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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

Is the trail open the whole way from Pittsburgh to Georgetown?


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Matt Dietrich from Napoleon OHIO on 5/5/2020 6:21:06 PM:
Planning a trip this summer and want to make sure the trail will be open.

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 5/5/2020 7:56:30 PM:
The trails themselves are open with certain conditions but the campgrounds and campsites along the C&O portion are currently closed by the National Park Service. That may change in the near term with the "reopening" of the economy.

Lodging, stores and services along the way are subject to state and county stipulations as well as owner preferences.

 
Matt Dietrich from Napoleon OHIO on 5/6/2020 7:48:02 AM:
Will there be some sort of announcement? We are in Ohio and don't get much info. east of Cleveland. THX

 
Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 5/6/2020 8:19:16 AM:
Matt:

While you can ride on the GAP and C&O trails now, there are some restrictions, particularly along the C&O, where campgrounds and camp sites are closed. These are described at the following NPS webpage the text of which is copied below.

I'm unaware of any announcements but am cautiously optimistic that there may be one on May 10 when the NPS indicates they may begin accepting applications for event and site reservations. I would suggest you monitor this web page for updates.

https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, the following closures are in effect:
C&O Canal NHP visitor centers, including the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Brunswick Visitor Center, Williamsport Visitor Center, and Cumberland Visitor Center.
Restrooms, vault toilets, and portable toilets are closed throughout the park.
Water fountains and wells are closed throughout the park.
Some parking areas may be closed, including the Great Falls, Fletchers Cove, and Carderock Recreation Area. Parking at Anglers is limited to provide access for EMS and rescue services.
All campgrounds and campsites are closed throughout the park.
Fee collection at Great Falls Tavern has also been temporarily suspended.
Gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited.
C&O Canal NHP will cancel permits and reservations and will not accept applications for demonstrations, special events, or park site reservations until May 10.
All park lands remain open. Updates will be posted on this page and to the park's social media channels. For more information please visit the National Park Service Public Health Update page.

Along the GAP the majority of the public/free campgrounds are open, the governor has also recently permitted private camp sites to open. However, you would do well to contact each particular facility at which you would want to stay to insure they are open.

Lastly, and on a personal note, might you have ridden from Napoleon to Pittsburgh and, if so, what route did you take? I have a son in Waterville and am looking for good routes from Pittsburgh.

 
Matt Dietrich from Napoleon OHIO on 5/6/2020 8:28:40 AM:
Will there be some sort of announcement? We are in Ohio and don't get much info. east of Cleveland. THX

 
Matt from Charlotte on 5/7/2020 8:05:52 AM:
National parks website was updated yesterday to remove reference to a revaluation or potential changes after May 10. The site now just states that facilities, camping, etc. are closed until further notice.

I'd say any plans of multi day trip in the spring or early summer should be shelved.