Hey friends,

My wife and I are planning to do the Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal Towpath route from Pittsburgh to DC in the fall, BUT we're not sure what the best way is to get bikes and gear and ourselves from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. If you've done this starting in the Baltimore/DC region, and you have tips for getting there, please share!

Thanks,

Check in some shuttle companies. Or leave personal vehicle at ride finish, and rent a one way car.

this video might be of assistance (as well as some of his other GAP videos)


around the 5 minute mark - discussion related to parking and transportation of bikes / equip to Pgh etc

Take Amtrak’s Capitol Limited from DC to PGH. It gets in late, but there is a bike-friendly hotel a couple of easy blocks away. The train has a special place for bikes that doesn’t require disassembly, It’s very popular, so reserve bike spaces way ahead of time. The start of the GAP is an easy ride from the hotel.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the GAP. I’ve done it 3 times as part of longer tours.

Two plickets?

And an airport drop off of a rental might not be necessary. For example, Avis has a location on Liberty Ave. in the Bloomfield section, but I don’t know if you can do one-way drop offs there. If you can, Liberty Ave. takes you right into town.

Yup. I'm taking Amtrak from NY/NJ to Pittsburgh next month. I'll be staying at the bike-friendly Traveler's Rest Hotel before departing the next morning. I've paid the $20 for a bike spot on the train.

So the Pennsylvanian train then. Enjoy yhe Horseshoe Curve.

Look into this place:


Oops. Hampton Inn Downtown.

Only a couple of blocks from the station.

This is close, too:

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/pit...Vic2l0ZQ%3D%3D

Hey all -based on all the recommendations, we booked an Amtrak ride to Pittsburgh from Baltimore and will take a MARC train back from DC. Thanks!

Also, that video had the best tip of all: bikecando.com seems like a great way of planning out where you can stay and stop along the way.

Thanks all!

If you’re planning to stay indoors, book earlier rather than later. Fall can be a busy time on the GAP, especially if there is an organized tour going on.

Also…I didn’t watch the video, but if it mentions Husky Haven in Rockwood, PA, note that it closed a couple of years ago. Owners retired. Don’t know if it has been taken over. If you will be camping, I highly recommend the GAP Trail Campground in W. Newton, PA. Pricey, but oh so nice with a nice owner.

Finally, if you are a movie fan, the house where Buffalo Bill from The Silence of the Lambs is just off route near Witsett. I can give you a map if you’re interested. The place is now an expensive rental. The online gift shop sells Skin Suit So Soft Lotion.