Bike GAPCO
Colorado
- Bike the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Trails
- 335-Mile journey through history from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, DC
- New in 2026: Ride in late September amid spectacular fall colors
Check Out Our Tour Brochure
Tour Video
Tour Map
Bike GAPCO offers a remarkable 335-mile adventure from Pittsburgh, PA 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 National Historical Park. 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 enjoy a leisurely ride while absorbing breathtaking beauty, historical sites, and regional charm across four US states.
Day 0 - West Homestead / Pittsburgh
- We’ll gather at the host hotel in West Homestead, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh area) on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Check in for riders is Sunday, 2:00-4:00pm. Meeting’s at 4:30, pizza after! The ride begins from the hotel at 8:00am on Monday.
- Rider Check-In 2:00 - 4:00 PM
Day 1 - Pittsburgh to Connellsville
- 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. Along the way explore charming historical sites along the old railroad line such as our SAG stop in West Newton to add a touch of local history to your journey. We’ll end the day with an overnight stay in Connellsville.
Day 2 - Connellsville to Meyersdale
- Many consider this segment to be the highlight of the Continental Rails to Trails. Be sure to take a quick side trip to marvel at Ohiopyle Falls. Then, continue over the impressive 1,908-foot Salisbury Viaduct, the longest trestle on the GAP, which spans 101 feet above the Casselman River just west of Meyersdale. As the day concludes, you’ll arrive in the quaint town of Meyersdale, PA. Be sure to visit the Meyersdale Area Historical Society to learn more about the rich history of the old railroad. For the night, enjoy a meal and a restful stay at a bed & breakfast, conveniently located just off the trail.
Day 3 - Meyersdale to Oldtown
- 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 - Oldtown to Big Pool
- This day’s journey takes us from Oldtown to Big Pool, MD. 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 - Big Pool to Brunswick
- 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 is built into the itinerary for you to explore and grab a bite to eat.
Day 6 - Brunswick to Washington D.C
- Leaving Brunswick Saturday, the sixth and final riding day, you will ride by scenic 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 the sights. We will then return to our same hotel in Brunswick, MD for a 2nd night.
Day 7 - Back to Pittsburgh
- The tour will shuttle both you and your bike back to Pittsburgh/West Homestead Sunday morning. It’s about a four hour drive from Brunswick, MD and we will aim to get the group back to the host hotel by early afternoon. We look forward to welcoming you on a memorable adventure.
Improvements for the 2026 GAPCO Tour
We’ve listened to your feedback and made some changes to enhance your experience on our GAPCO tour. Here’s what’s new:
- More Balanced Mileage: We’ve adjusted the itinerary to ensure daily rides are more consistent, with 50 to 60 miles of cycling each day. This means a smoother, more enjoyable ride without the heavy mileage front-loaded at the beginning for the climb from Pittsburgh to the Eastern Continental Divide.
- Falltime Excursion: This ride has historically taken place in late spring. In response to heavier-than-usual rainfall in the spring time, the ride has been moved to September to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the onset of autumn colors.
- Improved Accommodations: We’ve selected some new overnight stays, including new stops in Connellsville and Meyersdale—two charming small towns along the route.
- Better Pricing: To make the tour more affordable, we’ve removed the final overnight in Washington, DC. Instead, you’ll have a few hours to explore the nation’s capital on your own before we head to Clear Spring, MD, for an overnight stay. We’ll then shuttle back to Pittsburgh/West Homestead Sunday morning arriving by early afternoon.
The trip has a limit cap to the number of participant riders.
Uniquely BPP tours offers lessened daily mileage options, after all you’re being Pampered!
Prepare for Your Bike GAPCO Adventure
As you prepare for the Bike GAPCO tour, please note that you will encounter a variety of trail surfaces:
- Trail Conditions: The GAP section (Monday through Wednesday) features a relatively smooth, unpaved crushed limestone path. However, the C&O section (Wednesday through Saturday) consists of hard-packed, single-track ground that may be less smooth and can be muddy, especially after spring rains.
- Mud and Maintenance: Be prepared for potential mud, which many find adds a bit of fun to the ride. To minimize mud and keep both you and your bike cleaner, consider using bicycle fenders.
- Recommended Bike Setup: For the best experience, opt for bikes suited to dirt and gravel roads. Bikes with a minimum tire width of 32mm and appropriate tread are ideal. Fenders with good mud clearance are also popular. Road bikes and trikes are not recommended. If you’re using an e-bike, choose a sturdier model.
Get ready for a fun and varied ride—be sure your bike is setup properly to make it your best!
On Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 we will assemble in West Homestead, Pennsylvania at our host hotel.
Courtyard Pittsburgh West Homestead/Waterfront
401 W Waterfront Drive, West Homestead, PA (412) 462-7301
The rider check-in will be Saturday from 2pm – 4pm with a rider meeting at 4:30pm followed by a pizza party.
We begin the ride from the host hotel Sunday morning at approximately 8am.
Parking is free for the week and your vehicle can be left on site at the host hotel in West Homestead.
BPP policy handles parking for the departure location only.
Fly into the main Pittsburgh International Airport. Prices for ride hailing apps tend to fluctuate. You can pre-book a ride day(s) in advance of your arrival \ departure.
Commercial shuttle services are also available.
There will be SAG Stops or SAG Check-Ins at regular intervals along the routes daily. There will also be places along the trail to find food and drink. We typically recommend a few local eateries for snacks\lunches and we strongly advocate for supporting local communities.
As the years go by, we find that most of the trail has cell service, there are occasional dead spots.
How do we get back to Pittsburgh? After finishing in DC we bring you, your bike and bags back to the host hotel in Pittsburgh, the long term parking location. In addition there is the option to remain in DC.
It’s certainly an option, riders have done this in the past and it worked out fine logistically.
All bikes must be equipped with a front facing headlamp and a rear facing red blinking light, which must be activated at all times.
Riders must make their own arrangements for bike rental.
Triangle Bike Rental, 600 First Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412.600.0675 info@bikepittsburgh.com
Starting in 2025, Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers has begun to offer a limited number of bicycles available for rent. Our inventory primarily consists of hybrid bikes, with a small selection of gravel bikes, sorry but no EBikes at this time. If we have enough advance notice, we can typically find a bike that fits your needs. Our goal is to offer customers well-maintained bikes that are not new, but are priced very affordably. If you’d like to rent a bike from us, please reach out to discuss our inventory and determine if we have a suitable option for you. Keep in mind that if you decide the bike doesn’t work for you when you arrive for the ride, you won’t be able to switch it out.
Most of the tour riding will be on crushed stone with varying terrain and elevation. This time of year the trail can also be muddy. For comfort it’s recommended that tires should be puncture resistant and a minimum of 32mm in width. If you are adventurous, you may ride the routes on skinnier road tires.
Each rider can bring two pieces of baggage, with each piece not exceeding 30 pounds. Your bags will be taken care of in the morning by our staff, who will move them to your next lodging location and bring them directly to your room. That’s why PAMPERED is the name of the game.
Not a problem. That said, vegetarian is the only other dietary option available.
We welcome everyone. Non-riders will need to complete the same registration forms and pay the same fee as a rider. A non-rider will be part of every aspect of the tour except the riding if they so choose.
No problem. If you feel you cannot finish the day’s ride, our staff will assist you and your bike to get you to the ending location. No questions asked.
Alternatively, each evening before the next day’s ride we offered shortened mileage variants where we will move you forward and this way everyone ends at the same point.
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | $2,800 |
| Double | $2,300 |
Please note that there is an expiration date associated with the early bird discount code. Pricing when redeeming a discount code is honored by the date your registration and deposit are received. Mail-in registrations paid in full must be postmarked by the stated discount code expiration date to qualify.
Note: To pass savings onto riders, we have moved to Double pricing base rates; for Triple & Quad rates please reach out to us by email. (pamperedpedalers@gmail.com)
Need a Bike Rental?
Check availability & daily pricing
Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers offers a limited number of rental bikes, primarily hybrids with a few gravel bikes; e-bikes are not available at this time. Please click the inventory link to view current options and contact us in advance so we can help determine whether a suitable bike is available. Our rental bikes are well-maintained and affordably priced, though they may not be new. Please note that bikes typically cannot be exchanged after you arrive for the ride.
Bike GAPCO offers a remarkable 335-mile adventure from Pittsburgh, PA 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 National Historical Park. 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 enjoy a leisurely ride while absorbing breathtaking beauty, historical sites, and regional charm across four US states.
Day 0 - West Homestead / Pittsburgh
- 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 - Pittsburgh to Connellsville
- 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. Along the way explore charming historical sites along the old railroad line such as our SAG stop in West Newton to add a touch of local history to your journey. We’ll end the day with an overnight stay in Connellsville.
Day 2 - Connellsville to Meyersdale
- Many consider this segment to be the highlight of the Continental Rails to Trails. Be sure to take a quick side trip to marvel at Ohiopyle Falls. Then, continue over the impressive 1,908-foot Salisbury Viaduct, the longest trestle on the GAP, which spans 101 feet above the Casselman River just west of Meyersdale. As the day concludes, you’ll arrive in the quaint town of Meyersdale, PA. Be sure to visit the Meyersdale Area Historical Society to learn more about the rich history of the old railroad. For the night, enjoy a meal and a restful stay at a bed & breakfast, conveniently located just off the trail.
Day 3 - Meyersdale to Oldtown
- 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 - Oldtown to Big Pool
- This day’s journey takes us from Oldtown to Big Pool, MD. 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 - Big Pool to Brunswick
- 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 is built into the itinerary for you to explore and grab a bite to eat.
Day 6 - Brunswick to Washington D.C
- Leaving Brunswick Friday, the sixth and final riding day, you will ride by scenic 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 the sights. We will then return to our same hotel in Brunswick, MD for a 2nd night.
Day 7 - Back to Pittsburgh
- The tour will shuttle both you and your bike back to Pittsburgh/West Homestead Sunday morning. It’s about a four hour drive from Brunswick, MD and we will aim to get the group back to the host hotel by early afternoon. We look forward to welcoming you on a memorable adventure.
Improvements for the 2026 GAPCO Tour
We’ve listened to your feedback and made some changes to enhance your experience on our GAPCO tour. Here’s what’s new:
- More Balanced Mileage: We’ve adjusted the itinerary to ensure daily rides are more consistent, with 50 to 60 miles of cycling each day. This means a smoother, more enjoyable ride without the heavy mileage front-loaded at the beginning for the climb from Pittsburgh to the Eastern Continental Divide.
- Falltime Excursion: This ride has historically taken place in late spring. In response to heavier-than-usual rainfall in the spring time, the ride has been moved to September to take advantage of cooler temperatures and the onset of autumn colors.
- Improved Accommodations: We’ve selected some new overnight stays, including new stops in Connellsville and Meyersdale—two charming small towns along the route.
- Better Pricing: To make the tour more affordable, we’ve removed the final overnight in Washington, DC. Instead, you’ll have a few hours to explore the nation’s capital on your own before we head to Clear Spring, MD, for an overnight stay. We’ll then shuttle back to Pittsburgh/West Homestead Sunday morning arriving by early afternoon.
The trip has a limit cap to the number of participant riders.
Uniquely BPP tours offers lessened daily mileage options, after all you’re being Pampered!
Prepare for Your Bike GAPCO Adventure
As you prepare for the Bike GAPCO tour, please note that you will encounter a variety of trail surfaces:
- Trail Conditions: The GAP section (Monday through Wednesday) features a relatively smooth, unpaved crushed limestone path. However, the C&O section (Wednesday through Saturday) consists of hard-packed, single-track ground that may be less smooth and can be muddy, especially after spring rains.
- Mud and Maintenance: Be prepared for potential mud, which many find adds a bit of fun to the ride. To minimize mud and keep both you and your bike cleaner, consider using bicycle fenders.
- Recommended Bike Setup: For the best experience, opt for bikes suited to dirt and gravel roads. Bikes with a minimum tire width of 32mm and appropriate tread are ideal. Fenders with good mud clearance are also popular. Road bikes and trikes are not recommended. If you’re using an e-bike, choose a sturdier model.
Get ready for a fun and varied ride—be sure your bike is setup properly to make it your best!
On Sunday, Sept 20, 2026 we will assemble in West Homestead, Pennsylvania at our host hotel.
Courtyard Pittsburgh West Homestead/Waterfront
401 W Waterfront Drive, West Homestead, PA (412) 462-7301
The rider check-in will be Saturday from 3pm – 4.30pm with a rider meeting at 4:30pm followed by a pizza party.
We begin the ride from the host hotel Sunday morning at approximately 8am.
Parking is free for the week and your vehicle can be left on site at the host hotel in West Homestead.
BPP policy handles parking for the departure location only.
Fly into the main Pittsburgh International Airport. Prices for ride hailing apps tend to fluctuate. You can pre-book a ride day(s) in advance of your arrival \ departure.
Commercial shuttle services are also available.
There will be SAG Stops or SAG Check-Ins at regular intervals along the routes daily. There will also be places along the trail to find food and drink. We typically recommend a few local eateries for snacks\lunches and we strongly advocate for supporting local communities.
As the years go by, we find that most of the trail has cell service, there are occasional dead spots.
How do we get back to Pittsburgh? After finishing in DC we bring you, your bike and bags back to the host hotel in Pittsburgh, the long term parking location. In addition there is the option to remain in DC.
It’s certainly an option, riders have done this in the past and it worked out fine logistically.
All bikes must be equipped with a front facing headlamp and a rear facing red blinking light, which must be activated at all times.
Riders must make their own arrangements for bike rental.
Triangle Bike Rental, 600 First Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15219, 412.600.0675 info@bikepittsburgh.com
Starting in 2025, Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers has begun to offer a limited number of bicycles available for rent. Our inventory primarily consists of hybrid bikes, with a small selection of gravel bikes, sorry but no EBikes at this time. If we have enough advance notice, we can typically find a bike that fits your needs. Our goal is to offer customers well-maintained bikes that are not new, but are priced very affordably. If you’d like to rent a bike from us, please reach out to discuss our inventory and determine if we have a suitable option for you. Keep in mind that if you decide the bike doesn’t work for you when you arrive for the ride, you won’t be able to switch it out.
Most of the tour riding will be on crushed stone with varying terrain and elevation. This time of year the trail can also be muddy. For comfort it’s recommended that tires should be puncture resistant and a minimum of 32mm in width. If you are adventurous, you may ride the routes on skinnier road tires.
Each rider can bring two pieces of baggage, with each piece not exceeding 30 pounds. Your bags will be taken care of in the morning by our staff, who will move them to your next lodging location and bring them directly to your room. That’s why PAMPERED is the name of the game.
Not a problem. That said, vegetarian is the only other dietary option available.
We welcome everyone. Non-riders will need to complete the same registration forms and pay the same fee as a rider. A non-rider will be part of every aspect of the tour except the riding if they so choose.
No problem. If you feel you cannot finish the day’s ride, our staff will assist you and your bike to get you to the ending location. No questions asked.
Alternatively, each evening before the next day’s ride we offered shortened mileage variants where we will move you forward and this way everyone ends at the same point.
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | $2,800 |
| Double | $2,300 |
Please note that there is an expiration date associated with the early bird discount code. Pricing when redeeming a discount code is honored by the date your registration and deposit are received. Mail-in registrations paid in full must be postmarked by the stated discount code expiration date to qualify.
Note: To pass savings onto riders, we have moved to Double pricing base rates; for Triple & Quad rates please reach out to us by email. (pamperedpedalers@gmail.com)
Need a Bike Rental?
Check availability & daily pricing
Bike GAPCO Memories
