Climbs & Tunnels! - Bike Touring The Great Allegheny Passage Trail

Day 4 of our trip found us leaving Cumberland and the C&O Trail and moving on to the GAP Rail Trail. We spent two 80 mile days on the bike path spending the night in Ohio Pyle State Park. The vibe of the GAP is definitely different than the C&O. Right out of town you start climbing and it is over 20 miles up to the Eastern Continental Divide. After that it was a day and half downhill into Pittsburgh where we finished at Point Park.
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[@Sapoguapo]

This is easily one of my favorite bike channels. Love all the adventures you share. What I love is that you show the audience that bikepackimg is accessible to everyone, no need for the lightest fanciest gear, just an adventurous heart and two wheels!

[@sagehiker]

A great vibe and story. I am in the Mountain US West and we did not have the kind of infrastructure history so this is all fascinating to me. We are on a blessed continent to have the diversity and opportunity.

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure! I would also like to get out that way to ride eventually to get to ride the more rugged terrain and being farther in the wilderness.

[@howardquinn5911]

My wife and I did many parts of both trails from 1989-2014, but never could find the time to do either one completely. Taking the old train from Cumberland to Frostburg and riding our bikes back was a real kick we enjoyed three times, the last with our five yr old grandson. Trains and bikes are the best!

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! Yup - trains and bikes!💜

[@stephensaines7100]

@@TimFitzwater lol! I was just about to type same. There's a wonderful symbiosis of bikes and trains.

[@shanansp]

Having grown up in Cumberland and living outside Shepherdstown for several years, this beautiful trail brought back great memories!

[@styverdyver]

I enjoyed your trip on these two trails. I did a part of the C&O as a kid in 1969 from Georgetown to Great Falls. Also familiar with the Ohiopyle area. I've been there many times to camp and kayak the river. I did do a few bike miles there too. Good memories, and to see some areas from my younger years that you traveled!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome! We want to go back and just spend some time in Ohiopyle. See,s like a lot to do around there! Cheers!

[@dickthomson3436]

Good job with your video…I’ve ridden the GAP/C&O several times and have gone both ways. That is Pittsburgh to DC or DC to D’Burgh. Because I live in Western Pennsylvania I prefer finishing up at the Point mainly because I know I’m done whereas finishing up in DC I still have a 5+ hour drive home. In early September, 2021, I and 9 friends rode from DC to D’Burgh. On Wednesday September 1 we headed out from Cumberland right into the remnants of Hurricane Ida with heavy rain and headwinds gusting up to 75mph. Once we crossed over the Eastern Continental Divide the trail was pretty much flooded some times the rushing water was above my bottom bracket. Fortunately we were only going as far as Meyersdale. We all made it with lots of stories we’ll all be sharing for a long time. The ride was a fundraiser for the Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania named “The DC To D’Burgh…Pedaling Parkinson’s Outta Tahn”. I have Parkinson’s and was riding an ebike. Because the water was sometimes over my mid-drive motor it was unbelievable that it didn’t cut 12:17 out. A real testimony on the Bosch system.

[@TimFitzwater]

Wow - for sure. I’ve always heard that the Bosch driven e-bikes are the best. Some people get real serious about the way you should go but I will always think it is about where you want to end up.

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

What a great ride we got to go down that grade from the continental divide . How ever the 60 miles up was tuff from connesville to cumberland . Loved the last 23 miles

[@TimFitzwater]

We were debating which way we thought would be better - not really sure though - perks to both! Thanks!

[@bfinoradin]

@@TimFitzwater having done both directions I’m a big fan of riding south - there’s nothing like that sweet sweet 23 mile descent into Cumberland - sort of a nice treat before embarking on the C&O

[@eibes]

I really enjoyed your videos about the C&O. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@TimFitzwater]

You’re welcome - thanks for checking them out!

[@joeljones4080]

Great! Hope Brad had a manageable bout and is fully recovered now.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Brad did have a rough go of it but is doing much better now.

[@Abracadabrad]

Still recovering, had me worried for a bit.

[@scotthanback4530]

Thanks for the video plan to get in shape ride the outdoors got out of touch with nature I need this thankyou

[@roberthogue5138]

Yiu were fortunate that you weren't plagued by mosquitoes like my brother and i were, when we rode from Pittsburgh to DC in fall of 2018. However the Allegheny trail was excellent, and i hope to ride it again if my cancer permits.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I wonder why? Maybe July was dry-ish? I don’t remember. Get week and get back out there brother!

[@carlo1132]

My ride from Ohiopyle round trip to Meyersdale was fun, I ride on a loaded Pashley Roadster Steel 3 speed, drinking Guinness and Smoking Cigars, while riding! Great Trip, thanks for sharing.

[@TimFitzwater]

Party Pace wins the race!

[@davidwhocares3293]

Awesome, thanx for bringing us with you !

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks for coming along!

[@jmaydelotte]

Nice series! I'll be doing the C&O & GAP in June as part of a longer tour from Virginia's Outer Banks to Chicago, but your video & narration gave me a really good feel for what I'll see this summer, and some good ideas where to stop for supplies (beer). Thanks for making it!

[@TimFitzwater]

Awesome- I hope it goes smooth and that you have a blast! I love when someone finds these vids useful!

[@davyhaynes6716]

Tim--really enjoyed your C&O/GAP series. I've been toying with that trip for years now. I think I may put that trip together in June. I did not know that Amtrak was an option. That sure makes the logistics easier when you leave a car at one end.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Yeah - Amtrak is the way to do it. As mentioned - you just have to build in some time for the likely (illegal) freight train delay.

[@freddywithay1]

Gr8 Video Tim, Still on my Bucket List

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! It is an awesome ride. You should plan it and do it!

[@Rlaplante73]

Great video and content. Thanks for sharing :)

[@TimFitzwater]

You're welcome - thanks for checking it out!

[@ronneilcabrera2301]

Such a nice place and I envy you guys. For now I'm off the saddle ever since I broke my arm. Can't wait to be back. Always be safe out there especially on slippery roads.

[@TimFitzwater]

Oh man - that sucks! Hope you heel up quickly! We were being cautious of those wooden bridges when they were damp.

[@ronneilcabrera2301]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks man it means a lot. Doing some physical therapy recently, hoping to be back on my bike soon.

[@walkingdistrict]

Great series and wild how you made it back before the storm. We did the GAP last fall and this brought back great memories. The Ohiopyle section is my fave with deep woods and beautiful scenery. Didn't realize what a gem that park is. We did this the opposite direction and one of the benefits is the exhilarating downhill from the continental divide. We're planning on exploring your neck of the woods this summer in Cuyahoga Valley NP.

[@TimFitzwater]

We are thinking of planning an eventual trip just to Ohio Pyle just to explore the area more. We definitely saw the cyclists bombing the hill in the other direction. We were trying to decide overall which way would be better but I think they both have their benefits.

[@patriciawilson5950]

My husband and me rode this trail in 2003. It was my least favorite bike tour we did but the history was interesting and it was my first and only time staying in a hostall which was fun

[@TimFitzwater]

I like it for simple touring - it’s definitely not a bike packing adventure.

[@marks6041]

Thank you for posting the three helpful videos on the Amtrak, C&O, and GAP portions of your trip. I'll be taking the train from Cary, NC to DC in the next week or so to ride up to Pittsburgh on the bike. I've had to delay the trip a couple times after recovering from cold and flu so fingers crossed I'm good to go this time.

[@TimFitzwater]

Good luck - I hope you have good weather and stay healthy! It is such a great ride! How many days will you spend on the trails?

[@Abracadabrad]

I would definitely recommend wearing a mask on the train!

[@marks6041]

@@TimFitzwater I'm 64 and recently retired so not in a huge time crunch. My energy levels are still depleted from being sick so I may only ride about 50 miles a day. I'll have to see how I feel when I get to Pittsburgh where I can decide whether to ride back to DC or take the train. Been kind of dragging since January so may have had mono (who knows)?

[@wescheslak9408]

Great video. This makes me want to go ride. Thank you.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! Get out there!

[@Mark-qo3td]

I did my trip the week after you from DC to Pitt. My experience was very similar and your video was excellent. I heard “you are going the wrong way” very often as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@TimFitzwater]

It is such a great trip! Even though I’d go the other way if I do it again it would just be to change it up / I think I’d still prefer East to West.

[@Planetone.]

That trail looks amazing, thanks for sharing. Looks like all had a great time❤

[@TimFitzwater]

Its a great trail - combine it with the C&O and its even better! Cheers!

[@Planetone.]

@TimFitzwater All those trails along the river, brewery stops dam I was blown away! Definitely a must. Awesome channel dude!

[@spaceghost8995]

I'm getting ready to do the Katy Trail across MO , but I enjoyed the GAP and C&O so much that I might do them again instead. Waiting for maybe May 20 or so for warm weather though!😂

[@TimFitzwater]

Katy Trail sounds interesting. I want to do it one day.

[@spaceghost8995]

@@TimFitzwater Absolutely. The Rock Island Trail is now open from KC east to Windsor,MO where you can get on the Katy all the way to Machens,MO near IL border. 297 miles

[@FollowThomas]

Great adventure ride. I rode the GAP trail just last week as part of my month-long Amtrak and Bike coast to coast travel absolutely loved the GAP trail.

[@TimFitzwater]

I’ve been following your journey - looks amazing!

[@FollowThomas]

@@TimFitzwater Thank you happy to hear that. Next episode of my trip is gonna be Cleveland where I ride on the Ohio & Erie Trail and then GAP Trail Pittsburgh to Cumberland. Thanks again for following my Amtrak and Bike adventure trip. 🙂

[@psucsi4145]

Great video and narration. I am considering doing the Gap in the Fall and I was interested to see the route from East to West. I have bounced back and forth between Myersdale and Cumberland a few times so I am familiar with the climb and the thrill of screaming downhill into Frostburg. Liking the concept of traveling in this direction.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! We've talked a decent bit about which direction would be best - but I think both have their positives and negatives. If we do it again we would go the other way - not necessarily because we think it would be better - but just to change it up.

[@Cobwobbler]

Another cool trip. Love the “Jason King” vibe…

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@bikeericaustin1541]

sh*t, Tim, you did it again! (i'm finnally cing ths)

[@TimFitzwater]

😎

[@danl3946]

Nice ride

[@craigscott3133]

This is on my list for next year, although definitely not in two days. More like four. I'm old. There is work going on in Pittsburgh on the trail leading to the Point. It will make things easier, I think.

[@TimFitzwater]

I've heard that is supposed to get easier - I've struggled twice to get there. 2 days was a bit much even for us - 3-4 is definitely better if you want to enjoy it. I can't remember if I said it in the vid or not but we wanted to spend more of our limited time on the C&O Trail since we hadn't done that part before.

[@TimFitzwater]

Check out the C&O Trail we rode first! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipy2ZX6jlrR6oNE

[@justincapek1132]

Tim, I've done the GAP multiple times now, and in my opinion, Cumberland to Pittsburgh is the best direction. The downhill into Cumberland is loads of fun, but 120+ miles of easy pedaling going SE to NW trumps that as far as I'm concerned. Riding the C&O and GAP next summer, really enjoy your videos.

[@TimFitzwater]

I really think that too....but until I do it the other way I don't want to say definitively... Really the main thing for us is parking in Pitt is just way less driving.

[@njcranes]

As a beer drinker, I want to drop in behind y'all!! 🍺 🍻

[@TimFitzwater]

Cheers!

[@BradWadeNL]

I remember those views of Pittsburgh but from the other side of the bridge when I biked through in 2017.

[@TimFitzwater]

It really is a cool town to explore by bike - I've gotten to ride there a number of times now.

[@jackieparker6466]

Oh that climb to Ohio Pyle State park is brutal! But I keep going back! Hope Brad and the rest of you are well. Thank you for the great video,

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - it was a tough one. We were just looking at a map of the MTB trails around there this morning- I think we might make a trip back there soon. Brad is finally feeling better - Erin got sick when we got back but is doing well now too. Ben and I somehow made it out ok.

[@chrisyanda8884]

A friend asks for help you help em.

[@TheRickurb]

Some don’t…you get big points in my book

[@Abracadabrad]

Saint Yanda. I will love you forever.

[@georgemacheel2039]

If you can steal the time (or are retired like us) there are major attractions to enjoy along the Trail. Like Harper’s Ferry, the Antietam Battlefield National Park is a major Civil War site. There is an auto tour of the battlefield that you can do on your bike. And you can stay at the Antietam Creek Campsite, one of the Canal’s most appealing. At Ohio Pyle, you can catch a 15 minute shuttle to Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater. People come from all over the world to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kickback in Ohio Pyle and enjoy this antique community, the State Park and the beautiful setting. After finishing the Trail, some riders use Amtrak’s Capitol Limited to ferry their bikes back to their car. We didn’t reserve bike space in time, so we instead rented a pickup truck at Washington DC’s National Airport and dropped it off at Pittsburgh International Airport. You can reach National Airport from Georgetown via bike trails along the Potomac. Join the crowd at Gravelly Point to watch the departing airliners as they pass a seeming stone’s throw overhead.

[@TimFitzwater]

We did take Amtrak from Pitt to DC(have video about that) and spent a decent amount of time in Harpers Ferry(vid about that too). Its always a balance of how much time to spend sight-seeing vs. how much ground to cover. We all have limited time as we are in our 30s and 40s.

[@thomasfaba2616]

Sweet Mags!

[@TimFitzwater]

They’re Spins - vintage carbon!

[@TheRickurb]

❤️Yonda

[@TheLankyCyclist]

Great Tour! Too bad for Funny Brad. I'd love to do this one day but without the camping. I'm high maintenance. Lol.

[@TimFitzwater]

That’s a great thing about this route. You can really do it in any level of comfort you want. Full on roughing it to super-cool credit card touring. Some of the bed & breakfast’s looked awesome and unique but also regular hotels. Worthwhile ride whatever you choose.

[@josh33172]

My preference is west to east, but I do get the logic of doing it the opposite direction, but my reason is always logistical....I have a good friend in Maryland just off the C&O so a place to stay, a shower and a place to pack up the bike before heading to the Metro and ultimately Reagan. East to West or West to East, regardless of your skill level, the GAP-C&O is a fantastic tour!

[@TimFitzwater]

Makes sense. Our decisions was definitely based more on logistics than anything else too. You're right - definitely a great tour for all kinds of riders!

[@gravelcasualbikepacking5475]

That was my little orange sticker at the divide map…we came thought in june

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice!

[@TheRickurb]

❤️Brad

[@smokeybeard2549]

The lean two you mentioned a little bit from Pittsburgh how far from Pittsburgh would you say it was. Unlike the c&o looks like a lot of the campsites cost money on the GAP trail. Im going to ride from Pittsburgh to Maryland because Maryland is closer to my house

[@TimFitzwater]

I have to be honest that I don't remember now(it been over a year). Yes - more paid campsites along the GAP but non are that expensive - paying for campsites maintains 'em. I think either direction would be fun - just a matter of doing what works best for your logistics.

[@miker4481]

Great video! I doing the same trip, other direction (Pitt to DC) next week. Any issues finding lodging?

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! We booked everything ahead of time being that we were travelling on and around 4th of July. Two private campgrounds, 1 state park and one Air BnB - but I would say after seeing the trails there wouldn't be a problem finding places on the fly - the C&O has ride up camp site every ten miles or so and there are a number on the GAP too. There were advertised BnB's along the way and hotels in the bigger towns/cities.

[@TheRickurb]

❤️🐈!!!

[@MrRay645]

love the C&O/GAP trails, I actually prefer going from DC to Pittsburgh I have only done it alone and its been late July or august so I probably ride longer days being alone and not really wanting to stop moving in the heat... Starting fresh on the rougher C&O dirt and then ending on smooth crushed limestone GAP is nice. Online I noticed a fair amount of complaints about the C&O surface but would hate to see it become a normal smooth bike trail... the dirt makes it fun/unique . *Spotted lots of folks on "normal" everyday comfort / hybrid bikes with thinner tires maybe with the explosion of gravel bike popularity more everyday REI/big box stores "do it all" type bikes will come with fatter tires stock. Cant wait to go again, in a few weeks... and its looking like I will even have the time to go again in the fall.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yeah - I agree that start in DC is probably best but we all said we would go the other way next time - just to change it up. Hopefully the days of the skinny tires are numbered- no reason for most of us to be on them - even on most pavement. I bet it’s amazing out there in the Fall!

[@Ray-dz9fn]

Thanks so much for this video series - In a few years, once I lose more weight and gain muscle, I am planning to AMTRAK to Pittsburgh (via D.C.), biking back to D.C., then AMTRAKing back home. For the bike, I'm thinking of riding an electrified Velo Orange 20" wheel Neutrino - if not, maybe a Crust Evasion. But, "it's not the bike, it's the rider" - and this 70+ year old, former commuter/MS150 rider needs a lot of improvement. B&B/Hotels are my preference. On AMTRAKing the bikes, are wider randonneur/porter front racks a problem (approx. a foot wide, narrower than the bars)?

[@TimFitzwater]

Both of those are awesome bikes! No problem with any racks/baskets on the bikes. The bike racks were full on our train and they just laid them on the floor anyways. Sure they could do that if need be with yours. Cheers - get out there and do it! 😎

[@spaceghost8995]

Did Gap eastbound in 2021. It definitely is slightly uphill from Pitt to the divide. I felt it. Doing it again next week (Sept.2022) but may do DC to Cumberland also. I fret about that 23 mile climb from Cumberland to the divide though. You must climb 100 ft of elevation per mile. I don't have the legs of some of these avid riders who do bike all the time. IDK if I can do it. I may shuttle up there.

[@TimFitzwater]

It really isn't that crazy - it is long but not steep at all. Put it in an easier gear and take your time.

[@spaceghost8995]

@@TimFitzwater I may You Tube it you can check in on me lol

[@spaceghost8995]

​@@TimFitzwaterI did do that uphill going west! It wasn't that bad. I took some breaks .😂

[@willdupuis]

Great series! Quick question. You started in DC but were parked in Pittsburgh, how did you get to DC to start your ride? I'd like to try this ride myself.

[@TimFitzwater]

We took the Amtrak - the video before is about that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5yYkICdjriCnMUsi=-jxkUa-d15ETMOws

[@willdupuis]

@@TimFitzwater thanks!

[@anthonyrose2318]

I plan on doing Pittsburgh to Cumberland then flip and go back to Pittsburgh May 2023, Any helpful advise for a 66 yr old guy in healthy shape? BTW is 4 days doable?

[@TimFitzwater]

I think 4 days would be doable if you are in good shape - roughly 75 miles a day. Just remember the day out of Cumberland will be slower going with the long steady climb. Personally I would want to plan my stops for the evening ahead of time so you know the destination- and they aren’t quite as frequent as they are on the C&O.

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

What size tires do you recommend Tim

[@TimFitzwater]

The widest your frame will take - and that is my advice no matter what the terrain or type of ride. Skinny tires are not faster in real world conditions. That being said I think 38 would be the absolute minimum I would want and 42 would be about perfect. I was on an old converted MTB so 2.1 inch tires - they were comfortable but not necessary.

[@bp996959]

sorry i didnt check with woman's name in the purple bike but can you too me what brand and model of bike she was riding,, it looked like it fit her so well,,

[@TimFitzwater]

Yes- that is Erin's Crust Bombora. We made a video all about - you can check that out if you like: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4WVeaSDftV9fpY Pathless Pedaled has some good videos on that bike too if you follow him.

[@sometimesoonfan]

Which All City bike is buddy riding?

[@TimFitzwater]

Gorilla Monsoon. He is actually running it with TI sweep bars these days.

[@jimclark6773]

How did you get back from Pittsburgh?

[@TimFitzwater]

We drove there and parked in the transit center / it’s only an hour and a half from here.

[@jayperry9194]

Could I ask what parking deck you used in Pittsburgh?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yes - it was the one at the transit center across the street from the Amtrak Station.

[@jayperry9194]

@@TimFitzwater Thanks. That's what I was told and I"m glad you confirmed it. I did the GAP and most of the C&O 2 years ago and I'm getting the itch again.

[@TimFitzwater]

@@jayperry9194 No problem - just make sure to tell them it is long term and they give you a special tag for the dash.

[@jayperry9194]

I actually stayed at a hotel two blocks from Amtrak and they let me park my truck in their parking lot until I got back. I amtraked to Cumberland and biked back to Pittsburgh. Going from Point Park back to the hotel at the end of the ride was easy as Pittsburgh had a very bike friendly infrastructer. I was minutes from the hotel and used a bike lane almost the whole way back.

[@scotthanback4530]

What state this in migth ride 40 miles of this trail by the way is it step hills

[@TimFitzwater]

Not steep but a long one. PA and Maryland

[@tukitoria01]

No sign of Big foot I guess.

[@paddyoak1]

REMEMBER: If you’re not (sometimes) climbing, then you’re not riding!

[@TimFitzwater]

For real!

[@pingpongballz5998]

What bike is the girl riding? It looks really upright

[@TimFitzwater]

Erin is on a Crust Bombora

[@bicycleutopia]

you made a wrong turn: the trail shouldnt take you thru mckeesport. you should have stopped at the little boston inn in boston, pa. great people.

[@TimFitzwater]

Ok

[@snailsfrogslegs119]

Just keep those stupid children's toys out of the way of my Harley twig boy!

[@TimFitzwater]

I'm sure your fat, lazy ass won't get to where we are riding anyways.

[@bikeericaustin1541]

far out and way cool !!! finally found this one :) ..., little factoid here: technically, established in 1961, C&O trail predated "1st" rails-to-trails = WI "Elroy-Sparta Trail" by six years..., except it was a tow-path. So does that mean i still rode 'the first' as a child on my 24" Schwinn Typhoon shortly after Elroy-Sparta opened in 1967 ??? perplexing questions here to ruminate on while riding this or in your hood or the next ??? ..., Rails-to Trails Conservancy says there's now = 2,000+ Rail-Trails in U.S/ 25,000+ Miles of Rail-Trails/ 40,000 Miles of Multiuse Trail/ Rail-Trails in all 50 states en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_and_Ohio_Canal_National_Historical_Park en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elroy-Sparta_State_Trail www.railstotrails.org/