C&O / GAP Forum

We have reservations at the Town's Inn, Harpers Ferry, the end of the month but just watched the two episodes of Hotel Hell where Gordon Ramsey went in and couldn't believe all that was happening there - we feel like we should change our reservations. Wondered if anyone has stayed there lately and how the experience was? Were there obvious signs of hoarding? Refrigerator/freezer still located OUTSIDE? Serving frozen hamburgers warmed up in a pot of hot water? Any input would be appreciated!

I would recommend Knights Inn-Knoxville http://www.bikecando.com/_bikecando/knights-inn-knoxville.aspx
This is located right after lock 58. it is the roadway that is the connection for the appellation trail.

from the road way there is a steep 1.5 mile road to the hotel which is located next to a great liquor store.

My wife and I stayed there a couple months ago (right before the first episode aired). The room (Mountain View) was nice and most importantly was clean. Karan is a little eccentric, but super nice and friendly. Other than buying packaged snacks, we did not eat there.
I would definitely not cancel your reservation - it is a nice place to stay.

I stayed there one night the end of July. Proximity to the Towpath is good. Cool old pair of buildings. They were interesting but rather "chopped up" and disconnected from a convenience standpoint. Didn't find it particularly bike friendly. Had to leave bike on the porch...can't take it into room. Lots of steps. I.E. Had the big 3rd floor room but my private bath was on the second floor. I'm an old man who has to pee at night so that was fun. Ha. Room and bed were very nice. Owner rather eccentric. Did not eat there. Had a good meal across the street at the Potomac Grill. If I was passing through Harper's Ferry again on my bike, I would go ahead and climb the hill and check out some other hotels/motels that were a little more bike friendly. (Disclaimer: I am not that much of a B&B kind of guy. I just want a good shower, a nice clean room and a place to put my bike. Not looking to "chat", etc.)

I've seen comments about avoiding Route 15 near Leesburg due to heavy traffic and poor shoulder. Any recommendations on the safest route from Whites Ferry to downtown Leesburg? Thanks

You don't have any real options from Whites Ferry Road in VA to Leesburg, but that section has gotten a lot better over the past few years. Still not fun, much high speed traffic whizzing by but mostly paved shoulder available.

It's not too bad, the shoulder is fairly wide. Depending on the time of your ride you may be traveling much faster than the rush hour traffic on 15. When you hit Leesburg proper you will have your choice of a number of fast food and grocery locations.

I'm planning to bike the trail from Cumberland to DC in three days over Columbus Day Weekend. How is the trail this time of the year in terms of conditions, weather, crowds, etc? I plan to stay in hotels in Hancock & Harpers Ferry. Any suggestions for this trip? Thanks, John

Just rode this the last few days of July. There had been a ton of rain in Maryland and the trail was certainly rideable but VERY muddy. Covered with mud every day. Was an awesome adventure, but would have been more "fun" if it had been dry.
Stayed at Town's Inn in Harper's Ferry. OK but probably wouldn't stay there again. On the plus side it's right "downtown" and close the trail. Didn't find it particularly bike friendly. Not really a good place to leave the bike. Bikes aren't welcomed inside. They were certainly nice about it but would probably ride on up the hill next time to another place. Stayed at the Super 8 in Hancock. VERY basic, but that's all I needed. It worked fine for me. Stayed in Cumberland at the Fairfield by Marriot. Right on the trail! Super bike friendly. I showed up covered in mud. They had a nice bike wash area, happily gave me plastic bags to get dirty shoes, etc. to the room so I could clean them up, etc. Ate supper at the Crabby Pig...a short walk from the hotel. REALLY enjoyed my meal there. Have a great time.

There is now a hostel in McKeesport and it's literally right on the trail. It's small, only 4 beds, but it was clean and comfortable. This was a great option for me and my friend since we wanted to do some sight seeing in Pittsburgh but didn't want to pay the high prices of the hotels.

More info? Where exactly? Possible option for those arriving by train at 11:45pm.

Amtrak drops me and my bicycle in downtown Pittsburgh at Midnight (hopefully). Where does one get shuteye till dawn (7AM)? Hike-bike campsites are free...but in Dravo.
Hotels in downtown start at $110

Have you looked on the North Shore (across the river from downtown) near PNC Park...the baseball stadium)? I don't know for sure but they might be slightly cheaper than downtown. And it's a simple bridge crossing to get back to Point State Park. Worth a shot. Unfortunately, there's no super cheap lodging anywhere near downtown that I know of.

Google found the Priory Hotel on the North Side, 1.1 mile bike ride from the Amtrak station. According to Google, a room is $90.

I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Southside on the 10th Street Bridge a week ago...both at the front end and back end of my trip. Not the cheapest (125-130) but I loved the location.

Free shuttle to PNC Park the night before I left on Amtrak to see a Pirates game.

East ride (less than 2 miles) through the dark streets of Pittsburgh at about 430 in the morning to catch the 520 train.

Easy to negotiate back to the hotel when I completed the ride a few days later.

I also paid them ($14/night) to leave my car in their gated lot.

I realize the price might be a challenge...but thought I would offer the idea.

BEST WISHES!!

would it be worth it to call Uber to take you where you want? I know a friend that is an uber driver & also has bike racks.

We'll arrive on a thur. night in Oct. Planning to just nap at the station till early morning then head out after breakfast. 6 of us.

Lost keys to our Volvo somewhere between Rockwood & Cumberland...email me at mail@penntownship.biz if you know of anywhere that you can check on the trail? I cannot find any lost & found information for the trail??

Several years ago in order to prepare for almost a 3000 mile self-supported mountain bike race, I took to a local canal path found near me for all my training purposes. Very quickly, I warmed to bicycling along old historic canalways, and soon developed a fondness for seeking out and cycling other notable canals for such purposes. I did bicycle the entire C & O Canal-GAP Trail back in late October of 2013, as part of an event that was known as the "Great American Mustache Ride," and enjoyed it thoroughly. I highly recommend to anyone who is considering this route, to actually follow through and complete this entire route.

I have taken all my experiences thus far in riding canals, and put them in written form in a recently written book titled BICYCLING THE ERIE CANAL: Stories and Insight Leading Up to One Memorable Ride. This book contain much information about many of the canals in general, details on fellow wheelmen of the late 1800's who cycled these same routes, and my own perspectives as well.

To learn more, kindly follow the link provided -

https://www.amazon.com/Bicycling-Erie-Canal-Stories-Memorable/dp/1534677011/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470839877&sr=1-1&keywords=richard+s+costello

I am planning to do a Pitt/DC roundtrip later this month on the GAP and C&O Towpath. I understand from others that the C&O Towpath is not being very well maintained and that its condition may be pretty rough. I also heard that there is an alternative railway roadbed similar to the GAP that runs parallel to the C&O Towpath for part of the distance. Does anyone have any information about this alternative - where and how to connect to it and how long it is.

I presume you are referring to the Western Maryland Rail Trail which runs 22 paved miles parallel to the towpath. Hancock is in the center so it is 11 miles east and 11 miles west of Hancock. In downtown Hancock if you stand on one path you are 1/2 block (and within sight) of the other. Contact me @ Wrenwood Inn (see Paw Paw - towns and services) and I can send you a map if you are interested. I think you will not find the towpath in that bad of condition. The 6-7 miles or so outside of Cumberland is a bit pot-holey and when it rains can be quite messy but overall the rest of the towpath is not that rough. Carol :)

I have been riding the C and O all summer. Started at Georgetown and am now near Cumberland. Riding just once a week about 30 plus each time. Love the towpath. I think the towpath is in good shape unless there was a recent rain storm The Western Maryland is a great alternative but than you cant say you rode the entire C and O.

Rode DC to Pittsburgh last week. Lots of rain had passed through Maryland and the C&O was MUDDY! Rode it just fine...but it was work in spots. Love it though!!!

Love this website, well organized. We are planning Pitt. To D.C. In late September and thought it would be useful to have a hard copy or ability to print trailmap. Is there a source I can obtain this? Thanks.

The most recent C&O Canal Trail Guide has a folded map tucked into the back of it. Maybe if you called one of the visitors centers or a bike shop that is near GAP or C&O you can do a phone purchase? It is a nice trail guide containing info about the towns/amenities along the way. And the proceeds go to the trail as far as I know. Hope you have a great trip.

You can order the Trail Guide direct from the Great Allegheny Passage. It's worth every dime:

https://gaptrail.org/plan-a-visit/trailbook

Hey everyone! Just some curiosity in this question. As I was running today between markers 42-40 I noticed that the water level in the canal was much higher than usual. With the lack of substantial rain lately I was just wondering why the level is up. In some areas it was just inches from the trail.

Riding the GAP in October. Plan to park car in Cumberland and ride train back to Pittsburgh to start ride. Any suggestions on hotels or B&Bs close to the train station?

Hi Jane

I have planned a trip for four of us from Pittsburgh down to Meyersdale and back to Ohiopyle for October 2016. We are getting out of Pittsburgh as early as we can - don't want to knock it, but the first stretch is more industrial archaeology than attractive trail - and stopping at West Newton which is about 33 miles from Pittsburgh start point. We are booked into the Bright Morning Bed and Breakfast, which is right by the trail. Did a recce in the summer and it looks good from outside, and the owner is very friendly. Then we move on 26 miles to Connellsville, to the Fox Castle Bed and Breakfast. We checked that out inside in the summer and it looks good.
I don't know if you are 15 or 50 (or more) miles-a-day person, but if you want more suggestions for places to stay down the trail, we've done the whole GAP and C and O Canal bar the Pittsburgh end.
Best wishes

Michael from the UK

Is anyone aware of a volunteer organization for sections of the C&O canal. I find the section between POR and Brunswick to be very poorly maintained with lots of growing muddy potholes. It's been like this since at least the Spring. Thank you.

If you go to candocanal.org you will see a list on the left to click on for such information. Hope you can find something and keep the trail beautiful. I have been thinking of volunteering for something like that this autumn.

I've stumbled upon an advertisement to camp at one of the parks in downtown Meyersville: http://www.pamaplefestival.com/overnight.html

However, I'm having trouble finding reviews/experiences. Has anyone stayed here? Tips or tricks?

Hope this helps. I believe this might be a fairly new service in Meyersdale although I'd heard before that you could camp at the Maple Syrup Camp on Meyers Ave. Anyway, according to the website. pamaplefestival.com there are tent sites available from May8th/Oct.10th. $10 per site, room for 1 tent, restrooms with hot/cold water. Check in at Donges Restaurant. Contact # 814 634-0213. Camping is located in the small park at 120 Meyers Ave just a short ways down from Yoder's Guest House.

The town is small and quiet. I believe the camping is right where the maple syrup display camp is located. If so I'd think you'd have a quiet night other than the trains that rumble by about .5 miles away.

Thanks Rick, good info!

The festival park is a very neat little park about .4 miles off the bike trail. It will be quiet and away from the train tracks. I'd recommend eating at Morgeun Toole, a neat little restaurant/bar. If you need breakfast, GI Dayroom. There is also a sheetz right below the Festival grounds.

Definitely recommend GI Day Room. Home of the smiley face pancake! In fact, on a few trips we've stayed at the Hostel in Rockwood and rode the 12 miles or so to Meyerdale for breakfast. That's how much we enjoy the folks there. I've heard mixed reviews of Morgeun Toole. But never ate there. We really love Meyersdale and have often stayed at Yoders

Why does the last 3/10ths of a mile, coming off of the gravel towpath in Georgetown heading towards Mile 0, have no signs or markings directing you?
It seems odd that the beginning/terminus is such a mystery. I find it odd that we need Trail Book maps, YouTube videos, and message boards just to find it behind the Thompson Boathouse. Shouldn't it be obvious? It's also shares the last bit to Mile 0 with Rock Creek Park trail which is part of the NPS also.

Is the NPS prevented for putting up signage in DC? Does Thompson Boathouse object to having the last bit of trail on their property (assuming it's private, I don't know if it is)?

Also, the GAP from Smithfield St. to Point State Park just as poorly marked.

Any reasons the two ends are marked so poorly? The other 99.8% of the trail is amazing!

This is a very good question John and I so agree with you. Thumbs up for posting.

There aren't any signs on the boathouse property either and the people there are rude and not helpful at all. It wasn't until we went somewhere on the property that we weren't supposed to be that someone showed us where the marker was. We waited for almost an hour to get a picture at the mile 0 marker because boathouse teams were doing warmup exercises around the marker. They didn't care that we had just biked 335 miles. I doubt that the boathouse is going to make it any easier to find the marker. Watch a youtube video and you will be fine. As you would expect, the friendliness of people you meet on the trail is proportionate to your distance from DC.

John W. I had to laugh at your post The first time my wife and I did a thru ride on the Passage we were dropped off at Point State Park and found the small Trail Marker on the sidewalk. We rode around the fountain and back to the marker....and didn't know where to go! I knew where we were and where we NEEDED to go but not how to get there. After several false starts one which ended at a 30' concrete wall and another that suggested we cross the Mon River and turn left I stood on the corner of Commonwealth Place and Blvd of the Allies which I knew was the route...but couldn't see a single route sign cussing until 2 riders asked if they could help. The short ride up Blvd. of the Allies was pretty easy and bike friendly all he way to Grant St. where we finally saw a trail sign. There is a small inset map in the trail guide but I had overlooked it. After 5 thru rides we're old hands at it now. WE will be doing a thru ride from Pittsburg to Dc this fall parking at Great Falls and biking the last 15 or so miles to Union Station so we can train to Pittsburg. Don't think we'll have too much trouble.

Great story Rick! That made me laugh.

What's not clear to riders is when your standing at the medallion at the beginning/end of the GAP, there is no signage anywhere telling you which way to go. Do you hug the Mon. River or cut back into Point State Park and exit through Downtown? It's all a big guess and results in frustration for guests.

I mean **I** know where it goes because I live here and have ridden it numerous times. What if you're here for the first time, excited to tackle the GAP to DC, and you immediately find yourself lost just minutes into your ride? This happens to many people. It seems such big oversight with such an easy solution.

I know they are working on getting a switchback bridge built down to the Mon. Wharf and once this is connected, riders will not have to go off trail into downtown to get to the end like they do now. I would guess from the medallion (going to DC) you would just hug the Mon River the whole way, no more riding the streets (I hope!).

I completed a thru ride July 25 - 30 from DC to Pittsburgh. I've blogged my experience at: https://shawnambroseblog.wordpress.com/

I got a good deal of advice from this forum. Thanks!

I was told that the trail at Woodcock Hollow was closed due to a landslide? Are bikers able to get thru that area?

Just finished through ride from Pgh to DC on Wednesday, GAP & C&O trails were in great shape, no issues.

I rode GAP Thursday in the rain and from mile 95-97 the trail was like sludge, almost impassable. They put extra dirt down and underneath that it is all rutted. Also from mile 92-97 was rough. Similar but not as bad sludge affect miles 108-112. Mile 95-97 was still not good on Saturday. They need tgo fix this area. I don't think it is all from the rain,.

I'm considering this ride for next June, and would be interested to hear from anyone who has done it. I did the harder leg (entire C&O) in one day two years ago, so I have a sense of what one day will be like (16 hours 45 minutes, around 90 minutes of breaks included). And last year I did the whole thing in 4 days, so am familiar with the GAP piece as well (although in two leisurely days, ~75 miles per). Would be interested to hear from anyone who has done it in two, especially a peer (55 years old next June).

I have done the GAP + C&O in just over a day. Rode it Pittsburgh to DC. The following year I rode Pittsburgh to Cumberland and back in one day. And just this past Sunday I rode from Connellsville to Williamsport - 175 miles in less than 12 hours. I did these rides between the ages of 53-56. I'm fairly familiar with the trails. It becomes much more mental than physical. Let me know what you'd like to know.

The C&O in 1 day will be hard going 184 miles on the rough trail. I did it in 2 days fairly easily (DC to Williamsport to Cumberland). Doing the GAP in 1 day is easy. The trail is almost like riding on paved roads. I avg. 14-15 mph, stopped for resetaurent breakfast, a few other long stops and made it in 12 hours. I did both directions 1 day each way.

This question is for DG or anyone else. What style bike and tires did you ride when you rode the C&O in one day?

I rode a Gary Fisher Superfly... which is a hard tail. Rode a 1.90 lightweight tire. Why this bike?? It's what I had. I liked having the front suspension to dampen the vibration.

The Pittsburgh to DC ride took about 30 hours total with 24 hours riding time. Had some nasty weather and had to detour off the C&O in the middle of the night. Riding at night with a decent headlamp was not a problem. Didn't slow our pace down at all... The 200+ miles before dark did though.

Thanks for the responses so far. DG, nice going, very encouraging to hear your story! I guess having ridden the C&O piece in one day, I was just wondering how it is after doing the GAP in one day, to get up super early and do the even harder part the next day. From Bob James' comment, it sounds like doing the GAP in one day isn't so bad (around 12 hours means pulling into Cumberland no later than 7 pm). So, a decent night's sleep is possible, and maybe the tough next day will be doable.

There should be a website / log for those who do these kinds of rides, not just discussions forums like this. When I was training for doing the C&O in one day, all I found was a couple stray trip reports. But, all you really need to know is to carry as little as possible, potable water along the trail, get up early so you can get to G'town before it gets too dark, when to switch over to the paved trail to go down under the Key Bridge and along K St under the Whitehurst, and how to find the hidden Milemarker 0 obelisk on the far side of Tompson's boathouse! In between is easy (to remember): take only short breaks, stay hydrated, and just keep pedaling.

I'll describe my bike per Brian's request: a Cannondale "Quick 6" which is their low-end (under $400 when I bought it ~7 years ago) sports hybrid. No front or seat-post shocks.

I did the GAP again this weekend. 11 1/2 hours Cumberland to Pittsburgh on Thursday. Stayed in Pittsburgh and did 140 miles Montour Trail and some on Friday. Back to Cumberland on Saturday in 11 hours. Stopped in Connesville for 30 min breakfast. Thursday was all rain on GAP. Trail was in not best condition. The trail was like sludge and almost impassable from mile 95-97 and very rough from miles 93-97. They did something to the tail like put extra dirt and it was also rutted under the dirt/sludge. Also similar, but not as bad from mile 108-112 outside West Newton.

Oh yes, I have a Specialized AWOL Trail Bike with 42mm tires with all weather tread (not knobbies). It weighs about 35 lbs before adding bags, packs and water bottles. So quite heavy, but with tires pumped to 100psi it moves good with grades less than 1%

There are two errors on the trail route. The trail crosses the RR tracks at Locust Street and goes behind the parking garage, police station and two city parks and crosses River Street to pass the McKeesport Marina. The trail forks just before the 15th Street bridge; the left fork takes the GAP across the 15th Street bridge to a separate trail leading to River Road. River Road is share the road to the old Durabond pipe yard, where it goes up to the right to the GAP trail to Boston.

Looking at the closeup view of the trail, there are more errors. The trail crosses Water Street, not River Street and follows a dedicated asphalt trail next to Water Street to go behind Kane Hospital. Then, it shares Market Street and 13th Street to join an asphalt trail parallel to Walnut Street to the fork leading to the 15th Street bridge.