c&o canal bicycle tour

GAP + C&O Trails

Pittsburgh - Cumberland - D.C.

Self-guided Bike Tours

Ride trails separate or combined  - April through October

GAP and C&O Self-Guided Tours

Lodging - Breakfast - App  - GPS Maps 

The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland where it meets The Chesapeake & Ohio Towpath trail which goes to Georgetown (D.C.).  You can ride these trails separately or for a combined ride.

Our self-guided tours allow you to pick which tour is best for you. The Great Allegheny Passage Trail is a 4-day tour starting in Pittsburgh and ending in Cumberland, MD.  The Chesapeake & Ohio Towpath trail 4-day tour starts in Cumberland and completes in Georgetown (D.C.).  The combined GAPCO tour is an 8-day tour covering both trails.

Your self-guided trip is great for beginners or avid cyclists. 

Our self-guided tours provide:

Great hotels & B&Bs

Breakfast at most locations

GPS mapping

Our App providing detailed tour information and route highlights

GAP and C&O T-shirt and patch

Extra services you may add to your tour:

Shuttle to and from the trail

Luggage Shuttle – move your luggage to each accommodation

Bike rentals – Hybrid or E-bikes

Tours are available from April through October. See our tours for specific available dates, or we can build a custom tour to meet your timing.  Ride these two Hall of Fame Trails separately or combined and let Crossroads do the planning.

PAY ONLY $262.50 /pp DEPOSIT

6 spots left

Cumberland , United States

Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) 4-day Tour

Ride the GAP - One of America's most famous rail trails. Pittsburgh to Cumberland

FROM $525.00 /pp

PAY ONLY $300 /pp DEPOSIT

8 spots left

C&O Canal Towpath 4-day Tour

Ride America's early transportation history - Cumberland to D.C.

FROM $600.00 /pp

PAY ONLY $550 /pp DEPOSIT

GAP + C&O Towpath 8-day Tour

Ride the GAP + C&O Towpath from Pittsburgh to D.C.

FROM $1,100.00 /pp

GAP + C&O Self-Guided Tours Comparison

* PRICE FOR SINGLE: Price for SOLO CYCLIST OR ONE PERSON in a room

GROUPS OF 7 OR MORE, OR RETURNING GUESTS: Receive 5% discount

TOURS AVAILABLE APRIL - OCTOBER

Extras for your Tour

Your self-guided tour includes your lodging, breakfast, transportation to the trail, GPS maps, trail information, t-shirt, and patch.

You might consider these extras for your tour

Shuttle Service

We can shuttle you from Cumberland to Pittsburgh then Georgetown/DC to Cumberland.  Or from Georgetown/DC to Pittsburgh.  Extra night is required if needing shuttled from end to end.

Luggage Shuttle

 No need to carry your luggage on your bikes, let us do the work for you.  Your luggage will be transported to each lodging location while you ride the trail.  Purchase as many bags as you need.

Bike Rental

Need a bike rental for the trail? We have hybrid bikes and e-bikes for your tour.  Consider an E-bike if you ride less than 200 miles a month or cannot maintain a 10-12 mile pace. E-bikes turn your ride from a frown to a smile. Helmet, lock, tube, tools, pump and small bag included.

GAP and C&O Map

Faq's - gap and c&o trail, what are the trail conditions.

The GAP trail (Pittsburgh – Cumberland) is packed crushed gravel surface for a smooth ride. Built mainly on abandoned rail beds.  The trail increases in elevation until Big Savage Tunnel where you go downhill1,754 feet in 24 miles to reach Cumberland.

C & O Canal (Cumberland – DC) is a well maintained and mostly flat dirt towpath.  It is less smooth than  the GAP Trail and you will have roots and rocks.  Hybrid and ebikes do well on this surface.  

What is the best direction to travel?

At Crossroads Bike Tours we prefer travelling West to East due to the more downhill terrain and our services move in this direction as well. 

Where do I start my tour?

We start our tours in Cumberland, MD.  We shuttle you to Pittsburgh on the first day of your tour (GAP and GAPCO) or you start riding in Cumberland for the C&O tour.  There is free parking in Cumberland for the length of your tour as well.  

If you want to start in Pittsburgh instead of Cumberland, you will need to add another night at the end of your tour in Cumberland or Georgetown which is not included in the tour pricing.  

Best time of year to tour?

The trails are open from April to October but we find the best time to ride is Mid-May to Mid-June with less bugs and humidity then again Mid-Sept. to Mid-Oct. for the temperatures and fall colors.

Can I start my tour on another day?

Our start dates allow you to start or end your tours on a Saturday.  If you would like to start on another day, just email or fill out our  "contact" information and let us know what day you prefer.  We will work to make your tour happen.

How can we help?

Georgetown to Cumberland: A Beautiful Adventure on the C&O Canal Bike Trail

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, known as the C&O Canal, is a 184.5-mile long bike trail that runs along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail is one of the most popular bike paths in the United States, attracting thousands of riders each year. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the C&O Canal, its history, distance, places to stop, grade, and how to prepare for a ride on this beautiful trail.

The C&O Canal was originally built in the early 19th century as a transportation route for goods between the Chesapeake Bay and the Ohio River. Construction began in 1828 and was completed in 1850, but the canal quickly became obsolete with the advent of the railroad. Unfortunately the canal was eventually abandoned and fell into disrepair.

In the 1970s, the National Park Service took over the abandoned canal and turned it into a national park. The park includes the original canal and its towpath, which has been restored and turned into a multi-use trail. Today, the C&O Canal is a popular destination for biking, hiking, and camping.

The C&O Canal runs for 184.5 miles from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for riders of all skill levels. The trail surface is a mix of packed dirt, gravel, and occasional paved sections, so a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended.

Places to Stop along the C&O Trail:

Along the trail, there are numerous places to stop and rest, refill water bottles, or grab a snack. Some popular stops include:

• Great Falls Park: This beautiful park is located about 15 miles northwest of Washington, D.C., and features breathtaking views of the Potomac River and the falls. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center.

• Harper’s Ferry: This historic town is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and is home to many historic sites, including the Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park. Visitors can tour the town, visit the museums, and take in the beautiful views of the river.

• Hancock: This small town is located about 120 miles from Washington, D.C., and is a popular stop for bikers. There are several restaurants and shops in town, as well as a campground and a bike shop.

• Cumberland: This historic town is the end of the trail and is a popular destination for bikers. There are several restaurants, shops, and museums in town, as well as a campground and a bike shop.

The C&O Canal trail is relatively flat, with a gradual incline from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail has a maximum grade of 1.25%, which is suitable for riders of all skill levels. Rain and Mother Nature can make the trail rough in some areas, so it is recommended that riders have some off-road biking experience.

Preparation for a long ride:

If you are planning a ride on the C&O Canal trail, there are a few things you should do to prepare:

• Check the weather: The trail can be muddy and slippery in wet conditions, so it is important to check the weather forecast before your ride.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks: There are several places to refill water bottles along the trail, but it is still important to bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Pack a repair kit: The trail can be rough in some areas, so it is recommended that riders bring a repair kit with them.
• Wear appropriate clothing: The trail can be muddy and dusty in some areas, so it is recommended that riders wear appropriate clothing and footwear. It is also a good idea to wear a helmet and bring sunscreen.
• Plan your route and stops: Before setting out on the trail, it is a good idea to plan your route and stops. This will help you estimate your travel time and ensure that you have enough time to enjoy the trail.
• Make sure your seat and handlebars are adjusted properly to ensure a painless ride

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are allowed on the C&O Canal trail. We have found there are some restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden. According to the National Park Service, e-bikes are allowed on the towpath but are not allowed on any of the hiking trails (same as traditional bicycles). E-bikes are also not allowed in any areas that are designated as “no bikes” or “pedestrian only.”

Just a few Historic places to see:

There are several popular rides and historic places to see along the C&O Canal trail. Here are a few examples:

• Georgetown to Great Falls: This 15-mile ride is a great option for beginners. The trail is mostly flat and features beautiful views of the Potomac River and the falls. Riders can stop at Great Falls Park to rest and take in the scenery.
• Harpers Ferry to Hancock: This 60-mile ride is a popular option for more experienced riders. The trail winds through scenic valleys and past historic towns. Riders can stop in Sharpsburg to visit the Antietam National Battlefield, which was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.
• Hancock to Cumberland: This 60-mile ride is the final leg of the trail and offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. Riders can stop in Cumberland to visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park visitor center and learn more about the history of the trail.
• The Paw Paw Tunnel: This 3,118-foot-long tunnel was built in the mid-19th century and is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the C&O Canal. The tunnel can be accessed via a short hike from the trail.
• The Monocacy Aqueduct: This aqueduct is one of the most iconic structures on the trail. The aqueduct carries the canal over the Monocacy River and features 7 arches and a total length of 516 feet.
• The Lockhouses: There are several historic lockhouses along the trail that have been restored and turned into museums. The lockhouses offer a glimpse into the daily life of the canal workers who lived and worked on the canal in the 19th century.

You can find C&O Trail Maps HERE to plan you trip

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Harpers Ferry Bike Rentals, Shuttles & Tours

Get Convenient bike rentals and shuttles for the C&O Canal and Harpers Ferry at Brunswick family campground

Bike rentals & shuttles for the C&O Canal near harpers ferry, WV

Bike rentals are available from Brunswick, Maryland (near Harpers Ferry, WV ) where riders can pick up their bikes and ride directly to the C&O Canal, the 185 mile path bordering the Potomac River from Georgetown to Cumberland.  The scenery along this gentle terrain, tree-lined path is fantastic, and there is ample room for cruising while good riverside picnic spots abound .  Shady biking conditions and wading locations along the Potomac River make this trip a great option for those hot summer days . In the fall this tree-lined trail becomes radiant with the colors of changing leaves.

If you just want to rent bikes and get the family out of the house for the weekend, we have the bikes and the trail for you.

• Dates: March – November
• Price: From $21
• Duration: Half-day & Full day
• Location: Brunswick, MD
• Includes: Bike, Helmet

CIVIL WAR OR NATURAL HISTORY GUIDED BIKE TOURS of Harpers Ferry 

E xplore an area rich in our nation’s history, while visiting historical sites such as old locks and Harpers Ferry by bike . This guided bike tour takes place on the C&O Canal, the 185 mile path bordering the Potomac River, stretching from Georgetown to Cumberland.  The scenery along this gentle terrain, tree-lined path is fantastic , and provides a spectacular setting for a tour along our nation’s river. 

Guided tours FOR GROUPS OF 8 OR MORE

C&o canal explorer mobile app.

Check out this useful mobile app by the non-profit C&O Canal Trust for exploring the C&O Canal Towpath!

Trip Details

Canal Cruiser Bike Rental Pricing

• Half Day  $21  (4 hours or less)
• Full Day   $31 Add 5% amusement fee + 6% sales tax + $2.50 user fee/bike
• Information sheet detailing historical sights
• Required age:  12

Group Discounts 10-19 people  $2 off/person 20-39 people $3 off/person 40+ people    $4 off/person *Shuttles are also available upon request *Bike guide for groups $165/day

Add On Rentals:

• For small children (6 years+) to peddle behind an adult
• $15 + regular bike rental
• For small children under 50 lbs.  (limited stock)
• $25 + regular bike rental
• each trailer fits 2 children under 50 lbs.

Add 5% amusement fee + 6% sales tax + $2.50 user fee

Season: March- November

Maximum weight for bikes: 300 lbs.

Shuttles for bikers along the C&O Canal  are available for groups and individual bikers, to shuttle people, bikes, and gear.  

• Reservations should be made in advance to assure availability.  There is limited availability during the summer season, particularly on weekends. 
• For more information or to set up a shuttle, fill out our shuttle request form here . 
• If your shuttle is less than a week away, call 301-834-9950 .

Guided Civil War or Natural History Bicycle Tour 

$40/person Add 5% amusement tax+ $2.50 user fee/person

Bring your own water & sack lunch

Group Tour Includes:

• Informative & excellent guide

Groups of 10-19: $2.00 off/person when paying collectively Groups of 20-39: $3.00 off/person when paying collectively Groups of 40+:    $4.00 off/person when paying collectively *Shuttles are also available upon request *Bike guide for groups $165/day

• Add 5% amusement fee + 6% sales tax + $2.50 user fe

Check-in is at the Brunswick Family Campground in Brunswick, MD.  Return time is any time before sunset or 6pm, whichever comes first.

Suggested Itinerary:

Bike for 5.8 miles to Harpers Ferry Lock up your bike beneath the foot bridge that crosses over the Potomac River Bridge and into the historic renovated Civil War town of Harpers Ferry. River & Trail provides bike locks for this purpose based on availability when requested in advance.

What to Wear Suggestions for Bikers

On cooler days: Sneakers or biking shoes, wool or thermal socks, fleece shirts/jackets, wind breakers, gloves, biking pants, optional wicking under garments (long johns, not cotton) and hat.

On warmer days: Sneakers or biking shoes, shorts, t-shirts, baseball style hat or visor. For biking, watch for loose shoe laces and wide bottom pants.

Suggested items to bring: Sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen, bottled water, snacks (granola bar, etc.), phone, backpack or hip pack to carry items in.

Related Info

Adventure add-ons.

Brunswick family campground

Relax at our riverfront campground beside the Potomac River and the C&O Canal Towpath, just 15 minutes from Harpers Ferry. Tent, RV and cabins available. Bike, canoe, kayak and tube rentals onsite. Playground, pavilions, bath house, camp store. Campers get 10% discount on select River & Trail activities.

Add an afternoon whitewater rafting trip to your itinerary. Save $10/person on your bike and raft trip combo when you book them on the same or consecutive days. Check-in for rafting is 22 minutes from biking. *Discount will be applied at checkout after both items have been added to your cart.

CANOE & KAYAK RENTALs

Add an afternoon paddle following your bike rental.   Enjoy a 2 hour mellow and beautiful section of the Potomac River where great blue herons and eagles fly. Paddling & biking check-in location are both at Brunswick Campground. *Discount will be applied at checkout after both items have been added to your cart.

The Pedalshift Guide to Bicycling the C&O Canal

The Chesapeake and Ohio National Historic Park is a bike touring paradise. Perhaps the skinniest of land run by the National Park Service, this ribbon of trail connects Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD over the course of 184.5 winding miles of trail. Bicycling the C&O Canal multiple times every year means I’ve been able to collect tons of information for your next trip here! This page is a work in progress. Stay tuned for more information and updates.

Latest update: June 2020

Water sources  

Road Detours

NPS is beginning its phased reopening of the campsites and other elements of the towpath. This changes from week to week and there is always the possibility that amenities re-opened will be closed later if conditions warrant. Be sure to check the NPS C&O conditions page for the latest.

The washout at mile marker 52 has a workaround! Check out this video for more details and listen to episode 127 of the Pedalshift Project .  A low water crossing has been added in this spot since the video was made, making this crossing even easier, however after heavy rain it’s possible the creek levels will be higher than the crossing. Use caution at any time, but especially then. Consider a shuttle when water levels are high!

Washington, DC – Capital Beltway  (MM0-MM9)

Capital Beltway – Great Falls (MM9-MM20)

Great Falls – Edwards Ferry/Leesburg (MM20-MM30)

Edwards Ferry/Leesburg – Dickerson (MM30-MM40)

Dickerson – Point of Rocks  (MM40-MM50)

Point of Rocks – Harpers Ferry (MM50-MM60)

Harpers Ferry – Antietam/Shepherdstown (MM60-MM70)

Antietam/Shepherdstown – Taylors Landing (MM70-MM80)

Taylors Landing – Opequon Junction (MM80 – MM90)

Opequon Junction – Williamsport (MM90 – MM100)

Williamsport – Ft. Frederick (MM100-MM110)

Ft. Frederick – Little Pool (MM110-MM120)

Little Pool – Hancock – Leopards Mill (MM120-MM130)

Leopards Mill – Little Orleans (MM130-MM140)

Little Orleans – Stickpile Hill (MM140-MM150)

Stickpile Hill -Paw Paw – Town Creek  (MM150-MM160)

Town Creek – Pigmans Ferry (MM160-MM170)

Pigmans Ferry – Cumberland (MM170-MM184.5)

CAMPSITE REVIEWS + INFO

Reviews and pictures coming soon. I’ll be evaluating each of the 30+ official hiker/biker sites based on:

• Physical location
• Access to vehicle parking (for good and for bad)
• River access (for good and for bad)
• Proximity to resources in nearby trail towns
• Relative cell phone signal strength
• Any other relevant factors unique to the site

These are the 31 free hiker/biker sites on the C&O. You see video and listen to my reviews for each of the 31 on the Pedalshift YouTube page , or right here:

For rules and more, check out the camping page on the C&O NHP website .

• MM 16.6 Swains Lock
• MM 26.1 Horsepen Branch
• MM 30.5 Chisel Branch
• MM 34.4 Turtle Run
• MM 38.2 Marble Quarry
• MM 42.5 Indian Flats
• MM 47.6 Calico Rocks
• MM 50.3 Bald Eagle Island
• MM 62.9 Huckleberry Hill
• MM 75.2 Killiansburg Cave
• MM 79.2 Horseshoe Bend
• MM 82.7 Big Woods
• MM 90.9 Opequon Junction
• MM 95.2 Cumberland Valley
• MM 101.2 Jordan Junction
• MM 110 North Mountain
• MM 116 Licking Creek
• MM 120.6 Little Pool
• MM 126.4 White Rock
• MM 129.9 Leopards Mill
• MM 133.6 Cacapon Junction
• MM 139.2 Indigo Neck
• MM 144.5 Devils Alley
• MM 149.4 Stickpile Hill
• MM 154.1 Sorrel Ridge
• MM 156.9 Purslane Run
• MM 162.1 Town Creek
• MM 164.8 Potomac Forks
• MM 169.1 Pigmans Ferry
• MM 175.3 Irons Mountain
• MM 180.1 Evitts Creek

FIELD NOTES

Thanksgiving ride, campfire chat on the c&o, spring 2015 ride, brunswick washout detour.

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Great Allegheny Passage & C&O Canal Cycling Tour

September 9 - 17, 2024, (9 days, 8 nights; mon - tue).

Double Booking

$3375/person, single booking, roommate rebate.

Includes all lodging, breakfasts and dinners, park entrance fees, support van, leaders, trail maps & narratives.

Assembly Point

Homestead, pa.

(Timberline van shuttle is included from Pittsburgh to Homestead, PA prior to tour and from Washington, D.C. to the airport following the tour.)

Not included: Airline service; Guide Gratuity.

Meeting Time

Pittsburgh international airport 1:00 pm, airport hotel 1:30 pm, homestead hotel 3:00 pm, drop-off time, ronald reagan washington national airport 5 pm.

“I would have thought it impossible to have a flat to very slight gradient in western Pennsylvania – a pleasant surprise.  Trail surface was better than highways and streets in California!”  Byron R.

The Ultimate Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trip

After 30 years of planning and years of construction, along with the cooperative, heroic efforts of a committed battalion of volunteers, the final section of the Great Allegheny Passage was completed in late-December, 2006, and opened to public use during the summer of 2007. Various organizations continue to maintain and upgrade the trail with end users in mind.  With its seamless connection to the Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Trail, cyclists can celebrate and enjoy an incredible 335-mile off-road, traffic-free adventure from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C. Without a doubt, the GAP/C & O Trail ranks as the crown jewel in our nation’s growing network of Rails-to-Trails.  We have designed this tour with distances at about 40 miles per day, to provide a relaxed tour with plenty of time to take in the incredible history displayed along the trail.  On the GAP, we’ll ride a hard-packed crushed limestone and gravel surface.  The C&O Trail is a softer surface, with muddy sections possible.  This tour is best-suited for the fatter tires of a hybrid, gravel or cross bike.

See Detailed Itinerary Here:

View other Appalachia cycling tours here!

Interested in this 2022 tour? Contact us to have all of your questions answered!

Total Distance: 348 miles

Inn highlights.

• The Rockwood Trail House
• Fairfield Inn & Suites
• Town Hill B & B

Timberline Adventures / 214 Mohawk Dr. Boulder, CO 80303 / 1-800-417-2453 or 303-664-8388 / Fax: 303-664-8395

Routes, mileage and accommodations are subject to change due to safety, road/trail conditions, weather and availability.

© 2017 Timberline Adventures. All Rights Reserved. | Web Design by VistaWorks

C&O Canal Trail Frequently Asked Questions

• Motors on electric vehicles are 750 watts or less
• Devices weigh less than 100 lbs.
• Device are no more than 36″ wide
• Devices have fully operating pedals
• Plenty of water
• Maps, and/or screen printouts from BikeCandO.com for the towns you'll be visiting (go to the trip planner to build your customized list)
• Bike repair tools
• Spare inner tubes or patch kit
• Pump or compressed air
• Insect repellant
• Tissues / toilet paper (don't count on the trailhead restrooms being stocked)
• Cash, credit cards

GAP / C&O Canal Adventure

Pittsburgh to Washington DC

The rail trail system in the US offers a number of great riding options. The Great Allegheny Passage combined with the C&O Canal is one of the best car free rides available. Starting in Pittsburgh and riding with the wind at your back all the way to DC this ride is a must do. There are a number of breweries, historical sites and other interesting stops along the way.

Adventure price: $2,250 per person (9 day Self-Guided)

Guided versions available starting at $3,500 per person

Trip Itinerary - 9 Day

Day 1- Pittsburgh to West Newton ~34 Miles

We will meet in the morning and fit your bicycles and prepare for the ride. After a short orientation we will start riding from Point State Park and ride out of town. Pittsburgh has one of the oldest cycling clubs and cultures in the United states. If you have the time it is worth arriving a day or two early to check out the city.

Day 2 - West Newton to Ohiopyle ~42 Miles

Between West Newton and Ohiopyle you will enjoy cycling through a beautiful section of rural Pennsylvania. The trail slopes up gradually for the next two days but at an easy 1-2% grade. there are many spots to stop and take a break, eat lunch or just enjoy your surroundings. Riding along the river towards the continental divide is wonderful. In Ohiopyle we will relax and share cycling stories over drinks. A side trip to the UNESCO site Falling Water is available today.

Day 3 - Ohiopyle to Meyersdale ~42 Miles

As you ride toward the Eastern Continental Divide you will be cycling through Pennsylvania farmland and forests with beautiful views and features that make this trail special. Take a moment to enjoy your first tunnel of the ride, stop and photograph the view from the Salisbury viaduct or simply enjoy the ride on to Meyersdale.

Day 4 - Meyersdale to Cumberland ~32 Miles

Our final day on the GAP before switching to the C&O. This is also your last day with substantial elevation gain. As a bonus after you reach the top of the divide you are treated to 20 miles of downhill riding. Cumberland is home to a couple great breweries that I am sure you will love.

Day 5 - Cumberland to Little Orleans ~43 Miles

As you begin your ride on the C&O think about how difficult this must have been to build. The tow path was built between 1831 and 1924 mostly to transfer coal. Mules and small boats were used to navigate the Potomac River. There are many historical sites and markers for the rest of your ride through this long and narrow National Park.

Day 6 - Little Orleans to Williamsport ~41 Miles

The ride from Little Orleans to Williamsport is another pleasant day on the tow path. You will bike past Fort Frederick among numerous sites. Similar to other days on the path there are small towns and little places to stop and relax on your ride. Arriving in Williamsport we will celebrate the day’s ride with pizza and beer, It really does not get much better than that.

Day 7 - Williamsport to Shepherdstown ~27 Miles

Ride on the river - no, really. The tow path at this point is cantilevered over the water. This portion of the trail also has many Civil War sites that can be accessed from the trail, including Antietam.

Day 8 - Shepherdstown to Leesburg  ~43 Miles

Our ride today is through more Civil War sites. We will finish the day in Leesburg in Virginia’s Loudoun County. This will be our last night together and fortunately there are a couple breweries to visit!

Day 9 - Leesburg to DC ~41 Miles

For our last day riding we roll back over the river and cruise past Great Falls and on into DC. Arriving in Washington DC we will toast a great adventure with a beer at a local brewery before heading our separate ways, unless you are taking our free shuttle back to Pittsburg.

Price Includes

All lodging during the adventure

All Breakfast and lunch snacks

Self - Guided routes

Expert Beer & Bike Guide advice.

Luggage transfer between hotels

Price Does Not Include

Transportation to and from Pittsburgh or DC

Additional drinks beyond what is included

Bicycles are available to rent

Participant Requirements

Must be able to cycle the distance each day

Must be 21 to drink beer

Frank Cavaluzzi on Meso Challenge bicycle tour

Rob Ford is Toronto's newly elected bicycle-unfriendly mayor

“Standing bicyclist” completes GAP – C&O Canal bike tour

• By Gene Bisbee in Bike Touring , Main Page

October 25, 2010

While riding in a group charity bicycle ride is enough for most people, Cavaluzzi rides to raise money or awareness on a bicycle with no saddle.

Cavaluzzi discovered a few years ago that bicycling out of the saddle helps open up his diaphragm for breathing to combat the asthma he was suffering. It also allows him to make a statement.

You can imagine that a fully loaded bicyclist pedaling into town on a bike with no saddle can spark some conversations.

Meso Challenge

Most recently Cavaluzzi completed a fully loaded bicycle tour from Pittsburgh to Washington DC on the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath on his fixed-gear standing bicycle. He finished the 320-mile tour in 7 days.

The ride was the Meso Challenge Bike Tour . He was riding to raise awareness about mesothelioma cancer and raise funds for research, as well as support a ban on the use and import of asbestos, which causes the disease.

Always an active bicyclist, the Pennsylvania man was grounded a few years ago when he developed allergic asthma. After living a sedentary life, he says that he started tinkering around to find a bicycle position that helped him breathe.

At his Standing Cyclist website , Cavaluzzi says that the standing position helped the most.

“Eventually standing (along with diet modification, improved conditioning, mind/body training, and careful avoidance of allergy triggers) was allowing me to get back out there on the bike and live again, without relying upon a daily asthma med. My rescue inhaler continues to provide the safety net I need when out on the road or in the woods. “As you could imagine, riding standing up the entire time was difficult, both mentally and physically, but I soon realized that I could pace myself using my heart rate monitor and train my mind and body to avoid lactic acid burn and fight off fatigue.”

His first major “standing” bike tour was Ireland in 2006 and later Iceland. Next he bicycled completely around Lake Champlain on a touring bicycle fully loaded for camping to raise money for his Stand Up To Cancer bike tour. He rode the 400 miles in 8 days.

Then this year he tackled the off-road GAP and C&O Canal on a fixed-gear bicycle. He explains:

“Cycling is my thing and having overcome the asthma and riding standing and bringing attention to myself that way, I'm able to bring attention to other causes.”

I'd say that he's been successful. Newspapers and TV stations have reported on his tours and his causes. His fund-raising efforts also have been successful.

Standing Cyclist also is on Facebook. More about the Action Against Asbestos.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.bikingbis.com/2010/10/25/standing-bicyclist-completes-gap-co-canal-bike-tour/

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C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App

The C&O Canal Trust is proud to release a major update to its new C&O Canal Explorer app to help you explore all 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal National Historical Park! The update was released in August 2021.

The C&O Canal Explorer mobile app was released in 2017, and a major update was released in August 2021.

The mobile app features the following:

• 600 mapped and searchable points of interest
• Interaction with your device’s GPS, so you can see how far you are from points of interest
• Driving directions and mileage between points
• Details about historic sites

The update features the following:

• Addition of mile markers
• Addition of 200 restaurants, hotels, and shops in ten Canal Towns
• Itinerary builder that allows you to create, save, and share your own C&O Canal adventure
• Ability to keep screen on (so it doesn’t power off while riding)

If you have already purchased the C&O Canal Explorer mobile app, the updated content will automatically download to your device.

About the C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App

The C&O Canal Trust is the official nonprofit partner of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and works to protect and preserve the Park. You can learn more about the Trust here .The C&O Canal Explorer app has over 800 points of interest mapped for you in a searchable format, allowing you to find hiking trails, campgrounds, history, trailheads, parking, and more at a glance.

The app also calculates the distance from your location to nearby amenities, and points of interest.The C&O Canal Explorer app will encourage you to tread new paths and journey to new parts of the Park! The app is available for a $0.99 download fee, which helps the C&O Canal Trust keep the app up-to-date.

Learn how to build your own itineraries on our Plan Your Visit website and C&O Canal Explorer mobile app .

C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App Highlights

• Plan Your Visit
• C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App
• Things to Do Along the C&O Canal

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OTET: Cycle Cincinnati to Cleveland

Ride the ohio to erie trail.

This Ohio bike tour gives you the best of the Buckeye State, from rural roads to quiet countryside paths and fun urban centers along the OTET. On this six-day trip, you’ll roll through lush Amish farmland, thriving small towns and upbeat city centers on your way from Cincinnati to Cleveland on the Ohio to Erie Trail.

A primarily off-street recreational trail from the Ohio River to Lake Erie, the Ohio to Erie Trail spans the state of Ohio from Cincinnati to Cleveland. OTET follows old railroad and canal paths. The collection of regional trails connects four of Ohio’s metropolitan cities, a dozen large towns and numerous small villages.

The small rural towns give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy unique local shopping and dining experiences. At the metropolitan perimeters, meadows and woods give way to exciting urban centers, which will give you a taste of Ohio’s culture and arts.

Request a Tour Itinerary for more detailed information and logistics.

Tour Highlights

The cute town of Yellow Springs

Downtown Columbus

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Rural Amish country

Transportation back to starting point

Lodging Options

Mills Park Hotel

Hotel Leveque Autograph Collection

Mt Vernon Grand Hotel

Hotel Millersburg

Akron Courtyard by Marriot

Meet your guides and fellow riders in Cincinnati. Today you’ll ride the Little Miami Scenic Trail to the town of Xenia. We have a fifteen-minute shuttle to Yellow Springs, and you’ll have a chance to check out this quirky midwestern town.

This morning our ride starts in Xenia where we left off yesterday. Today you’ll ride a combination of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Camp Chase Trail and Lower Scioto Greenway on your way to Columbus, the capital city of Ohio! With a blossoming art scene, a slew of craft breweries and an annual Caffeine Crawl weaving through local shops, the capital city is the quiet secret of the Midwest. The city’s beautiful, well-planned outdoor areas are one of the top reasons to visit as well. Green spaces thread through the metropolis, offering an escape from the breakneck pace of urban life. You’ll have a chance to wander from your lodging at the refined Hotel Leveque.

From Columbus, we’ll venture to Mount Vernon on the Alum Creek and Heart of Ohio Trails. Mount Vernon, winner of Ohio Magazine’s 2018 Best Home Town award, is a small town with a lot to offer – from beautiful parks to comfortable restaurants. It’s also the home of the United States’ oldest-standing, authentic 19th-century theater, The Woodward Opera House.

Continuing north, we ride 40 miles to Millersburg. Highlights today include the Mohican Valley Trail and the longest covered bridge in Ohio. Downtown Millersburg has some neat things to see, including the Victorian House Museum, a meticulously restored 28-room Queen Anne, cute boutique shops, and Miller’s Creamery, which serves all sorts of ice cream and other tasty treats!

Get back on the Holmes County Trail and make your way through Amish farmland to Akron. Ride through the Amish towns of Holmesville and Fredericksburg today, where you’ll likely see Amish buggies clopping down the street alongside cars and bicycles. Follow the Tuscarawas River into Akron, our destination for today. If there were a contest for the Ohio city with the most unexpected history, Akron would win. The hamburger was supposedly invented here. Thomas Edison visited often (his wife was an Akronite). Around the turn of the century, Akron’s supremacy in tire manufacturing helped it become known as the “rubber capital of the world.” And let’s not forget a certain NBA superstar who calls Akron home—they even renamed Main Street “King James Way” after him.

We’ll have our final dinner together tonight in Akron.

Our last day exploring the Buckeye State. Ride through a pretty chain of metro parks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park as you wind your way to the shores of Lake Erie. We’ll finish up at Cleveland Public Square, a beautiful park in the center of the city. We recommend you take an extra day after the bike tour to see the sights in Cleveland – including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the house from the film  A Christmas Story, and the sprawling West Side Market. If you drove into Cincinnati for your vacation, we will provide a shuttle back to vehicles at the conclusion of our tour.

We had a great week of cycling with Rob, Tom and our group. We were very satisfied with the choice of hotels and dinner places. The guides took great care of us. I highly recommend OTET and the Wilderness Voyageurs experience. The daily mileage was perfect for us and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip.   Sandy M., Leland, NC

Trip Information

Trip Length - Days

Paved Roads and Limestone Trails

Tour Rating Intermediate

Route Overview

E-bikes Allowed

Required Specifications

• 50 pounds or less weight limit
• Pedal assist only
• Removable battery
• 5+ hour battery capacity

Daily Mileage

Check In Location

Cincinnati, ohio.

Support & Gear Vehicle

Minimum Age

5 Breakfasts | 4 Lunches | 3 Dinners

2024 Pricing

PP Double Occupancy

Single Supplement*

Bike Rental

*This is required if you are traveling solo or if you are traveling with someone but require separate beds.

RESERVE ONLINE BY DATE

Select your departure date and click to reserve your bike tour!

• June 2, 2024 Sold Out
• June 9, 2024 Sold Out
• June 23, 2024 Sold Out
• Sept. 22, 2024 Sold Out
• Sept. 29, 2024 Sold Out
• Oct. 6, 2024 Sold Out

If your desired departure date is within 30 days, please call our office to book , it will be unavailable to book on-line.

Call 800-272-4141

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