C&O / GAP Forum

Are there any organizations doing trips from Pittsburgh to DC this summer?

GAP-outfitters.com bike-the-gap.com Wilderness-voyageurs.com

I know that there is, I just can't remember where I saw it. Do a google search and you will find what you are looking for, they are out there. Good luck.

Check out the GAP website under "Plan a Visit" link. Should find supported rides there.

I'm a little late to the party but I can tell you of another outfitter - Mountainsidebiketour.com
We have not used them for the outfitter side of their business but have used, multiple times, the B&B that Gail owns. She is a great gal to work with. Give her a try.

Anyone know anything about the impact of this decision on GAP? I'm going to ride it at the beginning of May and I'd like it to be open when I get there. Thnx.

Can you be a little more specific? I leave on May 3 starting in Pittsburg and riding the GAP/C&O back to Georgetown. Would like to know what is going on, did I miss something?

Good post. I looked this up on Google and it is very interesting and concerning. While this happened in Wyoming it could happen here. Only time will tell. I would think an email to a GAP board member on the GAP site http://www.atatrail.org would get an answer to your question.

I'm thinking that the GAP folks may do a bulletin on this matter, but they may want to stay in the weeds and hope that no affected landowner picks up on this and files suit. If I read the opinion correctly, this is not likely, I fear. Too much anti-bicycle sentiment around yet. Fortunately, I did the Big Mick with my son last year, as it is apparently now in the cross-hairs.

OK, I just sent an email to the generic ATA address asking for an update on the website so we can all see what their lawyers think about this. Since only Sotomayor sided with us -- and the US, on what seems to me to be a pretty good reversionary-interest argument -- I think affected landowners would be able to make a good pitch for a temporary injunction. Yikes.

What the heck is this now? I did my first GAP/C&O ride last Oct and had to ride during the government shutdown. I plan on doing it again the week of Memorial Day. Is this something I need to be worried about, once again? I just googled this while at work and don't really understand, I will research further later. Anyone with more info, feel free to post. Thanks.

Eight Supremes agreed with a burdened Wyoming landowner that the rail line, now a rail-trail, across its property was a regular easement only and thus the rights against the landowner ended when the RR abandoned it. Only Sonia S. agreed that the U.S. had a reversionary interest and could thus re-purpose the line as a trail. Not sure how many other rail-trails this will impact, but the subject law is federal and thus applies in other states. We need some GAP lawyers to tell us if and how this affects our plans.

Hi, I'm looking at riding the GAP and C&O towpath in the week starting 17th May, what are the track conditions like at this time of year? I understand the GAP is better than the C&O, but does the C&O get very muddy or boggy?

Thanks!

May is a hit and miss month for large rain storms. The GAP drains well. The C&O not so much (depending on where you are at). It could not rain for a few days and still have mud puddles you need to go around. If it's a hard rain when you are on it, the mud puddles could be two feet to one hundred feet long. Some are deeper the others. You should go on youtube and watch a few of the videos. Good luck. I will be doing it May also.

We are planning a five day (more or less) ride on the GAP in May, and will be spending out nights in motels. We'll map our days such that we'll sleep, ride the trail in one direction and back, return to the motel, then ride the trail in the other direction and back before moving on to another town. Two of us are 70 years old, and we're trying to keep our daily mileage to 40 per day. We hope to start in Connellville. I'd like to hear from anybody who has ridden the trail in this manner; your thoughts, your high and low points, etc. Thanks

sounds great. and with no disrespect intended, for folks your age a safe way to ride the gap. please keep the ohiopyle area in your plans the most beautiful part of the gap. epecially 40 miles east. good luck

Thanks. No disrespect found in your response. We relish being able to do this at our age. Appreciate your comment re:Ohiopyle for the scenery, since I'll be doing a considerable amount of photography.

Wow that is great. I would love to do that trip someday. I have been taking pictures at the Confluence dam and along that strip. Keep your eye out for Bald Eagles. I have gotten great shots of a Juvenile, a male and female mature and a 4 year old so far. Down at the dam we have had a variety of ducks including a rare Long-Tailed Duck and uncommon Red Breasted Merganser. If you decide to stay in Confluence check out River View Kitchenette, you won't be sorry. Have a great trip and stay safe.

This is great! Thank you! One of us specializes in bird photography. I'll be taking lots of notes and photographs. At the end of the journey I'll be attempting a book - "Three Old Farts on Bikes".

25 years ago on a backpack trip to Glacier Nat'l Park, my group (aged 26-34) decided not to do a particular route of 60 miles because it was too tough. 5 days into the trip we met a group of men, youngest was 61, who was doing the trip we decided against. Since that time, that meeting has been a motivation to keep in shape, watch diet, and keep "out there" in hope of being, well, like you and many others...enjoy!!!

Glacier....ahhhhh. I wish I had known about it when I was much younger and stronger. This GAP trip will be a challenge for me, especially the one ride between Connellsville and West Newton, 50+ miles there and back. But we've got all day and aren't carrying overnight gear with us.

The connellsvlle to west newton ride is as level as the gap gets,except for a short incline out of connellsville. And alot of places to rest and get a snack.

Hey, Pat. I'll be 70 in a couple of weeks and I'm planning to do GAP - C&O, P'burgh to DC, starting May 1. Planning on c. 45 - 50 miles a day, camping. And my training has just been set back a bit, so if you see an old guy twitching on the ground during your ride, please stop and offer assistance, eh.

Was in west newton stop at Gary's chuck wagon for lunch was very happy with the meal the bakery was to die for so much I will stop in again when I go back to west newton

Is there actually a trailhead at Dawson? Some maps say yes, others don't show. Google maps shows a parking area close to the western edge of the bridge and right next to the trail. Yet it isn't marked for trail head or parking. Private property, maybe?

Hello all, we are starting our ride on the morning of Sunday May 4, 2014. My plan is to drive to Pittsburgh to start the trip. Can anyone recommend a hotel right at the start of the trail in Pittsburgh? We are driving up on Saturday the 3rd and turning the truck back in at the rental company. We then need a place to stay for the night, preferably right by the trail so we can get up and take off. Any ideas, thoughts, addresses, contact info..etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The Hilton (downtown) is at the Point. The very beginning.

Last fall we arrived late afternoon and rode to Homestead to spend the first night (mileage per day 45-60) worked great. We saved quite a bit of money on our motel bill by making that short 10 mile ride (close to $100)I'm a Pirates fan so one of these bike trips I want to stay right in the downtown area and see a night game. Funny thing is, I hate the Steelers!

Thanks so much, this is exactly what I needed.

The Marriot in Homestead is bike friendly. 45 miles is the Inn at Lenoras in Perryopolis for your second night.

Is homestead in Pittsburgh at the beginning of the trail? Just need one night at the very beginning in a hotel, the rest of the trip is camping and has already been planned. I need a hotel that is very close to the start on the GAP and that is bike friendly.

No , its 8 miles out of Pittsburgh.

I don't want to micromanage our weeklong ride in May, but at our age this may the the first and only time to do this, so I want to be aware of variables.
First: Is there a significant difference in bicycle traffic on the weekends as opposed to during the week?
Second: Since we'll be returning to our vehicle at the end of each day's ride, we won't need to seek accommodations right close to the trail. And, since we'll be watching the weather reports, we have flexibility as to when we actually take this trip (mid May). So. What's your best guess for needing to make motel reservations? Do you think there would be a problem finding a motel room without having made a reservation ahead of time? Thanks.

Weekends are always heavier traffic, but not so bad as to create a jam. I have experienced fully booked hotels now and then, its always a good idea to book in advance.

My wife and I plus 2 companions are biking the Passage from Pittsburg to Cumberland Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-25.) I can tell you that quite a few places are filling up fast We're staying in West Newton, Ohiopyle, Meyersdale. WE were told at 2 places we got the last available rooms for that time period. If I'm camping I have plenty of flexibility but if I'm staying indoors I always reserve in advance. Weekday stays usually aren't a problem

Ok then. I can see I'd better firm up the week we want to be on the trail, and get some motel reservations. I'm wondering if 40 miles a day is a bit ambitious. We're not young and we're not in a hurry. For anyone who sees this, how many miles do you average on the trail, assuming stops for photo-ops, meals, etc. That is what's holding me back on making reservations. I don't really know how many miles a day is reasonable. We don't have to hurry; we want to enjoy the scenery, and we'll only ride during the week, thinking it'll take two separate weeks to complete the trail from West Newton to Cumberland.

Ha! Nevermind my last question. I'm overthinking this. :-)

Only will take 3 days at 40 miles per day.

I don't see your age mentioned but if your in reasonably good shape I don't think a 40 mile day will be too difficult. My wife is 64 and I'm 59. We bike regularly (100-200 miles per week.) We sometimes carry only clothing and snacks (indoor stays) or complete camping (sleeping/cooking) gear if camping out. 40 miles is nothing for us and more often than not we include a couple of 60 mile days and still get to see the sites a chat with other bikers. The Passage terrain is very friendly the hills aren't too tough, and there are a ton of interesting stops. Have you considered a one way trip? If your only traveling 20 miles each way per day (40 miles total) it could get boring and you'll probably burn a fair amount of time driving (or looking for) the various trailheads. We tend to stay at a handful of places each trip we learn a little about the B&B owners and favorite eating places and always stay or eat there. The folks at the GI Dayroom in Meyersdale Pa. don't know me by name but they know where I'm from and can almost predict when I'm coming through. I call the lady at Weaver's in Hancock and she has fresh bread waiting for me when I arrive. If you'd like feel free to give me a call 757 619-5522 and I can give you a lot of info based on several thru rides.

Rick, I thank you. I will call. Just to tell what's going on - my husband and I are 70 years old. Though I grew up with bikes, that ended in my 40s; I've battled cancer three different times. The last time was 8 years ago, and 3 years ago, in an attempt to regain strength and flexibility, we bought bikes. My first ride was 3 miles, wore me out, and I could barely return home to take a nap. However, I'm a tough old bird, and last year we took our first two day trip on the Little Miami trail here in Ohio. Now I can do 40 miles a day, averaging 9 or 10 miles an hour. And so, while I'm still upright, I yearn to ride the GAP. We will inch forward 20 miles a day, returning to the trailhead, the van, and to whatever motel or b&b we have reserved. It will not be boring. I am both poet and photographer, and the path is never the same from one moment to the next. But to talk with someone who's done the ride like you have and can share some of the details - details I can't conjure up by reading online - is just what I think will complete my plans. I am delighted! Thank you so much.

I'm planning a ride from Winchester, VA to Pittsburgh and back in mid April to early May. My one concern is water. I read that the pumps are shut off from mid November to mid April. Does anyone know the date the water able to be accessed on the trail?

I did the trail in the spring of 2011. The pump handles were installed early in April. The first week I think. I have no idea what they'll do this year. That being said, there are plenty of towns along the way that are right next to the trail.

Good call Paul, I wouldn't drink anyway.

Planning a ride DC to Iowa June looking for a route Leesburg to Cumberland via hard roads any suggestions? Riding road bikes

Hello! I hope your winter hasn't been as cold as ours, lol!! I was thinking of starting our ride in Cumberland and heading as far east as Connellsville. Would anyone know if there is bus service in Connellsville that may be able to bring me back to Cumberland so I can pick up my car??

You could take the Amtrak train, as long as you don't need to bring a bicycle back too. Another alternative would be to arrange a shuttle with the bicycle shop in Cumberland. They'll move you and your bike.

Thank you so much!!! I will check into the Amtrak from Connelsville to Cumblerland. My wife will simply stay with the bikes, do some shopping, whatever, until I come back with the car.

Got a few questions. We are planning on biking from Meyersdale to DC in May. I remember reading about some road detours a couple years ago and wonder if the trail is all open now. Also I was wondering if any of the trailside campgrounds have bear lockers or if campers just hoist their food up in a tree. Also, does Amtrak allow bikes onboard as a way of getting back to Cumberland?

no bikes on trains yet

The primary detour you were hearing about was at Big Slackwater. That area is no longer a detour. The C&O has been completely restored in that section.
As far as Bears, yes occasionally there are Bears. It is best to follow standard Bear Safety precautions when camping in Bear Country. Enjoy your ride.

Sadly the only Amtrak options with a normal bike are Pittsburgh and Washington, and that's with a $25 charge for boxing the bike and carrying it in the baggage car.