I had a long train ride home and figured i’d let chat gpt help collect my thoughts, here’s the read:
Overview
- Route: C&O Canal Towpath + Great Allegheny Passage
- Distance: 337 miles
- Days Riding: 4 (102, 85, 72, 74 mi)
- Dates: Aug 29 – Sep 2, 2025
Daily Breakdown
- Day 1 (DC → Williamsport, 102 mi): flat, some loose gravel; weather 70–75°F.
- Day 2 (Williamsport → Cumberland, 85 mi): flat grind, minimal elevation.
- Day 3 (Cumberland → Connellsville, 72 mi): long climb out of Cumberland to the Continental Divide, then rolling terrain.
- Day 4 (Connellsville → Pittsburgh, 74 mi): Ohiopyle bridges, smoother approach into Pittsburgh; finish at Point State Park fountain (currently fenced off).
Highlights
- Car-free route start to finish.
- Fun to talk to the locals and others on the same roads.
- Small towns for resupply (notable: Little Orleans).
- Ohiopyle bridges over the river (~100 ft up).
- Eastern Continental Divide crossing.
Gear Notes
- Hydration pack highly recommended — water can be sparse in sections.
- Gloves saved my hands.
- No mechanicals thankfully.
Summary
4-day, ~84 mi/day average is doable with a solid base. Route is well marked, surfaces mostly crushed limestone with some rougher gravel. Logistics are straightforward: plenty of resupply towns, but plan ahead for water between them.
by reidism