GAP and C&O Canal
With 330 miles of trail the GAP and C&O deliver breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains, tranquil passages along the historic C&O Canal, and a chance to immerse yourself in the history of America's industrial growth. We'll cycle approx. 55 - 60 miles a day, enjoying the charming towns and diverse landscapes, soaring forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene meadows along the way. We'll also stay in both kitschy and historic towns adding lots of local color to the experience. We cap off the tour with a guided bike tour our the Nation's Capital, Washington DC, where we'll end our ride at the Capital Mall.
Pricing:
Per Person Double Occ: $2889
Single Occ: + $500
Deposit of $500 per person required with reservation. You will be invoiced for balance, including any discounts or adjustments.
2027 Tour Dates:
On Demand Only
The Essentials:
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Total Miles: 330 -- Daily Miles: 50 - 60 miles
Meals: Daily Breakfast; 6 Lunch; 1 Dinner
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Pittsburgh
Arrive Pittsburgh and do a little sightseeing. From lively Station Square, you can ride the famous Inclines to enjoy panoramic views of the ‘Burgh, or explore the famous 3 Rivers by taking a tour on the Gateway Clipper. Grab some dinner before making your way back to the hotel for tour orientation.
Day 2: Pittsburgh to Connellsville (60 miles)
We leave Pittsburgh behind as we head for the beautiful rural reaches of Pennsylvania, taking us through old-growth forests and following the majestic Youghiogheny river. The trail delights with charming small towns and nostalgic train depots which have been converted into visitor’s centers, cafés and gift shops. After our lunch stop in W. Newton, we continue on to cool Connellsville nestled on the bank of the beautiful Yough.
Day 3: Connellsville to Rockwood (46 miles)
In 18 miles we reach Ohiopyle State Park where we encourage you to take time to explore this unique PA State Park, by bike and by foot, the many paths that showcase the beautiful Youghiogheny river. We stop for a picnic lunch in Confluence then it’s on to the soaring Salisbury Viaduct which is over 100’ high and 2,300’ long making for one exciting ride! We continue on making our way to Garrett, where we’ll shuttle 15 minutes to our hotel in Somerset.
Day 4: Rockwood to Cumberland (44 miles)
Today we hit the trail for an exciting 37 miles taking us across the Eastern Continental Divide and the Mason Dixon Line, and through the famous Big Savage Tunnel. Exiting Big Savage, plan to take a long pause to appreciate the stunning views of the Allegheny Valley before beginning your downhill cruise to Cumberland, the junction of the GAP and C&O Trails, and our stop for the evening.
Day 5: Cumberland to Hancock (60 miles)
Say good morning to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath! Along today’s route you’ll pass aqueducts, locks, and remnants of Colonial and Native American settlements before reaching the iconic Paw-Paw Tunnel, one of the most significant features on the C&O. We cycle on passing through Greenridge State Forest and Little Orleans before ending our day in Hancock, Maryland.
Day 6: Fort Frederick to Harpers Ferry (55 miles)
We being the day with a short shuttle to Fort Frederick, where you can explore one of the largest forts built by the English Colonists. Then it’s on the bikes enjoying the downhill glide and passing many of the historic canal houses and locks. After a trailside picnic, the trail comes within 2.5 miles of Antietam Battlefield ($20), and those interest can divert the short distance to explore the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Our day ends as we roll into famous Harpers Ferry where you’ll have time to explore before shuttling to our hotel.
Day 7: Harpers Ferry to Washington DC (50 miles)
We leave Harpers Ferry behind as we enjoy another day of cycling, now meandering with the powerful Potomac and taking in the beautiful scenery as we make our way to Great Fall, a series of waterfalls, rapids and drops which presented significant challenges for early engineers attempting to make the Potomac navigable. You’ll have time to explore Great Falls before continuing on for our last 14 miles taking us to C&O mile marker 0 in Washington DC, and the end of this truly epic adventure!