Riding the GAP and C&O Canal Trails - 2021 Part 1

[@LarryHopper]

Looks great. I cannot wait for October to do a ride like this.

[@randallsmith7885]

Thank you so much for sharing this video series. I ride the C&O with friends about the same time as you did this ride. I want to ride the GAP trail in the late fall of this year, so yiur videos are a very very helpful preview.

[@andrewvillavicencio8496]

Awesome, Thanks! Just finished this ride, Pittsburgh to DC in 5 days! Glad the Paw Paw tunnel is re-opened :-) Lovely, Lovely ride.

[@JeffRevell]

I’ll certainly have to ride this again, especially now that the tunnel is open. Pushing my fully loaded bike over that mountain was no fun.

[@TravelingThru222]

Great video, love that trail. Glad i found your channel, just subbed.

[@js4513]

Hi Jeff. I hope you have been doing well. I find myself coming back to your GAP and C&O often and they are still a pleasure to watch.

[@HRL48]

I hope you realize what a valuable resource you have left here. Bravo man!

[@JeffRevell]

Thank you. I’m glad you found some value in my video. I made it to hopefully be a resource for anyone planning on riding this awesome route.

[@JRNY07]

Great video! If anyone isn’t one for camping there are also lodgings in West Newton called Bright Mornings B&B (very nice) I did my other overnights in Ohiopyle & Meyersdale. The GAP is great! Glad you had a great experience on it.

[@johnmedvick3765]

Really enjoyed the series. Thank you for sharing. Just finished part 4 a few minutes ago. Years ago I lived in Cumberland (well before GAP was a trail) and I rode between Cumberland and the Paw Paw Tunnel many times. I also rode a stretch on both sides of Point of Rocks. I’ve actually been on the C&O when the snow was flying. In more recent years when visiting the area I’ve been able to ride the GAP between Frostburg and Meyersdale. I am enamored with the GAP and I hope to do the stretch between Confluence and Frostburg or Cumberland in 2023.

[@newbejoe]

Thanks for the details. Looking forward to my adventure

[@lasanallien6657]

Thank you for bringing us along. Really informative and nice to see what it’s like.

[@princepage632]

i like da trains!! dey put me to sleep. i grew up listening to trains go by right by my grandmothers house!!. i will defenantly stop at the creekside campground!!

[@minniemartin1324]

Great video! I really appreciate the "full" footage and details; thanks for clearing up that McKeesport section into Boston (we took a wrong turn)

[@FollowThomas]

The weather looks still nice to ride. I did part of C&O this summer but planning to continue next year. Beautiful ride 👍🙂

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Nice video, Jeff!

[@JeffRevell]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@pgreenx]

Thinking about riding with my lone peaks. Did you ever take a long ride with those Altras?

[@JeffRevell]

I had mine along for after rides and for pushing the bike over Pawpaw mountain (due to the tunnel closure.) I usually ride in my 5-10s due to my flat pedals the pedal spikes are a bit aggressive for the softer soled Lone Peaks.

[@pgreenx]

@@JeffRevell thanks. I am doing the GDMBR this yr and was hoping not to carry extra shoes and just use the LPs. Saving a pound is a lot but I guess I’ll try them.

[@JeffRevell]

I have never hiked the GDMBR but I have watched a lot of videos. Looks like there can be a bit of hike-a-bike so the Lone Peaks might serve you well. My 5-10s are grippy on the pedals but not so grippy on the trail. I definitely think weight should be a big consideration for that trail ride. So much elevation.

[@pgreenx]

@@JeffRevell I was thinking that. I’m mostly a backpacker and weight is everything. I’ll try the LPs on my next training ride. I do like the 5/10s through on the bike.

[@timh991]

Thanks for sharing the video and providing all the good information along the way. Looks like you had a great time and was well prepared. My wife and I plan to do the trip soon. Did you fine a hotel close to Amtrak in Pitt that would let you bring bicycles inside? We plan to take the Amtrak to Pitt and start out the following morning. Also, if time doesn't allow us to do the GAP and C&O together but we only do one of the two, which would you say is more scenic and enjoyable between the two? Thanks again.

[@JeffRevell]

I stayed at the Embassy Suites in Pittsburgh. It is fairly close to the train station and about a half-mile from the beginning of the GAP. I didn’t ask anyone about bringing my bike in, I just rolled it on in. No one seemed to object. I think they see a lot of bike travelers near the trail. The hotel lobby is actually on the upper floors of the building, which I have not seen before. I took the train from DC and it doesn’t arrive until almost midnight so getting a hotel near the train station is a good idea. As for which trail is more scenic, it’s hands down the GAP. It is more wide open, goes through more small towns, and is generally in better condition. Camping options are fewer on the GAP though. The C&O has camping locations about every 5 miles along the trail. Have a great ride.

[@timh991]

@@JeffRevell Thanks for the response and all the good information that you provided in your videos.

[@princepage632]

dude, i have watched lots of videos on the gap trail. I think you got lost and went the wrong way. none of the gap vids show the route you took. Anyhow, i like your video ,and thanks for sharing!!

[@youarenotalmostthere]

Curious to know if there are Bear boxes for food bags at the campsites. Thanks.

[@JeffRevell]

Bears are not really a concern on the GAP trail and there is no requirement for bear cannisters. You could obviously take your own or hang your food while camping. I saw very little wild life and no bears while peddling the trail.

[@youarenotalmostthere]

@@JeffRevell thanks

[@oneguyatthesametime]

I live up the hill from mile marker 130. Small town called liberty. Everybody gets lost around that part of the trail. Ill send people this video for info.

[@princepage632]

what kind of bike are you riding? and what tire size? you mentioned about doz other riders flying by you. dats ok!! Speed is not the issue here.Enjoyment and ride quality is!! Don't worry bout dem other riders. ride your own ride!!

[@JeffRevell]

I was riding a hardtail on that trip. It’s slower than most of the road and gravel bikes but it served me well, especially on the C&O, which is much more rustic than the GAP. I only got lost once and it was just for a few minutes where the signage was not great through one of the towns. There weee also some detours in place, which forced me on alternate routes, which might be why it looked different in places. Much like when I had to go over the Pawpaw mountain as opposed to the tunnel, which I hear is now open again.

[@Sr89hot]

C&O was my first tour and after riding others, it was the one I enjoyed the most.