C&O Home  GAP Home
The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage
Georgetown/Washington Bethesda MD Potomac MD Seneca MD Poolesville MD Leesburg VA White's Ferry MD Point of Rocks MD Dickerson MD Brunswick MD Harpers Ferry WV Shepherdstown WV Sharpsburg MD Williamsport MD Downsville MD Big Pool MD Hancock MD Little Orleans MD Paw Paw WV Oldtown MD Cumberland MD Great Allegheny Passage C&O Canal Towpath Merchandise C & O Canal Towpath Trail Map
switch to GAP map Cumberland MD Frostburg MD Meyersdale PA Garrett PA Rockwood PA Markleton PA Ohiopyle PA Connellsville PA Perryopolis PA West Newton PA Buena Vista PA Confluence PA Harnedsville PA Dawson PA Smithton PA C&O Canal Towpath Sutersville PA Boston PA McKeesport PA Homestead PA Pittsburgh PA Great Allegheny Passage Merchandise Great Allegheny Passage Map
switch to C&O map

Prep for GAP (Pitt to Cumberland)
Go to Forum
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.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: C&O Home C&O Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2025 BikeCandO. All rights reserved.
BikeCandO and BikeCandO.com are registered trademarks.