C&O / GAP Forum

I'm planning a ride from Cumberland to Pittsburg in the near future. I was hoping to use Amtrak for the return but it doesn't appear that any of the trains can accommodate checked luggage. Does anyone have any suggestions for public trans or a shuttle with a bike? I'd like to avoid renting a car.

Various bike shops and outfitters in the area run shuttle services. You should be able to find names thru a Google search, or check with bike ships listed on this website.

Amtrak is far for user friendly. We park/leave our car in Cumberland and I take the train back to Cumberland, pick up he car, drive back and pick up our bikes and gear. I know it's involved and there are other ways, however it still may be an option.

I'm looking at the same thing...I'm looking at hiring Grouseland Tours for a shuttle..they charge 250 for up to four people plus bikes...the train schedule makes it I would have to stay an extra day in PT, so the money for the train + extra hotel and meals pretty much washes out...would love to split it with someone else who was planning to return the same date I am in September...

Look into renting a van. I rented a van in DC and returned it in Pittsburgh. Slid two bikes right in the back ane we were off.

We are planning a through ride starting n Pitt. We want to get an early start, so we want to stay in a hotel the night before we start. What is a nice hotel close to the GAP that is bike friendly?

If you can make the 10 miles to Homestead you can save quite a bit of money. Can't recall the name of the motel we stayed at but they we're bike friendly. In fact, when I make a reservation I always ask and 9 out of 10 times they don't mind. If they don't want my bike in the room I look elsewhere.

I stayed at the Hampton Inn in Homestead on my thru ride in June. Bike friendly and free breakfast. Also it is right on the trail.

The Holiday Inn in Cumberland is just feet from the start of the trail. Bob

i'm planning to ride from cumberland to washington over the labor day week end,arriving in washington either sunday or monday, depending on my start day..and in need of shuttle back to cumberland. i'm having difficulty getting any info on shuttle service...i contacted one service twice and haven't gotten any response any advise ???

We used Cumberland Bike shop and they were wonderful. Can take up to 6 riders and you can split the costs. Very professional

I can second the suggestion to use Cumberland Trail Connections, bike shop. We used them for a shuttle and the driver was right on time, friendly, and drove safely to exactly where we wanted to get to.

Where is a good and safe place to park overnight in Brunswick, MD. It may have been asked on this site before but there is no search available and there are 41 pages of comments to try and go through. Thanks ahead-of-time for any info.

Opinions please. Whats the best option for multi day parking at the DC end of the trail. Can you park at Great Falls, I've heard no. Carder Rocks, heard yes. Also Regan Airport. We'll begin our ride in Pittsburg and head to DC leaving my truck for appx. 7 days. I understand that Great Falls and Carder Rock parking won't put me mile point 0. More like 10/15 miles from the end of the trail.
Thanks

Great Falls (Tavern) is roughly 15 miles from the end of the C&O canal/trail. I don't know about multi-day parking at this site, however. It costs $5 to enter the park (unless you arrive a few hours before closing, at which point entrance is free). Contact the Tavern Visitor Center to see what the policy is on overnight/multi-day parking: 301-767-3714

There are several commercial parking garages at mile point 0. To find them, use Google maps, zoom in to a half mile around MP0, then type PARKING in the search field. Each resulting pinpoint can be clicked and phone numbers will be displayed which you can use to call the establishments and see what their policy is with regards to multi-day parking.

We parked in long-term at Reagan National. There's a bike path virtually from mile '0' right to the parking lot. The ride is about 5 miles but is easy and has great views. (We went to the south parking lot).

Hi, I am posting this in the hopes that it will help with a search for a missing person from Gaithersburg, Md. If you are hiking or biking along the C&O, it would be a huge help if you could keep an eye out for a Blue 2001 Audi A4 with the license plate: IBF6739. If you have any information, please call 301-279-8000. For a full description and the latest information, please go to: John Rogers facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006826666361. Thanks in advance.

What a lovely place! Very friendly and warm! Real treat! I will definitely come back here again!

I've camped at a lot of the HBO's along the C&O but I'm curious if there is a web site that would give a brief description of each site. Looking for view of the river, cleanliness of the site, low or high (marshy) noise level, etc. Like I said, I've stayed at several but over the years they tend to blend together.
Thanks

We have had the privilege of riding the GAP-C&O two different times. What fun!! The following site was very helpful in planning our camping.
http://elephanteating.blogspot.com/2009/03/c-and-o-canal-campsite-guide.html
Enjoy!

Can't say I've seen anything on-line with reviews so I'll give you my experiences. I camped at Swain's Lock (mile 16.6) and Horseshoe Bend (mile 79.9). Swains Lock was big and had at least 50 people but it's a large site with parking access so not everyone was biking or walking, some drove there to camp but it was quiet and spacious. The only thing that woke me up in the morning were the honking of the geese flying across the Potomac! You could see the river but I can't say it was too high off the river, people were loading canoes in the water nearby the next morning. Horseshoe Bend was a really small campsite in comparison and I was the only person there which was a total 180 from the night before. You have to take the concrete stairs down to the site off of the trail 8-10 feet below. You can see the river and it was up off the water a little and certainly quiet (no car parking for about a mile). When I was there it had experienced a flood a week or so prior. I had to walk my bike down the stairs (should have just left it up top against the railing near the port-a-john thinking back but I wanted my stuff near me). I was fortunate to find a mildly dry position for my tent as it seemed most of the camping area was damp from the flood. I got in at twilight and did not have time to waste to get my tent up. I was concerned for a moment that I would not find a dry spot to camp but I made it work with a plastic tarp underneath. That said, I am grateful the Park Service maintains these sites for free. Such a great amenity to have.

Nice find Colorado Riders! I had not seen that site before...excellent resource. Thanks for sharing.

I love the GAP but I have a buddy from Wisconsin who will be joining me this summer (2013) and our wives thought it would be fun to meet half way and look for a trail in that area .. so they could hang out while he and I bike . . .

are there any trails like what we have on the GAP/CandO in either of those two states?

Check out trails in the Miami Valley of Ohio. The Little Miami trail is paved and is at least 70 miles long and connects to other trails that go all over southwest Ohio. I've ridden thousands of miles on the Little Miami trail over the past 6 years and never tire of it. Lots of towns along trail with character of their own. Here's a link to help out: littlemiamibiketrail.com/

There are quite a few bike trails around Columbus. All the paths are paved. I really like the one that leaves out od Darby Creek and goes all the way to Cincinnati.

Does anyone know of anyone that will provide a shuttle from Cumberland to Pburg? Looking for someone that would like to make a few extra $$. Would shuttle 2 bikes and 2 persons on Monday morning October 13.

My wife and I used the bicycle shop Cumberland Trail Connection. The driver was right on time, was friendly and drove safely. That was last year. I say give them a call and see what they can do for you.

does anyone know if theere was ever a glass maker by the name of CARDER IN OLD TOWN MARYLAND

If you do a Google search of Carder in Old Town, MD a PDF comes up in the search results with some history of the dwelling. Some other information pops up also. Good luck.

Just saw the post concerning the Wren Wood Inn B&B. visited the web site and obtained some info. 107 Winchester St. 304-947-5983. Queen Rm. $85/Twin (single) $65. Wi-Fi, Tv, hot or cold entrees. Ad included an exterior picture, foyer, and a shot of one bedroom. I'm planning on calling to see if they offer a brochure. No other way to contact that I could see. That's a long stretch of trail between Cumberland and Hancock with very limited overnight options unless camping.

We stayed there this past Thursday. Carol, the owner couldn't have been a sweeter person. She even offered to do our laundry. The breakfast was outstanding.i highly recommend. It's not as fancy as some b&bs but she makes up for it in hospitality.

Anyone have any experience staying at Donge's Motel in Meyersdale? I've eaten breakfast there once (the pancake was huge!)and it was pretty good. Not as good as GI Dayroom, but they we're closed for the holiday. I stayed at Yoder's Boarding House several times as well as the hostel before it was closed. All I know is that they have 8 rooms, 4 down/4 up and they look to be pretty small. Just wondering if they are clean, appx. cost, bed size, any info would help. We're trying to save a couple of bucks as we already have 2 B&B stays between Pittsburg and DC. Looking for an honest appraisal from someone who might have stayed there.
Thanks

Just rode the gap and c&o this past week. We stopped donges to get a room and the one they showed us was disgusting. I wouldn't stay there if I was paid. We went to Yoder for 10 dollars more and it was money well spent.

I am leaving Saturday Morning for a thru ride self supported and going for time. I am in my 40's now so I know that I am slow my goal is under 24hrs from Pittsburg to DC does anyone know what the record for unsupported is? And is there any other sites that talk about this.

Do the math on this one: roughly 15 miles per hour for 24 hours. Good luck.

Just curious on how the ride went, weather sure was with you. I am planning on riding from Connellsville to DC soon but not for time, just to see if I can.

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.

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.

Big Slackwater project was an engineer nightmare as well as very dangerous.With one more problem. FUNDING.

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.

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.

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!

me and most of my companions have never used a mtn. bike we use. hybrids, cross and dual sport bikes.

Thanks Lenny!

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!

My experience is if you have tires sized 700X32 or larger, you'll be fine.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Isee we have another Lenny contributor, not to be confused with lenny.

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.

I also recommend a Mountain Bike on the C&O. I have ridden the entire trail and am also a section rider.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is current trail condition between Georgetown and Leesburg?