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.
- + I live in Apex,North Carolina just outside of Raleigh. I am looking for several people preferably local to me who want to ride the GAP and C&O. I am trying to work out logistics of getting to either s...
Discussion started 12/20/2014 07:36 PM by Augie Dog (Alan Osborne) - 2 replies (last reply by Mr. Pedals at 02/09/2015 04:23 PM)Augie Dog (Alan Osborne) from Apex,North Carolina on 12/20/2014 07:36 PM
I live in Apex,North Carolina just outside of Raleigh. I am looking for several people preferably local to me who want to ride the GAP and C&O. I am trying to work out logistics of getting to either starting point go to the other end and return back to Apex,NC I am 61 and any age is welcome. I'm allowing about 7 - 10 days for this trip. Would like to do it in late May early June but open to other dates. I plan on doing mostly self contained camping but open to hotel stays. I am very flexible. If you are thinking of doing this ride but don't want to do it by alone then lets talk and make some plans. I am providing my e-mail address since I may not check this post daily. Thanks!! goncampn@hotmail.com
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 12/27/2014 10:27 AM
Alan, I sent you a PM. Give me a call when you can. My wife and I can't join you on your spring ride but I can share a lot of info. We have ridden the route several times.
Rick
Mr. Pedals from Williamstown WV. on 02/09/2015 04:23 PM
Hello, I'm trying to do the path at that time. One of my closest friends live in Apex N.C... I've been there 3-4 times or so. Went with a group last year. It's too costly they stay at really nice place's... Please reply.thank you Carl.
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Meyersdale Elevation
- + The elevation listed is 2416. This can't be correct since the highest point is 2392. On another sites I see a number of 1975 for the town which is below the trail. Could this be transposed and actua...
Discussion started 07/15/2014 10:25 AM by RickRa - 3 replies (last reply by Paul A at 02/06/2015 02:25 AM)RickRa from Jeannette, PA on 07/15/2014 10:25 AM
The elevation listed is 2416. This can't be correct since the highest point is 2392. On another sites I see a number of 1975 for the town which is below the trail. Could this be transposed and actually be 2146 ft?
Rick from Grafton, Va on 07/16/2014 06:10 PM
2 different web sites state 1,975' and 1,988'.
Ray (webmaster) on 07/18/2014 09:00 AM
Thank you for catching that. I don't know where the original number came from, but I have corrected it to 1975.
Paul A on 02/06/2015 02:25 AM
The town is down hill from the trail so that may explain the elevation numbers
Sleeping and reserving
- + Me and 3 friends(all around 17) were planning to do Georgetown to Pittsburgh this upcoming summer. I was wondering how to plan out this trip such as, do we have to reserve B&B's or can we just walk in...
Discussion started 01/17/2015 11:41 AM by Nathaniel Ferlic - 5 replies (last reply by Rick Hancock at 01/26/2015 06:27 PM)Nathaniel Ferlic from Germantown MD on 01/17/2015 11:41 AM
Me and 3 friends(all around 17) were planning to do Georgetown to Pittsburgh this upcoming summer. I was wondering how to plan out this trip such as, do we have to reserve B&B's or can we just walk in and stay or would it be better to camp along the way. If anyone can give some real world advice on the trip such as planning, what to bring, and what things are unexpected it would be much of help! Thanks!
lenny on 01/19/2015 05:38 AM
Always better to reserve.
Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 01/19/2015 06:46 AM
Concur with Lenny, make reservations but ask about reschedule policy. Travel itineraries are like battle plans, when the first shot is fired they are no good. Also be careful about making deposits, especially with Little Orleans Lodge and Candle Light Inn B&B in Williamsport. These establishments are notorious for being very inflexible.
Ken Wood from Germantown, Md on 01/19/2015 07:03 PM
Order a copy of the c/o gap trail book. atatrail.org it lists the towns, campgrounds, b+bs, mileage ect. I did the b+b thing last summer. You carry a lot less but it cost. Next time I will split it between camping and b+bs. A great trip.
Paul A on 01/21/2015 12:01 AM
Like someone else said, order the trail book.
I hiked both the C+O and GAP and camped all along the way. On the C+O it's no problem at all to camp with the hiker/biker campgrounds about every 5 miles. Only the first day was a long one. There are campsites along the GAP too, just not as many. I did stealth camp one time on the GAP well away from the trail, well out of sight and sound of the trail. There's no need to sleep indoors unless you want to. A small tent, a sleeping bag appropriate for the time of year, and a few odds and ends are all you really need.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 01/26/2015 06:27 PM
This is just my opinion. This past Fall my wife and I were doing a credit card ride (indoor stays only.) The Fall is very busy along the Gap/C&O and if your planning indoor stays I'd reserve them early. Summer seems to be less crowded to me and you might be able to arrive and get a room or only call a day in advance. On our trip real bad weather and a bike issue caused us to abort our trip early. Had we had our overnight gear (tent, sleeping bags, cook gear, etc.) We could have made the best of things and kept riding. In the future we will ALWAYS bring all of our gear and be less inclined to make all of our reservations in advance.
If you'd like to contact me I can give you some additional suggestions. 757 619-5522. Feel free to give me a shout. We've completed 4 thru rides on the Passage and most of the C&O at one time or another.
Fox's Pizza Den in Hancock CLOSED
- + This franchise of Fox Den Pizza closed its doors just before Christmas for no reason. No word if they will reopen in spring or someone else will take over the establishments. So for 2015 there are n...
Discussion started 01/19/2015 07:08 AM by Jim Simm - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 01/19/2015 08:56 AM)Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 01/19/2015 07:08 AM
This franchise of Fox Den Pizza closed its doors just before Christmas for no reason. No word if they will reopen in spring or someone else will take over the establishments. So for 2015 there are now only two places in Hancock to get pizza, Shive’s and Pizza Hut.
Ray (webmaster) on 01/19/2015 08:56 AM
Thank you for passing along this info - I have updated the Hancock listings.
current conditions
- + Does anyone know how the trail looks right now? Snow? Ice?
Discussion started 01/10/2015 09:23 AM by A - 0 repliesA from Burke on 01/10/2015 09:23 AM
Does anyone know how the trail looks right now? Snow? Ice?
Summer ride 2015
- + I'm planning for my 2015 ride (can't believe it's been 3 years since my last GAP trip) .. looks like the dates are going to be August 10 - 12th . .. I'm shooting for the full Pittsburgh to Cumberland ...
Discussion started 01/07/2015 04:56 PM by Mr Purple Paul - 0 repliesMr Purple Paul from Allentown on 01/07/2015 04:56 PM
I'm planning for my 2015 ride (can't believe it's been 3 years since my last GAP trip) .. looks like the dates are going to be August 10 - 12th . .. I'm shooting for the full Pittsburgh to Cumberland trip this time around...
anything new on the trail that I should be aware of?
Anyone know if they'll be on the trail at the same time?
Riverrun B&B in Hancock
- + Stayed here late May 2014 while biking C&O. It's a great place to stop. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, nice hosts, good breakfast... It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the inside is co...
Discussion started 11/26/2014 01:36 PM by Mark - 1 reply (last reply by Tom at 01/01/2015 03:55 PM)Mark from West Lafayette, IN on 11/26/2014 01:36 PM
Stayed here late May 2014 while biking C&O. It's a great place to stop. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, nice hosts, good breakfast... It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the inside is completely renovated. Crawled in here feeling like garbage (too much trail in one day, too little water and food) and left next morning feeling great.
Tom from Raleigh on 01/01/2015 03:55 PM
We stayed here last June as well and the accommodations were great. Very clean and comfortable with space to sit and relax, computer to use as well as wifi, and great breakfast. Highly recommended.
Going with kids
- + When I was 11, and then again at 13, (some 32 years ago) my dad and I did the canal from Cubmerland to DC. My son is 10 and I am considering trying to make the trip from Pittsburgh to DC in 12 days. ...
Discussion started 12/31/2014 05:14 PM by Dave - 3 replies (last reply by Psychlist at 01/01/2015 08:40 AM)Dave from Hatfield PA on 12/31/2014 05:14 PM
When I was 11, and then again at 13, (some 32 years ago) my dad and I did the canal from Cubmerland to DC. My son is 10 and I am considering trying to make the trip from Pittsburgh to DC in 12 days. we would never travelmore than 35 miles in a day and most days under 30 miles. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? We would camp all but one night.
lenny on 12/31/2014 05:31 PM
sounds good to me. very doable
Rick from Grafton, Va on 12/31/2014 09:09 PM
Sounds like a great trip that hopefully he'll remember years from now. I still remember our family camping trips to the Smokey Mts. I always try to tie my Passage/C&O rides together with history. Maybe read about the French & Indian War. Braddocks troops were wiped out near Connelsville. Also Fort Fredrick near Hancock, Md. Too many places along the route to mention. Enjoy the trip.
Psychlist on 01/01/2015 08:40 AM
35 miles / day sounds like a good manageable distance for a 10 year old - should be a great trip. My only suggestion is to get out for long training rides several times before then so you can be sure that the daily distance will be a piece of cake. Also at least one camping trip ahead of time to "shake out" your equipment, making sure you have all the camping equipment you need and that it all works as expected. You don't want to be at the first night's camp site, with darkness rapidly falling, puzzling over how to set up the tent (been there done that :-)
Good luck and Have fun!