Riverrun B&B in Hancock
- + My friend and I stayed here in October 2015. The place was spotless. We spoke with owner who shared some history of the place and the various renovations he has made. Each room has its own bathroom. W...
Discussion started 11/17/2015 07:37 PM by Nicole - 1 reply (last reply by Tom M at 11/23/2015 04:44 PM)Nicole from Burtonsville on 11/17/2015 07:37 PM
My friend and I stayed here in October 2015. The place was spotless. We spoke with owner who shared some history of the place and the various renovations he has made. Each room has its own bathroom. We loved it. I would recommend staying here.
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 11/23/2015 04:44 PM
We have stayed there twice and had great experiences both times. Proprietors are very accommodating, and the inn has lots of space to laze around, with comfortable furniture, plenty of windows and wifi that works. Breakfast also great.
- + Anyone tried after dark running on the path? Seems like it would be an awesome experience. Love to hear from anyone who has done this...as well as tips...?
Discussion started 11/06/2015 05:39 PM by Dmoney - 4 replies (last reply by Dmoney at 11/15/2015 04:49 PM)Dmoney on 11/06/2015 05:39 PM
Anyone tried after dark running on the path? Seems like it would be an awesome experience. Love to hear from anyone who has done this...as well as tips...?
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 11/09/2015 10:34 AM
Years ago (early 70's) there was an article in Runner's World about a young kid in his teen's who ran the C&O over a course of about 3-4 days. He carried a small pack with minimal gear like a bivy/sleeping bag and trail bars. Of course he ran during the day and slept at night but if you can find the article I remember it being pretty interesting. My running days are behind me but I can tell you that I love to ride and hike trails at night. Just a totally different feel. Some of my friends refuse to ride at night so I'm usually solo but do leave info with my wife as to where I'll be.
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 11/09/2015 04:05 PM
I would be very cautious about riding or running on the towpath in the dark. There are many places with steep dropoffs into the canal or side channels, very close to the edge of the path. It would be very easy to fall and get injured or worse either riding or running in the dark. If you do it, premium LED lighting is a must, with plenty of backup battery power.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 11/09/2015 09:49 PM
Also, in most parts of the C&O, it's extremely dark at night. Like "can't see your hand in front of your face" dark. Anywhere outside of greater DC, you don't get the light pollution to give you even the faintest light to make out where you are. You're also on a trail that has lots of tree conopy making it darker at twilight. I would carry a backup light that you can get to easily if your initial light source goes out. I can't imagine biking or hiking at night between Hancock and Cumberland! Good luck on your trip!
Dmoney on 11/15/2015 04:49 PM
Thanks everyone, I hear the advice. What I have been doing is starting when it's still daylight and then finishing up just at dusk.
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Attention: 3-wheel Recumbent Riders
- + Planning a 2016 GAP trail only trip. My husband and I both use recumbents. Any thoughts on how they might handle on the trail? Also, it looks like I can't use the train back to PB so I will need to ...
Discussion started 10/26/2015 04:00 PM by TXg-ma - 5 replies (last reply by Rick Hancock at 11/09/2015 11:00 AM)TXg-ma from Kingwood, Texas on 10/26/2015 04:00 PM
Planning a 2016 GAP trail only trip. My husband and I both use recumbents. Any thoughts on how they might handle on the trail? Also, it looks like I can't use the train back to PB so I will need to contact a business for a shuttle...any suggestions?
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa, CA on 11/01/2015 12:14 PM
I can't speak form any personal experience from riding a recumbent but I did run into two gentleman who were riding recumbents on the GAP trail. They didn't ride the entire trail but said they had done it a few times and had no problems. The GAP is plenty wide and has a good gravel footing for rain or shine. The grade is easy especially starting from Pittsburg. Coming into Cumberland it's a very long almost tiring downhill. The only trouble I had and this was on a touring bike with cyclocross tires was a little mist had turned the path a little greasy in a very short section close to Cumberland. I would not recommend the C&O however as it's more like two single tracks side by side very rutted and more suited for bikes. As far as shuttles you might try Golden Triangle Bike rentals in Pittsburg. Also spend $ 10 and get the Trail Book with the map.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 11/04/2015 04:53 PM
Before the days of roll on bike service on the Capitol Limited, I used a Grousland Tours (http://www.grouseland.net/) shuttle and can recommend them.
Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 11/05/2015 06:59 PM
What about a Recumbent Trike? Greenspeed Magnum. I have traveled on several rock trails so I personal do not see a problem. I even ride grass trails with dirt paths. I wonder about the width of the trail on the C&O in some of the tunnels.
lenny on 11/06/2015 05:12 AM
Paw Paw tunnel seems as i recall about 3 feet wide with one arching side and a 2x4 wood rail on the other.Hardly enough room for two bike to pass.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 11/09/2015 11:00 AM
I'd be sure and verify if the shuttle service can handle a recumbent. Some of them specify no recumbent bikes or trailers. As far as riding on the Passage I'd think you'd have no concerns. The trail is hardpack, pretty smooth, and the elevation gain is very slight. The only surprise elevation (in my opinion) is the short steep hill east of Mckeesport where you exit the town and really leave the industrial area behind and finally enter the woods for the first time. As others have mentioned the C&O is quite a bit different terrain. But your only concerned with the Pasasage. I do fine on a Mt Bike with 2.4" tires. You really need to research the shuttle arrangements I know for a fact that some/most only carry "normal" bikes. Have a great trip my wife and I have done 4 thru rides from Pittsburg to Cumberland. Great fun!
pavement
- + The GAP-C&O trails are not entirely unpaved, but at least 90% so. Sections of the GAP are paved during the first 20 miles leaving Pittsburgh and heading east, on short sections near many of the larg...
Discussion started 10/26/2015 03:19 PM by Tom M - 0 repliesTom M from Raleigh NC on 10/26/2015 03:19 PM
The GAP-C&O trails are not entirely unpaved, but at least 90% so. Sections of the GAP are paved during the first 20 miles leaving Pittsburgh and heading east, on short sections near many of the larger towns, and the final 3-4 miles before you reach Cumberland. Very little if any of the C&O is paved, perhaps a short section leaving Cumberland. However, the Western MD rail trail parallels the C&O for about 20 miles near Hancock, and it is all paved.
GAP Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle
- + I am planning to ride from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle, should I start The Point in Pittsburgh or Homestead Pump House? What is the official start (or end)? Any suggestions on a good place to spend the f...
Discussion started 10/21/2015 08:02 PM by scott - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 10/24/2015 08:46 AM)scott from baltimore on 10/21/2015 08:02 PM
I am planning to ride from Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle, should I start The Point in Pittsburgh or Homestead Pump House? What is the official start (or end)? Any suggestions on a good place to spend the first night? West Newton or Perryopolis? What about a ride for two people from Ohiopyle to Pittsburgh? Are there any economical providers? Thanks in advance, Scott
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa,. CA on 10/22/2015 11:12 AM
I couldn't get a reservation at Bright Morning B&B in West Newton otherwise I would have stayed there. It's less mileage. We ended up staying at Lenora's in Perryopolis. It was one of the best B&B's on the entire trail and I
would highly recommend it. Follow directions closely as it's easy to miss from the trail. Allow plenty of time. it was about 52 miles from Pittsburgh and has a climb up into town. Lenora will great you with iced lemon water and baked cookies. Also the Pizza place in town is pretty good to. By the time I got to D.C. I was sick of Pizza and bad Hoagies.
Anonymous on 10/24/2015 08:46 AM
Thanks for your help Peter
Trail surface and tire choice
- + 1. Is it correct that the route is not paved asphalt the entire 300+ miles?
2. If so, how much is paved/not paved?
3. Do you think it's ok for a road bike?
4. If so, should I use ...
Discussion started 10/21/2015 02:01 PM by PG - 3 replies (last reply by lenny at 10/22/2015 04:33 AM)PG on 10/21/2015 02:01 PM
1. Is it correct that the route is not paved asphalt the entire 300+ miles?
2. If so, how much is paved/not paved?
3. Do you think it's ok for a road bike?
4. If so, should I use 28s instead of 23s or 25s?
Willy Prost from Arlijngton VA on 10/21/2015 03:55 PM
1. Correct. from DC to Pittsburgh I would estimate that less than 20% is paved asphalt.
2.The C&O Towpath form DC to Cumberland is a "Tow path" designed for oxen to pull canal boats. Think single lane gravel/dirt road. There is a 20 mile section around Hancock that you can take the adjoining Western Maryland Rail trail. That part is asphalt paved.
The GAP is crushed limestone. Much easier than the towpath. Be happy that the incline is 2% or less.
3. I used a 20 year old hybrid with 700x 38 tires.
I saw a number of other through bikers that were using road bikes.
4. My preference would be 28s. Especially if the C&O had just been rained on in the previous 48 hours. The towpath just doesn't drain as well as the crushed limestone of the GAP trail.
Ryan Drummond from Philadelphia, PA on 10/21/2015 08:17 PM
I didn't see many road bikes on my ride, if any. All mountain bikes, hybrids, or "touring" bikes, e.g. Surly Long Haul Truckers or the like. IMO, wider tires are better for this trip, and a really stiff road bike frame won't be pleasant esp. on the C&O. I personally rode a Trek hybrid with 35's. No flats, but some broken spokes. Have a good ride!
lenny on 10/22/2015 04:33 AM
The 20 mile paved trail east and west of Hancock is the Western Ma. Rail Trail. Which is to eventually continue to Little Orleans then on to Cumberland.
Pittsburgh
- + So, where is the official terminus of the GAP on the Pittsburgh end? I'm planning a drop-off and am looking for a safe and easily accessible spot to unload the bike and take pictures.
Discussion started 10/16/2015 10:20 AM by Awf Hand - 3 replies (last reply by Rick at 10/21/2015 05:17 AM)Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls on 10/16/2015 10:20 AM
So, where is the official terminus of the GAP on the Pittsburgh end? I'm planning a drop-off and am looking for a safe and easily accessible spot to unload the bike and take pictures.
Ryan Drummond from Philadelphia, PA on 10/16/2015 11:39 AM
Hi
There is a marker at the very tip of Point State Park
That marks the confluence of the three rivers. That's a good spot for pictures
And a symbolic start to the journey. However you can't drive your car into point state park. I would suggest temporarily parking in front of the Wyndham on Commonwealth Place. At off- peak times of the day, this street has light traffic.
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls on 10/16/2015 01:11 PM
Thanks!
Any place closer with parking? I'm dropping a tandem, a 9yr old and all the gear needed to bike camp into DC, so close to vehicle would be even better yet!
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 10/21/2015 05:17 AM
Don't know if this will help or not as we unload from a shuttle service. At Fort Pitt State Park there is a small turn off lane. Room for 2-3 vehicles. if you go to the Gap map above and click on Pittsburg then enlarge the map you'll see 2 gray/blue lines that are walking paths. The turn off is right there. AS I mentioned we jump out, unload bikes and gear in 3 minutes or less and the shuttle is gone. There may be signs stating "No Parking" but the shuttle guy tells us it's no problem if just unloading. Are you asking about long term parking or just a quick drop off? You wouldn't want to leave your kid and gear unattended while you found parking. Also the Passage/C&O Guide book has some parking suggestions. As mentioned by Ryan there is a marker near the park entrance and you ride up Blvd of the Allies to Grant St. from there your on trail. The Blvd is bike friendly.
- + Has anyone ever noticed that it seems way more than 1 mile in between markers 39 & 38? Just curious
Discussion started 10/17/2015 07:20 PM by Dmoney - 0 repliesDmoney on 10/17/2015 07:20 PM
Has anyone ever noticed that it seems way more than 1 mile in between markers 39 & 38? Just curious
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Washington DC Hostel Rocks!
- + This place ROCKS! Where in DC can you find a place to crash for only $33.00? Just remember, it’s a hostel, not the Waldorf Astoria.
Discussion started 03/17/2013 04:26 PM by Swagman - 2 replies (last reply by Top Shelf at 10/14/2015 10:53 AM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 03/17/2013 04:26 PM
This place ROCKS! Where in DC can you find a place to crash for only $33.00? Just remember, it’s a hostel, not the Waldorf Astoria.
Roy from Middletown on 03/19/2013 07:06 PM
I stayed at an HA hostel on 11th and K in D.C., not a bad place for $40. It was kinda weird going to sleep in a room alone and waking up to find 7 strangers.
Top Shelf from Ohio on 10/14/2015 10:53 AM
Does the hostel have secure bike storage?
Pittsburgh train station
- + Planning to talk train from DC to Pitts. Will arrive in Pitts. at midnight. Can I stay in the station until it is light enough to bike?
Discussion started 10/03/2015 12:50 PM by Charlie - 6 replies (last reply by Peter Sheridan at 10/13/2015 05:08 PM)Charlie on 10/03/2015 12:50 PM
Planning to talk train from DC to Pitts. Will arrive in Pitts. at midnight. Can I stay in the station until it is light enough to bike?
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa, CA on 10/03/2015 05:46 PM
It's a creepy station. Small and dingy. You may be able to pull it off but why not get a reasonable hotel on the south side a short cab ride away and then your on the trail fresh in the morning. The hotels near the station are all to expensive and not worth the money. Get a hotel by the hot metal bridge.
Charlie on 10/03/2015 07:22 PM
That might work, but means biking through a city I don't know at night. I'll take a look at it. Thanks
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 10/10/2015 05:30 AM
Charlie,
My wife and I are planning to use the roll on train service soon. I've biked from Pittsburg 5 times. THe first year we got a 3pm start in late Oct. and only rode the 10 miles or so to Homestead. Saved close to $100 on lodging. Only drop off time in Pittsburg is 11:45/12:00 am so yes you might want to just doze there with one eye open. I wanted to bike to Homestead but my wife doesn't want any part of riding the 10 plus miles in the dark. I think we'd be okay. The start of the trail along Blvd of the Allies would be well lit after that there are a few stretches that would be a bit "spooky." You really need to pay attention exiting Blvd of the Allies and getting onto Grant St. hading toward the Mon River and on eastward to Hot Metal, etc.
Tom Mather from raleigh NC on 10/10/2015 08:27 AM
I would call the Amtrak station and ask them if it's OK to stay there until daylight. Personally, I wouldn't want to do it. Both times that I rode the GAP-C&O we stayed at a hotel on the southside, directly on the GAP trail at Hot Metal Bridge. It was about a 3.5 mile ride from the train station. We rode there on streets rather than bike trails on the advice of local cyclists. Lights are necessary but you should have them for the tunnels anyway.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 10/13/2015 07:17 AM
"It's a creepy station. Small and dingy."
It's true California stations are a lot nicer, but to call PGH creepy or dingy suggests the poster doesn't get out much. Yes is is small, but then it only servers 2 trains each way per day and is perfectly adequate.
To answer the original question, check the station page at amtrak.com for its hours. If it is open when you want to be there, then yes, do it. Your ticket entitles you to be be there, and besides it's not the kind of place where officious, paranoid security would hassle you.
We've arrived there from the west 4 times, and against all odds, the train was on time at 5:03AM and had to wait around almost two hours until dawn to head for the trail.
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa, CA on 10/13/2015 05:08 PM
The original poster was asking about spending the night at the station not a few hours. It is small creepy and dinghy compared to a lot of stations I have spent many hours in. I would sleep in Union station in D.C. but not
Pittsburgh. Waiting for daylight from 12PM is a long time.
- + Has anyone actually used the Amtrak Roll On Service since the Sept. opening? How did it go, any problems, concerns? Also biking from west to east how easy is it to get back to my truck that I'll leave...
Discussion started 10/10/2015 05:44 AM by Rick - 3 replies (last reply by Paul at 10/13/2015 07:34 AM)Rick from Grafton, Va. on 10/10/2015 05:44 AM
Has anyone actually used the Amtrak Roll On Service since the Sept. opening? How did it go, any problems, concerns? Also biking from west to east how easy is it to get back to my truck that I'll leave at Union Station in DC. I know you arrive close to midnight in Pittsburg so lodging options are expensive. I checked for a youth hostel in the area but believe it is closed. THanks.
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 10/10/2015 07:57 AM
Guess I should clarify my question. Meant to ask best way to get back to Union Station in DC after completing the trail from west to east. Wish they had another option than arriving at midnight in Pittsburg. Train ticket for passenger/bike is alot cheaper than anu shuttle service.
Tom M from raleigh NC on 10/10/2015 08:22 AM
You just ride your bike across town from Georgetown to Union Station. It's not that far, maybe 3-4 miles max. DC has a lot of bike lanes and marked routes for cycling. Traffic can be heavy and you need to be cautious of taxis, trucks, etc. We rode from Bethesda, MD, to Union Station both times that we cycled the GAP-C&O trails and had no problem riding across town.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 10/13/2015 07:34 AM
Yes, I just used the service from Chicago to Pittsburgh and return from Cumberland. I have long considered myself the world's greatest authority on Amtrak and bicycles, at least until the new service started. So I had to check it out to regain the title. For complete details, see
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/65916-a-no-brainer/
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Meyerdale Trail Hostel
- + Does anyone know if the Meyersdale Trail Hostel is still in operation. I've found it listed online and in Linking Up, but can't seem to get a response from any of the numbers. Web site is down too.
Discussion started 10/02/2015 10:59 AM by Toast - 3 replies (last reply by Rick at 10/10/2015 05:18 AM)Toast from Plum, PA on 10/02/2015 10:59 AM
Does anyone know if the Meyersdale Trail Hostel is still in operation. I've found it listed online and in Linking Up, but can't seem to get a response from any of the numbers. Web site is down too.
Charlie on 10/03/2015 01:32 PM
I don't know about the trail hostel, but The Hotel at Morguen Toole has a bunk room $30 pre night. I have eaten at their restaurant but have never stayed there. You might try it.
George McCook from Kennett Square PA on 10/05/2015 06:51 PM
I have stayed at Morguen Toole twice when riding the GAP, and I highly recommend it. Nice place, the employees were very friendly, the room was clean, the communal bath room was clean too. There is indoor storage for your bike and the restaurant had great food and cold beer!
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 10/10/2015 05:18 AM
The Hostel in Meyersdale has been closed for probably 5 years, maybe a bit less. I believe there wwere problems with wiring, etc. Not really sure if it will ever open again. We usually stay at Yoder's Boarding House, a great stay. Mourgen Toole is also a potential choice. If heading east you could push on to the Train Station at Frostburg they have lodging options or if west bound the Hostel at Rockwood.
Trail Update
- + Hey there,
I usually run on the trail several days a week anywhere between mile marker 42 - 52. I have avoided the towpath since we received the torrential rain last week. I am itching to get b...
Discussion started 10/06/2015 10:29 PM by Dmoney - 1 reply (last reply by TR at 10/08/2015 11:28 AM)Dmoney on 10/06/2015 10:29 PM
Hey there,
I usually run on the trail several days a week anywhere between mile marker 42 - 52. I have avoided the towpath since we received the torrential rain last week. I am itching to get back soon...Can anyone give me an update on the current conditions in that area?
TR on 10/08/2015 11:28 AM
I can't speak for that specific area, but I rode from DC to mile 35 at Whites Ferry yesterday, and the towpath was dry for the most part. The few remaining muddy spots can normally be avoided pretty easily on one of the sides.
Hiking the trail
- + If anyone has hiked the GAP/C&O would you please get in touch with me at: uradolt4892@yahoo.com. Also, has anyone ever taken their dogs with them on this trail? If so, how did that go? Any suggestions...
Discussion started 09/24/2015 08:19 PM by Kim - 1 reply (last reply by Peter Sheridan at 10/06/2015 11:12 AM)Kim from Belle Vernon on 09/24/2015 08:19 PM
If anyone has hiked the GAP/C&O would you please get in touch with me at: uradolt4892@yahoo.com. Also, has anyone ever taken their dogs with them on this trail? If so, how did that go? Any suggestions? I need a pilgrimage and would like to hike these two starting in Pittsburgh and ending in D.C. I have the time so that isn't a problem. I would like to do this alone, with the exception of my dog. I want to camp along the way as well. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa on 10/06/2015 11:12 AM
I ran in to a few hikers while biking the GAP and C&O. Their biggest complaint was some of the campgrounds were to far apart for their abilities. The other would be lack of provisions along the route. Bring plenty of food for times you can't find it. Local people walk this with their dogs all the time. If your rugged you could make your own campsites when needed although I'm sure the park service would frown on it.
Trail conditions 10/6
- + Planning Pitts to DC leaving 10/6 how are trail conditions? 2 is the c and o OK considering how dry it was before this recent rain?
Discussion started 10/03/2015 07:39 AM by Johnybobo - 1 reply (last reply by Peter Sheridan at 10/03/2015 05:52 PM)Johnybobo on 10/03/2015 07:39 AM
Planning Pitts to DC leaving 10/6 how are trail conditions? 2 is the c and o OK considering how dry it was before this recent rain?
Peter Sheridan from Santa Rosa, CA on 10/03/2015 05:52 PM
I just did the same trip on 9/19 and finished ahead of the rain on 9/28. There was a little drizzle coming into Cumberland where the trail was a little greasy. Overall the GAP seems well drained and good traction for any weather. Any rain on the C&O will make for slower going. You have to focus more because it gets slippery even with cross tires. Allow about a week with no rain for the C&O.