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JK on 10/17/2016 10:00:39 AM:
I'm planning ahead to do the GAP + C&O next year in 6 days. In reviewing the elevation changes, I'm considering the following and wanted to get others' opinion on best stopping points for the GAP portion:
Day 1 - Pitt to Connellsville (62 miles) - no significant elevation change
Day 2 - Connellsville to Rockwood (44 miles) ~1,000 ft elevation up
Day 3 - Rockwood to Cumberland (44 miles) ~1,000 ft elevation down
Thanks!
 
Charlie from Manassasl on 10/17/2016 9:41:49 PM:
I did Pitt to Manassas two weeks ago. Did the same sections you listed, had no problem.
 
pdean on 10/18/2016 8:21:57 AM:
That is the most common ride of the GAP. I have never done all of that but have done the Connellsville to Cumberland in two days last October. I remember arriving in Cumberland so early that afternoon from coasting down the mountain. The next day I turned around to go back for my ride up the mountain with touring/camping gear and it certainly was much longer but once over the divide I remember coasting to Meyersdale. I am going to be doing a Connellsville to Pittsburgh in two days and then back because part of that I have never been and plan to spend some time in the area around the rivers and possibly some kayaking near the point.
 
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 10/21/2016 2:33:10 PM:
The GAP may require a bit more planning simply because there isn't a hiker/biker campsite every few miles. My daughter (9yr old) and I did the same first two stops you did, but found we averaged over 21mph (yeah, I know... speed limit 15) from the divide to Cumberland. With this extra "boost" we pushed on and camped at Lock 75.
I think you'll find the second half of day 3 just flies by.
We met a fellow along the trail who told us to be sure we visited the museum in the basement of the WM Railway depot. WELL worth it, and it was a good break for us as the temps were in the mid-90's. -Highly recommend.
 
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