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Reply to Tunnel and Lights

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Donna from Portland, OR on 4/30/2018 5:10:46 PM:

We will be riding the GAP for the first time in a couple of weeks; beginning at Pittsburgh and riding to Cumberland over 5 days. Is it necessary, safer or more enjoyable to have lights on our bikes for riding through the tunnels.

Anonymous on 4/30/2018 7:42:16 PM:

Not really necessary in any of the tunnels in my opinion. They are dark though. In the paw paw you want a headlamp.

Whit Rawlinson from Yorktown on 4/30/2018 10:26:49 PM:

Absolutely

lenny on 5/1/2018 5:10:24 AM:

Definately in PawPaw. Maybe Bordan and and Brush. Always a good idea to have a light.

JK on 5/1/2018 8:32:30 AM:

I would definitely bring a bright light -- some of those tunnels can get pretty dark inside. Better safe than sorry.

John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 5/1/2018 9:20:01 PM:

I would bring a light or head lamp not just for the tunnels but also for if you don't make it to town or camp before sunset.

Flats happen. Bikea break down. Injuries or dehydration happens. You may get not make it your destination before sunset.

Some parts of the trail are very dark after the sun goes down. You are in some remote places with lots of tree canopy. Some of these places you cannot see your hands in front of your face at night. Do not get caught out without a light.

Also, if you are camping, you will need a light to get around your campsite at night.

I'm not saying it will happen but it's best to be prepared.

John

Ed on 5/1/2018 11:31:13 PM:

Lights are absolutely not necessary for the tunnels on the GAP trail during daylight hours. I have been thru them numerous times.
The Paw Paw tunnel is on the C&O Canal, not the GAP trail. It is dark, but can safely be navigated without a light, as most bikers walk thru this tunnel.
That being said, unless you are staying in a hotel... I'd toss a small flashlight, headlamp, etc in your pack somewhere.

Ed on 5/1/2018 11:41:20 PM:

You absolutely do not need a light for the tunnels on the GAP trail during daylight hours.
I have ridden thru them numerous times.
The Paw Paw tunnel is on the C&O Canal, not the GAP trail. It too can be safely navigated without a light as most people walk thru this tunnel. It is rough, dark, and narrow.
That being said... I'd throw a small flashlight, headlamp, etc in your pack somewhere. Unless you are staying in a hotel, you might need it at some point. But not for the tunnels.

Anonymous on 5/6/2018 10:54:05 AM:

We had headlights on our bikes and headlamps in our packs...not necessary in the tunnels. I will add on to what an earlier poster said...it is definitely wise to have some kind of headlamp with you...once the sun sets behind the mountain, it gets dark FAST.

As for the Paw Paw Tunnel...I’m pretty sure it’s still closed for the rock scaling project they started last year.

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