C&O / GAP Forum

We are planning a ride on the GAP in May. We will be flying to Maryland from Oregon and will need to rent bikes. We would like to rent bikes in Cumberland and then hire a shuttle to take us to Pittsburgh to start our ride from there the next day. I was wondering if someone has experience renting in Cumberland and/or used a shuttle from there and could give a review. We are both experienced riders, but have not done multi-day rides. We will bring our seats, but want to be sure we have good bikes.

Where are you flying into in Maryland? If near D.C. it might be easier just to take the Amtrak to Pittsburgh and rent a bike there.

From your post it seems you are only riding the Gap and not C&O, correct? If so you could use the Cumberland Connection Bike Shop right there in Cumberland and their shuttle service. They quoted me $260 for 2 riders/bikes/gear and $25 each additional rider from Cumberland to Pittsburg.
Another option would be Amtrak. 2 passengers/2 bikes appx. $98 reserved coach. Only problem is one train per day and you leave Cumberland at 7:30pm and arrive in Pittsburg close to 12am. I live in Va. so I've never had to rent a bike but most shops do rent and the bikes are usually good quality. If and when you rent be sure that they understand your riding 3-4 days and want a bike that will provide comfort and be dependable for the intended use. There are several bike shops in Pittsburg also but I'm not sure how far away from the Gap they are located. My wife had to use a rental bike once. It was an okay bike. It fit her and had a rear rack for her panniers but...it wasn't her bike and although she had fun she just didn't enjoy using another bike/brand. Her's is a Trek Mamba 29'er with disc brakes,and 2" tires. The one she used was a 26" with 1.5" tires. Just not the same bike. Hope this helps. If you need more info please feel free to contact me 757 619-5522 athiker80@cox.net.

One additional comment. If you did use the Amtrak Roll On Bike Service you'd want to make a reservation early. They only have room for 6-8 bikes in the storage area. The Cumberland Station is on Harrison St. Maybe 5-6 blocks from the trail head.

Another option would be a one-way car rental. This worked best for us back in October 2015, Pittsburgh to Cumberland. Rented from Enterprise, they will meet you. Actually got two bikes and gear in the back of a VW Beetle!

Thank you everyone.

I just received the following email from C&O Canal Association. Not sure whether volunteers get to bring their bikes along on the train. :-)

Volunteer and help Amtrak passengers enjoy the scenic Potomac River valley. The C&O Canal National Historical Park is seeking additional volunteers to join its Trails & Rails program.

Since May 2012, Trails & Rails volunteers have been providing interpretive programs onboard Amtrak’s Capitol Limited between Cumberland and Washington. They tell passengers about the history of the C&O Canal, the railroad, the Civil War, nearby towns, and natural features along the route.

Volunteers work in teams of two, boarding an inbound train in Cumberland at 9 a.m. and returning on an outbound train at 7:30 p.m. Teams ride the train Fridays and Saturdays during the summer. The park service will provide interpretive and safety training March 12 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. at 10 Howard Street, Cumberland, Md.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. If you are interested, please contact Park Ranger Rita Knox at the Cumberland Visitor Center by calling 301-722-8226, or via e-mail at rita_knox@nps.gov. You can also visit the government volunteer website: https://www.volunteer.gov to fill out an application.

Does anyone know if the canal was being skated on outside of Georgetown over this weekend (02-12-16 thru 02-14-16)? Eye witness accounts of people on the ice playing hockey is a good enough indicator for me. Thanks.

The road to Little Orleans Campground is very steep with no sides at all. Blind curves and big hills might be too much for some cyclists. Campground is decent, but getting there was pretty scary for us. Wished I had known about the trip up there before planning to stay there.

The other important thing to know about Little Orleans is when "Bike week" is taking place. That small area is overrun with Bikers (motorcycles). They are loud and obnoxious. They use Bill's Place and the Campgrounds. I believe Bike Week is in the 1st weekend of August.

So...anybody have any thoughts on what the weather/trail condition may be like during that weekend? It's my 47th birthday and I've decided that a 300+ mile bike ride would be fun! Just a little concerned about the weather/trail! Any information would be appreciated!

The biggest concern is the Big Savage tunnel located just north of the mason Dixon line is closed until the first week or so in April. There is no easy detour around the tunnel.

I've never done this, but here's one possibility...http://linkup.shaw-weil.com/detoursavage.htm

I'd also be concerned about cold weather and snow and ice still being on the ground along the trail as early March is still the tail end of winter. Especially on the C&O (which is dirt paths) this could be really rough as it needs some warmer weather to dry out a bit. While the GAP drains better as its a crushed limestone gravel rail trail, the section near the continental divide could see cooler weather up there. You might enjoy an early April trip a lot more than an early March trip maybe? No matter what time you pick, you'll have a great time!

All good advice. Big Savage will be closed for sure as well as some overnight stay options (indoor stays.) Most/all campsites will be open. March can be a tricky month weather wise 1 day like spring the next frigid ice and snow. There's been plenty of rain and snow along the C&O corridor so you might find the trail in pretty rough shape. The Passage would be easier to bike due to the surface (apart from Big Savage Tunnel) but at higher elevations you could have some rough windchills. If you go and complete the route it will defiantly be a birthday to remember!

My husband and I are planning a trip the week of Memorial Day. We would like to take advantage of free camping where available, but it seems that you cannot reserve sites. Does anyone know if we will have problems getting a spot this time of year? We only plan to do about 45mi/day, so we would likely arrive to camp by mid-afternoon most days. Thanks!

I did the trail last year over memorial last year as I will be this year. the campgrounds had campers but were not packed you will be fine plus I found that camping with like minded people lead to good times

No worries Kristen. All of the primitive campsites should be pretty open to you all summer. You can't reserve the sites because there is no one there to reserve them to you. They're just designated spots along the C&O. They are first come first serve so if you arrive mid afternoon you'll get the best pick of the tent sites. Most campsites have very few people staying at them. The only one I saw lots of people was Swains Lock and that's because it is the first free site near DC, and has a parking lot for locals that adds to the numbers. Most of the others can only be accessed by the trail. I've had sites where I was the only person (Horseshoe Bend). Just random luck. The only thing you might want to keep an eye out for is local flooding. People post here on these forums with updates. One time I traveled a couple weeks after some flooding and at some campsites I rode by, you would not want to put down a tent on some of those grounds!

Kristen, I assume you're talking about the C&O trail. The trail is dotted with free camping spots, most of which include a potable water cistern/pump and a portajohn. There are also some pay campgrounds (one example is along the trail near Brunswick, it has hot showers). If you're talking about the GAP trail, that is different. There are no campsites on the trail, but there are a few pay campgrounds, but they're few and far between.

Along the Passage there are starting to be more nice primitive sites and usually no problem with crowds. There are 3-4 very nice Adarondack 3 sided shelters just west of Connellsville.
As far as the C&O all trail side sites are free. Some are very nice and some not so much. Park Service has rules for the number that can stay in any given site but it's not enforced and it's fun meeting other's who share your interest in biking. There are a reward sites along the C&O that are very near train switch yards and can be very loud other's are in low areas and seem to always be damp. Enjoy your ride, we've done 2 Memorial Weekend rides.

I am trying to learn which Hostel would be the best place to stay in DC and store bikes and gear after riding the C & O from Cumberland and then taking Amtrak back the next day.

I know one is much closer to the train station but I heard the bike storage would be out back.

The Ohiopyle campground may as well not exist for bikepackers. The campground is only accessible via a long, rough, winding, STEEP trail from the trail up a large hill to the campground. It is seriously LESS effort to continue onward to Connelsville (southbound) or Confluence (Northbound).

The town of Ohiopyle is a gem, though, and worth a stop for a meal or ice cream, or to check out the scenery of the falls. You can view the main falls (obvious), or the off-the-main-drag Cucumber falls (which are smaller but higher than the main), or the very unique swimming hole area of the natural water slides. Great place to cool off!

I did that clime last year, avoided it this year. You can ride down it...somewhat. I can say this for the state park, nice hot showers and they will not turn away a bikepacker if the park is full.

Hi,
I just completed the Pgh to DC route, and took some time to video the trail up to Kentuck campground within Ohiopyle. See youtube link below. Judge for yourself, the video is about halfway up the trail...however if coming from Pgh, IMO to reach Kentuck campground in one day is a long haul...

https://youtu.be/5pg_404XBSQ

I have done this trip to Kentuck campground and would never, never, never, do it again, pushing a loaded touring bike up this hill is only for the young, which I am not. I watched the video and like most pictures of hills it doesn't portray the steepness very well. I agree it would be less effort to ride to next campground.:D
Allen

Any recommendations on Tour Companies to use or avoid?

Wilderness Voyagers is one of the best.

You might want to take a look at Get Out & Go tours, they are in Ashburn, Va. and do numerous tours of the GAP/C&O 571-571-2453,, www.getoutandgo.biz.. Info@getoutandgo.biz

My husband and I are planning to bike the GAP and C & O in 2016. Is the GAP well marked in Pittsburgh? We've been on Google earth trying to map the Trail. It seems confusing.

The trail is difficult because it goes by other trail names. I stayed at the Marriott in homestead and biked into Pittsburgh. The key is the Hot Metal Bridge to cross the river.

I agree Tom. I find it strange that both ends of the two trails are so poorly marked. Georgetown Mile 0 on the C&O is still a mystery to many and its lacks any good signage to tell riders which direction to go, especially though the rowing club area. The same with the end of the GAP at Point State Park. Which path out of The Point do you take if you've never seen it before? It's not marked. And since the GAP trail doubles as the Three Rivers Heritage Trail coming out of downtown Pittsburgh, which branch of it do you take? Do you cross the Mon River at Smithfield Bridge or Hot Metal Bridge? I've done it three times and know it good so it works for me but always wondered about first time visitors and how many wrong turns and trackbacks they have done trying to figure it out. The Allegheny Trail Alliance has done an incredible job in ROW acquisitions over the years. I'm hopeful the next enhancements will be addressing the poor signage, especially Pittsburgh to just past McKeesport.

Thank you for your responses. It helps.

Very helpful. Planning to ride DC to Pittsburgh in late July.

If you'd give me a call or email I can give you some very specific directions. 757 619-5522/athiker80@cox.net It can be very confusing but once you've done the route once you'll always remember it.

What about Uber at that time of night?

Have read that a project has been funded to build a bike access ramp from towpath into Harpers Ferry...having a hard time finding status for this online..anyone know the latest on this ? Planning my 2016 ride, and would be great if the ramp was available this year !
thanks in advance,
Ryan

I can't find any follow up to this Sept. 2014 article stating what you mentioned. I have to say, this will be a very welcome addition for cyclists. I recall the first time I got to Harpers Ferry, pretty sapped from a long day on the trail, trying to figure out how I'm going to haul my bike and all of the filled gear bags up the spiral stairs. Ended up taking the bags off the bike, hauling them up to the top, then coming back down to retrieve the bike. :-)

http://wvpress.org/news/alternative-bike-route-harpers-ferry-works/

Hi All im thinking of riding from Paw paw WV to pittsburgh next week. Are there any detours besides Big Savage tunnel I should be aware of?
I figure this is a good time to make a winter ride as there aint no snow. If I cant ski i'll ride. Any info is helpful and appreciated.

the Hillside Hotel has been closed down for awhile but it is now (as of Summer 2015) under the Knights Inn brand, part of the Wyndham Hotel chain. Ahbi is the manager. Very nice. Very clean rooms. Good location for hikers on the Appalachian Trail, the C&O Canal or just local hiking visiting the Harper's Ferry NHP area.

This restaurant is CLOSED!

The restaurant is now called, "Lowry's Family Restaurant at Cindy - Dee's" . Hours are 0600 to 2100 hours, seven days a week. Prices are moderate. Most of the reviews have been positive.

Hey there, I be ridden GAP several times and C and O once ranging from sprin to fall but never in December. Does anyone have experience riding in in mid- late December. This would be a 2 day trip.thanks much, Matt

Sorry for the typos- no glasses. Matt

I would avoid at all costs. While Steve is a nice man, his lodge was filthy and cluttered. We had serious concerns with breakfast due to the unsanitary conditions. This is most uncomfortable I have ever been at any B&B.

If you want to spend a reasonable amount of money for a reasonable amount of cleanliness then Steve is your best bet. It's not a frilly B&B. There was some cat hair around and clutter in the main area. But nothing to call the Health Department about. Steve is a widower and
lives there. It's still cleaner than most. If you want to talk to someone local abut the flora and fauna of the area He's it. He's a character with honest charm and no deception.

Peter, I beg to differ with you about Steve Huebner and the cleanliness of Little Orleans Lodge. The place is a cluttered mess; the kitchen has been inspected on numerous occasions by the Allegany County Health Department, however they cannot shut him down because his establishment is classified a B&B and not a full blown commercial kitchen. Steve is pushing 80 and can barely keep up with the place all by himself. Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine has a bulging folder full of complaints about the cleanliness at Little Orleans Lodge dating back to 2008. He has run off all hired help who maintained the place and is exhibiting the early symptoms of Altimeter’s. A note for anonymous, please contact Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine and file a formal complaint (301) 777-5911.

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.

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...?

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

Thanks for your help Peter

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?

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.

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!

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.