C&O / GAP Forum

Looking for lodging near the trail in PawPaw and Potomac. Hoping the B&B is available in PawPaw, but in case it's not, anyone have suggestions? Any suggestions near the trail around Potomac?

I stayed in one of the Canal Cabins in Paw Paw, WV a few days ago. Did so last year as well. Wonderful place to stay in Paw Paw. Very clean and comfortable cabin, very clean toilet and shower facilities. A bike wash station. And just 200 yards from the Liberty gas station which serves excellent burgers and breakfast sandwiches. I highly recommend Canal Cabins.

As far as lodging around Potomac, MD: South of Brunswick, MD from MM 55 to close to DC, there are no hotels or b&bs that I have ever been able to find close to the trail. That's why my last day on the trail this trip and then every other trip heading from north-to-south always involves a camping night in the last 55 miles. Last night I camped at Horsepen Branch H/B. That campsite and the one before it at Chisel Branch are two of the many excellent campsites along the c&o.

While I too am unaware of any hotel or BnB options south of Brunswick, other have mentioned lockhouse rentals as on option. The Canal Quarters Program indicates perhaps as many as six lockhouses between Brunswick and DC that can be rented. If interested, you may want to check that program out.

I was curious about access to the Hiker/Biker campsites on the C&O that is parallel to the WMRT..specifically.. Cacapon Junction, Leopard Mill, White Rock. Can you get to the from the rail trail..Absents of active R.R. and away from major roads...

See Dam 6 and Lock 54/55 just a stones throw north of Capacon Junction? That’s the interchange between the WMRT and the C&O. You’ll need to connect there. Not sure about the other two sites you asked about. Here’s a good map of the WMRT:

https://www.westernmarylandrailtrail.com/files/WesternMarylandRailTrail-2023-2024.pdf

Aside from the connections to the Towpath at each end of the WMRT, I’m aware of only two other places where you can crossover between them. One is at Hancock and the other is for the detour around the failed Polly Pond Bridge. While the Towpath and WMRT run parallel to one another, the terrain between does not allow indiscriminate crossover between them.

This is a more detailed description of the detour around the failed Polly Pond Creek bridge.

The bridge across Polly Pond Creek is closed. Park users should use the signed towpath detour directs them to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, which runs alongside the towpath. To take the detour, leave the towpath at Lock 56 (mile 136.2) using the causeway across the canal. Then, travel about 2 miles along the Western Maryland Rail Trail until you reach the bridge over Lock 55 (mile 134.1).

Thank you both for responding..I'd like to utilize a couple of those sites.. I'll contact the National Parks to see if they are still being
maintained and are ok to use due to detour..Thanks again..

Thanks Rivnuts.. I just figured out the detour...Did not realize it doesn't bypass any campsites..as always thanks for sharing your wisdom sir.

Doug red runner-- it appears that your question has been answered. I'd like to elaborate, as the info may be useful to others in the future. I will list the known connections between the WMRT and the Towpath. These are direct connections. I'll list them going "upriver".That's from DC towards Cumberland. The mileage listed will be on the WMRT. The corresponding towpath mileage can be determined roughly by adding 114. Ex--if I say the detour around poly pond is mile 20.1 on the WMRT, it's roughly 134.1 on the Towpath.

0.9--Erntsville road, this is where you exit the WMRT to reconnect to the Towpath when headed towards DC. If you continue to the end of the WMRT and reach the parking lot, you'll either have to backtrack, or head up the hill a mile or so on route 56, then go down thru fort Frederick state park.
3.1--little gravel lot, and you can see the gate and towpath
6.3--a few "steps" to go down and a short bridge. This is on the edge of the Little Pool.
9.1--look left and follow the road. Again, direct access.
10.4--first Hancock access right across from Buddy Lou's
10.7--second Hancock access. Bike shop located right off the path here with overnight stays behind.
16 to 18-- there are two access points on Deneen Road. Going upriver you'd have to leave to towpath on Seavolt road, then left on Deneen. Coming down river, you'd leave on Deneen. Check Google maps. Very easy to follow, and almost zero traffic.
20.1--look left and you can't miss it. This is the detour and it's marked on the WMRT.
22.3--left down gravel lane. This is the other end of the detour and is marked.
23.7--ta da, you've reached the end and have to connect to the Towpath at this point.
The paved WMRT (about 2.5 miles are on the Towpath) begins again at mile 26, so... That's 140.3-ish I think on the Towpath. WMRT continues for about two more miles. But, you'll wanna get off at Little Orleans. This is where Bill's place is. Go thru the parking lot on the right and under the overpass. If you continue to the end of the WMRT, there is no easy access to the Towpath. There is a dirt path if you so chose to navigate it. Some may find it challenging, especially if loaded down with gear.

Hope this is clear, and useful to someone in the future.

Wow thanks Dave I just read all this.. amazing info... Yes I'm going to screenshot and print this off.. very detailed.. wonderful info...

A couple questions:
(1) A lot of the reviews of the Cumberland Ramada Inn are very negative. (Maybe that is why the cost is so much less than other places I find.) Does anyone here have a comment ?
(2) The Bruce House Inn is listed on BikeCandO.com , but I cannot find it in other places. Is it still a thing ?
Thanks for your insights.
Baltimore Fred

The only place I stay at is the Fairfield in right on the trail have great service and very clean rooms and a pretty good hot breakfast in the morning, plus it's only about a 1 mile ride to the Amtrak station to get to DC.
Will be staying there again this year.

I stayed at the Ramada last fall. It was half the cost of the Fairfield Inn. It was okay. You have to store your bike off the lobby instead of in your room. Everything was older and a bit more rundown, and the breakfast is very basic. But it is half the cost of the Fairfield. It is also a very short walk from restaurants, which was very helpful since I got into town around 7:45pm. But I may still spring for the Fairfield Inn on my next ride through.

My wife and I had an amazing ride starting from Williamsport MD. heading up river on the towpath.. Saturday 4/11..Virginia Bluebells for miles on both sides. plus Dutchman's Breeches and Paw Paw blooms everywhere.. very few people.. I knew the Damn construction had a path diversion. My wife and I are in our mid to early 60s...most of the path by the Inlet Lock and lock house were packed woodchips with modest uphill and down hill.. butttt getting back to the pathway after walking our bikes through most of the chipped path we came upon a set of steps. roughly 15 to 20 steps..not much if your just carrying your bike.. we both had 20 pounds plus in pannier/handlebar bag weight. plus a bit of fatigue..LOL..Only our second time out..this year..her first time with front panniers. She did amazing..planned on a trip up to 4 locks area and set up a couple Amok hammocks and lounge, eat rest etc...decided to turn around head back... at last my question//
is it possible to stay on Damn no. 5 rd. and access the towpath around locks 45,46.. I know the road looks steep initially from diversion start.. does it level off. also was wondering if anyone had an aprox. timeframe on Damn 5 construction. Looks incredible what they have completed so far

Doug
It is possible. Continue on dam 5 road for almost a mile. On your left will be a gate, and a dirt path heading down to the Towpath between mile posts 107 and 108.
The uphill does level out. But then goes down and up and down and up. Note-dam 5 road becomes Ashton road beyond the access. You may find that it's easier to make a couple trips up and down those stairs. But, it's worth try.
About a month ago I asked one of the workers when they'd be finished. He said it'd be a few months yet. I'll ask again next time I'm thru there if I can speak to anyone with knowledge.

I fell taking my loaded bike down those stairs last fall and broke a bone in my wrist. Be careful on those stairs.

Thank you very much Dave from Hagerstown as well as Rivnuts.. I've thought about the multiple trips..not sure what's the best..Thanks for the construction update...Rivnuts sorry to hear about your fall.. As always this is a great place for first hand experience.. Thanks again.
I'm thinking the multiple trips might be the answer.. light loads and more trips..Hey Rivnuts how did you contact emergency service or get to the hospital..

I was still able to hold the handlebars and was able to complete the ride home to Pittsburgh. It was one of the small bones in the wrist. Once home the doc just reommended a brace while time did the healing

Wellll Rivnuts I guess that just sums up what kind of MAN you are...WOW..That's a ton of miles/nights with pain...Better Pain manager than I

Biked the dam 5 section today. Appears that a lot of work needs to be done yet. The NPS link on the home page will lead you to updates. Right now they're saying.... "early summer 2026".
Regarding the stairs. I believe that the road section would require more total effort. But, the stairs offer more risk. I've done both options in both directions. Each way will have its separate challenges. Pick your poison and exercise caution. Ride safely and enjoy.

Ok thanks Anonymous... Wow so the road would have some intense up hills then, as well as getting back to the tow path.. would be HARDER than multiple trips from the by-pass start to the steps and down to the path.. if headed to Cumberland...I will definitely be thinking long and hard about that one..leaning towards multiple light weight trips then..Thanks again...

Doug RR, I (Also the above anonymous entry, as I forgot to enter my info) decided to incorporate both options-in both directions as part of my ride today. This is a roughly 0.75 mile section that begins at the fenced off detour at dam 5, and continues upriver to where "dirt/gravel" dam 5 road connects back to the Towpath near lock 46. There is a lock house here.
First, I was able to ride the road section faster than taking the Towpath detour/towpath in both directions by 1-2 minutes. I did walk the bike thru the fenced in detour and up/down the steps.
The road section took less than 6 minutes. The hills are short, and going upriver, after the first climb, the future ones will be preceded by a nice downhill which gets you half way up the next hill. There is some effort, and even if you had to walk, it would be a short walk.
I should add the disclaimer that my gravel bike as I ride it, with bottles and gear is 20 lbs.
My thoughts... Most riders would be OK with either option. But, if I had a heavy bike, loaded down with addition weight, I'd definitely take the road.
Ex. As I was exiting the detour coming down river, I encountered a biker who was loaded down AND towing a trailer. He declined my offer to turn around to assist him. I think he was gonna struggle with the stairs and would've been better off on the road section.
So, Doug RR, next time you venture out that way, why don't you take the road section and let us know your thoughts.

OHHHHH Cr#$ just seeing this... Thanks Dave from Hagerstown... Definitely will check out road then.. nice to have options... especially loaded down and trailer.. curious if you see many with trailers.. I'm using my Burley Coho XC ...Love it so far but had a lot of concern about Damn 5 Thanks again

Planning a July trip for a group of 4, from Cumberland to DC. Can someone please clarify where the construction is and how you handled it?

Please check the C&O NPS website..The only construction I'm aware of is Damn No. 5..the detour is marked pretty clearly. coming from Cumberland there are steps..Approximately 20..then a wood chip path for 150 yards up and down some smallish hills.. I'm 66 and a bit out of shape so I walked most of it..coming the other way from Williamsport..we turned around at the steps..then YOU would continue on Damn no 5 road for less than .25 mile turn right through the canal and back onto the towpath.. it there are other construction sites..I'm not aware...Buttttt there was some flooding over the weekend..we will see

Well, the plans are being made for June to celebrate my 50th on the C&O with two friends. Any insider tips I should know about…basically we want to leave a car at the traildea in Cumberland and go for 4 days to DC…nothing set in stone but we would most likely rent a truck to go back if we can’t do the train. I did the GAP about 7 years ago without any training, and am hoping to ‘wing it’ again. Besides a bivy and sleeping bag, what are the necessities? Also, any places I must stop at?

Thanks for any insights in making my trip more enjoyable.

This is just my two cents worth.. The low hanging fruit.. Easy stuff. LOL..The areas to stop and ponder..the man power it took to Dig this 184.5 mile long Ditch....plus maintain it.. Look up some of the history...Paw Paw tunnel alone is incredible..3118 feet long...brick lined..every aqueduct is a work of art..Plus ya have to stop in Harpers Ferry,Tons of history ..Lock your rigs on the racks by the bridge and walk over..
Maybe someone else can suggest if leaving your panniers on the bikes is Ok.. Believe that Damn no. 5 you have to walk down to. the diverted path goes right in front of the Lockhouse at Damn 5. it has some pretty extensive construction going on. Oh and before ya get to Harpers your gonna love the cement path from lock 41 down to Guard lock
no. 4 ... then you will hit Damn no. 4..Those are the easy ones.. guarantee there is a ton more.. Welcome to the half century club..
Great idea..member for 16 years come July

Michele:

You've asked two questions: (1) What are the "necessities" for making the trip and (2) what sites you should stop for. You also stated you will be riding with friends, camping along the way and plan to spend 4 days in making the trip.

As for "necessities" there are the obvious ones including: bike tools, parts (tubes and/or plugs), bike lock, shelter, sleep kit, clothing, first aid kit, sunscreen, toiletries, water, food and snacks. If you have specific questions regarding any of these, I can elaborate if you wish. I also ensure I have some cash, a credit card and my AAA card which can be used in an emergency mechanical situation. Lastly, make sure you protect your car key as it could be a long walk home after your ride. :-)

Aside from "necessities", some riders have personal "creature comforts" they like to carry as well including cooking gear, campsite amenities, photographic and audio equipment,

As for stops to make, those would depend on your individual interests. The Towpath itself is noted for its construction features, locks, lock houses, Civil War history as well as its wildlife and fauna. The Potomac River that accompanies the Towpath has its own set of interesting features including its dams, landings, pools, whitewater and, of course, Great Falls. Lastly there are the adjacent towns, their people and services that are quite nice. Doug has noted some noteworthy potential sites. You and your friends would benefit immensely from spending some time before your trip reading a little about the Towpath, the Potomac River, the Civil War and the towns along the way to better appreciate what you'll be riding near, through and to rather than just riding with your head down from one overnight stop to another.

My points of interest and places to stop are generally quite simple and typically historical ones but I'll list some for consideration. Some are across the river or off the trail itself such as the Antietam National Battlefield.

Cumberland - George Washington's Headquarters
Oldtown - Oldtown Schoolhouse Kitchen
Paw Paw - Liberty Gas Station, old Mayor's Office and Tunnel
Little Orleans - Bill's Bar
Hancock - C&O Bike Shop chicken coops, BuddyLou's Restaurant
Big Pool Lake and Fort Frederick State Park
Williamsport - Cushwa Basin
Sharpsburg - Antietam National Battlefield
Shepherdstown - Shepherdstown Sweet Shop
Harpers Ferry - the old section of town
Brunswick - Beans in the Belfry Coffee Shop
Point of Rocks - Old Train Station
Poolesville - White's Ferry Store and Grill
Great Falls Overlook
DC - Milepost 0s

These are just some of mine. Yours and others tastes will vary. I can offer some additional ideas if I know your general interests.





Various aqueducts along the Towpath

For what it's worth, A coworker's son had his panniers stolen while leaving his bike at the Harpers Ferry pedestrian bridge. Its a pain having to carry your bike and gear up the stairs to the pedestrian bridge but better be safe than sorry. As I said before, it could make for a long walk home.

What a great way to celebrate your 50th! Your necessities question is a little broad ... so if you are camping .. . mess kit, hygiene kit, first aid, bike repair. Happy to refine further if you have specific questions or concerns.

Place where you must stop. Compared to the GAP, the C&O is more steeped in history and cultural artifacts along every mile. I personally enjoy it more for that and if you are so inclined I would suggest picking up a book like the C&O Canal Companion:

https://amzn.to/4aIqG35

It will give you some context and might inspire some things to look for along the way.

Beyond the canal itself, town stops I always include:

WheelzUp Bike Shop in Cumberland.
Schoolhouse Kitchen in Oldtown.
Bill's Tavern in Little Orleans.
C&O Bike Shop in Hancock
Fort Frederick
Harper's Ferry (itinerary dependent, but if you haven't been before, I would include time for it)
Beans in the Belfry in Brunswick
Great Falls

Also, worth looking into the Lock Houses as a campground alternative for a night. Varying degrees of "glamp", but if you get into the canal history, staying in a lock house can add a real sense of authenticity to the experience.

I want to thanks you folks for these great comments. Just when I think I “know” the towpath, one of teaches me something new. That is why I keep returning to this forum. Thank you, Doug & Brian and, as always, Rivnuts.

Brian cited most of my sites to stop and visit along the C&O, but I’ll add a couple more. Note my tastes are quite simple an generally rooted in the history. How about:

Trailside paw paw fruit in season
George Washington’s Headquarters in Cumberland
The Mayor’s Office in Paw Paw
Buddy Lou’s in Hancock
Cushwa Basin in Williamsport
Antietam Battle Field in Sharpsburg (You might want to Uber to get there off the trail.)
Sweet Shop Bakery and the Blue Moon Cafe among other shops in Shepherdstown
Whites Ferry Store and Grill
The train stations in Brunswick and Point of Rocks
Great Falls Visitor Center

And lastly, of course,

Milepost 0


One perhaps unusual essential item would be your AAA card in case of a bicycle emergency although you’ll need to get to a public road for them to pick you up.

Lots to explore and enjoy.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.

And by all means, buy a copy of the TRAILGUIDE from gaptrail.org or an REI store or bike shop if you are near the trail. It is extremely valuable.

Betty's in shepherdstown for the sausage gravy and biscuits. MMMMMM

Has anyone biked to/from Martinsburg Amtrak station to the C&O canal in Shepherdstown? If so, how safe was it to bike on the streets?

I’ve ridden a portion of Rt 45 (Martinsburg Pike) north from Shepherdstown. It’s a 2-lane highway with a fair amount of traffic travelling pretty fast. There are shoulders to ride on but it’s not for the faint of heart. There are several hills along the way.

Probably doable but challenging for most riders.

We’ll see what others that live near there may respond to your inquiry.

Any break in's. Any trouble at all?
Plan on leaving my car there for at least 8 days.
Thanks for your help.

While I, myself, have not parked there I’ve ridden by it several times and not heard of any issues. I’ve spoken to a couple different through riders that have parked their car there already this season with no issues. Of course, the standard, normal precautions should be taken.

When I leave my car somewhere overnight(s), I often disconnect the battery. While they may break in, they'll not likely drive it away thinking the battery is just dead and move on to find another car.

This is a great 7-11 but its hard to get up the hill to it.

just got this in

NEWS FROM THE PARK

Well water for C&O Canal hiker-bike campsite has been turned on for the season! These water wells are one of the many amenities that help create an accessible and comfortable experience for visitors traveling to the park for an extend period of time. As a reminder, well water in hiker-biker campsites is non-potable so be sure to treat water before use.

Curious,,, what exactly would the issues be with the water.. is it basically river water.. just in a aquifer...in your honest opinion if I wanted to splash my face of even wash my body or hair with it ....soap included.. after getting your face covered with bugs , pollen , dust,,, it would feel nice to do any of the above.. of course I'd bring a collapsed bucket and do this far away from sourse...and river..,as long as its not entering my mouth,eyes ,,maybe ears, nose..should be ok???? See my dilemma..just curious...thanks

We would like to ride our e-bikes from Cumberland , Md to DC but are having a difficult/impossible time securing Hotel/Air B&B lodging in the Poolesville area. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I’m not aware of any lodging options in Poolesville. A few years ago, you could cross the Potomac River via Whites Ferry near Poolesville and ride up to Leesburg where there are several lodging options. However, that ferry no longer operates. To my knowledge, the last lodging before DC is in Brunswick.

Perhaps others can offer options that I am unaware of.

Check on the Canal Trust's Canal Quarters program. There are several lockhouses downstream from Brunswick that you can rent for the night or longer.

The NFL draft in Pittsburgh is over. From the reports we have seen on the news it was very successful. One negative issue was that restaurants, bars, businesses outside the footprint of the draft events did not see the business they planned for. Also parking lots that hoped to make a bunch of money lost out. Apparently people took advantage of public transportation. But other than that it sounds like things went really well. My son-in-law worked at the Red Bull Event and said it was busy but not too crowded. Red Bull was happy with the business they saw. A ton of planning went into this event and it appears that it paid off and visitors were impressed with our city. I loved seeing on the news the interview with the guy the Steelers picked in the first round. He talked about coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel and seeing the view of the city, which is so incredible. I remember seeing that for the first time. It's been a great three days for Pittsburgh. And the Penquins won!

Now we can all bike to our hearts content to the Point and enjoy the wonderful GAP trail in the Pittsburgh area.

I enjoy the City of Pittsburgh as well. My thoughts turned to showing up for the NFL draft but my high school baseball umpire schedule prevented it. I'm hoping that I can navigate the GAP from the Point and out of the city later in June. It seems well marked or so I was told. Looking forward to the entire GAP/CO with blue bike.

Mark S.
Redford Twp., MI

I expect it will take a couple of days for the Point and North Shores to be returned to their pre-draft condition. While efforts were underway today to begin dismantling the venues, much was still blocked or fenced off.

Being from the Pgh area, I’d love to think that the GAP out of town is marked adequately. However, for those not from the area, I think it could be challenge, at least until you get to Boston, PA. However, by studying the route out of town and watching closely for the signs along the way, you’ve got a fair chance of success. Plotting the route using Google Maps and online following thereof would offer some peace of mind too. There are also some good YouTube videos showing the way out of town that would be useful to watch for the visual cues of the route. Once you reach Boston, you simply need to follow the “yellow brick road”, AKA the GAP Trail.