Pittsburgh To DC: GAP And C&O Bike Tour

Conde Naste magazine included this unique trail system in its “most beautiful rail-trail list” and you’ll quickly see why. On your way from Pittsburgh, PA, to Washington, DC, the multitude of natural, cultural and historically significant sites will astound you.

The initial 129 miles of this tour are on the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD, located on abandoned railroad beds. The final 190 miles from Cumberland, MD to downtown Washington, DC, are on the C&O Canal Towpath, which is the heart of the C&O Canal National Park. You will not believe the tranquility and the beauty of this park; located in the middle of the suburban east coast. Read our in-depth blog post on the C&O Canal Towpath History here.

Talk about bucket list opportunities! Your journey will visit three states- PA, MD, WV and will visit the District of Columbia, and will pass through four national parks – C&O Canal, Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry and Rock Creek Park.

Your 300+ miles of car-free rail trails begin just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. It won’t be long until the buildings are exchanged for a canopy of trees. We start at 761 feet in elevation, cross the Continental Divide at 2,932 feet and end at sea level. Along the way, we will ride past remnants of the early 1900s industrial revolution when Pittsburgh Steel was king. All of this happens with a maximum grade of 2% with only a very few exceptions.

While the grade is quite friendly, keep in mind that the daily mileage averages 50 miles a day. To maximize your enjoyment of the tour, riders will want to average 9 miles an hour.

Highlights

• Descend the Allegheny Front of the Appalachian Mountains
• Ohiopyle Falls
• Cross the Youghiogheny River on a 100'-tall railroad bridge
• Ride over the 101' high Salisbury Viaduct
• Transportation back to starting point

#candocanal