C&O / GAP Forum

I am planning a family trip on the GAP and C&O We want to start in Pitt and end in DC. We live in DC. What is the best way to get bikes and equipment from DC to Pitt?

I will be making the same trip on May 3 this year. I just called Enterprise rental car and got a Quad cab silver ado pick up truck for $127, one way. There is a $100 fee that drops off of your card once you turn in the truck.

Amtrak would be pretty reasonable, but you get to Pittsburgh around midnight so it's not very convenient unless you have a place to stay in town or someone to meet you at the station that late. There's plenty of space to re-assemble your bike at the station.

But the truck does sound like a good option, too, if there are a few people going.

One-way rental is a good idea. Also, if you have a responsible, but under-employed, 18-year old neighbor like I do you could pay him/her $100 or so to drive with you to Pitt or Cumberland, unload your gear, then the neighbor kid drives your vehicle back home.

Just wondering how tough the incline is from Cumberland to Meyerdale? Going to start in Cumberland but also traveling from Cleveland so time is a factor. Doing it in May. Is this feasible while starting around 2 o'clock?

The most severe incline on the GAP . is between Cumberland and Frostburg, 16 miles. I believe the climb is 1600 feet. Then about 8 more miles to the continental divide. Then 8 miles down hill to Myersdale. Look up the milage and elevation charts on this site.

If you refer to the Passage elevation profile please remember that each increment covers 25 miles so the profiles are condensed. But yes, the 16 miles from Cumberland to Frostburg do climb significantly then climb another 8 miles to the Continental Divide. I don't think the miles are that bad you climb but the grade is only I'm guessing 3%-5%. I've seen all levels of fitness heading west bound from Cumberland and many are older 65 plus and they scoot right along at 7-10 MPH. Biking in May you'll have plenty of day light but remember some of the restaurants in Meyersdale close early.

Thanks Rick!

8 of us doing the trip from pitt to dc in june 2914. couple of the guys have done it before. One guy has a trek 1.5 road bike. He could put 28 mm tires on but im afraid could have issues on the towpath if rainy weather. Do you agree better he finds a different bike?

35s are better, but he may be ok.Its been done with those before

Well, you've got 900 years to make that choice, why not wait and see what's available then :)
Have a great trip!

Oops meant 2014. He decided to look for a used touring bike. I heard the towpath can be a rough ride in thin tires.

Could you add our planned 200 year celebration event, June 26-29, 2014, as a stopping point. We also annually have have our Pioneer Days Event the first week-end of October each year.

Lots of talk up and down the trail about how nasty things are at Little Orleans Lodge. Found that Sue Roland rents out the little white house up the road from Bill’s Place. You can call her at (301) 606-4538 to arrange a stay.

Always great to have more options, thanks for posting. But we were at LOL in October and found it to be very satisfactory. We had the upstairs to ourselves, and were impressed with how well-designed it is (bathroom is separated into two rooms, the large outside room has multiple sinks and good mirrors so a crowd can be getting ready at once). It all seemed very clean. Not sure of the definition of "nasty" or what we missed? Steve was incredibly helpful to us in our various phone calls as we were deciding whether to come during the gov't shutdown.

Little Orleans will be the new terminus of the Western Maryland Rail Trail when the funded expansion is completed, so more options are definitely needed.

Forgot to add that LOL was no longer offering wifi when we were there in Oct. 2013. No big deal for us, as we were only carrying phones. But may be a problem for someone trying to do work in the evenings via laptop. If Sue's place is offering wifi, that would be a plus.

A little hike up the hill but well worth it; a very clean and nice place. Close to restaurants and the local shuttle bus to Charlestown goes right by.

I stayed there, I liked it, but I wouldn't call it a little hike, particularly after sixty some miles in the rain from Hancock. Can't say any place in town is better, though. So yes, it's great!

Hi,

Despite our better judgment we are attempting a two day C and O trip from Cumberland MD to Washington DC. We will start our trip tomorrow (Jan 4, 2014). I have called Cumberland MD and they are saying they did not get any snow fall in the last 24 hours. Could all you nice folks chime in and let me know if your area of the C and O has received any significant snow that would make travel hazardous. We are planning on doing 90 miles per day and need to maintain approximately 10 miles per hour on the trail to hit our planned H/B camp sites during daylight hours. We are both riding mountain bikes. Each bike is equipped with approximately 35lbs of equipment in panniers. Any real time snow updates on the trail would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I don't have any weather updates for you I just know it is very cold. Good luck on the ride, I hope it all works out for you.

Couple of years ago I headed to the Wonderland Trail around Mt Rainier. They'd had record snows that year. We arrived the first week of July and the rangers told us to go home and come back in 2 weeks! Not very good service but good advice. We hit snow within the first 10 miles and at 8000' we were in 14' of accumulated snow. We weren't able to complete our hike but we were careful and had a great time. Your main problem will be (in my opionion) lousy trail conditions, lots of rain, cold temps, and I'm pretty sure the pump handles have been removed. Various sections have had severaI inches of snow. Good luck.

Their are a few things you should know about this place if your on the tow path and thinking
About stopping for the nite . The tent sites are just a few hundred yards from the municipal waste
Water plant ,and man the entire area smells bad, also no picnic tables at any of the tent sites
Even if you ask for one, and they will charge you $23 per tent that you set up, even the smallest
And if you don’t like this place once you have paid, absolutely no refunds . so I would have to say
This campgrounds is definitely not bike friendly.. keep on moving

DO NOT STAY HERE! This place is a rip! There are free sites within 8 miles in either direction on the trail. Go poop in their facilities, then move on.

This may be a little late coming, but concur. Did not get a warm and fuzzy feeling when we spoke to the staff. Ended up going up to Harpers Ferry and staying at the Teahorse Hostel. Yes, don’t waist your time or money here. This place is a rip-off!

I stayed at the Brunswick Family Campground in May of 2012 during a thru-ride from Pitt to D.C. I was only there for the night but my experience was fine. The staff was very friendly and suggested that I set my tent up under one of their picnic pavilions since rain was predicted. It was nice not having to deal with wet gear in the morning. They also delivered ice and firewood to my site and the hot showers available there was certainly welcome since I was camping the entire time (no budget busting B&B stops). Regarding the wastewater plant. I didn't smell anything during my visit. I think I paid about $6 for the night. Not sure how that would be considered a rip-off.

I was there the end of March, beginning of April 2013. I might have been their first customer of the year. The showers were clean and hot, that was the best thing for me. The worst was the train noise during the night.

Stayed here on the way down to DC and on the way back. HOT showers and friendly people. ONLY PAID $5 OFF THE TRAIL. Ordered take out that was delivered and slept under a dry pavilion that was available. I plan on staying this summer too. Highly recommended.

Hi all, I am planning to ride/camp from Pittsburgh to Washington DC next week on my Brompton (tiny folding bicycle).

What are the worst spots for tiny 16 inch diameter wheeled biking? I have read of loose gravel, and muddy potholes,(in the rain).

Anything else i should know about?

thanks, see you out there...

Ha Ha. Your joking right. I looked online at this bike and it looks like you could fit it in a small suitcase.

Alright now. Be nice. This is a forum to encourage riding the trails, not to be judgemental of the types of bicycles used.

I too looked up a Brompton bicycle. I have not read anything about them nor do I know anything about them. Is it a sturdy bike? The C&O can be fairly rough in some spots. I guess I would be worried how well it will hold up. I am not sure what terrain / purpose it is designed for. I am curious if you are doing a supported ride. If not, may I ask what you will do for storage of supplies? Panniers?

Back to the trail. The C&O can get some good sized mud puddles that can be relatively deep too. Your feet could get soaked(?) The GAP should not cause you any problems as far as roughness goes.

Good luck on your ride and let us know how it goes. Someone else may be able to use the info. you provide.

I just biked the entire PGH to DC trail about a week and a half ago. I had a hybrid with 700x38c tires and had no problems, but my bike is a dual sport with front-suspension and designed to take a bit of a pounding, which it certainly got on the C&O.

I think you'd be perfectly fine on the the GAP, it was in great shape, and even when it rains, the crushed limestone surface drains well. There was some patches of loose gravel between Ohiopyle and Connellsville, but I don't think that would be a problem for your bike.

Now the C&O is another story. When I passed through, the first several miles of the trail from Cumberland was basically a mud pit. I stopped and helped one guy with a mountain bike remove his fenders because the mud was caked up in them and causing issues. I can't imagine your tiny wheels with fenders would handle that well. Then, you'll face the constant barrage of roots that you WILL hit hard because the trail is covered with leaves this time of year and it makes obstacles hard to see. My least favorite part was actually between Great Falls and Georgetown where the trail basically becomes embedded rocks, where it's like riding on a cobblestone street. Is your bike rugged enough for all this? :) Good luck and have fun!

I just biked from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh last week - Wed through Fri, and I found the trails to be in wonderful shape. Stick to the route used the most on the trails and you will have smooth travel the entire way. Enjoy your ride!

I was thinking of riding the trail on a tricycle with little red ribbons. I was going to tie a radio flyer wagon behind to haul my gear. Do you think that will be okay? LOL :)

I think it would be a great idea, just don't forget your light and horn.

Come on guys.Let up. I suggest you go to another site if you are just going to be sarcastic. Sorry, just the way I feel. Keep it positive.

Well, i took my Brompton in an Ortlieb backpack on the MegaBus from Philly to Pittsburg with a tent and sleeping bag. Got out of the bus Monday 3:30 pm and made it to DC by Sunday 11 am. 6 days with peak colors in the leaves and rain only one night; no rain during any riding.
I'm 48 and did the ride solo with no assistance, carrying my camping gear on my bike, (nothing on my back).
I am used to sharing the road with auto drivers, (why would anyone drive a car anywhere?).
I'd like to think nobody has ever ridden a Brompton from Pittsburgh to DC on this trail, (or at least not as fast as me).
Next time, I'll use a bigger wheel bike though.

It's funny how some of you pups are trying to break my balls. None of you can do what i did on 16 inch 100 psi wheels in November even though i averaged under 60 miles per day.

Yea, i carried my folding bicycle, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad in a backpack on my back onto the bus, and stowed it in the cargo hold for $24 one way total.

It was a great trip and I'm sure to do it again.

thanks for the comments, (some were funny).

philly painter

A big congratulations to you. That is definitely a big achievement. Yes and the color of the trees are just beautiful this time of year. Glad you followed up with your original comment, completed your ride and were able to have a laugh at some of the other comments. Again, congratulations.

I to congratulate you.

I'm glad to hear you had a good trip. It doesn't matter what size wheels you did it on as long as you enjoyed yourself. Heck, I didn't use any wheels, I hiked the trail.

Congratulations and I too am glad you responded. I have ridden the northern stretches of the trail on my folding bike (DAHON) and it has always held up well. I ride rail trails nearly every wknd all over the East Coast and have never had a problem with my bike. Mine is full size 26" wheels , 7 speeds which is all i ever need on the trails. I really loved the Paw Paw tunnel! BG

In September I did the GAP from the Pittsburgh Amtrak to Cumberland Amtrak with a group of 6, 4 of who rode 20" Dahon's.

For those who might not be aware, Brompton and Dahon are bitter enemies, sort of like two religions. I suspect that the negative comments came from Dahon owners in disguise.

You got to love this place. Very upscale and DC swank. We all stopped in for a last libation before we hit the alcohol blackout before Point-of-Rocks. Got some interesting looks from folks and questions like, do you sleep on the trail, where do you go to the bathroom or seen any bears? Good menu, fantastic bar. Little on the pricy side but worth it.

Sounds like alcohol is your top priority.

Not listed, but Captain Bender’s in Sharpsburg is a great little place to stop for lunch. Fantastic selection of micro brews too! Check it out the next time you’re cursing around the Antietam Battlefield. You won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for the tip - I have added this to to the Sharpsburg page.

I hoping you meant "crusing" not "cursing" around the Battlefield. :)

Excellent pasta dishes. Their Pizza is to die for. A welcome experience after a couple of day on the trail. Highly recommend.

Concur, excellent Italian cuisine.

Good deli also serves breakfast. Modest grocery selection; does sell beer, wine and liquor!

There is a side trail that comes out between the Park-in-Dine and Potomac Liquor store off the WMRT so you don’t have to come off at the Park-n-Ride lot about 100 feet east and brave traffic on Main Street. You can also exit the Railtrail at the hardware store to access Hardee’s across the street.

This is not listed but around mile post 91, between Opequon Junction and Cumberland Valley campsites, there is a private camp ground (listed as the Potomac Fish and Game Club) near the Falling Waters ford. There is a rest room and potable water there. Be courteous and ask first. I have never been refused. Sometimes there are BBQ’s on the weekends and you can buy a meal from them.

I'm writing to plead that you take the McMahon's Mill Campground OFF your website C & O Canal Towpath camping options.

First off, let me say that my family loves and appreciates your web page and the vast amount of information you provide. We print out the information and use it while we bike on the towpath. My family of 5 (13 year old daughter, 10 year old daughter, 2 year old son, husband, and myself) have been traveling from Virginia for 15 months now to bike the C & O. We come for the weekend, tow all our camping gear and food, spend the night on the towpath, and bike as far as we can each trip. It has taken us over a year, but this past weekend we officially finished biking the entire towpath!

We have never been disappointed with the information your website provides, which is why I'm writing to share our experience, in the hopes that you will please update your information for the sake of other biker-campers. Let me first explain that my family is not afraid to "rough it". Up until this trip, we have always camped at the hiker-biker campsites right along the towpath. Filtering our own water and using the provided outhouses. We do this with a teenage daughter, preteen daughter, and a toddler and we like it and have a wonderful time.

This past weekend, we wanted to stay at the Cumberland Valley H/B site, but the pump was broken. We needed more water, so we tried to filter water from the Potomac, but the access to the river at that site wasn't great, so we decided to keep biking. We reached the Opequon Junction H/B with the intentions of camping there, but there were already 3 tents set up and it is a rather small site, so our large tent wouldn't fit. We were exhausted and couldn't make it to Big Woods H/B, so we decided to do something we'd never done. We biked off the towpath up to a campsite, McMahon's Mill Campground.

It was scary from the moment we hit the property. The buildings were dilapidated, deserted, overgrow

also heard from biker in hancock how bad the place was he went on to williamsport

Cruised by just to check this place out. Yea, it’s a real dump. Sad that it has been neglected for so long. Looks like it was once a nice place to stay and enjoy.

This place is a real God send since there is no hostel like lodging in Cumberland. A short ride/walk from the trail terminus; be careful when you go under the bridge, narrow road and folks do not yield to cyclist or pedestrians kindly.

Still CLOSED!

There is an AC&T convenience store just up the road at the interstate interchange. Has deli, had the fried chicken dinner for lunch. Basic resupply for snacks and soda.

If you’re looking for a little south of the boarder for the taste buds, this is your stop. Good menu selection, friendly service and great value. TB got nothing on this place!

Good food! Clean, cpmfortable seating, generous portions. Excellent value. A must stop for dinner if staying at the Red Roof across the street.

I second the recommendation!

Concur. Very nice. A welcome change from the traditional grub found along the canal trail. Try the Spicy Orange Beef. Yum Yummmmm….

Great place to jump start your morning. Excellent selection of coffee, espresso, and cappuccinos. Also have large variety of freshly baked goods and breakfast items to go. Friendly staff, very hiker-biker friendly. Must stop and visit.