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Fall in Ohiopyle
Fall in Ohiopyle, PA on the GAP
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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.


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Pittsburgh
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 -  + 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 replies
Dmoney 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?


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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.


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 -  + 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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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Biking the GAP version 2015
 -  + Now that the trail is finished all the way into Pittsburgh I'm going to do a full trail ride this summer. four days from Cumberland MD to Pittsburgh... the ride is during the week this time does anyo...
Discussion started 06/08/2015 09:52 PM by Mr Purple Paul - 9 replies (last reply by Mr Purple Paul at 09/30/2015 10:08 PM)
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown, PA on 06/08/2015 09:52 PM
Now that the trail is finished all the way into Pittsburgh I'm going to do a full trail ride this summer. four days from Cumberland MD to Pittsburgh... the ride is during the week this time does anyone know if I will have problems with shops and restaurants being open mid week . . I sort of assumed that in the summer they will be open 7 days a week but I've been reading trail reports from Katy and other trails that talk a lot about smaller towns not having anything open . . .

 
lenny on 06/09/2015 04:18 AM
From Cumberland I will name the towns in order that.I know have what you are looking for. Also use this site towns and services. Frostburg, Myersdale, Rockwood, Confluence,Ohiopyle, Connellsville, West Newton , Sutersville , Boston. McKeesport, Homestead. And Pittsburgh.

 
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 06/09/2015 02:58 PM
A lot of small towns seem to "close up" on Tuesday or Wednesdays. However, that doesn't mean that everything closes. We stayed in Confluence on a Tuesday while passing through in May, and most of the restaurants were closed for dinner but we found one place open -- Sweeties, and it was very good. Likewise, Firefly's in Ohiopyle was closed, but other restaurants were open. Last year in Meyerdale, Morguen foods was closed when we went through on Tuesday but GI Day Room was open.

 
Anonymous on 06/10/2015 08:04 AM
I'm planning on doing the exact trip in late September, also during the week. So some of these towns close up during the week? Well that puts a new wrinkle in my planning. Please let me know what you experience. Maybe I need to change my midweek strategy.

Also, please let me know how the Cumberland to PB direction works for you. I like the idea of one day of uphill and 3 days of downhill, but so many go the other way.

 
Bob P. from Perryopolis,Pa. on 06/11/2015 04:33 AM
Perryopolis has a nice inn about 1 mile off the trail. It has a restaurant that requires a reservation.

 
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown, PA on 06/18/2015 02:24 PM
Thanks for the advice everyone ... I've made some tentative plans but will mostly be "winging it" ... except for lodging which I've already set up (and paid for)...

my main concern was bike shops on the trail and eating... so I'll be packing a few extra snacks just to be sure ... there were some restaurants that I liked in 2012 so hopefully they'll be open this year when I pass through...

as for the bike shops... hopefully I won't need them... I can change a flat and do most adjustments . .. but I recently broke a spoke and if that happens on the trail it'll be a major hassle ...

"Anonymous", contact me off forum if you want to trade notes .. or watch for my trip report and blog updates ...

less than seven weeks to go . . .

 
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/25/2015 01:55 PM
We like to ride this trail, as well as others, during the week for the very simple reason that there are far less riders on the trail than on the weekends. We have never had a problem with not being able to find somewhere to eat. Bike stores can be a problem, maybe. Just check out their stores ahead of time. Our problem has been getting into a town late and having stores closed for the day. Program their phone number into your phone. If you have trouble on the trail, they may stay open or even come back to help you out(?)

 
Tom from Chapel Hill, NC on 06/29/2015 09:24 AM
One way to proactively troubleshoot bike issues before hitting the trail is to ride your bike with a full load on a gravel surface before arriving at the GAP/C&O. The best time to fix your bike is before it breaks.

 
Mr Purple Paul on 07/07/2015 02:05 PM
Tom .. thanks for the tip .. of course the nature of break-downs are that that are unplanned... that being said I do plan on two full mileage road test trips before the real trip (4 weeks away)... I'm planning on trying to ride on a day where the weather isn't ideal too .. just so I know what to expect... since my biggest fear is breaking another spoke I will buy a few extra and hope I don't have to use them...

 
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown, PA on 09/30/2015 10:08 PM
My August trip was a success ... Here is a link to my trip report ... Already thinking about next years ride ...

http://gonewiththeschwinn.blogspot.com



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Amtrak finally starting roll-on service
 -  + According to the Pittsburgh Post is finally ready to start offering roll-on service for bikes on their Washington to Pitt line, starting as early as next week. Charge will be $25 and cyclists will be ...
Discussion started 08/28/2015 12:52 PM by Tom M - 6 replies (last reply by Paul at 09/26/2015 05:30 PM)
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 08/28/2015 12:52 PM
According to the Pittsburgh Post is finally ready to start offering roll-on service for bikes on their Washington to Pitt line, starting as early as next week. Charge will be $25 and cyclists will be able to get on or off at any station on the route.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2015/08/28/Amtrak-ready-to-allow-roll-on-bike-service-between-Pittsburgh-Washington-D-C/stories/201508280137

 
Paul from Quincy, IL on 09/15/2015 02:49 PM
The article in the above link merely described another test by real live cyclists. Apparently, it was successful (again) because, against all odd the service has begun. There are 8 spaces in the coach-baggage car on the END of the train, not the baggage car on the front end. There are spaces for 8 bikes. You reserve a space by clicking the "Add bike to trip" icon on the reservation page. Oddly enough the cost is $20. For more details than Amtrak would be able to provide, see http://www.atatrail.org/.

 
Majahonke from Western NY on 09/17/2015 05:47 PM
Adventure Cycling released press on the new service on 9/14. Cost is $20 and there are spots for 6 bikes. There are restrictions on type and weight of bike. Bike service is not available at all stops. Just booked 4 spots today for Oct.

 
Paul from Quincy, IL on 09/22/2015 04:29 PM
@Majahonke:

"there are spots for 6 bikes" Everything I've read, including the two articles on the Adventure Cycling site say 8.

"Bike service is not available at all stops" Similarly, everything I've read says all stops. Nothing at Adventure Cycling seems to contradict that.

I did a test booking from Waterloo, In to Alliance, OH for 8 people in late October. It limited me to 7 bikes; one space must already have been booked.

The AC site did say: you need to "arrive 30 minutes prior to train departure to allow time to transport the bike to the baggage car". Practically speaking, with the exception of DC and Chicago, and possibly Pittsburgh, that means get there when the train arrives. If you get there earlier, and they let you onto the platform, position yourself to the rear of the expected train. In Cumberland, that would be to the left as you face the tracks.
For DC and Chicago, that means get there when they begin the boarding process, which is usually 30 minutes before departure. They won't let you onto the platform before that. Normally, they board seniors, disabled, and those with children first. I doubt they will add bicycles to the priority boarding list. That's not too bad since the bike car will be the last one on the train, and the one nearest the gate.

It will be interesting to find out how they handle the sleeping car passengers' "kindergarten walk" from the Acela (DC) and Metropolitan (Chi) lounges to the train.

 
jake from Connellsville on 09/25/2015 12:34 PM
I jsut reserved 2 spots (DC to Harpers Ferry, and DC to Connellsville) on Oct 4th. Hope it all works out. Did not meet any issues in the online registration.

 
Ray (webmaster) on 09/26/2015 10:16 AM
Amtrak's press release:
http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/939/340/Amtrak-Offers-More-Bike-Service-On-The-Capitol-Limited-ATK-15-048.pdf

 
Paul from Quincy, IL on 09/26/2015 05:30 PM
"In Cumberland, that would be to the left as you face the tracks."

Sorry. The rear of the train will be to the left IF YOUR ARE TRAVELING TOWARD CHICAGO. To the right if toward DC.


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weather concern
 -  + I am planning to ride DC to Pittsburgh in first part of Oct. Camping most nights. What can I expect for temperature overnight while camping? 30s, 40s ?
Discussion started 07/22/2015 08:52 AM by Bob - 2 replies (last reply by Jake at 09/25/2015 12:30 PM)
Bob from North Platte NE on 07/22/2015 08:52 AM
I am planning to ride DC to Pittsburgh in first part of Oct. Camping most nights. What can I expect for temperature overnight while camping? 30s, 40s ?

 
Mr. ED from Philadelphia on 09/17/2015 06:04 AM
Accuweather for Cumberland Md October 2015 is saying mid 40s for that week.
I'll be on trail at that time too, have a good ride

 
Jake from Connellsville on 09/25/2015 12:30 PM
Highs of upper 60s and lows in the 40s
I will be there too. Camp at Cumberland YMCA and Harpers Ferry Hostel/campground


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Your opinion please
 -  + What part of the C&O Towpath in your opinion are the toughest areas to do when it is wet and raining? I myself think its the 20 miles between mile 25 and 45. But I have only ridden the trail once and...
Discussion started 09/15/2015 05:12 PM - 1 reply (last reply by Dmoney at 09/23/2015 09:23 PM)
Anonymous on 09/15/2015 05:12 PM
What part of the C&O Towpath in your opinion are the toughest areas to do when it is wet and raining? I myself think its the 20 miles between mile 25 and 45. But I have only ridden the trail once and that is when it rained on me.

 
Dmoney on 09/23/2015 09:23 PM
From the about mile 42 to 48 can get very muddy after it rains. I find it can be especially tricky between miles 43 & 44,and again between 47 & 48. This summer was particularly bad in these areas.

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