Attn Lou: bike path from Towpath to Paw Paw
- + The NPS is building a bike path from the C&O towpath to the bridge over the Potomac River(Rt 51) which goes thru a cow pasture and keeps bicyclists off the busy Rt 51. On the bridge there is a bike la...
Discussion started 08/01/2014 03:52 PM by Carol - 4 replies (last reply by Randy at 08/05/2014 02:04 PM)Carol from Paw Paw, WV on 08/01/2014 03:52 PM
The NPS is building a bike path from the C&O towpath to the bridge over the Potomac River(Rt 51) which goes thru a cow pasture and keeps bicyclists off the busy Rt 51. On the bridge there is a bike lane and from the bridge to Paw Paw there is a bike lane on the side of the road. The new bike trail is expected to be completed this fall.
Randy on 08/04/2014 01:54 PM
Thank you Carol for the information.
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Do you have a bird's eye view of the project? Are they making progress?
The reason I'm asking is that the Slackwater project took years so I'm hoping this goes faster. Thanks.
lenny on 08/05/2014 03:59 AM
Big Slackwater project was an engineer nightmare as well as very dangerous.With one more problem. FUNDING.
Carol from Paw Paw, WV on 08/05/2014 07:18 AM
I live 1/4 mile from the construction and yes it appears they are making good progress. I have spoken to the supervisor of the project and he says they are on time. I have been watching with more than a passing interest, I own the B&B which is located at the end of the bike path. I don't think they are finding the cow pasture too challenging.
Randy on 08/05/2014 02:04 PM
Thank you Carol. Glad to hear this project is on schedule and they have the funding.
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They have also been talking about expanding the Western Maryland Rail Trail for years and that project was to take the WMRT all the way to Paw Paw. I've seen surveyor stakes, but no work was ever done.
C&0 AND GAP suitable for road bike
- + Hey- Thinking of riding from Gtown to Pitts and wondered if the whole deal (both paths) are suitable for a touring bike (i.e.) NON mountain bike? I've toured both the North and South Islands of New Ze...
Discussion started 07/15/2014 04:55 PM by rollingbean - 14 replies (last reply by B One at 08/04/2014 09:05 PM)rollingbean from baltimore on 07/15/2014 04:55 PM
Hey- Thinking of riding from Gtown to Pitts and wondered if the whole deal (both paths) are suitable for a touring bike (i.e.) NON mountain bike? I've toured both the North and South Islands of New Zealand and most all of Scotland. A bit tired of the "road" and wanted to try this…be riding either my Serotta Fierte or my custom built Spectrum…both steel and tour ready--any feedback about the overall condition of the path and the slope factor would be appreciated-- many thanks!
lenny on 07/16/2014 04:09 AM
me and most of my companions have never used a mtn. bike we use. hybrids, cross and dual sport bikes.
Anonymous on 07/16/2014 09:03 AM
Thanks Lenny!
Bob on 07/16/2014 03:17 PM
A Mountain Bike would be your preferred choice. A Hybrid would be your second choice.
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The trail is hard packed dirt and rough stone. Lots of Tree Roots and is bumpy in some spots. It can also be very muddy. This is not a Rail Trail. Be sure to carry spare inner tubes and know how to change a flat.
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Have a great time!
wayne from W'burg VA on 07/17/2014 10:22 AM
My experience is if you have tires sized 700X32 or larger, you'll be fine.
Greg K from Chicago on 07/17/2014 03:18 PM
Depends on what your touring bike is. I ran 700x35s self-supported with no trouble. 32s and a lighter weight would be okay, but below that you may sink into the sand around Washington a bit. Plus as people say it's rough and bumpy so a bigger tire is more comfortable.
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 07/19/2014 08:17 AM
Myself and two friends rode from Pittsburgh to DC on touring bikes in June and the worked fine. Tires are the more important issue, and I would recommend 32s or larger with some tread if possible
Rick from Grafton, Va on 07/20/2014 08:37 AM
People have ridden the C&O route with anything from high end mt bikes to beat up paperboy bikes with catlitter panniers. You do need a wider tire for comfort and ease of travel. Wider tires just make life easy. Last Oct. while heading from Pittsburg to Cumberland my wife and I spent the evening with a group from Ohio (I think) and several of them had busted derailers, broken chains, and other mishaps from the mud and rough conditions along the C&O. This occurred just after a major storm along the east coast. I use a Trek Mamba with 29x2" tires and seem to have minimal to no issues. I would use my Trek Dual Sport 700x 38c tires and feel pretty confident. Don't think I'd go much smaller though.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 07/21/2014 09:13 AM
To answer the rest of your question. Slope/elevation shouldn't really be much of a concern. The Gap does climb but the grade is only 1-2% there's a gentle uphill grade from west to east. The C&O is mostly flat with slight uphill at each lock. Hope this helps.A
Roger W. on 07/28/2014 02:23 PM
My preference would be a Mountain Bike. Definitely pack some spare inner tubes. Lots of sharp rock on the trail. Like the other guys mentioned, very bumpy and rocky in spots, lots of tree roots. It's relatively flat on the C&O, but it hard packed dirt and rough stone. It can get very muddy also. Some spots never seem to dry out. Lots of ruts. Yeah, the more I think about about it, a Mountain Bike is your best option. I'd put Kenda Kevlar tires on it as well to reduce the potential for flats. That area has seen quite a few storms this Season so pack the rain gear. Good luck.
Lenny on 07/28/2014 02:27 PM
If you have options, I'd choose a Mountain Bike. In my opinion and I have lots of experience riding the C&O, I'd go with a Mountain Bike. Like Roger mentioned make sure you pack some spare inner tubes.
lenny on 07/29/2014 04:10 AM
Isee we have another Lenny contributor, not to be confused with lenny.
Al from Monkton, MD on 07/29/2014 08:30 AM
I have been on the trail dozens of times and experienced the trail at its best and worst. I recommend a Mountain Bike. Like the others mentioned be sure to pack spare inner tubes.
Zac on 07/29/2014 08:34 AM
I also recommend a Mountain Bike on the C&O. I have ridden the entire trail and am also a section rider.
B One on 08/04/2014 09:05 PM
I road the trail from Pittsburgh to DC on a road bike with 700x28 Conti Touring Tires. September of last year. Some sections were a little bumpy and rooted, but very manageable. Depends on your ability and comfort level. Max grade from Cumberland to the Continental divide is reported as 1.5%. Visit http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfm for details. Its a great ride. Enjoy
Long Term Parking in Cumberland
- + Hi folks! I'm getting ready to hit the trail from Perryopolis to Cumberland with a little rafting in between. We are leaving this Friday and I'd like to park a car at the long term parking lot in Cu...
Discussion started 07/30/2014 05:47 PM by Mike S. - 3 replies (last reply by Paul A at 08/03/2014 10:57 PM)Mike S. from Hollidaysburg, PA on 07/30/2014 05:47 PM
Hi folks! I'm getting ready to hit the trail from Perryopolis to Cumberland with a little rafting in between. We are leaving this Friday and I'd like to park a car at the long term parking lot in Cumberland (the parking lot under the bridge). I'm just checking to see if there is any protocol to notify someone in Cumberland that the car will be there for 3 nights, or do I just drop the car off and hope that it is still there on Monday? I haven't heard of any problems at the lot, but figured I'd double check just in case. Thanks!
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 08/02/2014 12:59 PM
There is no longer parking "under the bridge" due to construction. You can however park in the dirt and gravel lot just to the side of the bridge. It's right beside the Fairfield Inn and the beginning of the C&O Canal. You can check with the bike shop when you arrive but I've parked there 3 years in a row with no hassle. The first year I let the staff at the C&O Visitor Center know but they weren't concerned. Be aware that on occasion there has been glass in the parking lot.
Rick on 08/02/2014 05:04 PM
Just noticed that this your request was posted on July 30th. Hope you get this message but I'm sure you'll figure it out when you arrive.
Paul A on 08/03/2014 10:57 PM
When I parked in the gravel lot, summer of 2013, you could register your car at the canal visitor center so they would know it was there.
Female Riding Buddy for mid-Aug
- + I don't have a particular trip in mind, but I do need to vacate my home for up to a week beginning Aug 13th and would like to do a ride. Female companion preferred. Route and schedule flexible.
Discussion started 07/23/2014 07:57 PM by Vanessa - 0 repliesVanessa from Durham, NC on 07/23/2014 07:57 PM
I don't have a particular trip in mind, but I do need to vacate my home for up to a week beginning Aug 13th and would like to do a ride. Female companion preferred. Route and schedule flexible.
Trail conditions
- + What is current trail condition between Georgetown and Leesburg?
Discussion started 07/21/2014 07:34 PM by Jeff - 0 repliesJeff from Hillsborough, nc on 07/21/2014 07:34 PM
What is current trail condition between Georgetown and Leesburg?
biking all 184miles... need help!
- + I'm planning on making the entire trip from start to finish, I've been doing some research, but not sure on where to start. any one have recommendations on weither to start in DC and go towards Cumber...
Discussion started 07/18/2014 02:51 PM by Whitney - 1 reply (last reply by John at 07/18/2014 08:34 PM)Whitney from Hedgesville, WV on 07/18/2014 02:51 PM
I'm planning on making the entire trip from start to finish, I've been doing some research, but not sure on where to start. any one have recommendations on weither to start in DC and go towards Cumberland or vice versa? any info would help tremendously! also, how long should I train before doing the entire trip?
John from Pittsburgh, PA on 07/18/2014 08:34 PM
By the location of your home town listed in your message, you're kinda halfway between both Cumberland and DC so it's hard to say. I would say that although the whole route is extremely flat, if you went Cumberland to DC (eastward) you would benefit from the small downhill plunges of the multiple locks but they aren't that big to be honest. But it beats going up them I suppose. Definitely train before going! Build up, get some 10-20 mile rides in. Head out on a weekend and get in a nice 30-40 mile day and get some hours in the saddle at a nice leisurely pace. You're going to be doing between 40-65 miles a day on trail and depending on how many days you are taking to do the trip, the last thing you want is a miserable, painful experience because you're body isn't accustomed to it. If you are camping, I would recommend carrying that equivalent weight with you as it will be noticeable on the trail. Also, the trail is a dirt path so you will be going slower than if you were on asphalt. This requires more pedaling when you would otherwise be coasting. If you get in a few training sessions though, no worries, you're going to really enjoy it!
Space for 2 shuttle PT to cumblnd 9-26
- + We have hired a shuttle from pt to cumberland sept 26. Room for two more for half the cost (125). Post contact info here if interested
Discussion started 07/15/2014 04:42 PM by Travelintrish - 0 repliesTravelintrish from Glen mills pa on 07/15/2014 04:42 PM
We have hired a shuttle from pt to cumberland sept 26. Room for two more for half the cost (125). Post contact info here if interested
Route to Antietam national Battlefield
- + We are camping near Brunswick, Md and biking the C and O towards Harper's Ferry. We would like to leave the canal and tour the battlefield. Anyone suggest best route, hills, traffic,etc. ?Some in our ...
Discussion started 07/05/2014 11:36 PM by Rob - 3 replies (last reply by John at 07/10/2014 10:10 PM)Rob from Mercer, pa on 07/05/2014 11:36 PM
We are camping near Brunswick, Md and biking the C and O towards Harper's Ferry. We would like to leave the canal and tour the battlefield. Anyone suggest best route, hills, traffic,etc. ?Some in our group are not avid riders.
Also like to know the distance off the trail to the Battlefield.
Thank you.
Paul A on 07/08/2014 11:27 PM
Ride the trail to Harper's Ferry.
Walk across the railroad bridge, there's a walkway on the south side, and you'll be in Harper's Ferry. There are tours of the historic part of town by park rangers.
John on 07/10/2014 10:07 PM
No no no - if you're coming from Brunswick and looking to go to Antietam Battlefield (in Sharpsburg, MD), you're going to have to ride about 12 miles north of Harpers Ferry on the canal towpath. When you get to the big Rumsey bridge (Route 34) over the towpath, there is a parking lot area with signage telling you to go to the right (it's uphill to the road). From there, you can ride on the road shoulder of Route 34 (Shepherdstown Pike) into Sharpsburg (about 3 miles into downtown). You'll take a left in downtown Sharpsburg onto Church street, and the Battlefield Visitor Center is another 3/4 mile up that road. It's all very well-signed, and should be extremely obvious when looking at a map.
John on 07/10/2014 10:10 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/YEQSt
Here is a Google map with directions from Harpers Ferry. It is a little ways off the towpath, and Route 34 is not a dangerous road, but it's a little uphill and there's not a dedicated trail. Also, seeing the Battlefield itself on bicycle is doable, but also has a number of hills (some quite steep). It's beautiful but you might want to explore your alternatives.
Biking Companion
- + Looking for a companion (female) to ride Cedar Creek(GAP) to DC. Leaving Thursday July 31 and arriving in DC on Tuesday August 5th.
Share lodging and lodging expenses. Transportation back to Pitts...
Discussion started 07/09/2014 11:57 AM by Elizabeth - 0 repliesElizabeth from Pittsburgh on 07/09/2014 11:57 AM
Looking for a companion (female) to ride Cedar Creek(GAP) to DC. Leaving Thursday July 31 and arriving in DC on Tuesday August 5th.
Share lodging and lodging expenses. Transportation back to Pittsburgh arranged.
Biking Buddy
- + Hi I'm looking for a biking buddy to bike with several times a week. I usually bike from Hancock to Williamsport area. I want to bike on several different parts of the C&O but would like a partner to ...
Discussion started 06/23/2014 12:14 AM by Kirk - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 07/02/2014 08:52 PM)Kirk on 06/23/2014 12:14 AM
Hi I'm looking for a biking buddy to bike with several times a week. I usually bike from Hancock to Williamsport area. I want to bike on several different parts of the C&O but would like a partner to bike with. I'm not looking for an endurance type ride but rather a leisurely sight seeing taking it in type of ride. I'm 38 and in decent shape and looking for somebody that is gay or gay friendly as I'm a masculine guy who lives an alternative lifestyle and very secure in it. I'm free most anytime to meet up and ride.
Lenny on 06/30/2014 03:38 PM
I'll try to hook up with you.
Anonymous on 06/30/2014 09:00 PM
Hi Lenny. Send me your contact info so we can connect. I appreciate it thx
John O on 07/02/2014 01:59 PM
I would be interested also. I have an alternative lifestyle.
Roy on 07/02/2014 02:04 PM
Count me in. I'm a gay, conservative republican.
Anonymous on 07/02/2014 08:52 PM
Text me 267-671-6078 for anybody who wants to ride with me. Thx. Kirk
Oct trip
- + Am planning a thru trip from Pittsburg to DC in Oct. Wanting to catch the fall colors, as I'm from CA and haven't been blessed with such beauty. Whens the best time and what will the trail conditions ...
Discussion started 06/12/2014 03:55 PM by Susan - 6 replies (last reply by Naismith at 06/29/2014 08:18 PM)Susan from Davis, Ca on 06/12/2014 03:55 PM
Am planning a thru trip from Pittsburg to DC in Oct. Wanting to catch the fall colors, as I'm from CA and haven't been blessed with such beauty. Whens the best time and what will the trail conditions be like? Thank you on advance!-
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/12/2014 05:34 PM
The timing and the amount of color you will see are influenced by the amount of rain, etc during the Summer. I think October is a good time but there can be quite a bit of difference between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31. I would suggest you Google some sort of "leaf peeper" type of website. We have used the Farmer's Almanac site and their "peak fall foliage" section. Also look at each state's Dept. of Forestry site.
If you hit it right you are in for one BEAUTIFUL trip! We have been fortunate enough to see some breath taking colors in the trees. Make sure you have fully charged batteries in your camera!
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 06/21/2014 09:09 PM
Predicting the timing of peak fall leaf season can be as tricky as predicting the cherry blossoms in DC. However, colors should be good from mid to late October
Anonymous on 06/25/2014 06:27 PM
Thank you for your suggestions! Have decided to leave Pittsburg the 15th of Oct ride 50-60 mi a day and enjoy the sights. Looking forward to October!!
Randy on 06/26/2014 02:14 PM
Another factor as far as leave color is the precipitation we get through the Summer. So if it becomes dry, the foliage will be dull and the leaves will drop earlier. Sometimes the leaves will just drop because the trees are stressed.
If you roll the dice, Mid-October is perhaps you're best shot, but it can vary +/- by 2 weeks.
I'll check some of the dates on some of my photographs and see if I can help you pinpoint a date.
Greg K from Chicago on 06/27/2014 11:40 AM
I went through last year starting October 8 and the trees between Pittsburgh and Cumberland were just starting to turn so I was just a bit early. Between Cumberland and Washington you wouldn't even know it was fall if the temperature wasn't so agreeable. Late October is going to be the best time, I think, but that's because I really don't like the heat.
Naismith from Florida on 06/29/2014 08:18 PM
I agree, mod-October should be lovely--it was beautiful last year, although raining.
One thing to be aware of is that services may start shutting down after Columbus Day, whenever that hits. When we were in Ohiopyle, there were like 3 bike shops open on the Saturday when we needed a new tire. On the following Monday, there was an issue with another bike, and we found that everyplace was "closed for the season."
Bagage cars with bike racks
- + Amtrack announced they would have new baggage cars equipped with bike racks in service by the end of this year!
Discussion started 06/25/2014 05:15 AM by Bob Palonder - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 06/25/2014 08:32 AM)Bob Palonder from Perryopolis ,Pa. on 06/25/2014 05:15 AM
Amtrack announced they would have new baggage cars equipped with bike racks in service by the end of this year!
Ray (webmaster) on 06/25/2014 08:32 AM
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Amtrak to welcome bicycling passengers by end of the year
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2014/06/25/Amtrak-to-welcome-bicycling-passengers-by-end-of-the-year/stories/201406250033#ixzz35epcUccz
C&O Flooding between Williamsport & Big Pool
- + Towpath reroute in effect just below Dam #5, Mile Marker 106. Maintenance Staff are heading there immediately to stabilize and start work. Please be aware that with the heavy rain this week, there may...
Discussion started 06/13/2014 02:11 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/24/2014 09:39 AM)Ray (webmaster) on 06/13/2014 02:11 PM
Towpath reroute in effect just below Dam #5, Mile Marker 106. Maintenance Staff are heading there immediately to stabilize and start work. Please be aware that with the heavy rain this week, there may be hazards on the towpath. We will update you as more information becomes available.
Anonymous on 06/17/2014 02:22 PM
It sounds like this will be a big project. There was actually a breach in a section of the canal in this area. Plan accordingly.
Anonymous on 06/21/2014 09:05 PM
Heavy rains last week washed 2 or 3 sections but they have been repaired enough to ride thru. I road all the way from Pittsburgh to Georgetown this week with no problems.
Anonymous on 06/24/2014 09:39 AM
Glad to hear they have it fixed already. From the photos I had seen it looked pretty bad. Kudos to the Maint Crew and Rangers for their quick response in making the repair.