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Starting in Pittsburgh, finish at Harpers Ferry
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mosovich from North Augusta, SC on 7/31/2021 9:18:45 PM:
Hey guys, looking at driving up to Harpers Ferry on the 28th and taking Amtrak to Pittsburgh, leaving on the trail the next morning. Is thinking 4 full days enough? I do a lot of 50 to 60 mile rides on hilly terrain where I live. Originally I was going to do Pittsburgh to Cumberland, but thought why not add another day..

Also, is it safe to park my car at the Amtrak station there? This will be a solo trip, so I'm working on the logistics and want to make sure they are spot on..
 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 7/31/2021 10:06:51 PM:
4 days is perfect! I've personally done this itinerary all the way to DC:

Day 1: Pittsburgh to Ohioplyle
Day 2: Ohiopyle to Cumberland
Day 3: Cumberland to Hancock
Day 4: Hancock to Harpers Ferry
Day 5: Harpers Ferry to Washington DC

With this initerary, you'll be in Harpers Ferry in 4 days.

On Day 1 you could stop shorter at Connelsville instead as Day 2 will have 24 miles of gentle downhill from the Continental Divide into Cumberland.

You could also do this in 5 days. Something like nightly stops in Connellsville, Meyersdale, Paw Paw or Little Orleans, Williamsport or Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry.

I think if you let the Amtrak station know your plans as well as the local police, you will be fine.
 
mosovich on 8/1/2021 11:38:58 PM:
Thank you so much.. This is a big help.. What's the temps like the last week of September?
 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 8/2/2021 12:15:02 AM:
Should still be a good time to go but you could experience cooler days. If it rains, come with layers just incase.

Trail less crowded with everyone back at school. Days will be shorter. Oh, and the leaves will be colorful and fallen so it will be quite nice scenery wise especially as you approach Continental Divide.

John
 
Bill in Houston from Houston on 8/2/2021 12:03:47 PM:
We rode in October, and the temps and the leaves were great. But, be aware that some seasonal businesses may be shut down by late September.

For example, we rolled into Ohiopyle expecting a fun little river town, and ended up almost not getting any dinner because places were closed early or closed for the winter.
 
Tom on 8/2/2021 10:21:57 PM:
@JohnW… thanks for the rough itinerary.
It helps me a bunch.
I did Cumberland to DC in April.. 2.5 days.. and am going GAP-DC soon so your rough plan is great!
 
John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 8/3/2021 5:55:33 PM:
Thanks Tom! Hope you have a great trip!
 
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