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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

driest month to plan trip pgh. to dc


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d&d tandem on 1/8/2017 8:46:20 AM:
group of novice riders plan to go pgh to dc.need help planning trip with everything from weather lodgeing food and packing. THANKS

 
Dave from Hollidaysburg on 1/8/2017 9:26:58 AM:
Driest month would probably be one of the summer months, probably July but I suggest referencing the Farmer's Almanac. First time I would probably do the hotel route unless you have done a lot of camping before. Plus you will probably sleep better and the trip overall will be better. As far as planning a lot will depend on the distance you want to travel, number of days to do it and the miles per day you intend to cover.

 
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 1/8/2017 10:03:55 AM:
Remember that July is hot though. I rode from DC to Pittsburgh in July and it was warm. I'd also ask questions at the Great Allegheny Passage unofficial Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gapcando/


 
Anonymous on 1/8/2017 10:22:46 AM:
Its a fairly easy trip to plan. I would consider watching some youtube videos as that will clue you into a lot of what you may want to do. Yes, July or August. You want dry on the C&O

 
Marc from Cincinnati on 1/11/2017 11:57:35 AM:
I've had best luck with weather (no rain)during August and September. Did a ride once over Memorial Day weekend and nearly froze to death. It would probably be a good idea to the get the guide book to assist in the planning, especially if you plan on staying in hotels and B&Bs. The guidebook has ads from the hotels/B&Bs and many of the restaurants along the trail. I suspect you'd need to make reservations for the lodging and plan accordingly (I personally prefer to camp). As far as food goes, I generally don't carry a lot because there are diners and restaurants in most of the towns along the way; however, dining options are fewer and far-between on the C&O section. Pack light and bring rain gear. I've biked in temperatures in the 90s and it didn't bother me (you've always got a breeze blowing on you depending on how fast you're riding).

 
Charlie from Manassas on 1/12/2017 1:04:45 PM:
If you go in warm weather bring bug spray, watch for poison ivy it's all over, recommend fenders.

 
Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 1/12/2017 9:34:30 PM:
I've done 5 thru rides on the Passage and 2 on the C&O. This past Oct my wife and I plus 3 beginner riders did an 8 day trip. If you'd like to contact me feel free to do so. 757 619-5522. I've done a mix of indoor/outdoor stays and can suggest various options. I don't mind offering sme advise. We were all rookies at 1 time.