Great Allegheny Passage
150-Mile Rail Trail: Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD
Closure Between Mile Marker 92 and 94.5
A 2.5-mile segment of the Great Allegheny Passage will be closed for a major underground pipeline replacement, from July 8 to mid-October. The segment is between mile markers 92 and 94.5. A free shuttle service for travelers and their bicycles will be provided every 30 minutes, first-come, first-served, by Trail Connect between 7:30 am and 7:00 pm, seven days a week, between the hamlet of Adelaide (near Blue Canoe RV Resort) and the parking lot near Dickerson Run, which is across the river from Dawson. For details on how you and your traveling partners can use this shuttle, visit www.trailconnect.com or call 724-972-6135.
The Great Allegheny Passage offers an idyllic long-haul adventure for bikers and hikers alike. Gear up for all 150 miles, or pick a section and bike from trail town to trail town for shorter trips. This converted trail, which once felt the heavy rumble of freight trains, now offers a gentle grade for a nearly level ride along the Youghiogheny River through the Laurel Highlands.
The longest multi-use trail in PA, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) stretches from southeast from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. There, the Great Allegheny Passage connects with the C&O Canal towpath, extending all the way to the Georgetown district of Washington, D.C. for a total length of 334.5 miles.
The Big Savage Tunnel, located near the Mason & Dixon Line, is closed for the winter from approximately December 1 through April 1 each year.
Trail Towns: From Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland
West Newton: EAT | STAY
Stop by the West Newton Visitors Center, located in a train station along the trail, for information. Just across the West Newton bridge, you'll find Bloom Brew, a local craft brewery, perfect for a cold pint after a Saturday ride. Just a few miles from downtown West Newton, Cedar Creek Park is a charming stop for a summer picnic with Youghiogheny River access.
Connellsville: EAT | STAY
Connellsville was once bustling with coal and coke production and known as the "Coke Capital of the World." Learn more about the stories of those who served our country during World War II at the Connellsville Canteen just a few blocks from the trail.
Ohiopyle: EAT | STAY
This charming small town is located within almost 20,000 acres of Ohiopyle State Park land and along the Class I-IV whitewater on the Youghiogheny River. These great outfitters and rental experts are ready to take you on a whitewater trip down the river or biking on the GAP. You'll also find miniature golf, the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides and more in Ohiopyle, your one stop shop for outdoor adventures. The park features several picturesque waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and wonderful vistas overlooking the Laurel Highlands. Visit the Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitors Center, located along the water, with interactive displays, and spend some time in charming shops along Sherman Street.
Confluence: EAT | STAY
Rent kayaks and canoes for paddling on the nearby Youghiogheny River Lake. 16 miles long and one-half mile wide, this river lake is perfect for power boating and water-skiing as well. Stroll through the charming town of Confluence, and enjoy pumpkin treats at the Confluence Pumpkinfest in October.
Rockwood: STAY
Located just off the trail, stop by Trailhead Brewing to quench your thirst or visit the small town eateries along Main St.
Meyersdale: EAT | STAY
Enjoy the view from the Salisbury Viaduct, a long bridge built in 1912 with an expansive panorama of Somerset County. Be sure to check out the restored Western Maryland Railway Station, just north of the viaduct. Don't miss the PA Maple Festival every spring.
Laurel Highlands Trip Idea: Three Days in Three Counties
- 1 min read
Explore the Laurel Highlands with this 3 day trip, perfect for the whole family. Get a glimpse of what Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland Counties have to offer. Day 1: Enjoy the #1 kids park in the world, Idlewild and SoakZone. Your ticket to family fun, Idlewild features dozens of rides and…