C&O / GAP Forum

Under new ownership - but it still "bites!" Literally, our room was infested with stinkbugs and mosquitos. My wife was ready to sleep outside, which honestly would have been more restful. The room also had a terribly musty, moldy odor. Stay at the Super 8 instead, just across the bridge.

Staying at the America's Best tonight and find it to be quite pleasant. The owner is somewhat charming. No problems on my end.

Wish that I would have had that experience -- or gotten sleep that night. I won't take the chance of staying there again. The owner was rude to my wife when we complained and they refused to switch our room. Because it was early evening and we were on bicycles, we were stuck there for the night. I have nothing personal against the place or the owners... I just want to warn other bikers - If you're planning on staying there, get there early and inspect your room!

Hello,
If you ever make the trip again, the super 8 right up the hill was great..reasonably priced, bike wash, clean rooms, internet, continental breakfast. We always had a pretty good experience there.
Frank, Pittsburgh

Heading out of DC to Pittsburgh on Friday any trail condition updates Thanks

After a summer of what seemed like constant muddy conditions, the towpath is finally dry!

...dry and dusty. We used our rain cover stuff to keep the dust off our bags.

Had a great ride over the long weekend, Point of Rocks to Williamsport Md on Sat. and then back on Sunday. The trail is in great shape, a little damp in places, but no real mud. Stayed at the Red Roof Inn. Simple, clean and cheap. Be prepared for a big hill just off the trail but it is do-able. We were on a tandem. Dinner at Marco's NY Pizza, across the street from the Red Roof Inn. A GREAT place, will work the mile ride from the trail even with the hill. One update.. the bike shop in Williamsport has closed. One of the Park Rangers told me that the Desert Rose Cafe bought all of the bike supplies.. I will check that out and post an update.

Update, Rose from the Desert Rose Cafe states that they did purchase the available tubes from the Williamsport Bike shop and they also have a bike floor pump available

Can anyone give me any Info. on the Red Roof Inn in Williamsport? The Map shows it right on Rt. 11. Is there easy/safe access from the C&O to the hotel? Do they have a shuttle?

I've never stayed there, so I can't answer for certain. It's doubtful that they have a shuttle (call them and ask) but from looking at the map it's not far off of the trail at all. It's a half a mile past the Sheetz in town, and I've ridden to that Sheetz from the trail plenty of times. There is a hill to go up, but it's just one and not really all that bad. I've ridden up it after doing 60 miles on the trail, and it doesn't bother me. I'd think that you'd be able to ride to the hotel without any problems.

I have stayed there twice. It is a straight ride up the main road. They do not have a shuttle, nor do you need one. You are a distance away from attractive dining options with only a MacDonalds and Waffle House nearby. The hotel does not have a complimentary breakfast. What you will get is a bed, a hot shower and a good night's sleep.

Does anyone know of any crime along the C&O canal? My sister is thinking about doing a solo bike trip and I wonder about her safety. Anyone have any info?

I biked the Canal solo from DC to Cumberland last year around this time, and I didn't witness any crime whatsoever. I took my time, and only 1 out of 5 nights did I share my campsite with others. They were friendly and respected my privacy as it was a larger campsite.

When I had this very same question out of curiosity last year, I could only find a few sporadic reports of minor assaults occurring years past. However, these only occurred within the District proper and happened to joggers at weird hours - not bikers.

I didn't feel threatened from anyone I passed on the Canal during the entire trip, everyone is there to enjoy the national park. It's a shared experience. Everyone is in it together. Everyone was friendly and warm, except for two passive-aggressive joggers.

I grew up around the Hancock section of the trail so I know Paw Paw to Williamsport the best and I've never witnessed anything shady in this more rural section of the trail.

The only concern she'll probably have to worry about is hanging her food at night to keep little critters from getting into it.

The most dangerous things I encountered on the trail were: 1. A saddleback caterpillar, a copperhead that two US Forest Service members were in the process of killing, and a small black bear that was about 150m up the Towpath and who away faster than I could turn my camera on.

Biking the Canal solo was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had. Don't worry too much about your sister. I'm sure she'll be fine. You're close to civilization most of the time should something arise. Personally, I've always felt safest in the most rural section of the park (between Paw Paw and Orleans). I was 23 at the time, and while I'm a guy so that differently defines how I am treated in my travels, the only time you would be vulnerable is in your tent/hammock at night. The criminal wouldn't know who your gender. I didn't even worry about petty theft, but I went t

(Oh I didn't realize there was a post length limit)

The criminal wouldn't know what your gender was.*
I didn't worry about petty theft at all, but I went through the proper motions anyway out of habit. I locked my bike tires at night because the bike was my ticket out of there should someone have taken my things off the picnic table at night, and I kept most things in my tent.

I realize this has turned into a text-wall of a reply, but I just wanted to reassure you that the Canal is safe and crime besides the occasional victimless toke is nonexistent - at least in my experiences on the towpath.

For those that camp in tents in the evening, what do you do with your food bag? Are there many bear sightings that would force you to hang your food bag from in a tree or can I put in my tent each evening?

I would definitely hang your food at night, not just for the potential for bears but raccoons and other critters. I don't know how common they are, but black bears definitely live in area and tend to like rivers. We saw photos of black bears in the "Yak" river at Ohiopyle while eating at one of the local restaurants.

I'm sixty plus now but several years ago a friend and I rode from Frostburg Maryland to DC in 3 days, staying with our spouses overnight. I'm looking for some friends to ride along approximately the same route, starting point could vary, ambitiously I would like to start from Pittsburgh and ride the entire trail, but I would have to do some serious training to be sure. any interest please let me know. thank you

The map on this website shows the hotel is only about 4 blocks off the C&O Canal trail. I've ridden on Highway 11 about 3 blocks off the trail, and traffic was not an issue at all. Williamsport is a sleepy little town. If you stay or stop there, make sure you eat at the Desert Rose Cafe, my favorite restaurant along the trail.

We stumbled across the Desert Rose Cafe on our ride from Hancock to DC and it was great. Def worth stopping there.

Was wondering what experience anyone has had with cell coverage along the trail. Any large gaps where there will be no coverage? Thanks!

Going east on the C&O there is no cell phone service from Oldtown to several miles east of the Paw Paw tunnel, all total 15+ miles or so. :(

Not good for the most part any where except near the larger trail heads. There is a booster at the Rockwood Trailhead on the GAP.

It depends somewhat on your carrier, but I got poor coverage with AT&T along most of the GAP and C&O. We quickly learned to put our phones in "airplane mode" to avoid running down the batteries. We were able to get coverage, however, at most towns along the route.

Where's the best place to enter the trail near Potomac? We are staying in Rockville tonight. Am hoping to ride early in the morning and get back to shower before checkout in the late morning...Can we cross at the locks? SPecifically lock 19 as it appears closest to us....

I went to first grade in Oldtown Md. My first grade teacher's name was Miss Banks. I am trying to find out more about her...first name and what happened to her. She made a great impression on me, taught me my ABCs and encouraged me to be the best that I could be. Know anything or could you point me in the direction of more info on Miss Banks. thank you

Hello Barbara - The Oldtown School was closed and the building sold maybe a decade ago. The gentleman who purchased it uses it for several business enterprises one of which is called the Schoolhouse Kitchen which is a nice place to stop and eat for both C&O bicyclists and local folk. He still has photos lining the hallways of all the school's graduating classes. They might be able to help you in your search. Their phone number is 301-478-5189 or you can just google Schoolhouse Kitchen, Oldtown, MD for other contact info.

How possible is it to get on an Amtrak train from Georgetown trailhead? Distance and route. Looking to take our bikes and get on the train back to Pittsburgh.

You're less than four miles from Union Station at Mile 0 in G-town. You could either ride on Capital Crescent Trail until that ends and then the streets (lots of safe cycling infrastructure, bike paths, etc.) or head to Foggy Bottom Metro station (still need to ride to get there) which I think you can take your bike on any time except weekday rush hours. Get on either of the Blue, Silver, or Orange lines and head east and transfer at Metro Center and get on the Red line which goes to Union Station. I'd actually just ride the whole way, it's a nice pleasant ride if you take the bike safe routes.

i believe there is only one train back to Pitt where you can take your bike ... the 4:05 .. the earlier train does not have the option to do so ... also, i think its an additional $20 ( $15 for a bicycle box, and $5 to check it in) ...

The annoying bit will be getting to Pittsburgh around midnight.

Re: the original question, in case anyone is looking at this thread in the future, there are plentiful options for biking from the end of the C&O to Union Station in DC. I would just plug the start- and endpoints into Google Maps; it is pretty good for DC biking routes. My experience biking in DC is that it is a very bikeable city.

It's very easy to get from the trail head to Union Station. I like to avoid riding on the street, so would suggest taking a right onto the trail alongside Rock Creek Parkway (you'll be standing on it at the end of the canal), then take a left where the trail comes to a T in a few hundred feet. Hug the riverside for a mile or two (the trail will cross the street at one point, don't take that, stay on the sidewalk along the river) until you come up the hill to the Lincoln Memorial/Memorial Bridge. Go around clockwise to the front of the Lincoln Mem, take in the view, and then simply ride down the Mall to the Capitol. Union Station is up the little hill on your left as you're facing the Capitol from the Mall.

Are there opportunities to swim along the routes?

If so I will pack a swimsuit so I don't have to skinny dip as my wife would frown on that.

We saw many swimmers, kayakers, rafters and tubers all along the trail from ohiopyle to DC, especially in the Potomac.

At a minimum, wade into the cold water at Ohiopyle. Feels heavenly on tired legs.

We have rode bot the C&O and the Gap numerous times, but are looking for a recommendation of B&B or hotel in Harpers Ferry area for a overnight ride to introduce our (relatively) novice rider friends to the C&O. Have stayed at the Town Inn before but looking for somewhere else and does not require a 2 day minimum weekend stay.

We stayed at the Town's Inn during our trip in May and they didn't require 2 nights minimum, but perhaps their rules are different in summer. The previous year we stayed at the Tea Horse hostel in Bolivar, just up the hill from Harpers Ferry. It was very inexpensive and included a waffle breakfast, but accommodations were very basic.
http://teahorsehostel.com/

Try Thomas Shepherd Inn it is in Shepherdstown, but you can easily get to it by getting off path in Sharpsburg. Delicious breakfast and lovely accomodations. Enjoy.

I just stayed at the Teahorse Hostel; a clean, friendly place--recommended!

Stonehouse is very comfy, across the street from Towns Inn

http://hfstonehouse.com/

We rode, self supported, the GAP and C&O trail a month ago camping along the way. It took us 5 days and we ended up totaling 354 miles with side stops. I loved the GAP trail. The GAP trail was amazing. The amount of work they have done with bridges, signs, and benches was amazing. Not to mention the condition of the trail. The C&O trail was much more rustic, in worse condition and with fewer places to stop for water, food, etc. But I enjoyed both. But what we enjoyed the most were the people we met while riding. The were a lot of friendly enthusiastic people on the trail.

We rode west to east because of the weather forecast. But if I had a choice I would rather begin in DC and do the GAP second and save the nicer trail for last. I think my buttocks would have been happier for that choice.

What I enjoyed more than the ride was the planning and logistics. This site helped a great deal. If anyone is planning a trip and needs any advice I would be happy to send them the planning guide I put together.

I'm planning to do the GAP in Mid September. My big decision is which way to ride. Did you find the slight uphill from PB to Cumberland very noticeable? I keep hearing that there is a headwind that blows west to east that is helpful if you ride in this direction. How far did you go per day? Any particular recommendations on towns/or places to stay?

Susan, the headwinds were never really noticeable for me as you are curling and looping in different directions along the rivers, so it's not really noticeable. Plus in many spots, you're surrounded by tree canopy. As for direction, it depends on your wants. The first time I did it, I did Pittsburgh to DC because I thought it would be cool to end a long trip at the National Mall for some cool pics of the Capitol. That said, in terms of physically enjoying the ride, I'd do DC to Pittsburgh. It's totally flat from DC to Cumberland of course except for the canal locks which are little 8-10 foot climbs but are really small and nothing to worry about. Then from Cumberland, it's 24 miles going "uphill" (1.5 - 2% grade) to the Continental Divide but then you get the reward of 126 miles of going slightly downhill all the way to Pittsburgh. For most people, this is two enjoyable days of a slight downhill to end your trip. You're not going to coast of course but you won't be fighting gravity either even if it's just a subtle grade but you are going downhill. None of these grades are steep in any real sense. I did it in five days with overnights in Harpers Ferry, Hancock, Cumberland, Ohiopyle or Connellsville, and ending in Pittsburgh (or campgrounds near them). Approx. 65-75 miles day.

Susan, I agree with John W. Ignore the headwind issue when deciding which direction to go.

I just completed a 5-day ride between DC and Pittsburgh yesterday, stopping in:

-Harper's Ferry
-Hancock
-Cumberland
-Confluence
-Pittsburgh

So similar to John's itinerary except I stopped in Confluence instead of Ohiopyle. If I'd stopped in Ohiopyle, the last two days (Cumberland-to-Ohiopyle and Ohiopyle-to-Pittsburgh) would have each been about 75 miles I think. As I did it, I had about a 60 mile day (Cumberland to Confluence) and a 90 mile day (Confluence to Pittsburgh). It was rough coming into Pittsburgh after biking 75-80 miles already. But I made it. :) I think John's itinerary is better.

If you wanted to make it a 6-day westbound trip, you could stop in Confluence (like I did), then stop again in, perhaps, Boston (it seemed like there might be some lodging there), and then have an easy 25-30 mile ride into Pittsburgh on the last day.

Happy riding!

Oh, I should add: it seems to me that plenty of people do west-to-east, so if that seems better to you don't let us dissuade you.

And I agree with John that the "uphill" heading west out of Cumberland is hardly a big deal at all. I am a wuss with hills and this doesn't even feel like a hill. It just feels like your tires are low on air or something because you're going slower for some reason. ;)

I also just finished the C&O and GAP -- fantastic 9 days spent on the trails. I did a back and forth, so essentially did both trails twice! Took a few different routes going and coming back (including the Western Maryland Rail Trail) -- it was a super nice diversion to the bumpyness of the C&O, even if only 22 miles of it! GAP s lovely - did not really notice the headwinds or much of a climb -- like mentioned above, sort of just felt like tires were a bi deflated! I was doing at least 70 miles a day to make it, and camping along the way, but stopping to eat in a number of different towns. Really, reallly loved Shepherdstown! Enjoy it -- it is stunning!

Thank you all for your comments and advise. I'm really glad to hear the headwinds are not an issue because I really wanted to go east to west and experience the long down hill. Being from Florida flatlands, I'm a real wimp about hills too, but your comments about the trek from Cumberland to the Divide no big deal is also reassuring. We are just doing the GAP portion and plan of 4 fairly leisurely days. Now that I have my direction, I can start solidifying our plans! Thanks everyone!

Thanks for taking the time to post your experience, this is quite helpful in planning a trip. Does anyone have any details on the campgrounds they stayed at or saw along the way? We are planning a trip along the Allegheny Passage and identified the camp site in Buena Vista and Perrypopolis as places we may want to camp at.

I agree with everyone else the headwind did not make a difference because of the tree cover. I would recommend going east to west as you are going to get the better trail last and get the C&O over with 1st. There was a 39 mile slow climb from Confluence to the Continental Divide but it was not very noticeable. The only consideration for me, is how wet will the C&O trail be. The C&O trail does not absorb water very well. It takes about 3 days for it to dry off. The weather forecast as to when and where the rain will fall might make a difference in direction.

I did it in 5 days staying in the overflow biker campground in Confluence which was very nice. night 2 we stayed in a campground around mile marker 175. I would not recommend that campground at all. Night 3 we stayed in a B&B in Williamsport and night in a very nice campground around mile marker 38.

If you would like to see Pics of my trip. I posted them on facebook here. https://www.facebook.com/bruce.drysdale.1/media_set?set=a.10153154190132928.1073741830.692197927&type=3&pnref=story If you contact me there, I would be happy to send you the word docs I made with list of restaurants, bike shops, campground, etc and any help that I can be. Best of luck on your trips.

We are also from Florida, and the elevation chart convinced us that we would be happier going east to west. We "cheated"--um, expanded our overall travel experience?--and took the train from Cumberland to Frostburg, so only 8 miles left to the Continental Divide.

But we did both trails.

Are mosquitos an issue on the trail (riding/camping)? I am not particularly a fan of rubbing chemicals on my body but also don't like the little blood sucking critters. For riding has anyone used the Bullfrog Mosquito Coast combination sunscreen and bug spray? Our trip is planned for early September.

Rode it 5 times during different parts of summer and never had a bug problem while moving.

How muddy is the trail currently I am considering to ride soon or possibly mid September any update would be helpful I plan on camping. Thanks

The GAP is made if crushed limestone so it's never too muddy though you'll get a bit gritty from it but even wet it's not too bad. It drains really well. The C&O is, for the most part, almost always muddy in parts. It's a dirt trail to begin with but it doesn't dry out very well. The tree canopy is very thick and it remains wet even days after it rains. No worries though. You'll be sweaty from the heat and exertion...the wet and dirt just become second nature when riding. :-) After a few miles in it, you just plow through the puddles instead of tying to avoid them. I use lots of those huge gallon and storage zip locks to keep all of my important things dry in my bags. It's good to know that even though I'm wet, sweaty, and dirty, all of my stuff is nice and dry if I got caught in a storm or wet trail.

Lol, I've had the same experience the last two days biking from DC westbound. At first I was avoiding the puddles at all costs, even dismounting at times. Now I just bike through them. :)

I will say that on 7/20/15 between mile makers 20 and 30 (or thereabouts) the mud was particularly bad. Since then it's been fine. (In Hancock as I type.)

Just finished it -- trail was nice and dry - that being said it had no rained in a few days, but the few days it did rain when I was on the trail, it was very wet and muddy. I was covered from the waist down -- particularly bad area was between Shepherdstown and Williamsport, and again just before Cumberland (on the C&O). Just cleaned off going swimming in the Potomac!!

Thanks for the updates will check in as time gets closer to my ride day in Sept.

The GAP trail seems to absorb water very well but the C&O gets very muddy. I was told it takes 3 days for the C&O to dry out after getting rain. We ran into constant puddle after mud puddle on the C&O.

Seriously looking for a female to ride from Cumberland to Shepherdstown on the C and O.(Possibly on to DC from there.) Looking to do maybe 25-35 miles a day. I am in my 50s and am not interested in speed, this will be my first trip from Cumberland. Hoping to go late July or early Aug. Please respond here and I will contact you!

jmh- contact me, might be doable early august depending on job stuff
ransymorf@yahoo.com