GAP Trail and C&O Towpath Surfaces Summary

The following is a summary of the types of trail surfaces that exist along these trails. This information may assist riders in making their choices about what type of bike and tires to ride. These surfaces were those encountered while making that ride last week. Mile marker references are specific to their particular trail.

GAP Trail - Downtown Pittsburgh Mile Marker 149 to Mile Marker 130 near Boston PA. The first 19 miles leaving Pittsburgh from Point State Park are on asphalt paved bike trail and roads

GAP Trail - Mile Marker 130 near Boston to Mile Marker 0 in Cumberland The trail surface is compacted, crushed stone with some short asphalt paved sections through Connellsville and approaching Connellsville.

C&O Towpath -Cumberland Mile Marker 185 to Spring Gap Mile Marker 174. This Towpath section is the original, earthen towpath surface including single track and double track. The three R’s are present: roots, rocks and ruts. It doesn’t drain well and can be muddy and slick when wet.

C&O Towpath - Spring Gap Mile Marker 174 to Paw Paw WV Mile Marker 157. This section has been resurfaced with compacted, crushed stone.

C&O Towpath - Paw Paw WV Mile Marker 157 to Little Orleans Mile Marker 141.5. This section is the original earthen surface similar to that between Cumberland and Spring Gap.

C&O Towpath - Little Orleans Mile Marker 141.5 to C&O Towpath/WMRT Bypass Mile Marker 138. This section has been resurfaced with compacted, crushed stone.

C&O Towpath - Mile Marker 138 to C&O Towpath/WMRT Bypass Marker 115. This section is the original earthen surface but firmer than earlier earthen surfaces and containing some gravel.

WMRT - Mile Marker 138 to Mile Marker 115. The WMRT runs parallel to the C&O Towpath. It is paved asphalt and is undergoing repairs. Thus far raised areas across the pavement due to underlying roots, are being milled to level the pavement prior to repaving.

C&O Towpath - Mile Marker 115 to Lock House 23 Mile Marker 22. This section has been resurfaced with compacted crushed stone.

C&OTowpath - Mile Marker 22 to Georgetown Mile Marker 1. This section is the original towpath surface including some gravel and exposed rocks, especially in and around Great Falls. Puddles and ruts are common after rainfall.

Capital Crescent Trail - Fletcher’s Cove Mile Marker 3.3 to Mile Marker 0. This trail parallels the C&O Towpath for the last 3 miles. It is an asphalt paved bike path into Georgetown.