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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

GAP trail grade eastbound


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JK on 1/9/2017 11:51:57 PM:
I'm planning a ride from Pitt to DC in June. The gaptrail.org website indicates the trail is nearly level with an average grade less than 1%. Looking at the graphic, the elevation seems to gradually increase to mile 24 at the Eastern Continental Divide. A question to those who have ridden it eastbound, how much do you feel the uphill grade? Does it feel flat? THANKS

 
Marc from Cincinnati on 1/10/2017 10:26:20 AM:
There is a slight increase in grade as you near the continental divide but it's not very significant. You get payback with interest as you descend to Frostburg and you can almost coast from Frostburg to Cumberland.

 
Anonymous on 1/31/2017 10:59:10 PM:
JK - - I've done the ride a couple times. My opinion is that you won't necessarily "feel the uphill grade", but it will reduce your speed 10-15%. It's pretty flat from Pittsburgh to Connellsville. From there to the eastern continental divide is where you start to notice the incline. So, if you've been going 15-18 till then, expect to ride at 12-15. Once you get to the divide its 20-25mph down into Cumberland. Enjoy the ride. You won't regret the journey.