GAP / C&O Canal Adventure

Pittsburgh to Washington DC

The rail trail system in the US offers a number of great riding options. The Great Allegheny Passage combined with the C&O Canal is one of the best car free rides available. Starting in Pittsburgh and riding with the wind at your back all the way to DC this ride is a must do. There are a number of breweries, historical sites and other interesting stops along the way.

Trip Itinerary - 9 Day

Day 1- Pittsburgh to West Newton ~34 Miles

We will meet in the morning and fit your bicycles and prepare for the ride. After a short orientation we will start riding from Point State Park and ride out of town. Pittsburgh has one of the oldest cycling clubs and cultures in the United states. If you have the time it is worth arriving a day or two early to check out the city.

Day 2 - West Newton to Ohiopyle ~42 Miles

Between West Newton and Ohiopyle you will enjoy cycling through a beautiful section of rural Pennsylvania. The trail slopes up gradually for the next two days but at an easy 1-2% grade. there are many spots to stop and take a break, eat lunch or just enjoy your surroundings. Riding along the river towards the continental divide is wonderful. In Ohiopyle we will relax and share cycling stories over drinks. A side trip to the UNESCO site Falling Water is available today.

Day 3 - Ohiopyle to Meyersdale ~42 Miles

As you ride toward the Eastern Continental Divide you will be cycling through Pennsylvania farmland and forests with beautiful views and features that make this trail special. Take a moment to enjoy your first tunnel of the ride, stop and photograph the view from the Salisbury viaduct or simply enjoy the ride on to Meyersdale.

Day 4 - Meyersdale to Cumberland ~32 Miles

Our final day on the GAP before switching to the C&O. This is also your last day with substantial elevation gain. As a bonus after you reach the top of the divide you are treated to 20 miles of downhill riding. Cumberland is home to a couple great breweries that I am sure you will love.

Day 5 - Cumberland to Little Orleans ~43 Miles

As you begin your ride on the C&O think about how difficult this must have been to build. The tow path was built between 1831 and 1924 mostly to transfer coal. Mules and small boats were used to navigate the Potomac River. There are many historical sites and markers for the rest of your ride through this long and narrow National Park.

Day 6 - Little Orleans to Williamsport ~41 Miles

The ride from Little Orleans to Williamsport is another pleasant day on the tow path. You will bike past Fort Frederick among numerous sites. Similar to other days on the path there are small towns and little places to stop and relax on your ride. Arriving in Williamsport we will celebrate the day’s ride with pizza and beer, It really does not get much better than that.

Day 7 - Williamsport to Shepherdstown ~27 Miles

Ride on the river - no, really. The tow path at this point is cantilevered over the water. This portion of the trail also has many Civil War sites that can be accessed from the trail, including Antietam.

Day 8 - Shepherdstown to Leesburg  ~43 Miles

Our ride today is through more Civil War sites. We will finish the day in Leesburg in Virginia’s Loudoun County. This will be our last night together and fortunately there are a couple breweries to visit!

Day 9 - Leesburg to DC ~41 Miles

For our last day riding we roll back over the river and cruise past Great Falls and on into DC. Arriving in Washington DC we will toast a great adventure with a beer at a local brewery before heading our separate ways, unless you are taking our free shuttle back to Pittsburg.