C&O / GAP Forum

Planning to ride from DC to Hancock, starting May 23rd. First time on the trail, I have a Trek DS 8.3. I don't intend this to be a grueling event. DC to Whites Ferry the first day, and then hang out, Whites Ferry to Shepherdstown the second day, stop and enjoy the area, and the last day Shepherdstown to Hancock. Any recent terrain or trail issues worth mentioning? Any ride sugggestions?

I have a Trek DS 8.3 too and did the full Pittsburgh to DC ride last Oct. Perfect bike for this! Very efficient ride. I had no problems at all. You'll have a great time.

Trail conditions should be good at the end of May. When I rode, it was the week after some heavy rains and the trail was muddy in spots. Also, it was during the govt shutdown and there was no trail maintenance, so I had to lift the bike over a few downed trees. Still, it was a pretty easy ride. Your trip should go even smoother. Good luck!

Can you get from the car rental place at the airport to the trial easy enough??

And how far is it??

Which airport? Pittsburgh? Dulles? National? I do know that National is the closest to the beginning of the C&O

Planning to ride from Hancock to DC in June. Is there a safe place to park the car for a few days?

There is parking between the canal and the Potomac River (never had an issue with theft) or check with Dennis at the bike shop. Just don't block the access gate. Buy a candy bar, some Gatorade, or a tshirt to help out.

Used to go there all the time with friends to hang out and eat dinner. Was there on 4/17/14. Well after it changed hands and let me tell ya it didn't change for the better. It got worse! Dirty tables, unprofessional waitresses. The salad bar was missing alot of veggies. It used to be the only place to get a decent salad. It is no longer included in the price of dinner. The waitresses were sitting at tables talking instead if waiting on diners. Had to ask multiple times to get a cup of coffee. No they were not busy. It was 8 pm on a Thursday. I won't be going back.

I used to go there daily, then it dropped to a couple times a month.. Since this restaurant was bought by another company; the food seems to be 2nd or 3rd class now, the staff,aren't as friendly as they once were. I won't be going there, for a while.

Was surprised when we rolled into town to find the Holiday Inn is now a Ramada Inn. Still good service, only the name has changed.

Do they still allow you to roll the bikes right onto the elevator and into the room?

Hey everyone, I start my trip in 18 days, leaving from the start in Georgetown. Does anyone have a physical address to the C&O so I can find the start? If not, how would one find the start? I have a guy dropping us off and I am not sure where to tell him to drive us to. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Here is the easiest explanation. Google search C&O tow path mile marker 0. you will see a youtube video. Perfect.

Thanks, that helps.

Weaver’s now has new owners and is serving breakfast Wednesday through Sunday starting at 8AM. Also, Omar and Adel have added a salad bar. Quality of the food has improved since my last visit but the prices appear to be the same. Their signature baked goods are still available so I’ll continue to stop by when ever in Hancock.

Whew! That's good to know that they'll still offer baked goods. I usually call a day or 2 ahead of time when I'm biking through and have them bake a couple of loaves of Rye Bread for me to carry down the trail. Good food, fair prices.

Just a heads up to anyone who plans on camping here when it rains, the camp ground is basically a big bowl and if there is any significant precipitation you’ll be swimming in your tent. So a word to the wise, pitch your tent on some high ground if the sky looks dark and ominous.

Kerrigan's is now Deli on the Rocks. Stopped in and had lunch, nothing to get excited about. Should have gone up the road to Aroma’s instead. Only redeeming factor is the very close proximity to the towpath.

Stopped by Harpers Ferry last month while on the C&O. Rooms over the Town’s Inn Tavern/Restaurant were available; the other building appeared to be shut down and “For Sale”.

Was going to stay at the Town’s Inn this trip; however they no longer offer the hostel style lodging for $33 a night. Everything has gone high-end B&B; $120 to $160 for a room. No thanks went up the hill to the Tea Horse Hostel instead for under fifty bucks!

Great stop for lunch on the C&O. Excellent menu selections and variety of micro-brews! If we didn’t have to cover another twenty miles, would have stayed for a few more rounds. Two thumbs up!

Anyone knows is water available along the towpath now? We are starting our bike trip this Saturday from Cumberland.

I sent an email to the C&O National Park and the following is what I received. Also have I nice trip and please respond back on its condition. Thank you for your interest in the C&O Canal National Historical Park. All port-o-pots are open. As of April 15, all well handles will be installed throughout the park. There are a few wells that had bad water samples and those handles will stay off until clean samples are obtained.

Hi all. I am planning my trip on the C&O starting mid May. I would like to hear from "anyone" who has ridden the C&O currently or will be riding the C&O before me and comment back on it's conditions at that time. I know parts of the GAP are still soft and some are in great shape because I live close by. But I only ride the C&O once a year and hope for the best. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Big Savage Tunnel is now open for the season!

We've got the standard "no baggage service at Cumberland" problem, and are thinking of using Grouseland Tours to shuttle back to Pittsburgh. The person I spoke with on the phone seemed cordial and the terms reasonable. But has anyone had any shuttling experience with them?

Grouseland Tours is reliable and reasonably priced. Murray is the owner/driver. I used his shuttle service July 19, 2013 for a ride from Cumberland to Confluence. Murray arrived before the scheduled meeting time. He's friendly and has lots of information on biking in the area. Highly recommend. I'm planning on using Grouseland again next week for a shuttle from Pittsburgh to Cumberland.

Reporting back here. All went well with our ride and the Grouseland Tours shuttle. The four in our group who rode the shuttle also reported being intrigued by Murry's bike touring wisdom. Unfortunately, my wife and I missed out because we were enjoying a steak dinner in the dining car and nightcap in the lounge car on the Capitol Limited, along with our folding bikes.

I'm the original poster to the thread. When I reported the good experience with Grouseland, I didn't mean to make myself anonymous.

Good service, on time, and very knowledgeable. Mile for mile they are more expensive. About $40 more for a shuttle from Dc to Pittsburg than the bike shop at Hancock. I understand they may have to drive further to pick you up so that maybe a factor.

So Anonymous, are you implying one should spends hundreds of dollars (or more) for folding bikes so Amtrak can be utilized? Pricey for a schoolteach. Real businesses meet the demands of the customer or go out of business. Even U.S. Gov runs out of money from time to time!

I certainly didn't mean for my post to degenerate into a political rant. It was simply my way saying that if there is anything this retired school teacher likes better than a bike ride, it's combining a bike ride with a train ride.

@ Roy

What do most people pay per year for a smart phone? To me, that's about as stupid as it gets. The $480 and $550 (about the same as a bottom of the line road bike) I paid for my wife and I's Dahons were one of the best purchases I ever made. But that's just me. FWIW I bought the Dahon Stow-awy that my that my son rode at a second hand shop for $60.

I get it that you don't like Amtrak. Did you have a bad experience riding a train, are you disappointed that the Capitol Limited doesn't have roll on-roll off service, or are you just a disciple of Rep. Mica? For those who aren't aware, Mica is a Florida congressman whose mission is life is nit-pick and micro-manage Amtrak hoping that it will somehow or another go away and make his constituents, the highway lobby, happy. Do you really know anything at all about Amtrak, or were you parroting Fox News?

Rather personal there, anonymous. I asked a question of you and made two non-political comments. Perhaps you should reread my post. Business meets the demand of the consumer or face bankruptcy. And did the government partially shut down since my post? Monopolies in general have been discouraged historically in the U.S. with notable exceptions.
And I own about the dumbest, cheapest cell phone around and a disciple of but One.

If only you had had the extra days to go from Pittsburgh to Washington Amtrak's schedule lines up perfectly for coming in and out of Chicago as well as connecting to the numerous locals running from out to Quincy.

I post here quite a bit, and am not picking sides. But my feeling is that for the cost to amtrak(federal govt.)to make roll on service available would be incidential. But that is why rail service is nearly extinct. Won't adapt.By the way I ride Pittsburgh to DC at least once a year, that train would be sweet.

I feel the same Jenny. Amtrack is losing business. I lead groups of 4-8 riders several times a year along the Passage and C&O. We would be more than willing to sit back and enjoy a train ride from DC to Pittsburg and not have to worry about parking, gas, etc. I realize that the train is on a tight schedule and stops are timed. I just feel that they are doing a disservice to themselves and the public.

So I will start by saying I am not a bike rider, though I am in my mid 20s and in pretty decent shape.

I am considering doing the C&O in early August, but don't know very much about bikes. I was wondering if anyone could give me any direction on where to start looking. Things Im looking for are what kind of bike one would need to complete this and base starting point (I'll have just finished taking the BAR and will be oh so poor). Thanks for any advice.

I would suggest a hybrid type of bike or a mountain bike. I would not recommend a road bike. I would consider how much and what type of biking you think you may do in the future. This should help you decide on what type of bike to get and how much you may want to spend. Personally, (if money is an issue), I would get a lower end name brand bike before I would buy a big box store bike. Other things to consider: helmet, gloves, biking shorts, some type of bike rack and bike bag/panniers, water bottle cages, bike computer, bike light, etc. You do not neccessarily need all of these things but all are useful. Let me say this, despite all of the cute Facebook postings and other things about growing up and surviving, you need to purchase a good helmet. Nobody plans on crashing, that is why it is called an accident. I have buddies who have wiped out on smoother trails than the C&O and have cracked their helmets. If you choose not to buy a helmet please fill out an organ donor card and carry it with you.....O.K., that is a little harsh but seriously, invest in a quality helmet.

If you have other questions about the trail or what you may need, just ask away. Good luck on your ride!

As for a bicycle, you don't need to own one. While I don't know what it would cost, you could rent one from some of the bicycle shops you find listed on this web site.
In fact, you don't really need a bicycle at all, you could hike the trail like I did back in 2011. It's flat easy walking, you'd be surprised how many miles you can do in a day.

Try this. this is the time of rear that new bikes are purchased, and with that bikes are traded in. In my area, near a college town they are resold to people like you for alot less than new. these are usually very servicable machines.

Hello First Timer,
Since you don't regularly ride a bike your best options are to rent a bike or just hike the C&O Canal Trail. There is a descent bike shop in Hancock, Maryland that rents bikes. You may even be able to rent a bike in your locality. Check your local bike shop.
***
You MUST know how to repair a flat tire (front and back) before starting your journey. I've seen several people with flats on the trail due to its rough stony surface. With luck the place you rent your bike from may outfit their bikes with Kenda Kevlar tires which do a beautiful job of deterring flats.
Take a couple spare inner tubes and a pump with you as a precaution.
***
Perhaps you should just ride the trail in sections first to get a "feel" for the trail before heading out to cover the whole trail.
***
Also, consider the hiking option. I've seen a few hikers/backpackers on the trail.
Best of luck in your journey!

You can get a Raleigh Mountain Bike as a starter. They are great bikes and are built to last. You can get a nice Raleigh for under $500.
Don't get anything too cheap because you may end up really enjoying your cycling experience and make it your Hobby. (Some lower end bikes are unsafe and not designed for a long ride. You run the risk of the frame cracking, among other things.)
***
As Derek mentioned you must know how to change a Flat Tire. There are also some esential gear you will need to take along as well.
***
Best advice is, try riding the trail in sections first so you can get acclimated with the trail. Set up a couple day trips.
***
Best of luck with your decision.

Definitely need a hybrid or mountain bike. You don't need top of the line but a cheap bike rides and performs like a cheap bike. Helmet, gloves, padded shorts, spare inner tube and patch kit plus the know-how to use them. I prefer Trek Bikes and use a Mamba with 29er tiers. Aug. can be hot and buggy if your planning to camp out. Have you considered the Allegheny Passage? It's closer to home and for a first time rider the route is smoother and has less obstacles (mud, ruts, etc.) If your planning on camping out you'll need a rear rack and panniers plus tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, stove and cooking gear although you could plan on eating your meals in the various towns. Do a web search for trail journals and you can get a good feel for what to expect

Thanks everyone. Im looking at getting a Specialized Sirrus Sport. Id rather purchase than rent, as I'd like to start biking some, for exercise and convenience. Also, I want to to the C&O in part because my family will be in DC that week, as will be the Mets. So I think I'm pretty set on buying and doing the whole trail. Appreciate the advice. I've already started doing some research on what it takes to do the trail. Ie. what gear and such is necessary. I'll spend the next couple months doing real research and decide specifically what ill need. Thanks again.

I understand, I'm a Pittsburg Pirates fan (hate the Steelers!) If you'd like feel free to give me a call 757 619-5522 I've biked both the Passage and C&O and can offer a lot of advice. too much to write.

I am taking my 10 year old daughter on this April trip in less than 2 weeks on her spring break. We never biked on the towpath before. We want this to be an adventure. Need your suggestions on itinerary, etc. We have about about 7 or 8 days. We'd like to take time to do something more than biking: hiking, attend ranger programs, visit historical sites and parks, etc.
Day 1: Someone drop us off at Cumberland: visitor center, museums. Stay in a hotel for the night.
Day 2: Bike about 40 miles to Little Orleans. Stay in a hotel there. Spending time in Paw Paw for a couple of hours. Would we have time for the Paw paw tunnel Hill Trail?
Day 3: To Williamsport and stay the night. Stop by Hancock visitor center. What else?
Day 4: To Harpers Ferry and stay in a hotel. Stop by Shepherdstown (what to do there?)
Day 5: Spend some time in Harpers Ferry. We love it in HF. Should we spend another night here or stay in Brunswick or Point of Rocks?
Day 6: To somewhere around DC. But where? Seneca?Potomac? Bethesda? We'd like to do the whole Billy Goat Trail.
Day 7: Stay around DC for another night. Where?
Day 8: Wondering around and see what else we want to do. Someone will pick us up from DC.
From Cumberland to Geogetown, is it slightly down hill? Is it ok for my daughter to use a regular bike with no gears? Is it going to be real muddy if it rains? We are going to pack our clothes in the backpack and carry it on our back. Is it going to be too heavy if we had to ride 40 miles a day? Do I have to wear a helmet?

Feel free to give me a call and I can share some info that might help in regards to you upcoming ride. I've ridden the Passage 4-5 times and the c&O several times. I can pretty much answer your questions but it's easier to talk than email as your ideas generate other questions. You could call me any time after 5pm 757 619-5522. I'd be happy to help.

Thank you Rick. I probably will give you a call tonight. Thanks for your time!

Is there a trail head with parking available that bypasses the city/traffic/highways ? I would like to start my ride at the 1st available but rural trail head. Any suggestions ?

I have used Boston Pa. and Harpers Ferry Wva. I left my car at the visitor center in Harpers Ferry and at the ball park right beside the trail in Boston and didn't have any problems. There may be other choices but both were easy to get to and away from the larger cities.

Thank you Hondo

the water front at Homestead has ample parking.

Does the Waterfront allow parking for a few days?