C&O / GAP Forum

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.

Does anyone know of campsites near the GAP around McKeesport or Boston?

Dravo Landing around milepost 25. Primitive, tents only. Toilet and we'll.

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,

sorry dravos landing....not dravosburg..my fault

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.,

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!