GAP and C and O Toe path

[Aunika-FLA]

Hello all,
My name is Aunika  and I am planning to ride the GAP and C&O towpath starting September 2nd   going to September 9. Anyone care to join me maybe have a cup of coffee. 



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[Johnny10000]

Aunika, you should also post that question to the forum linked below which focuses on the C&O and GAP.  You don’t even need to register to post to it:
http://bikecando.com/forum.aspx

John

[David W Pratt]

I did it last year about that time, it is a great ride with great places to stay or camp.
If you want to perform a little mitzvah while you ride, take some nice heavy chain lube for the pivot joints on the pumps at the hike/bike campsites on the C&O.  It will make your pumping easier, and that of those who follow you.
Have fun!

[Johnny10000]

Don’t forget about the Paw Paw Tunnel Detour which is a “hike-a-bike” situation not only on the way up but also on the way down due to uneven riding surface and slope.  Be prepared to add 45-60 mins to your day. 

[BikeliciousBabe]

I would probably wait until after Labor Day.  I've started the GAP from PGH twice the Saturday after Labor Day during cross-PA tours. Also started an up and back from Cumberland that day.  Pretty empty riding and camping except for 2020 when there was a group tour staying at Husky Haven in Rockwood that was headed to PGH.

[OHRider]

GAP trail is great- I haven't ridden the C&O yet but plan to do so.  The C&O is said to be very rough and muddy when wet.  Wider tires with some tread are suggested.  I'll ride it on my gravel bike with 700 x 42 knobby tires.

[HikeBikeCook]

Just did both on May 15th with no issues. Paw Paw Tunnel is a painful detour. We took the roads around and it was a tough ride. Those that climbed over the trail bypass said it was horrible with a loaded bike.

[David W Pratt]

When I did it, I stayed in the Maple Festival Campground in Meyersdale and the lady who ran it gave me a phone number for a guy who ran a shuttle around the Paw Paw Tunnel.  I called him from Cumberland and he met me at a gas station and took me to Little Orleans Campground.

[Ty0604]

We’ll also be riding around the same time.

Arriving into Pittsburgh on 8/31 and departing DC on 9/6. We didn’t want to pay for any hotels on the trip so we have a few short days to avoid that. It works out perfectly because we arrive into Pittsburgh at 5am and depart DC at 4pm so we can ride on our arrival and departure days.

8/31 Connellsville - Hiker/Biker Camp
9/1 Confluence - Outflow Camp
9/2 Cumberland - YMCA
9/3 Hancock - C&O Bicycle
9/4 Harpers Ferry - Huckleberry Hiker/Biker Camp (Side tour of Antietam National Battlefield)
9/5 Swains Lock Hiker/Biker Camp
9/6 DC (Amtrak at 410)

Unsure if we’ll take the roads or trail around the Paw Paw Tunnel detour.

[Ty0604]

Just did both on May 15th with no issues. Paw Paw Tunnel is a painful detour. We took the roads around and it was a tough ride. Those that climbed over the trail bypass said it was horrible with a loaded bike.

How long was the road detour? Would rather do that than walk my bike up the trail. Will the road detour be clearly marked? If not would love to see your route!

[HikeBikeCook]

We rode gravel roads from Bill's Place to past the Paw Paw Tunnel. The climbs were 17% grades at one point. It was steep and long but one of our group was towing a BOB Trailer. I thought the detour was awful (and I planned it) but the guy with the trailer thought it was far superior to the trail over the top of the tunnel. When he spoke to folks who took the trail it was decided that he would have had to unload his trailer and carry the bag up and them haul the bike and trailer up. I think you will suffer either way if you have a big load. Weekenders do not seem to mind the trail, but this was the start of a cross-country trip for us. I thought I was pioneering the detour but other people took it and someone said it was a published alternative route. I can send you and RWGPS file if you want it.

[Ty0604]

We rode gravel roads from Bill's Place to past the Paw Paw Tunnel. The climbs were 17% grades at one point. It was steep and long but one of our group was towing a BOB Trailer. I thought the detour was awful (and I planned it) but the guy with the trailer thought it was far superior to the trail over the top of the tunnel. When he spoke to folks who took the trail it was decided that he would have had to unload his trailer and carry the bag up and them haul the bike and trailer up. I think you will suffer either way if you have a big load. Weekenders do not seem to mind the trail, but this was the start of a cross-country trip for us. I thought I was pioneering the detour but other people took it and someone said it was a published alternative route. I can send you and RWGPS file if you want it.

Would love this file before I leave on 8/29! I sent my personal email to your inbox on here Thanks!

[HikeBikeCook]

Would love this file before I leave on 8/29! I sent my personal email to your inbox on here Thanks!

Been on the road, sorry. Just emailed it.

[Ty0604]

FYI:

Beginning August 24th there will be a shuttle for bicyclist around the Paw Paw detour Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm. The construction company doing the work on Paw Paw will be handling this. Unsure if it’s free. Bicyclist will be on their own on weekends and before 7am and after 5pm. Shuttle will be in place during these times until construction is finished. The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park posted about this on Facebook earlier this afternoon.

Will update as more information becomes available.