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East or West
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Jon C. from Coshocton, OH on 4/9/2017 10:13:18 PM:
I read a multitude of questions from people riding from DC to Pittsburgh. IMHO, I would take the train to DC and ride TO Pittsburgh. Coming west, it's flat, then up 8 feet, flat then up 8 feet, repeat. The only real climb is to the Divide at Cumberland. Then it's downhill the whole way to Pittsburgh.
 
lenny on 4/10/2017 5:00:43 AM:
Cumberland to the continental divide is over 1600 feet in elevation, over about 24 miles.
 
Allen from Shawnee, KS on 4/10/2017 7:57:15 PM:
In my opinion and I have ridden it both ways, going from west to east is the easiest way to go. The uphill from Pittsburg to continental divide is barely noticeable. From continental divide to Cumberland is a nice 24 mile downhill with a lot of coasting and easy pedaling. Going from east to west from Cumberland to continental divide on a loaded touring bike (self contained, with camping and cooking gear) is a 4 hour 6 mph slog. The C&O is essentially flat both directions with small hills at locks and of course larger hills going into towns to eat and resupply.
 
stillriding from Pittsburgh on 4/11/2017 8:19:06 AM:
Enjoyable both ways but I total agree with Allen. West to East.
 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 4/11/2017 6:07:47 PM:
I agree with Allen and Stillriding. Pitt to DC is much more enjoyable. The downhill from the Continental Divide to Cumberland is a joy to ride. From there you go down all of the plunges at the locks along the canal to DC. Not huge drops but you don't have to climb them either. The consensus is that the continental divide to Pittsburgh is "Downhill" and while technically true, it really isn't noticeable at all when you're riding. I hated the climb from Cumberland to the Divide and when I got to the top I was expecting a bit of downhill reward the rest of the way but it never seems to arrive. It just seems....pretty flat. I prefer the nice 18 mph ride to Cumberland. That elevation profile is deceiving! :-)
 
Charles from Pittsburgh on 6/27/2017 1:44:13 AM:
I have a daughter in school in DC and if I was able to coordinate with a visit to see her I might be able to help you out.

I will say I debate the question often. I prefer to get the C&O over with and enjoy the nicer better kept GAP trail for the end of the ride when I'm tired. I have not gone from DC over mountain due to the Paw Paw being closed so I can't factor that into my opinion.
 
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