tarwheel 

I would recommend buying one of the GAP guidebooks. They sell them in towns along the way, but the book would be much more useful if you bought it ahead of time. Do a search for GAP trail guidebook and you should be able to find a source. The book costs $10 or less and has maps, lists of lodgings, restaurants and bike shops for each town. It also has ads and discount coupons. It's definitely worth the cost. Once you are on the trail, it is easy to pick up maps for the route as well as significant towns along the way.

Altair 4

Here's a Google Map (using "bicycle" as means of transportation) showing a route from the Amtrak station to both the Hampton Inn and the Homewood Suites. Less than half a mile ride, due to one way streets. Less if walk it. Watch the traffic. Enjoy your GAP / C&O ride!

https://goo.gl/maps/YhDzJdzJyLJ2

robow

Anything that deals with Pittsburgh, contact spinnaker here on the forum and he's almost always willing to help others out.

northerntier

Ah...Husky Haven must be the trains? We did wonder why the campground operator offered to sell us earplugs.

spinnaker

The whole length of the trail is safe during the daytime as long as you use some common sense. First mind your own business. You might see "unusual" activity in areas like Duquesnse or McKessport. Personally I prefer to stay on the surface street when arriving in Mckeesport. The trail really takes you out of your way and there has been lots of glass on the trail in this area. I would not venure on backstreets in places like Duqusene, Homestead and Mckeesport. With the trail as it is today, you would really need to be out exploring to get to backstreets in Duqusene and Homestead but you could easily wander down the wrong street in Mckeesport.

Once across the bridge into Boston, it is a totally different world.

I really don't see the need for the hassle of a shuttle unless you just don't riding at night. It really is very safe in the central core at night. You would want to avoid areas of Smallman above the Veterans Bridge and Carson Street , just because of drunks.

spinnaker

Ask Robow. He was there and the one that convinced me to press on to Ohiopyle instead of taking a leisurely afternoon at the campsite in Connelsville. A decision I have yet to forgive me for till this day. (Just kidding of course ).

The campsite is straight up a steep rocky path. It is pretty much unridable. Once at "the top" you still have a way to go to get to the office and pay.

spinnaker

And I would not miss Bicycle heavenhttps://www.bicycleheaven.org. For sure the coolest place in the city and possibly one of the coolest places in the country.

I am always glad to show BF members around and offer them a place to stay. The only problem is I am west of the city but if you are arriving at the airport it could be a good option to start the trip.

When coming in from the west, you have the Montour Trail with various options to get you to the GAP. IMHO, much of the Montour rivals much of the GAP. There are a few spots that are simply breath taking IMHO.

spinnaker

Ohiopyle is indeed a wonderful town in which to stay. Probably the nicest town on the whole trail. Hanging out down by the river at night is very cool.

But the only motel in town is expensive and you don't get much for your dollar. Nice an clean but pretty spartan.

I wish they would add a small camping area down by the river for hiker/ bikers.