPOTS HAVE 2 SINGLE TRACKS SIDE BY SIDE WITH A HUMP IN THE MIDDLE. I DONT CARE TO BOUNCE AROUND THAT MUCH SO ILL TAKE MY HYBRID
Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 08/31/2016 01:30 PM
As for ruts I did the Katy in mo out and back and the ruts were there they were not the most problem the storm that put numerous huge trees on the trail made it a real chore to pass. Once I saved the day by begging a truck ride to my next stop and rode the high way the next day it was all good.
Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 08/31/2016 01:57 PM
What about the Paw Paw tunnel? Is the most restricted of the paths and what is the width 3' plus?
Amtrak roll on service
- + I rode the C&O and Gap last year before Amtraks roll on service began the trails were great I am continuing where I left off in Pittsburgh and riding back home to Indianapolis. My question is how stri...
Discussion started 04/17/2016 08:56 PM by Bryan - 5 replies (last reply by Mike Caffrey at 08/30/2016 05:13 PM)Bryan from Avon IN on 04/17/2016 08:56 PM
I rode the C&O and Gap last year before Amtraks roll on service began the trails were great I am continuing where I left off in Pittsburgh and riding back home to Indianapolis. My question is how strict are they on carry on sizes when boarding train in a none check in bag city ie Waterloo IN my panniers are a few inches taller than carry on restictions and I will have my camping gear also. Anyone who has done this have any input or suggestions. Can water bottles etc stay on bike? Thanks
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/19/2016 08:12 PM
Last time I was on Amtrak was before roll on-roll off but from what I've gathered reading here, just carry your bags to your seat as if it were carry-on luggage, you should be fine. Our bikes were boxed up but my panniers were carried on board like backpacks or handbags and we just took them to our seats and put them up above in the storage bins. I think you need to remove the bags off of your bike when putting your bike in the dock on the train because all of that extra weight might not keep it stable. Can anyone whose used Roll On Roll Off confirm?
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 04/22/2016 04:47 AM
My son is in college in Utah and he took to train from Waterloo, IN to Salt Lake City. He had two suitcases, a backpack, and a guitar. Amtrak let him carry all of that on if that helps.
Bryan on 04/24/2016 07:18 PM
Thanks everyone
Paul from Quincy, IL on 06/06/2016 09:18 PM
"I think you need to remove the bags off of your bike when putting your bike in the dock on the train because all of that extra weight might not keep it stable. Can anyone whose used Roll On Roll Off confirm?"
That is Amtrak's recommendation. My wife used the service about 1 week after it started while I had a folding bike. We had a room in the transition sleeper, better known as the trans-dorm because that is where the on board personnel sleep and when the other sleepers are full, they open a few rooms to customers. The conductor had me put my folding bike in the crew lounge, so I got to talking with him quite a bit. He said I could have left my luggage with the bike. Not only that, but the door to the bike compartment was not locked, so I had access to it during the trip. But it's Amtrak, you never know.
As far as carry on luggage is concerned, the operational rule is if you can schlepp it on board without causing a commotion or delaying boarding, you are good to go.
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 05:13 PM
I concur...no problems. Do what they tell you & from both Pgh & DC (I've done both) just be cool, take your bags from bike & you can leave them beside bike on floor...no need to schlep anywhere unless you want to.