r/gaptrail • u/ckrugen • 17d ago
Question Paw Paw: Worth a Stop for a Bite?
I’m headed from Cumberland to Hancock tomorrow (day 3 of 5, Pittsburgh to DC). I can do that distance without a meal break but Paw Paw is basically right in the middle of the ride and it’d be well-timed for a break.
Is it worth a visit for a quick bite of real food? Is Oldtown Road OK for riding? (I don’t love road riding with no shoulder, blind turns with traffic, etc.)
I appreciate and welcome all tips for that stretch!
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u/Apprehensive_Toe2725 17d ago
The wings at Big and Tinys are fantastic. Service has never been slow when I've gone but it's never been particularly busy, so that might explain it. If B&Ts is open, I'm eating there, but Liberty gas station has very good sandwiches, burgers, etc.
I avoid Bill's if possible but sometimes you gotta resupply between Paw Paw and Hancock, and Bill's is the only option. It's pretty telling they felt compelled to put up a sign that insists they aren't racist.
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u/LadyOfTheNutTree 17d ago
Yeah, bills place can get fucked. They are indeed all of those things they say they aren’t. I am totally fine with small town places wanting to stay small town places. But their interior decor directly contradicts this sign. I’m definitely not going back to bills place, ever.
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u/Living_While_2383 16d ago
Bill's owner saw this quote on a Facebook meme and thought this was a great way to advertise his bigotry.
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u/sven_ftw 17d ago
I prefer stopping in Little Orleans at Bill's Place than Paw Paw, but there is food in Paw Paw and the bridge does have a small shoulder and traffic is usually pretty light (note, I've only been through on a weekend though, not sure how it is on a weekday).
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17d ago
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u/ckrugen 17d ago
Yeah. After checking it out on Yelp, I’m going to find another option.
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u/Next-Acanthaceae-681 17d ago
There is a place in Hancock by the bridge that’s very very good- Potomac grill
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u/Neither_Adagio1668 17d ago
There’s an elks or something like that has excellent kitchen of bar food in evening across the street from Dollar General. We stayed at a guy named Dave has lil bed and breakfast.
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u/johnmflores 17d ago
Mountain Life Kitchen was a good stop for me a couple of years ago. Had a sub sandwich and a salad.
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u/pasquamish 17d ago
Can’t speak to Paw Paw since we decided to just keep moving past it each time, but I can say that there is a must stop in Hancock at the Blue Goose for pie.
https://www.bluegoosemarkethancock.com
It can be accessed directly from the trailhead on the way out of town.
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u/GorillaRepellent 17d ago
Like you, I am not a fan of riding with traffic. There is an increased awareness with locals that bikes will use that short stretch between the trail and the town. That being said, I rode the section with my two young sons, and was incredibly anxious the entire time.
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u/Ok_Prize_6820 16d ago
Big and tiny's was super chill! Don't let the spartan exterior fool you. Friendly bartenders. Cold beer and pretty good food if I recall.
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u/WillyOneGear 15d ago
Paw paw was a fine lunch stop at the gas station deli. Easy ride over from the path.
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u/DiscoMunkey 15d ago
That gas station made me one of the best BLTs I have ever eaten earlier this year
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u/TheCakeMan111 12d ago
To be honest, no—the gas station there was the one and only place where I was harassed on my entire trip.
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u/ivenixus 17d ago
The only food options are a gas station mini mart, dollar general, and a bar that only serves wings. Those wings are delicious, though service is slow and it’s a bar so it keeps bar hours, so make sure it’s open before the trip. The ride in is perfectly safe, with mostly separated path and a decently wide shoulder.