Thinking of making the ride
- + A friend has suggested we do the Pittsburg to DC route this summer. Does this ride go through towns, or just close to them? Is the scenery canal and trees, or something more varied? Thanks for your he...
Discussion started 03/03/2015 06:21 AM by Dan - 4 replies (last reply by Jim Simm at 03/22/2015 06:31 AM)Dan from Wolfeboro, NH on 03/03/2015 06:21 AM
A friend has suggested we do the Pittsburg to DC route this summer. Does this ride go through towns, or just close to them? Is the scenery canal and trees, or something more varied? Thanks for your help
Anonymous on 03/04/2015 10:35 AM
There are quite a few youtube videos that showcase the GAP and C&O which will give you a good idea of what the trails are like.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 03/04/2015 04:38 PM
On the C&O portion, you have the canal on one side and the Potomac river on the other. There are plenty of great sights along this section. The GAP has a whole different look to it. You will ride through some towns, or at least part of town and you will ride close to others. You will not have a day of riding where you don't have a chance to stop at a town.
Paul A on 03/07/2015 10:02 PM
As you travel the trail you'll get a nice mix of town and country. You'll go past the edge of plenty of towns and right through a few of them. There will also be times that you won't have to bother with the rush and crush of a town.
Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 03/22/2015 06:31 AM
As for the GAP section, the trail passes through the towns of Connellsville, Confluence, Ohiopyle, Meyersdale and Frostburg. There are places to eat and lodging in each and a bike shop in Connellsville. As for the C&O it passes through Cumberland, Hancock (a serious bike shop here), Williamsport (Hagerstown is about 6 miles north on US 11) Brunswick and Point-of-Rocks. The towpath skirts Oldtown (there is a diner about .5 miles off the towpath next to the Post Office), Paw Paw, WV (about .6 miles on Maryland 51 then cross the Potomac River), Little Orleans (you have to pay attention to the signage but best just to get off at Fifteen-Mile Creek Campground, Bill’s Place is 100 yards north), Sharpsburg (about .5 miles north on Snyder’s Landing road into town) or Shepardstown, WV (cross the highway bridge at lock 38 then about .5 miles into town) Harpers Ferry, WV (.3 miles across the bridge over the Potomac River) and Dickerson (get off at the Monocacy aqueduct, take Monocacy Rd the right on Maryland 28 into town). Enjoy
What if it really goes wrong??
- + Four of us are planning to ride from Pittsburg to DC in late May 2015. We will be self supporting, staying in B&B's along the way (already reserved).
My concern is what options are available if so...
Discussion started 11/11/2014 05:49 PM by Bob Kendall - 4 replies (last reply by Jim Simm at 03/19/2015 08:26 PM)Bob Kendall from Sacramento CA on 11/11/2014 05:49 PM
Four of us are planning to ride from Pittsburg to DC in late May 2015. We will be self supporting, staying in B&B's along the way (already reserved).
My concern is what options are available if something goes wrong - such as a bike crash, illness that prevents someone from riding, etc.
Is it feasible for someone else in the group to ride to a 'nearby' town to rent a car, hire a taxi or something like that. In the worst case, is it feasible for someone to return to Pittsburgh (via train, taxi, rental car, or whatever) to retrieve our car and allow the out-of-commission member to drive the remainder of the trip while the rest of us ride it?
Thanks,
Bob
Rick from Grafton on 11/14/2014 05:51 AM
My wife and I did our 3rd thru ride along the Passage and part of the C&O this past fall. Had a few mishaps and will do some things differently next time. If you'd like to contact me via email I could forward my cell # and give you some real life advise. I will be out of town this coming weekend Nov. 14/16 but you could contact me early next week. Feel free to get in touch. athiker80 [at] cox [dot] net
Tom from Raleigh NC on 01/01/2015 04:00 PM
I rode from Pittsburgh to DC last June with 3 friends, staying in B&Bs and inns along the way. Generally there are towns within 20 miles along the entire route. Some are larger and have more services, but I would think that you could arrange support if needed in most of them. The trip planner on this site shows the locations of all bike shops, and some of them provide shuttle services. The most remote sections are from Cumberland to Hancock MD, and from Harpers Ferry to Georgetown.
Jerry from NW Arkansas on 01/09/2015 10:04 PM
Well, I can only offer this advice...the one thing that nearly derailed my entire KATY trip last year (not the same I know) was a stick through the rear wheel that nearly broke my derailleur and broke some spokes... so my advice is to steer clear of brush and sticks in the way. I'm riding the GAP and C&O in May and will be heeding my own advice :) Good luck
Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 03/19/2015 08:26 PM
Strongly recommend that do not stay at Little Orleans Lodge in Little Orleans, MD mp 141 and slug it out the additional 20 miles to Hancock, MD due to persistent health issues in the kitchen. There is plenty of lodging in Hancock ranging from B&B, motels and a bunk house for $10 a night per person. If you do say at Little Orleans Lodge pay up front in cash (do not charge it to your credit card) and plan on eating breakfast or brunch in Hancock. Also do not get any of the lower level rooms and check for wasp and other creepy crawlers. If you don’t believe me, get a good look of the kitchen if you spend the night. Better yet, get a photo of the mess and submit a complaint to Allegany County Commissioner Bill Valentine in Cumberland who has received numerous complaints over the years.
Summer rain gear
- + Ok guys I have been slowly gathering the necessary equipment for my July 3,4,5th ride down the C&O. I am getting tight on space and will need to have a handle bar bag or use a camelbak bag (which I do...
Discussion started 03/11/2015 12:39 PM by Greg - 7 replies (last reply by Rick at 03/18/2015 05:01 AM)Greg from Glen Burnie, MD on 03/11/2015 12:39 PM
Ok guys I have been slowly gathering the necessary equipment for my July 3,4,5th ride down the C&O. I am getting tight on space and will need to have a handle bar bag or use a camelbak bag (which I do not want to wear).
I have no clue or if it is even necessary, summer rain gear. Any thoughts or ideas on this? I would obviously love perfect weather.
Anonymous on 03/12/2015 09:40 AM
If it rains on you that time of year it should be a warm rain so what happens is you wear the rain gear to stay dry but you sweat underneath it so you are still wet. I only use and did use rain gain once I was off the bike and I was glad I had it. That being said, try Frogg Toggs rain gear. Its super light, breathable and I got the pants and bottoms for $20.00
Anonymous on 03/12/2015 09:46 AM
Add.......I meant to say tops and bottoms. The whole set only weighs ounces.
Paul A on 03/12/2015 10:32 PM
Mount a water bottle on your bike and that should be enough. You'll be passing water pumps every 5 or 6 miles at the hiker/biker campsites.
John Aulbach on 03/14/2015 06:52 PM
Water is important. Along the C & O, there are pumps at the hiker/biker campsites and towns where water is available at convenience stores. If the ground is pretty soggy, the water quality at the pumps may be in question. My preference is bottled water.
Greg K from Chicago on 03/17/2015 04:38 PM
I spent two glorious days on the GAP and three days of rain on the C&O that only ended when I was about thirty miles from Washington. Light rain gear will work for a few hours and keep you from getting soaked but water will find its way in and make you miserable eventually. On the plus side since you'll be under trees it's a uniform drip. It's also very loud.
Paul A on 03/17/2015 11:44 PM
The important thing about biking, or hiking, in the rain is to stay warm enough. Like Greg K. said, you'll eventually get wet. Also at all costs, keep a set of clothes to change into and your sleeping bag dry at all times.
Rick from Grafton, Va on 03/18/2015 05:01 AM
I'm a long time backpacker (35 plus years.) Also thru hiked the AT. Been bike packing for close to 29 years. Typically I do without rain gear UNLESS the temps are colder. In any conditions, wearing any manufacturers rain gear, regardless of the cost you will get wet. I wear synthetic clothing that allows me to dry out quickly. I do favor the Marmot Precip Rain Jacket. When I do wear it it seems to keep me drier/longer without that "clammy" feeling. As stated make sure your spare gear is protected so that after making camp you can change into warm/dry clothing. Most people tend to carry their tent and sleeping bag attached to their rack in stuff sacks. If so I suggest that you double bag your sleeping bag or have panniers that are waterproof and large enough to carry your bag inside. I use a 20 degree down quilt so it does pack very small. I always use down bags and very rarely have any problem with wetness. Also, I'd do without the rain pants. Unless your on the small size the pants will constrict and make for uncomfortable riding. Feel free to email me and I can share a lot of info about being comfortable/safe during a multi day ride.- athiker80 at cox dot net
June weather
- + What's the weather like during the middle of June? I'm assuming a lot like around here, hot and humid with t'storms on occasion. Any advice for a first timer doing the trail? Thanks in advance.
Discussion started 03/11/2015 06:40 AM by Stephen Hudson - 2 replies (last reply by John Aulbach at 03/14/2015 06:47 PM)Stephen Hudson from Jamestown,NC on 03/11/2015 06:40 AM
What's the weather like during the middle of June? I'm assuming a lot like around here, hot and humid with t'storms on occasion. Any advice for a first timer doing the trail? Thanks in advance.
Anonymous on 03/13/2015 06:33 PM
I think you are dead on with the weather. My only advice is bring earplugs for the trains that run near the trail at night and either mosquito repellent or netting to keep the skeeters off you at night if you are camping.
John Aulbach on 03/14/2015 06:47 PM
I always have some backpacker meals and extra water in my panniers. There are some areas, particularly along the C & O where you may want to camp that are not near a town. Little Orleans, Confluence and Ohiopyle for whitewater rafting are all places I love to stop plus there is always great food available at these locations.
Water along the C&O
- + Ok this board is great my first question regarding bike security was answered. I just wish there was a way to search.....So anyhow I know there are water pumps along the way at the campsites, is it ne...
Discussion started 03/06/2015 08:45 PM by Greg - 4 replies (last reply by John W. at 03/08/2015 03:48 PM)Greg from Anne Arundel MD on 03/06/2015 08:45 PM
Ok this board is great my first question regarding bike security was answered. I just wish there was a way to search.....So anyhow I know there are water pumps along the way at the campsites, is it necessary to filter or treat the water? What do people normally do for water biking along the tow path.
I was thinking about using a sawyer mini to filter the water, the send it through a charcoal filter to help with taste. I will be carrying 4 drink bottles with me so it won't take long to fill.....Any knowledge on this would be greatly appreciated.
Paul A on 03/06/2015 11:54 PM
When I did my thu hike of the C+O I didn't filter or treat water I got from the hand pumps and never got sick. When I did the thru hike of the Gap I filtered all water I took from the ground. Also didn't get sick then either.
Anonymous on 03/07/2015 07:49 AM
The handpumps at each campsite on the C&O are treated with iodine and checked regularly so unless you are allergic to iodine you will be fine, just remember that the water will turn your camp stuff a bit dull orange that can be cleaned up once you get home.
Rick from Grafton on 03/08/2015 06:43 AM
The water along the C&O is safe to drink...but it does have a slight to moderate metallic taste and will indeed turn water bottles etc a nice shade of orange. I once added some to a freeze dried meal and there was a bluish color to the meal. For normal drinking during the day I usually add some Mio or Gatorade powder just to hide the taste a bit.
The park service will remove handles from pumps on occasion if the water is tainted. We once did a 62 mile day and rolled into camp. Never looked at the pump until after setting up camp. we were too tired to reload the gear so one guy rode another 6 miles round trip for water.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 03/08/2015 03:48 PM
The first time you have it you really don't notice the iodine taste too much but after a couple days you begin to tire of it. That said, it's such a great resource to have especially when you might be miles from town. I had bottled water some of the time and used the pumps to supplement the rest of the water I needed. I never got sick or felt any ill effects from drinking it. Totally fine.
Burgess' House in Meyersdale
- + looks like they've closed .. the house is for sale . . .time to update the services list
Discussion started 03/03/2015 12:42 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 03/03/2015 12:42 PM
looks like they've closed .. the house is for sale . . .time to update the services list
Trouble with web page
- + For the last several days I've been unable click on the blue trail town icons at the top of the page and get info. Just a blank page. Anyone else having this problem or is it my computer.
Discussion started 02/21/2015 12:53 PM by Rick - 3 replies (last reply by Rick at 02/21/2015 04:20 PM)Rick from Grafton on 02/21/2015 12:53 PM
For the last several days I've been unable click on the blue trail town icons at the top of the page and get info. Just a blank page. Anyone else having this problem or is it my computer.
Anonymous on 02/21/2015 01:48 PM
Yep, just tried a few of them. Don't work.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/21/2015 03:28 PM
Thank you for pointing this out. Something got locked up on the web server. I restarted it and everything seems to be OK.
Again, I appreciate you bringing it to my attention.
Happy trails!
Rick from Grafton on 02/21/2015 04:20 PM
Thanks to you for this useful tool for trip planning.
Books/references
- + What are some "must-have" books to buy before I take a trip on the GAP and C&O? I've already ordered the Trailbook 10th edition, but I've seen a few others that look interesting. I don't see them li...
Discussion started 02/02/2015 11:10 AM by Awf Hand - 4 replies (last reply by Rick at 02/21/2015 08:26 AM)Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls on 02/02/2015 11:10 AM
What are some "must-have" books to buy before I take a trip on the GAP and C&O? I've already ordered the Trailbook 10th edition, but I've seen a few others that look interesting. I don't see them listed at my local library, but have not used all their tools.
Which books were the best you've read on this trail system?
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 02/02/2015 10:47 PM
You can't go wrong with the Trail Book. We buy one every year. Another book we have used is "Linking Up" by Mary Shaw & Roy Weil. You can Google it, looks like it is on Amazon. We have used this GREAT web-site too. Tons of info. here. Read the old posts that are on here. Many questions have been answered. If you have any specific questions, ask away!
John from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/03/2015 10:31 PM
I concur about Trailbook. I have the 2011-12 edition so I'll probably get the latest version this spring. The book is great but what clinches it for me is the vinyl waterproof map that comes with it. Very handy and can handle the all the wet, heat, folding, etc., you can throw at it. Also, to get a taste of the GAP/C&O before you depart, there are a couple of nice DVD's out there: "On the Passage" and "On the Canal" both by John Urman. I found them on the GAP site store online.
Rick from Grafton on 02/21/2015 08:24 AM
I purchase the official Trail Guide about every other year. There's always a new tidbit of info and various services are always opening and closing. I guess my money helps in some way. Apart from that, there are several really good books that tell the C&O Canal Story including life along the locks and the people (often families) who lived on and piloted the boats along the 184 mile passage from Georgetown to Cumberland. I'm a history buff so I enjoy that type of stuff.
Rick from Grafton on 02/21/2015 08:26 AM
Meant to add that most of these books are available on the C&O website. I purchased most of my books at the Cumberland Md. C&O Visitor Center.
last minute
- + So I am coming to DC to ride the C&O on Sept 28th 2014 I have just over a week and was hoping to ride the GAP also. The problem I am facing is getting a ride back to DC if I do the both the C&O and th...
Discussion started 09/25/2014 08:51 PM by Ben - 4 replies (last reply by Ionka at 02/14/2015 04:02 PM)Ben from Anna Maria on 09/25/2014 08:51 PM
So I am coming to DC to ride the C&O on Sept 28th 2014 I have just over a week and was hoping to ride the GAP also. The problem I am facing is getting a ride back to DC if I do the both the C&O and the GAP.The price I have gotten for the shuttle is around $300. Is there a less expensive way to get back. Thanks for your help.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 09/30/2014 05:01 AM
Do you mind if I ask who your shuttle is? The best price I can find is $395 for my wife and I from Dc to Pittsburg. Thanks.
Gary S from Greensburg, Pa on 10/02/2014 03:42 AM
I am taking the Capitol limited train from Pittsburgh to DC with my bike and pedaling back. $49.00 total
Greg K from Chicago on 10/02/2014 02:44 PM
That's leaving Pittsburgh for Washington at quarter to six in the morning. But then the other way from Washington you would get to Pittsburgh around midnight, so I guess the train is a toss-up.
Ionka from Geneseo NY on 02/14/2015 04:02 PM
My understanding is that the train will not take more than six bikes. I am curious about your train experience....were you able to reserve a spot for your bike?
C&O Canal Usage Fee Proposal
- + C and O Canal Invites Feedback on Proposal to Increase and Expand Entrance and Other Fees Park-wide
http://www.nps.gov/choh/parknews/c-and-o-canal-invites-feedback-on-proposal-to-increase-and-e...
Discussion started 01/12/2015 05:47 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 10 replies (last reply by George at 02/09/2015 11:13 PM)Ray (webmaster) on 01/12/2015 05:47 AM
C and O Canal Invites Feedback on Proposal to Increase and Expand Entrance and Other Fees Park-wide
http://www.nps.gov/choh/parknews/c-and-o-canal-invites-feedback-on-proposal-to-increase-and-expand-entrance-and-other-fees-park-wide.htm
Paul A on 01/14/2015 11:15 PM
Not unreasonable or surprising considering the state of our nations budget. The only thing I don't get is paying the same for hiker/biker camping as drive-up camping. When I hiked the trail in 2011 not all of the hiker/biker sites had a picnic table or a handle on the water pump. Still a nice and cheap vacation though, all things considered.
John from Pittsburgh, PA on 01/17/2015 01:00 PM
I always thought the free hiker/biker sites were an incredible deal if you didn't feel like staying at a hotel. I'm actually quite surprised it's always been free access to the park for this long. I'd be willing to pay for a 3, 5, or 7 day pass however they decide to break it down. Not sure how they'll enforce it as there are tons of access points. It's not like Yellowstone NP where you have just a handful of remote entrances. If this means keeping this wonderful resource running smoothly, I'm all for it. I've read that staff working at the park has been slashed big time over the last 10 years. If this sees just a few more employees hired as well as making sure all of the existing water pumps are working, why not?
Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 01/19/2015 06:58 AM
After watching the NPS squander their operating budget barricading parking lots with Jersey walls, pallet banding shut the port-a-johns, removing the pump handles and scheduling more enforcement personnel to patrol the towpath than routinely assigned when the park was normally open, during the 2013 government shutdown. I have no sympathy or patients for any of this chicanery… $22 a night indeed to stay at a primitive hiker-biker campsite, just plain lunacy in my book. With all that college education sitting around at park HQ in Hagerstown it is any wonder that they could not conceived a more constructive means to close the budget shortfall instead of saddling it on the backs of the taxpayers. I am planning to attend the 28th public meeting at park HQ and give them a piece of my mind and strongly encourage anyone who values the towpath and what it stands for to show up also. Jim
John on 01/19/2015 02:33 PM
Many other Parks charge some Fee even for day use. They are just trying to make up for budget shortfalls and with the current Political climate (and new majority) in Washington I expect the funding in Parks to be severely slashed.
CLB from Bel-Air/Cresaptown area on 01/29/2015 02:23 PM
I can understand some kind of fees to help with upkeep, but there are more questions than answers...How would it be enforced? A lot of people walk or bike every day from their home, not a specific access point for exercise....Other people walk/ride ~7 times, but scattered throughout the month...a 7 day pass wouldn't help that. Parking fees would require a complex schedule as some park in 1 spot and return to it, some park somewhere to drop off & park somewhere else to pick up, some are there for 20 mins, an hour or two, all day, or multiple days....some use it daily or it's a one shot deal. Some try to visit on a holiday, when they're off & find they have to walk half-way across town to use a bathroom because things are closed & locked up (Labor Day 2014)Enforcement, if it could be done, would be labor intensive...(this would be paid for HOW? People wouldn't & many even couldn't pay the fees that would pay for the salaries)We need many more answers before we can say OK.
John from Hancock, MD on 01/30/2015 09:06 AM
I can just see it now. Heightened enforcement personnel and patrols along the towpath where the conversation does not start with “Hello, how are you today and are you enjoying your towpath experience” but rather “YOUR PAPERS PLEASE”! So much for innocent until proven guilty.
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls on 02/02/2015 11:18 AM
While the proposed 20$ primitive camping fee probably won't make me change my overall trip plans, it will make me rethink where I pitch my tent and whether there are enough other amenities on that patch of ground to make it worth the money.
Anonymous on 02/04/2015 03:59 PM
I finally thought I had found something I wanted to do every year. $20 a night? Im done.
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls on 02/05/2015 05:24 PM
The comment period for this ends on Feb 22, 2015. PLEASE GIVE THEM FEEDBACK. Commenting here can help get the word out about the proposal, but often-times committees and boards operate in a vacuum of comment. If you don't submit feedback, they will only hear from those who made the proposal.
George from Hancock, MD on 02/09/2015 11:13 PM
It was reveled at the Hancock meeting this evening that the NPS is backing off on their intent to raise entrance fees and impose a $20 per night fee at all of the hiker/biker campsites. Instead, they are going to focus on collecting parking fees at Great Falls Tavern to close the budget shortfall. It was also discussed that the NPS C&O Canal owns some rather expensive and sophisticated “paving” equipment, however, has only enough discretionary funds to resurface only, ONLY two miles this fiscal year and no means to pay qualified personnel to properly and safely operate the paving machine. If that wasn’t enough there apparently is a whole slue of deferred maintenance items (locks, culverts, aqueducts, wears, etc…) and the general mentality by upper management is to let them fail before any genuine effort is forwarded to repair much less maintain anything. In light of these facts, it is apparent that the entire infrastructure of the 184.5 mile canal/towpath is doomed to collapse into disrepair, ruin and decay.