Cumberland Trail Connection in Cumberland
- + Great shop with friendly staff and brew supplies upstairs. WiFi, restaurant around the corner - good place to stop halfway through.
Discussion started 05/16/2011 01:43 PM by SwollenKnee - 1 reply (last reply by Paul A at 05/26/2011 09:46 PM)SwollenKnee from Collingswood, NJ on 05/16/2011 01:43 PM
Great shop with friendly staff and brew supplies upstairs. WiFi, restaurant around the corner - good place to stop halfway through.
Paul A on 05/26/2011 09:46 PM
I'll second that!
A bunch of great people helping others along the trail.
Question
- + With all the rain lately how is the trail looking for passage? My husband and son plan on doing this from Cumberland to Georgetown over the Memorial Day weekend.
Discussion started 05/19/2011 11:20 AM by Concerned Mom - 2 replies (last reply by Greg at 05/26/2011 04:36 PM)Concerned Mom from Va on 05/19/2011 11:20 AM
With all the rain lately how is the trail looking for passage? My husband and son plan on doing this from Cumberland to Georgetown over the Memorial Day weekend.
Charlie from Laurel, MD on 05/23/2011 02:50 PM
I rode from Georgetown to Seneca Aqueduct and back on Saturday. Other than a couple of small puddles and minor muddy area, everything was clear.
Greg from Alexandria, VA on 05/26/2011 04:36 PM
I just did the towpath from DC to Cumberland and back. I'm afraid you're in for some rough trail conditions. The stretches between high-activity areas we're pretty bad when I went through...mud with deep ruts and puddles which really slowed me to a crawl. With today's round of severe weather, which looks to be going straight thru the Cumberland and Hancock areas, can't be good for the trail.
Boston or West Mifflin to DC
- + Trip planned with several friends, July 5-9. If interested comment on this forum and I will get in touch. We have done this before
Discussion started 05/24/2011 09:08 PM by Lenny - 0 repliesLenny on 05/24/2011 09:08 PM
Trip planned with several friends, July 5-9. If interested comment on this forum and I will get in touch. We have done this before
Shepherdstown
- + Right next to the Clarion Inn in Shepardstown is a car wash where you can clean your bikwe as well as your self especially when I did it (the C & O canal from Cumberland to Washington) in the height o...
Discussion started 05/19/2011 12:55 PM by Dave - 0 repliesDave from hollidaysburg pa on 05/19/2011 12:55 PM
Right next to the Clarion Inn in Shepardstown is a car wash where you can clean your bikwe as well as your self especially when I did it (the C & O canal from Cumberland to Washington) in the height of the summer when it was 80-90 degrees.
shuttle from Pittsburg to Mckeesport
- + I am writing to find out the best way to get from the Amtrak station in Pittsburg to McKeesport to start the trail. We are plannin on biking from McKeesport to Washington DC in June. I have been loo...
Discussion started 08/16/2010 06:42 AM by pme - 8 replies (last reply by C Donohue at 05/17/2011 08:35 PM)pme from oviedo,fl on 08/16/2010 06:42 AM
I am writing to find out the best way to get from the Amtrak station in Pittsburg to McKeesport to start the trail. We are plannin on biking from McKeesport to Washington DC in June. I have been looking it up yet wanted to see if I could get advice from someone who has actually done it. I have read that biking from Pittsburg to McKeesport is not possible until 11-11-11. Any help in this would be greatly appreciated.
Larry from North Huntingdon, Pa on 09/02/2010 01:37 PM
The Port Athority Transet Bus can transport you & bike, other shuttles on AGP website, Do your home work & make arangements...DON'T RIDE IT!! Please e/mail me for sugestions. Bad areas, no shoulder, high traffic voulme
pme from oviedo on 09/11/2010 06:01 AM
Thank you for your help. I will look into the shuttles on the website. With four of us biking (two teenagers) a shuttle van may be eaiser than the bus. I will start doing my homework.
Paul Mulvey from Easton on 09/12/2010 07:27 AM
I, too, am arriving by train in downtown PIttsburgh. I'm going to get a taxi and head out to a hotel on the outskirts of town. I'm shipping my bike ahead via UPS.
cathy from farmington, nm on 10/31/2010 09:30 PM
Thanks for the info. We are doing DC to Pittsburgh September 2011 and will get a shuttle from McKeesport to Pittsburgh.
keith from orrville, oh on 12/27/2010 08:17 PM
Don't rely on the 11/11/11 date for completion. There have been predictions/hopes that did not materialize. I am expecting it all to be done EXCEPT the several miles at the waterpark. There is a scrap yard beside the active railroad, followed by a waterpark that also covers the land from the river to the active railroad, that is yet to be resolved.
Jeff from McKeesport on 01/17/2011 12:10 AM
start ur trip in Boston PA! Best spot to kick ur trip off...trust me!
BTW, Pittsburgh......ends with an h
dan from austin tx on 02/28/2011 11:03 AM
Why start from Boston? Was thinking we'd co from top of Montour trail to DC.
C Donohue from Phoenix AZ on 05/17/2011 08:35 PM
We are biking from DC to McKeesport and have confirmed two 24 hr. cab companies who will transport our two bikes at appx 2:30am to be able to catch the appx 4:30am Pittsburg AMTRAK to DC. This way we sleep on the AMTRAK and arrive in DC in the daytime. Has anyone had a bad experience with the cab company not showing up? Costs about $35 total. We are to confirm 24hrs prior.
Great Falls Overlook in Potomac
- + Awesome! Spectacular falls - a must stop along the way.
Discussion started 05/16/2011 02:25 PM by SwollenKnee - 0 repliesSwollenKnee from Collingswood, NJ on 05/16/2011 02:25 PM
Awesome! Spectacular falls - a must stop along the way.
Rivers Edge Family Campground in Connellsville
- + If coming from Pittsburgh, you can get food delivered here from Connellsville and avoid an 8 mile round trip back. Not much of a site for trail goers - primarily an RV park - but convenient. Ice cream...
Discussion started 05/16/2011 02:21 PM by SwollenKnee - 0 repliesSwollenKnee from Collingswood, NJ on 05/16/2011 02:21 PM
If coming from Pittsburgh, you can get food delivered here from Connellsville and avoid an 8 mile round trip back. Not much of a site for trail goers - primarily an RV park - but convenient. Ice cream shop, nice bath house, laundry. Trains are noisy, though.
School House Kitchen in Oldtown
- + Good food, prices, and service, with a big side order of country hospitality. Not far off the trail for a taste of local flavor. Say `Hi!' to Katinka for us.
Discussion started 05/16/2011 02:00 PM by SwollenKnee - 0 repliesSwollenKnee from Collingswood, NJ on 05/16/2011 02:00 PM
Good food, prices, and service, with a big side order of country hospitality. Not far off the trail for a taste of local flavor. Say `Hi!' to Katinka for us.
Adventure Sports in Frostburg
- + Strangely, this was not open on a Tuesday afternoon recently. Phone number is no longer in service, either.
Discussion started 05/16/2011 01:36 PM by SwollenKnee - 0 repliesSwollenKnee from Collingswood, NJ on 05/16/2011 01:36 PM
Strangely, this was not open on a Tuesday afternoon recently. Phone number is no longer in service, either.
Poole's General Store in Seneca
- + I recently finished an end to end hike of the Canal. I was told by a local who lived in the area that Poole's General Store is closed for good. If you're planning to stop there you might want to try...
Discussion started 05/11/2011 12:14 AM by Paul A - 0 repliesPaul A on 05/11/2011 12:14 AM
I recently finished an end to end hike of the Canal. I was told by a local who lived in the area that Poole's General Store is closed for good. If you're planning to stop there you might want to try calling first.
Key Bridge, Washington DC
- + We'll be staying in Arlington near the Custis Trail. Is it possible to bike the Custis to the Key Bridge, cross the bridge and pick up the C&O Trail on the other side?
Discussion started 05/02/2011 07:39 PM by dan - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/08/2011 08:40 AM)dan on 05/02/2011 07:39 PM
We'll be staying in Arlington near the Custis Trail. Is it possible to bike the Custis to the Key Bridge, cross the bridge and pick up the C&O Trail on the other side?
Greg from Alexandria, VA on 05/05/2011 01:23 PM
Yes, I do it all the time. Pick up Key Bridge from VA side. Use dedicated walk/bike pavement on right side of bridge heading into G'town. As soon as you cross over, turn right into Francis Scott Key park...you can walk bike down some stairs and a small bridge that crosses canal onto tow path. Or, you can ride a short distance down Wisconsin Ave. after crossing bridge, turn right onto one of the numbered cross streets, then mike a right turn at the end and follow the road that runs underneath the Whitehurst Freeway. That will eventually take you to the head of the Capital Crescent bike trail (paved) which runs parallel to the canal. You can switch over to the tow path at Fletcher's Boat House.
Anonymous on 05/08/2011 08:40 AM
thanks, that's very helpful
C&O Canal Trust Previews Lockhouse 28
- + Hagerstown, Md. - The C&O Canal Trust, in partnership with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, has scheduled a public preview of the fourth lockhouse to be made available for overn...
Discussion started 05/06/2011 10:30 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 05/06/2011 10:30 AM
Hagerstown, Md. - The C&O Canal Trust, in partnership with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, has scheduled a public preview of the fourth lockhouse to be made available for overnight stays as part of Canal Quarters.
Lockhouse 28-Saturday, May 21, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Continued: http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/story/1304668651e56p8ejswvf
Hillside Motel in Brunswick
- + I never knew about this motel until just about a month ago, I satyed here, It is so peaceful and the view is great, i found the rooms to be very clean, the housekeeper i met and she was very nice, als...
Discussion started 05/04/2011 09:48 PM by AM - 0 repliesAM on 05/04/2011 09:48 PM
I never knew about this motel until just about a month ago, I satyed here, It is so peaceful and the view is great, i found the rooms to be very clean, the housekeeper i met and she was very nice, also the manager Lisa is very nice and made me feel very welcome. I would recommend this place to anyone.
Amtrac
- + Anything new with amtrac roll on service? They need to get that started.
Discussion started 04/18/2011 07:40 PM by lenny - 1 reply (last reply by Willyjog at 05/01/2011 06:37 PM)lenny from blairsville, pa on 04/18/2011 07:40 PM
Anything new with amtrac roll on service? They need to get that started.
Willyjog from Cincinnati on 05/01/2011 06:37 PM
There is no roll on service at the Pittsbrg Amtrak. However, they sell bike boxes (ver large) which cost $15. Boxing the bike is easy. The lady I talked to at the Pitts Amtrak knew nothing about the roll on service.
rv parks near trail
- + We are planning to ride the canal trail in sections and have a small camper van we plan to use. Anyone know of any campgrounds/rv parks near any of the lengths of the trail
Discussion started 04/12/2011 05:22 PM by Bev Baccelli - 2 replies (last reply by Paul A at 04/29/2011 05:22 PM)Bev Baccelli from Mattapoisett MA on 04/12/2011 05:22 PM
We are planning to ride the canal trail in sections and have a small camper van we plan to use. Anyone know of any campgrounds/rv parks near any of the lengths of the trail
Randy on 04/13/2011 10:08 AM
The National Park Service has a drive-in Camp Ground at Little Orleans. On the map it is referred to as: Fifteen Mile Creek Camp Ground. You also have the Green Ridge State Forest in this area. There is also a commercial campground in this area called the Little Orleans Campground.
Be careful when you plan your trip if you stay near Little Orleans. There is a big "biker" event that takes place during the summer (unless you like the Harley crowd).
You may also want to check out the Harpers Ferry and Antietam National Battlefield for potential Camping locations.
Paul A on 04/29/2011 05:22 PM
The drive in sites are Antietam Creek, McCoys Ferry, /fifteen Mile Creek, Paw Paw, and Spring Gap according to my outdated trail book
Detour at McMahons Mill
- + Is the detour still in force. Is the towpath passable, if it is in force. A group of friends are riding the Passage and C$O this July. If interested email me. lennyandshellym@verizon,net
Discussion started 04/14/2011 07:23 PM by Lenny - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 04/29/2011 12:45 AM)Lenny from Blairsville,pa on 04/14/2011 07:23 PM
Is the detour still in force. Is the towpath passable, if it is in force. A group of friends are riding the Passage and C$O this July. If interested email me. lennyandshellym@verizon,net
Anonymous on 04/29/2011 12:45 AM
The detour is still in force as of the middle of April.
Campsites to avoid?
- + I'll be starting a hike of the C+O Canal path and the GAP later this month and I'm wondering if there are any campsites I should plan to avoid due to vandalism or the locals using it as a party spot. ...
Discussion started 03/06/2011 08:38 PM by Paul A - 10 replies (last reply by Paul A at 04/29/2011 12:43 AM)Paul A on 03/06/2011 08:38 PM
I'll be starting a hike of the C+O Canal path and the GAP later this month and I'm wondering if there are any campsites I should plan to avoid due to vandalism or the locals using it as a party spot. Anybody know anything like that?
Dianne on 03/07/2011 12:57 PM
I don't know anything about vandalism or party spots, but the area around Brunswick is very noisy. We stayed at the Brunswick Family CG without realizing there is heavy train traffic and most annoying of all the trains add cars here, so it it extremely noisy even throughout the entire night. I would try to avoid having to camp in this area. Have an awesome trip!
Paul A on 03/08/2011 06:37 PM
Thanks Dianne, I'll make note of that. Anybody else?
Steve from Gaithersburg on 03/15/2011 03:58 PM
I don't have personal experience, but I've been told the NPS campground at Little Orleans can get a little rowdy on the weekends.
Paul A on 03/15/2011 09:07 PM
Thanks for the tip. I'll make another note to myself.
wayne from Williamsburg, VA on 03/18/2011 08:44 AM
I had a problem with some real rowdies at Spring Gap a few years ago. In general, my experience is the farther away from a road your campsite is, the better things are (that doesn't apply to train noise however!).
Paul A on 03/19/2011 09:47 PM
Thanks Wayne.
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va on 03/27/2011 06:04 AM
I've biked/hiked the area for years with little or no problem. Campsites that are close to major towns I tend to avoid (I'm talking about a mile or less from a road crossing)as young people sometimes use them as party spots. At times I've run into groups that have the "I own this campsite" mentality, If it's late and I've had a long day I just setup camp off to the side. Several sites east of Cumberland are noisy all night with train activity once you get past Old Town it's not too bad. The bike shop at Hancock has bunks and outdoor hot showers and don't forget Weaver's Restaurant. Have a good trip.
Randy on 04/11/2011 01:11 PM
Just wanted to add a comment to the Little Orleans post. This area can get a little noisy at night. There is a Biker's Bar called Bill's Place just up the road. The drinking and 'merry making" tends to drift into the NPS campsite. In fact they tend to use the campground for overlow parking. The "merry-making" went on until 2:00 to 3:00 in the morning, then you heard the roar of the Harleys. Nothing happened but I felt very unsafe. Didn't sleep well at all. In general, don't camp near road junctures.
Z from Oxford, Ohio on 04/18/2011 06:09 AM
Avoid the first site out of Cumberland. The trains hitching and slamming sound like bombs going off, and it goes all night long.
Paul A on 04/29/2011 12:43 AM
"Avoid the first site out of Cumberland. The trains hitching and slamming sound like bombs going off, and it goes all night long."
I did wind up making camp there and I didn't get hardly any sleep due to the noise.
Lock #10 in Bethesda
- + what is the big concrete structure going up beside the canal just south of the 495 beltway bridge?
Discussion started 04/27/2011 10:51 PM by Steve Taylor - 0 repliesSteve Taylor from Bethesda on 04/27/2011 10:51 PM
what is the big concrete structure going up beside the canal just south of the 495 beltway bridge?
Paw Paw
- + I'm biking the towpath the week of July 12 and need a place to stay. I called Grandmas and for some reason they gave me the number to Heritage House. I thought they were 2 different places. Is ther...
Discussion started 06/10/2010 07:44 PM by Mike - 4 replies (last reply by Ginnis at 04/27/2011 08:45 AM)Mike from Fishers, IN on 06/10/2010 07:44 PM
I'm biking the towpath the week of July 12 and need a place to stay. I called Grandmas and for some reason they gave me the number to Heritage House. I thought they were 2 different places. Is there anywhere else to stay in Paw Paw or someone in the outlying area that shuttles cyclists?
Dave J. from Imperial, PA on 06/14/2010 08:21 PM
As far a I know, Grandma's Country Inn and the Heritage Trail B&B are both owned by the same person (Grandma). Either place would be nice. Grandma's Country Inn has a small public restaurant on the first floor and that is where you eat breakfast. It stays open until 8:00PM each day. At least it used to. There is also a convenience store/gas station next to these two places. There is no other place to stay in the PawPaw area.
Gritty Hack from Lansdale, Pa on 06/18/2010 03:50 PM
We stayed at Grandma's in early June 2009 and the ownership had just changed hands to a young couple. We still enjoyed our stay.
Cathy from Farmington, New Mexico on 02/10/2011 10:25 AM
I have called both Heritage House and Grandmas in Paw Paw and the phones are disconnected. Does anybody know if this is just for the winter or have they both closed?
Ginnis from Rochester, MI on 04/27/2011 08:45 AM
oh dear. I had planned to stay in Paw Paw in June as well... Sad if true that they closed.
ginnis
Hiking from DC to Sharpsburg 2nd weekend of May
- + Email me if you're interested in joining. Thanks, Rich richzellers@aim.com
Discussion started 04/25/2011 05:36 PM by RichZ - 0 repliesRichZ from Traveling teacher on 04/25/2011 05:36 PM
Email me if you're interested in joining. Thanks, Rich richzellers@aim.com
Cumberland
- + I noticed that the YMCA's camping is not listed. Have they stopped doing that? We stayed there last year. It was $10.00 per person and included access to their pool, gym, showers, and vending machines...
Discussion started 04/21/2011 03:34 PM by Carl Weiss - 0 repliesCarl Weiss from Chickamauga, GA on 04/21/2011 03:34 PM
I noticed that the YMCA's camping is not listed. Have they stopped doing that? We stayed there last year. It was $10.00 per person and included access to their pool, gym, showers, and vending machines in the lobby. Just asking.
earliest and best month
- + Will ride from Cumberland to DC in 2011. Wonder what month is the earliest I can ride (without misery) and which month is the preferred time frame?
Discussion started 01/22/2011 05:50 PM by smitty - 7 replies (last reply by John at 04/18/2011 06:03 AM)smitty from virginia beach on 01/22/2011 05:50 PM
Will ride from Cumberland to DC in 2011. Wonder what month is the earliest I can ride (without misery) and which month is the preferred time frame?
smitty on 01/22/2011 05:56 PM
Initial posting should have stated: Will ride from McKeesport to DC in 2011. What is the earliest month and the best recommended month to do so.
Anonymous from Camden, nc on 01/23/2011 08:05 AM
Hey Smitty. Check out the Tour de Canal in September. I'm planning on adding the GAP to it and do the entire length the week of Sept 6ish thry 11th. Interested?
smitty from vb on 01/30/2011 06:28 AM
As things materialize looks like June is falling into place for me. What are your thoughts on bikes to use? Can I use a road bike? Would I regret it? As things go I am in the area for a different road event and can make this trail ride happen if I use my road bike.
Anonymous from Camden, NC on 02/02/2011 09:42 PM
Smitty, I have ridden the C&O portion and you must use a hybrid or mtn bike. NO road bikes allowed. I believe it would be the same for the GAP portion.
TQ from DE on 03/05/2011 07:19 AM
Since you will experience all conditions of the trail, late spring, early summer on thru summer is my recommendation. Parts of the tow path are in good shape and portions are pretty bad to bad. Would recommend familarizing the rails to trails that parrallels sections. Often we switch back and forth cause the tow path is bad. Bad meaning high grass, soft/muddy or all three. Then portions are solid with good gravel and well maintained. It's a great ride.
Randy on 04/11/2011 02:50 PM
Definitely don't ride in April. Lots of Spring storms roll through the area. Wait until mid to late May, June would be better. Use a Mountain Bike, the surface is very rough in many places. Bring a spare inner tube. I've seen lots of poor souls with flats. Some of the rocks on the trail have sharp surfaces. Road Bike - don't even consider it. Happy trails!
John from Bardstown, Ky on 04/18/2011 06:03 AM
I did it last year on a hardtail mt bike and it was ok. Get smoother tread tires, don't ride with the knobbies. If possible get a fork without shocks.
July 2011 tour from DC to Pittsburgh
- + I am planning a trip starting on July 30, 2011 to August 6, 2011. If you're interested in joining please feel free to contact me. jamey.godin@gmail.com
Discussion started 04/16/2011 12:57 AM by foxdhmtbike - 0 repliesfoxdhmtbike from windber, pa on 04/16/2011 12:57 AM
I am planning a trip starting on July 30, 2011 to August 6, 2011. If you're interested in joining please feel free to contact me. jamey.godin@gmail.com