Things You Love About the GAP/C&O

Since we're all home due to COVID-19 and it's still too early for summertime trips, thought I'd start a discussion on what things you like best on the GAP/C&O, large or small.

--The hunt for Mile 0 in Georgetown. Yes, it should be marked better, but there's something about trying to find it, especially the very first time riding the trail. The great way to close out a week long adventure.

--The downhill to Cumberland. This mellow downhill has it all. Gentle grade, two tunnels, awesome scenery of the mountains after Big Savage, riding alongside the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and the Mason-Dixon Line.

--The restaurants! The Trailside in West Newton, Crabby Pig in Cumberland, and Buddy Lou's in Hancock are three of my favorites. Love Sheetz if I need to grab a sub to take to a campsite or a quick breakfast sandwich.

--Free Hiker/Biker sites. How great are these? Spaced out every 5-10 miles, water pumps, port-a-johns, table, and fire ring. No reservations required. We're so lucky to have these available.

What are yours?

Hey, John. Thanks for your post. I have nothing to add except to say, thanks for the positive and uplifting message. It made my day. It's nice to read something fun amidst all that news. Ride safely!

Oh my, where to begin. Other restaurants that John did not mention that I can recommend include:

Sutersville – Twister’s for ice cream
Perryopolis – The Inn at Lenora’s for dinner (Reservations and appropriate dress required)
Ohiopyle, PA – Falls Market for breakfast, lunch or dinner
Rockwood, PA – The Opera House for breakfast and lunch
Meyersdale , PA - Morguen Tool Company for dinner
Meyersdale, PA - Yoders Bakery for pastries
Meyersdale, PA - GI Dayroom Coffee Shop for breakfast
Cumberland, MD – Queen City Creamery for ice cream and sandwiches
Hancock, MD – Weaver’s for all meals…and pies!
Shepherdstown – Shepherdstown Sweet Bakery Shop for coffee & pastries
Brunswick, MD - Beans in the Belfry coffee and sandwich shop

The free, trailside primitive, but well kept, campsites along the GAP Trail including:

Dravo Cemetery Camp Site
Cedar Creek Park
Round Bottom Camp Site
Connellsville Camp Site

For the adventurous types try some of the adjoining or spur trails including:

Connellsville - Sheepskin Trail to Dunbar (See the glass sculpture and its history along with the restored beehive coke oven)
Washington – Capital Crescent Trail
Washington – Mt. Vernon Trail
Washington – Custis Trail

Some off-the-mainstream sites along the way including:

Whittsett, PA – Sager Ruins Project Mosaics
Dawson, PA – Memorial United Methodist Church and Restored James Cochran House
Ohiopyle, PA – Falling Water House
Rockwood, PA – The Opera House
Frostburg, PA – Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Engine Turntable
Hancock, MD – C&O Bikeshop “Chicken Coop” Bunkhouse
Big Pool, MD - Fort Frederick
Dickerson, MD – 1992 Olympic Whitewater Paddling Course
Leesburg, VA – White’s Ferry
Various – Railroad Stations

There are many remnants of the histories of both the GAP Trail and the C&O Towpath Trail to take in as well.

I forgot to add the Washington and Old Dominion (WOD) Trail from northern Virginia to Washington among the list of adjoining trails you might want to consider. So many trails and so little time. :-)

The approach to Ohiopyle State Park from the west. It’s a gradual climb through a continuous canopy of trees with the river running to your left. As you approach the park, you pass over two bridges with fantastic views of winding water water below. I hope I go back someday.

Thanks for all the nice comments and suggestions! There really are a ton of nice things about this trail.

I, too, love the approach to Ohiopyle. And just before that you can hear all of the white water rafters howling with delight below you. Such a great section. I’ve also swam in the river in “downtown” Ohiopyle. Just bring your shorts! What’s great public resource and at no cost.

I’m a huge fan of the W&OD trail also. I fact, I will take that when I do my next Pittsburgh to DC trip (branch off at Whites Ferry). I’ve done the GAP/C&O in its purest fashion (downtown Pitt to Mile 0 in Georgetown) so it’s no big deal for me now to stick to the trail, but I love the W&OD and prefer to end at the Mt. Vernon Trail at National Airport. After the mud and rocks of the C&O, that ferry across to Leesburg looks pretty good! I realize I will miss Great Falls going this way but I prefer the approach to DC on this route. Lots of cool bridges to cross too.

How cool is watching the planes takeoff/land at Gravelly Point? If you haven’t done so, I recommend it.

When we rode the GAP/C&O last year we detoured to the WOD. It was paved, lots of ups and downs. Probably not as scenic as the C&O would have been but a nice change of pace.

Agreed, WOD is not particularly scenic but does have a nice history of the railroad along its path. If you have had to ride through wet conditions on the C&O to Whites Ferry/Leesburg, the paved WOD is a welcome alternative route to finish the trip into DC.