Originally Posted by
Ridefreemc
I'm working towards a trip that involves taking the Amtrak train to DC (from Tampa FL), then up the C&O/GAP to Pittsburg, and then roadways (or other routes off-road?) to Ann Arbor MI to watch the Michigan Wolverines play that team from Ohio on November 25th, 2017. My guess is that it'll be cold, likely wet, etc., but what about hostels, hotels, camping along the way? Are they open, is the GAP open or closed, or any other information that might prove helpful. I normally camp, but thing it would be better this trip to stay indoors. Any advice would be appreciated.
Probably ride mid-month, as it'll take about 10 days and I'd like to get to Ann Arbor a day or two early.
Frankly I would postpone this trip to a later date and warmer weather. I might plan a trip in November but I live just about a mile or two from the Montour Trail which is part of the GAP. I can change my plans at a moments notice. But I wouldn't be planning this is I had to travel.
November 25th you have a really good chance of getting snow in the Laurels. The issue with snow on the GAP is that it can really turn the trail to mush. As long as the trail is frozen you should be ok but if thinks warm up a bit then you will have problems.
And you mentioned Ann Arbor. Not sure if you ever experienced a lake effect snow storm but conditions along the lake can be brutal for several hundred miles from the lake front. and you will need to deal with Erie, Huron and Michigan. Cleveland is only 130 miles from here and they get a lot more snow than we do. Erie, PA gets it bad too and the storms stretch as far south as I80 only 100 miles or so form here. The lakes don't usually get snow till late December early January but you could still get one in late November.