C&O / GAP Forum

So, I asked for and received input on camping areas to avoid... Thanks much!!

Now, my question is: Traveling the GAP and the C&O (west to east) there are undoubtedly some cool/odd things that are very close to the trail. What can't we miss seeing while we're there?

-In an aside, my older child and I rode the Katy Trail in '14 and HAD to stop and see the big Burr Oak near McBaine, MO. As quirky as it sounds, that is the type of thing my younger child and I don't want to miss! We also rode to Daniel Boone's farm site.

If you like white water rafting - there's Ohiopyle State Park. When you are in Pittsburgh, eating at Primanti Brothers is a must!

when riding the towpath check out the lock and weir design.Also civil war battle fields are close by and Fort Frederick State Park.

Harpers Ferry is a special place not to be missed. Just lock your bikes up, cross the bridge and check it out. Tons of history and good eats.

Shepherdstown, WV is worth the time to travel across the bridge. Historic small college town with great places to eat. Also, a nice bike shop with a hose out back to clean your bikes http://www.thepedalpaddle.com/
It is also worth the time to tour Ferry Hill Plantation if you like history.
The University also has some events planned through out the year. When my wife and I biked the towpath last summer we spent the night here and liked it so much we spent the night again a few nights later as we left DC traveling back home.

So many neat things to do. I really enjoyed touring the Fort Pitt Museum before departing Point State Park. The new Visitor Center at Ohiopyle is very nice. There is a Sansone formation that is constantly changing due to erosion (can't remember where but west of Ohiopyle.) Harper's Ferry, off the trail a bit but Maple Tree Greenhouse Campground is fun. Various Civil War Battlefields. The river views east of Harmon Tunnel, can't forget the great people you meet in the different towns, just so many neat things to see and do.

Ohiopyle State Park is definitely worth a stop, both for the town as well as the river, trails, etc. Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Falling Waters house is about 5 miles from the park but is a tough uphill ride on bikes. The trail junction in Cumberland is nice with a park visitor's center and shops. Fort Frederick east of Hancock is a must, very scenic as well as historical. Same is true for Harper's Ferry.

Some of my favorite things are:

--When going PGH to DC, ending at Mile 0 in Georgetown and then heading over to the Reflecting Pool 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.

--Along the Youghiogheny River and hearing the 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. Horrible!).

--All of the small towns that you can stop in to grab supplies or a bite to eat. Shepherdstown took me by surprise at how nice it was.

--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.

--Sheetz Made to Order! If stopping in a town with one of these, I usually grab a 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.

--The ample free campgrounds along the C&O Canal every 5-10 miles. Just a great resource to have. Pump water, port-a-john, table. All Hiker/Biker sites are free.

--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 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 it's paved asphalt? :-) It's a nice break from the tree roots and rocks the C&O dishes out. It's nice to just pedal and daydream and not worry about hitting a big bump.

--Western Maryland Rail Trail. 22 miles that parallel the C&O before and after Hancock, MD. Did I mention it's 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.

--Great Falls at Mile 14 on the C&O. Love the raw noise the falls creates. Beautiful.

I always bring my fishing gear with me as I bike/camp the C&O. Many good places to drop a line in. I have bever biked the GAP but hope to do it this summer. Please respond with the trail towns or places with the easiest river access and good spots to fish. Include any helpful tips about bait and types of fish you catch. Thanks

Does, will the train let you unload your bike at the Connellsville station?

Only if you are using the roll off service. If your bike is checked baggage you can only get it off at Pittsburgh or DC.

Has anyone tried to the Amtrak Roll-on/Roll off service from DC to Pittsburgh or the other way? I am planning a spring break trip. Not sure if I will have time to ride the entire GAP/C&O. I might want to jump off at an intermediate stop, any suggestions?

Yes I have tried it; and it was a no-brainer (I posted details in a recent thread). The intermediate stops are Rockville, Harper Ferry, Martinsburg, Cumberland, and Connellsville. Be sure to book early since there are only 7 racks.

I am looking for information from people who have stayed in the DC Hostel. I am looking to ride from Cumberland to DC over three days in April and spend my last night in the Hostel and then ride the train back the next day.

I plan on camping on my way to DC and read of sleeping bags not being allowed in DC. Is there some way I would be allowed to store my sleeping bag at the Hostel. Also I will have my Ortlieb front and rear panniers and at least also a handlebar bag. Can these be safely stored in the Hostel and are the stored somewhere away from the room I would be staying in.

I wanted to add when riding the train from DC to Cumberland with my bike and gear. Do you somehow need to pack your bike and other than the panniers take anything off the bike for it to ride the train. Where is your luggage or in my case panniers stored on the train.

I can address the train questions. Amtrak recommends removing luggage, panniers, etc. before hanging the bike on the rack. You take your luggage with you. If you are in a sleeper, it should fit in the room, or if not then in the downstairs community luggage rack (in my hundreds of long distance trips, I've never heard of any theft). If you are in coach, it would go in the overhead rack (think wide open spaces, not tiny closed airline style bins) or in the downstairs community luggage rack.

However, and this is based on a trip fro Chicago to Pittsburgh and return from Cumberland to Chicago only a week or so after the service began in the Fall. My wife booked space for her "regular" bike and I went with a folder, which goes as carry on luggage. The conductor had me put my folder in the lounge area of what is known as the transition sleeper (or crew dorm) right behind the baggage car, from which I got to know the conductors (unlike on board service personnel, they change several times between DC and CHI). In addition to all of them being surprisingly cordial and upbeat about the new service, one even suggested that I could have left my panniers with the bikes. Not only that, but I would have access to them during the trip (unlike checked baggage) because to door from the lower level to the bake compartment was not locked.

The supposed drill is that you let a staff member on the platform know you have a bike, and they will open the door for you. You can recognize the bike car by the large metal door to the left or right of the center door where passengers enter. The original information said that the bike car would be the last car on the train. But both times for me it was the middle of three coaches (the Capitol Limited line up is 2 engines, baggage, 3 sleepers, diner, lounge, and 3 coaches). By the time I got back to Chicago, I knew enough to not bother the conductor, but simply headed back to the bike car and rolled it off through the normal

i am looking into developing a historic downtown property in Cumberland as a traditional hostel, mostly dormitory style, with some semi private options, shared baths, laundry, food options, fantastic communal area which would also be open as a day use lounge with grab and go drinks & snacks. I envision the space to also include working artists studios and gallery so it could be a doorway into the culture and historic scene of Cumberland, and a place to meet and make friends .
Please discuss: is this type accommodation needed?, what would guests expect to pay? What features are most important to a great hostel experience?

When staying in Cumberland, the choice is camping at the Y, or a hotel. I believe a hostel could make sense. Perhaps you could design a survey to gauge interest?

I think a hostel would be a great option for staying in Cumberland. It's a convenient stopping/starting point for cyclists riding on the GAP or C&O Canal or riding straight through. We have stayed there twice, once in a B&B and the other time in the Fairfield Inn. Both places were among the most expensive lodgings on our trips from Pittsburgh to DC. What guests would be willing to pay depends on their budgets, but anything less than $100/room/night would be an improvement over other options. However, the hostel in Harpers Ferry has rooms for as low as $35/night with breakfast. Most important features include hot showers, secure place to store or lock bikes, breakfast or at least good coffee, laundry facilities or place to dry clothes.

I think the Hostel idea is really good. I'd talked to a B&B owner in the past about a secondary property they were going to rehab and open a second B&B. I understand that they could make more ($125 plus per night as opposed to $35 appx. as a B&B than a hostel.)BUT, not every rider can afford a B&B stay but could enjoy several indoor nights along the route at $30/$40 per night. Hosteling International opened a new Hostel in Richmond Va. last Sept. It is located a few miles from the end of the Capital Trail that runs 54 miles from Jamestown, Va. to Richmond, Va. The cost is appx. $35 per person/per night and includes a light breakfast of fruit,granola bars, juice, coffee, etc. Each bunk has a light and outlet/charging dock. There are dorm and private rooms. As far as features go...indoor secure bike storage, towel included or for rent, more than 1-2 bathroom/showers, within walking distance of food, etc. and easy access to and from trail. Good luck.

Keep in mind Trail activity for both the C&O and the GAP is very seasonal, so you need to generate enough income to get you through an entire Winter where you may have limited to zero guest. Trail riders and users drop off significantly as temps, time and daylight availability changes. If you have a severe Winter the Trails could be shut with Snow and Ice until April. Many well meaning businesses have come and gone. Just something to think long and hard about. Again, the business is very seasonal. Best of luck in your decision.

I believe that Mary has addressed this with having a working artist studio and gallery.

Mary should develop a survey on Survey Monkey and place links to the survey on multiple platforms to gauge interest. In addition, I would hope the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce could give her some data on the number of bikers that go through Cumberland.

Mary,
You mentioned the "culture and historic scene of Cumberland". Perhaps Train Nuts (ok, ok , Rail Fans...) might be attracted to your hostel. The hobby has several magazines devoted to it and I see many ads therein (yes, I'm a "Train Nut") for places to stay while on Rail Fan trips. The railroad was of major interest to me on my October 2015 GAP ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, music to my ears....
Tim

Tim, I'm sure you know the technical term is "foamer"

Has anyone stayed at Iron Mountain Campsite? Planning to take Amtrak to Cumberland from Washington to do a West to East ride and the train doesn't get into Cumberland until 7:17 pm which doesn't leave much biking time so I'll need somewhere close for the first night. Wondering if it's a decent campsite.

I stay at the YMCA just out of downtown Cumberland. They have a big fenced in lot you camp in. It costs $10 and in the am you can go over and get a shower.Just go down Green st. then I think its a left at a Sheezt then follow the Interstate signs and then you will see tye YMCA signs.

I would use Evitts Creek Hiker/Biker campsite. 0.7 miles from vehicle access at mile 180.7. I felt like I needed more than just earplugs at Iron mountain as it has 24/7 train and switches that feel like they vibrate the ground.

I have done exactly what you are doing many times and experience no problems staying at Evitts Creek or Iron Mountain hiker/biker site. Just remember you're going to have some train sounds all night long so unless you're a heavy sleeper, better bring some ear plugs. Otherwise, enjoy and have a fantastic adventure!

Hello, everyone. Want to pass along that the fee to stay in the C&O Bicycle Shop bunkhouse will increase to $15 per person, per night. Also, if there isn't sufficient patronage of the bunkhouse in 2016 to economically justify it's operation, the new owner plans to convert it into inventory stowage. So if you want to continue to have an inexpensive lodging option in Hancock, you better spend a night in the "Chicken Coops" and tell a friend or we'll lose this awesome treasure to progress.

We have a group riding westbound, DC to PGH in mid-June, 2016. Some are considering road bikes with slightly larger tires w/ tread. Your thoughts on this?

Oct. 2 years ago we ran into a group biking DC to Pittsburg. Several people (3-4) out of a group of appx. 9 were riding hybrids and/or road bikes and had experienced lots of problems due to trail conditions. It was a very wet year along the C&O and muddy conditions had jamed/broken rear derailers, etc.
The C&O is just easier to bike with a Mt. Bike in my opinion. Of course the Passage is doable on pretty much any bike. I use a Trek Mamba 29er with 2" tires. I'm very happy with this setup.

Curious as to your favorite hotel that is closest to the Pittsburgh end of the Passage - as close to milepost 150 as possible.

I know there are several good options at Homestead (mile 140)...what about down by Mile 150?

Thanks!!

Planning a trip in September, we are also looking for suggestions for a hotel in Pittsburgh close to the trailhead.
Thanks!

I have some sad and very disturbing news to pass along. Dennis Hudson has sold the C&O Bicycle Shop in Hancock to a local interest and Saturday, November 28th will be the last day the shop will be open. The future is uncertain; the new owners want to consolidate a lawn mower/tractor business into the existing shop. There are rumors that the bunk house will be torn out to make way for equipment storage and the new owners have not reached out to any of the old staff in any attempt to encourage them to come back to work for them in 2016. It is feared that the bike shop will eventually be down sized and ultimately abandoned in favor of the more lacerative lawn implement business. Only time will tell. It is with great regrets that I say goodbye to Dennis and wish him luck in his future endeavors. It is highly recommend that any adventureist planning their 2016 trek to check in April if the bunkhouse has been removed and what services the new proprietors will be offering (remember Dennis and Jonathan were the only qualified cycle mechanics on site. Jonathan has not been asked to return for the 2016 season.)

Sad news it is. Dennis has bailed me out a couple times travelling thru and the "chicken coop" was one of my favorite places to spend the night. Im going to miss it big time.

What a shame! I really loved that place. Right where the C&O and the WMRT converge on the edge of town. Don't think you can top the chicken coop for good bicycling accommodations either. Will be missed...

Thanks Dennis for all you've done for us bikers... ye old bunkhouse kept us dry many a night!!! Blessings..

As on 2/21/2016, the website is still up and advertising the bunkhouse. Does anyone have more details?

Same here, I can't seem to locate any article or forum saying its closing and when. If it was closed you'd think the web site would be disabled or contain a message about the sale or last day open.

Just called and got a voice mail. It said that they were closed for the season and will reopen on "the first Friday in April, 2016."

That sure doesn't sound like it's been sold but then again the voice
mail could have been recorded before the pending sale the original poster listed so who knows. The voice mail said to leave a message if you want to get ahold of them. I do not know Dennis so I didn't leave a message but if anyone does maybe drop a line and see if you get a call back to clarify if he's really closing?

I've spoke via email with one of the new owners. They are still planning to keep the bike shop running on some level. Also working out details in regards to shuttle service. I don't know anymore than that at this time. Not sure about the chicken coop either. The lady Tracie contacted me about helping with a shuttle but I'd already made arrangements with Cumberland Connection.

I greatly appreciate that - I'm planning a DC to Pittsburgh trip in July; and I am one of those people who likes everything planned early. Thanks for the update~

The new owners have just updated the website. The shop is opening April 1.

About how many MPH would you guess you can travel on the both the GAP and the C & O? I would say I am a strong cyclist (at least on a road bike!!!!) Do you think an average of 60 miles/day is too ambitious? I am working with time constraints (as I'm sure most are :))

You can easily do 60 a day. I ran into one fella doing 100 which is the end of the spectrum but you get the idea.The C&O will be a bit slower but you will be good with that mileage average.

I biked form DC to Pittsburgh in September.
I did it in 6 days.
Most days were around 60miles per day.
Going toward Pittsburgh you may want to consider doing 44 miles from Cumberland to Rockwood PA That is because the trail from Cumberland to Deal is all up a 1.5 percent grade. You will find yourself going 6-7 mph going up the grade instead of the 10-12 mph on regularly flat terrain elsewhere.

Kelly I think you might have emailed me about trail info. My wife 65 years old averages 10/14 MPH on the Gap and slightly slower on the C&O. I ride a bit faster at 12/16 MPH and we're still able to enjoy the ride. You'll be able to ride quite a bit faster on the GAP even with the slight uphill grade. From Rockwood to Meyersdale we tend to slow down but it's the end of a 45 mile day and we're usually packing camping gear etc. The steepest portion of trail is the 8 miles from Meyersdale to the Continental Divide but still it's not bad just a grind. The C&O is slower but still 10/14 MPH for us. WE generally do the Gap in 3.5/4 days. We rarely have time issues but 60 miles is doable. Invest in a couple pairs of quality bike shorts with a well made pad.

Have done Pgh to DC many times never less than 60 m/d. most trips are 2 - 75 mile days and 3 60 mile days. Pgh to Ohiopyle and Ohiopyle to Cumberland. Toughest grade going east is Rockwood to Myersdale....relentless grade for 16 miles. By the way we were in our late 50's.

Just finished the trail beginning at Cumberland to DC. The trail is in good condition overall, but the Water Spouts ARE NOT OPEN. Therefore, plan on taking a water filtration system of some kind or be prepared to have enough water to last for a while. However, lugging water is heavy and inconvenient; we lugged it and also purchased some in Paw-Paw at the Dollar General. Also, although the trail is in good condition overall, but there is a vast amount of sticks, twigs, and branches every few feet on the trail. So be aware of the tire hazards. The campsites are also in good shape and there is plenty of firewood for a fire if you choose to build one. The porta-potties are also in good shape with enough toilet paper, but its always wise to pack some baby-wipes. Still recovering from the long ride.. Happy trails!!!

How fast were you able to travel?

I think they put the handles back on the water pumps at the beginning of April. I ran on the trail from Nolands to Point of Rocks today and was amazed on the great condition of the trail. I did not notice any debris and it was almost "summer time" dry