[maztaim]

Love them. Support them. Completed a 6 day bike trip from Pittsburgh to Washington DC on the GAP and C&O trails back in 2012. I would start as early as I could, often breaking trail for the day (wear a bandana and sunglasses or eat spiderwebs all day). Lots of deer and blue herons to hang out with. It was very peaceful and quiet, but I mostly remember green tunnel trails for most of the trip. There are wonderful stops and vistas along the way. As you leave the paw-paw tunnel, one of my favorite views of the valley quickly pass by, the closer you get to Georgetown, the better maintained the C&O is; the more beautiful the trail becomes.

I actually rode the C&O trail a bunch of times in Scouts and with my grandparents as a child. I think these are great for any skill level, including beginners. The biggest advantage for me is the fact there are very few roads you need to ride on. Because they are typically on old railways, or canals, they are usually not steep grades (though don't let somebody tell you "it's only a 6% grade!", because it sucks going uphill for lots of miles).

You can split up the trails in to day, weekend, or week-long trips. Especially on the GAP and C&O there are plenty of camps, towns and stops along the way to support yourself on the way. On my 2012 trip a guy caught up to me and tolerated my slowness for a bit. He was planning to finish the Pgh to DC trip in 3 days.

I've been contemplated riding the Erie Canalway, but my love for biking was ruined a bit with a bad case of achilles tendonitis after my last trip.

https://gaptrail.org/ https://www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-canal-towpath/ https://eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling

[vwcx]

I've enjoyed reading trip reports from the beautiful lunatics who complete the Pittsburgh to DC ride in under 24 hours. Here, one reports on falling asleep several times while riding: https://chrisshue.com/2020/01/21/pittsburgh-express/

[billsmithaustin]

The GAP trail from Pittsburg to Cumberland is especially awesome. It’s well-maintained, the trail towns are welcoming, and the scenery is fantastic. The folks who live near the trail are lucky to have it.

[throwaway6734]

ive done the gap ride 4 times now and its always been a blast. we go from pittsburgh to cumberland so the last day is always such a blast with the big tunnel and 20+ miles downhill

[maztaim]

That Frostburg-Cumberland run is the absolute best part! Makes the long climb to the Eastern Continental Divide worth it.

[TheFarns]

Doing that trip this summer, very excited! Hoping I can get my bike buddies to break camp early.

[nktrnk]

Yep, did it a couple of years ago as well. One of the best experiences I’ve had! Definitely recommend.