By mid April, things start to warm up but snow is not unheard of mid April to early May. If you are staying in motels and B&Bs I would say the temp should be tolerable from that time one.

The big issue is going to be rain and snow melt. The path drains fairly quickly under a normal rain but after a long snowy winter, the snow takes time to melt an really saturates the ground. The trail can be a bit mushy in early spring. It is a lot like riding in Cream of Wheat when it is really soft. I think I actually prefer a muddy C&O over a mushy GAP.

My recommendation is usually after Memorial Day. By that time the trail has had a chance to drain of any built up moisture and you are pretty much sure of comfortable evenings. Rain is still anyones guess. For the GAP, August will be a bit dryer but also a lot hotter. As far as the C&O, I understand that corridor actually gets more rain than rainy old England.

I would not start a trip any time much after October if you are cold sensitive. While still excellent riding during that time, the weather can turn cold awfully quickly in the Highlands. If you are coming a distance to ride and don't want to take the chance of cold weather it is best to start no later than very early October.


You will need to box your bike. I have not looked but my guess is you would need to take the train to DC, then the Capital Limited to Pittsburgh. If that is the case then you will be arriving in Pittsburgh awfully late.

Options would be:

1. Take train to DC and ride DC to Pittsburgh. Rent a car or take a train back. But for some reason I have no desire to ride in that direction. Maybe it is because I live here. Plus it is a long steep climb out of Cumberland. A lot more fun to ride down. Pretty much the same climb going to Cumberland just spread out.

2. Take train to DC and rent car to drive here.

3. Ship you bike to me and either fly, drive or take the train. Assuming I will be home at the start of your trip.