Before You Go
Whether you’re on the Great Allegheny Passage for the afternoon or completing a full 333-mile trip between Downtown Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C, being prepared is important. Planning your stops, finding the best restaurants and overnight lodging, and outlining your day by day trip using TrailGuide will ensure you enjoy your time even more.
Get A TrailGuide
Now in its 20th edition, TrailGuide is the official, authorized guidebook for traveling the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, covering two scenic trails — and one amazing journey between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.
Rules and Safety
Planning your trip in advance and preparing your group for what to expect are very important to everyone’s safety and enjoyment on the GAP.
Getting to the GAP
With scores of trailheads and places to park, you can start in any trail town for day or overnight trips. A variety of parking options, shuttles, and a few nearby airports and rail services are available.
How to Prepare
This overview of what to expect when you arrive will help as you begin to plan your trip or prepare your group for departure. See how is the GAP is best enjoyed, and what you might find useful to bring with you.
Where to Stay
Charming and welcoming overnight lodging options await you the Great Allegheny Passage and the adjoining C&O Canal Towpath. From luxurious to modest, and everything in-between.
Camping
Much of the GAP is along private land, so knowing where you can camp is important. Both hiker-biker and private campgrounds are available. The C&O Canal Towpath has dozens of well-spaced hiker-biker campgrounds. Find the best spots for your next trip.
TrailGuide
The official, authorized guidebook for traveling the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, and for visiting trail towns.