Hotel
-  + 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 Pittsbu...
Discussion started 03/04/2014 09:26 AM by Scott - 6 replies (last reply by lenny at 03/06/2014 05:29 AM)Scott from Powhatan, Va on 03/04/2014 09:26 AM
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.
lenny on 03/04/2014 07:15 PM
The Hilton (downtown) is at the Point. The very beginning.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 03/04/2014 08:18 PM
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!
Scott from Powhatan, Va on 03/04/2014 10:40 PM
Thanks so much, this is exactly what I needed.
Bob Palonder from Perryopolis ,Pa. on 03/05/2014 05:11 AM
The Marriot in Homestead is bike friendly. 45 miles is the Inn at Lenoras in Perryopolis for your second night.
Scott from Powhatan VA on 03/05/2014 10:13 PM
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.
lenny on 03/06/2014 05:29 AM
No , its 8 miles out of Pittsburgh.
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Hotel
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weekends
-  + 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 i...
Discussion started 03/02/2014 11:16 AM by pat - 7 replies (last reply by pat at 03/05/2014 06:42 PM)pat from Westerville OHio on 03/02/2014 11:16 AM
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.
Lenny on 03/03/2014 05:36 AM
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.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 03/04/2014 08:12 PM
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
pat from Westerville OHio on 03/05/2014 09:03 AM
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.
pat on 03/05/2014 03:26 PM
Ha! Nevermind my last question. I'm overthinking this. :-)
lenny on 03/05/2014 04:46 PM
Only will take 3 days at 40 miles per day.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 03/05/2014 05:18 PM
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.
pat on 03/05/2014 06:42 PM
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.
C&O and GAP in April
-  + 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 kno...
Discussion started 03/03/2014 05:21 PM by BP - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 03/04/2014 07:17 PM)BP from Winchester, VA on 03/03/2014 05:21 PM
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?
Paul A on 03/03/2014 10:07 PM
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.
lenny on 03/04/2014 07:17 PM
Good call Paul, I wouldn't drink anyway.
Pavement Leesburg to Cumberland
-  + Planning a ride DC to Iowa June looking for a route Leesburg to Cumberland via hard roads any suggestions? Riding road bikes
Discussion started 03/02/2014 10:44 PM by David W. - 0 repliesDavid W. from Iowa city IA on 03/02/2014 10:44 PM
Planning a ride DC to Iowa June looking for a route Leesburg to Cumberland via hard roads any suggestions? Riding road bikes
bus transportation?
-  + 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...
Discussion started 02/27/2014 08:06 PM by Wayne - 2 replies (last reply by Wayne at 02/28/2014 01:13 PM)Wayne from Gallloway NJ on 02/27/2014 08:06 PM
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??
Paul A on 02/27/2014 11:23 PM
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.
Wayne from Galloway, NJ on 02/28/2014 01:13 PM
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.
Bears, Amtrak and detours.
-  + 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 wonder...
Discussion started 01/30/2014 07:30 PM by Tom - 3 replies (last reply by Greg K at 02/27/2014 06:14 PM)Tom from Elk County on 01/30/2014 07:30 PM
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?
lenny on 01/31/2014 06:02 PM
no bikes on trains yet
Mike on 02/05/2014 03:56 PM
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.
Greg K from Chicago on 02/27/2014 06:14 PM
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.
Camping around McKeesport or Boston on GAP
-  + Does anyone know of campsites near the GAP around McKeesport or Boston?
Discussion started 02/01/2014 05:20 PM by Leslie - 3 replies (last reply by jonathan Weaver at 02/18/2014 04:18 PM)Leslie on 02/01/2014 05:20 PM
Does anyone know of campsites near the GAP around McKeesport or Boston?
Todd from Irwin, Pa on 02/01/2014 06:27 PM
Dravo Landing around milepost 25. Primitive, tents only. Toilet and we'll.
jonathan weaver from pittsburgh on 02/18/2014 04:17 PM
Yup...Dravosburg is just past Buena Vista if heading to PGH....leaves about 25 miles the rest of the way in to Pittsburgh. Nice area, lots of flat green grass. Yards away from the Yough,
jonathan Weaver from pittsburgh on 02/18/2014 04:18 PM
sorry dravos landing....not dravosburg..my fault
Grouseland Tours in Cumberland
-  + I engaged Grouseland to transport 4 in our group (my wife and I with folders took Antrak)back to Pittsburg in September, 2013. Everyone was pleased with the service.,
Discussion started 02/13/2014 11:54 AM by Wurfsendungen - 0 repliesWurfsendungen from Quincy, IL on 02/13/2014 11:54 AM
I engaged Grouseland to transport 4 in our group (my wife and I with folders took Antrak)back to Pittsburg in September, 2013. Everyone was pleased with the service.,
anyone ever do the Greenbriar (WV)
-  + Since I figure you were such a good source of info on this trail (obviously, ...that is the point of the site), and I've "heard" some talk of other trails while I was researching this, I thought I'd a...
Discussion started 02/07/2014 12:24 AM by myownlittleworld - 3 replies (last reply by Rick at 02/11/2014 05:54 AM)myownlittleworld from central PA on 02/07/2014 12:24 AM
Since I figure you were such a good source of info on this trail (obviously, ...that is the point of the site), and I've "heard" some talk of other trails while I was researching this, I thought I'd ask what you may think of the Greenbriar.
The Greenbriar river trail sounded like a good option since we don't have enough time to do the GAP/C&O this year. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated.
Hondo on 02/07/2014 08:56 AM
I live 3 miles from it. Its basically a small version of the GAP.It runs 75 miles along the river,goes thru a couple tunnels,a small town or two,has a few campsites with water and toilet..You can do it in a weekend.Very nice alternate option.
vabiker23518 from Williamsburg, VA on 02/10/2014 02:29 PM
We did it 3 years ago and it's a nice trail. Best half is Cass to Marleton....its very rural on the south end, and the "end" is at a road several miles from the nearest town...and its all UPHILL!
Rick from Grafton on 02/11/2014 05:54 AM
Send me a PM and I can give you a ton of info. I've led about 6-7 thru rides along the length and have info about camping, water, food, etc.
Rick Hancock athiker80@cox.net
Feel free to contact me.
One way trips
-  + 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?
Discussion started 01/06/2014 07:04 AM by canadaclub - 3 replies (last reply by Phil at 01/27/2014 11:25 AM)canadaclub from Alexandria on 01/06/2014 07:04 AM
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?
Scott from Powhatan VA on 01/06/2014 10:14 PM
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.
GregK on 01/07/2014 05:59 PM
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.
Phil from Maryland on 01/27/2014 11:25 AM
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.
Tough Ride
-  + 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 sta...
Discussion started 01/20/2014 07:11 PM by Jason - 3 replies (last reply by Jason at 01/26/2014 12:13 PM)Jason from Cleveland on 01/20/2014 07:11 PM
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?
Lenny on 01/20/2014 08:14 PM
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.
Rick from Grafton on 01/25/2014 06:28 AM
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.
Jason from Cleveland on 01/26/2014 12:13 PM
Thanks Rick!
Tire size
-  + 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 towpa...
Discussion started 01/14/2014 11:28 PM - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 01/18/2014 06:35 AM)Anonymous from Larry on 01/14/2014 11:28 PM
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?
lenny on 01/15/2014 05:20 AM
35s are better, but he may be ok.Its been done with those before
Paul A on 01/16/2014 10:34 PM
Well, you've got 900 years to make that choice, why not wait and see what's available then :)
Have a great trip!
Anonymous on 01/18/2014 06:35 AM
Oops meant 2014. He decided to look for a used touring bike. I heard the towpath can be a rough ride in thin tires.
Perryopolis
-  + 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.
Discussion started 01/16/2014 02:11 PM by Frank Masney Jr. - 0 repliesFrank Masney Jr. from Perryopolis, PA on 01/16/2014 02:11 PM
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.
Sue Roland's House for Rent
-  + 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)...
Discussion started 12/29/2013 05:21 AM by Darel - 2 replies (last reply by Naismith at 01/09/2014 01:57 PM)Darel from Norfolk, VA on 12/29/2013 05:21 AM
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.
Naismith from Florida on 01/03/2014 11:18 AM
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.
Naismith from Florida on 01/09/2014 01:57 PM
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.
Teahorse B&B / Hostel in Harpers Ferry
-  + 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.
Discussion started 12/29/2013 06:03 AM by Darel - 1 reply (last reply by GregK at 01/07/2014 06:04 PM)Darel from Norfolk, VA on 12/29/2013 06:03 AM
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.
GregK on 01/07/2014 06:04 PM
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!
Current Weather/Snow accumulation on the C and O
-  + 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 th...
Discussion started 01/03/2014 12:03 PM by rgr692 - 2 replies (last reply by rick at 01/05/2014 03:22 PM)rgr692 from Reston, VA on 01/03/2014 12:03 PM
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.
Scott from Powhatan, VA on 01/03/2014 10:02 PM
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.
rick from grafton, va on 01/05/2014 03:22 PM
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.