I think you mean the pump handles were removed from the C&O. Which from what I understand is still true. The water was not much good except for washing up anyway. Lots and lots of mosquitoes at the campsites on the C&O. That alone might change your find from camping along there.

A folder on the GAP will probably be OK but it is going to be real torture on the C&O. I would advise against it. Last I heard conditions were good along the C&O or at least as good as it gets. Don't get me wrong the C&O is a great trail and worth seeing but it is going to be rough and most likely muddy.

Let me know if you need any thing at the Pittsburgh end, tour guide, sag, whatever you might need.

P.S. There is no asphalt on the GAP except for near Pittsburgh and maybe some very short sections near road crossings etc.