Bike GAPCO offers a remarkable 335-mile adventure from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, DC.  The ride begins on the scenic 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) rail trail and concludes with an equally captivating 185 miles along the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Trail.  In addition to experiencing the natural beauty of this tour, you will also be immersed in a history lesson.

The ride is generally free of traffic, except for some sections where the path intersects with the road.  Come and do nothing but ride while absorbing breathtaking beauty, historical sites, and regional charm across four US states.

 We'll gather at the host hotel in West Homestead, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh area) on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Check in for riders is Sunday, 3:30-4:30pm. Meeting's at 4:30, pizza after! 

The ride begins from the hotel at 8:00am on Monday.

Day 1
Start with a scenic ride from Pittsburgh along the Youghiogheny River, where you'll first glimpse the historic remnants of the steel industry that shaped the city. As you pedal along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), the industrial backdrop gives way to lush, natural landscapes. Our SAG stop in West Newton provides an opportunity to explore charming historical sites along the old railroad, adding a touch of local history to your journey. We'll end the day with an overnight stay in Connellsville.

 Day 2
Many consider today's segment to be the highlight of the Continental Rails to Trails. Be sure to take a quick side trip to marvel at the beautiful Ohiopyle Falls. Then, continue over the impressive 1,908-foot Salisbury Viaduct, the longest trestle on the Great Allegheny Passage, which spans 101 feet above the Casselman River just west of Meyersdale. As the day concludes, you'll arrive in the charming town of Meyersdale, PA. Be sure to visit the Meyersdale Area Historical Society to learn more about the rich history of the railroad. For the night, enjoy a meal and a restful stay at Yoder’s Guesthouse, conveniently situated just a minute off the trail.

Day 3
Today is a stretch from Meyersdale to Oldtown. The rugged mountain terrain surrounding the trail provides stunning views and plenty of shade. About ten miles in, you'll cross the eastern continental divide, setting the stage for over 20 miles of delightful downhill riding before reaching Cumberland, MD, the endpoint of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP).

From Cumberland, the trip transitions to the C&O Canal Towpath. We'll continue riding another 18 miles to Oldtown.

Day 4

This day's journey takes us from Oldtown to Big Pool, MD. About 11 miles into your ride, don’t forget your headlights as you navigate the Paw Paw Tunnel, a 3,118-foot-long canal tunnel on the C&O Towpath. After approximately 29 miles, you have the option to take a break from the gravel surface of the C&O Towpath and enjoy a smoother ride on the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail, which runs parallel to the C&O for part of the day. We’ll conclude the riding day at Fort Frederick with an overnight stay in Martinsburg, WV.

 Day 5
 

On Friday, the tour will depart from Fort Frederick and pass through Harper's Ferry on the way to the next overnight town, Brunswick.  On this day, the path continues to demonstrate the natural beauty of our Appalachian Mountains.

During your ride, you will come across the town of Harpers Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. This historic town has been designated as a National Historic Park and is filled with captivating exhibits and displays that showcase its rich past. Bring your bike lock and cross over the bridge to explore Harpers Ferry, plenty of time built into the itinerary for you to explore and grab a bite to eat.

 Day 6
 

Leaving Brunswick Saturday, the sixth and final riding day, you will ride past Great Falls and onward to the tour’s end in our nation’s capital Washington, D.C. We will not overnight in D.C., however time will be built into the schedule for you to ride this bike-friendly city and take in sights. We will overnight for our last two nights in Brunswick, MD.