George Washington first travelled to the region in 1748 in search of the origin of the Potomac River, and the Cumberland Road, authorized by President Thomas Jefferson in 1806, was the first highway built by the Federal Government. Don’t be surprised to see plenty of others enjoying the park with you today: hikers, anglers, rafters and kayakers. Meyersdale – Confluence (32 miles; MM 31.8-62). The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a 150-mile trail that leads you beneath leafy green canopy and dazzling fall colors, past hidden waterfalls and glens, chasing glimpses of the river beside you. From there, you can park your bike (or ride to the top) and take the set of stairs from the depot into town. The waterway implied in the name of the Jim Mayer Riverswalk is the beautiful Stonycreek River. Outfitters Wilderness Voyageurs will take you to and fro and will even store your gear while you are enjoying the tour. The Rockwood Opera House and Mill Shoppes on Main Street houses a café, pizza place and several retail shops. Ten individuals were killed and dozens wounded. West Newton – Homestead (35 miles; MM 114-149). and Liberty Ave. (Pittsburgh, PA) to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park at Canal St. and Harrison St. (Cumberland, MD). The state line is named after an English team (Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon) who were commissioned to survey the boundaries between the Maryland and Pennsylvania colonies in the mid-1700s, ultimately resolving the border conflicts that resulted in the Cresap’s War. With spring in the air and cyclists preparing to hit the trail, our first itinerary will take us to the Great Allegheny Passage with stops to Boston and McKeesport. (From the divide, it is a downhill climb all the way to Pittsburgh). The Great Allegheny Passage connects riders with the hidden gems of Pennsylvania’s countryside, as well as its industrial past. At one point, Connellsville had the highest concentration of millionaires in the U.S. Golden Triangle Bike has 11 years of experience in matching our customers up with their PERFECT ADVENTURE. The town re-enacts Braddock’s Crossing each June. The Friday after Five series draws lively crowds with its outdoor music and al fresco dining opportunities. If fall foliage is in full swing during your visit, you could be in Confluence during the annual PumpkinFest, beginning the first Friday of October. The Great Allegheny Passage runs 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland and is nearly all rail-trail. If you are biking, follow the switchback at the Frostburg trailhead to the railroad terminus at Depot Street. This trip is a slower-paced version of the full 6-day tour. Once settled in, walk or bike down Crawford Street, over the river to Lion’s Square and see what local artisans are creating at the ArtWorks Connellsville Gallery & Learning Center (10 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Sundays). Near the depot is the Thrasher Carriage Museum which showcases a collection of horse-drawn vehicles. At GAP 72, you cross the Ohiopyle High Bridge, another spot for watching rapids and rafters below. Amtrak’s passenger train parallels the trail and can transport you and your bike from Pittsburgh to Cumberland. Surrounded by mountains of the Laurel Highlands (some of the highest in Pennsylvania) and next to the Youghiogheny River Lake, Confluence is certainly a draw for the outdoor enthusiast. Planning resources for cycling the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal and the largest selection of trail apparel. There, the Great Allegheny Passage connects with the C&O Canal towpath, extending all the way to the Georgetown district of … Whitsett (GAP 103.5) also has a historic district that exemplifies the less opulent side of the coal industry. For 2019 we are hosting two Great Allegheny Passage Bicycling Adventures and one trip along the C&O Canal. Choose your starting town and … Take your time and enjoy. On the way are the Borden Tunnel at GAP 17.5— have your headlights ready as the tunnel is not lighted— and the Mason-Dixon Line at GAP 20.5. In less than two miles from the state line, the Big Savage Tunnel (closed during the winter months) awaits you. Because riders of the Great Allegheny Passage pass through trail towns on a very regular basis, the experience can be adventurous without complete isolation. Of course, there is much to do and see off the bike as well and we recommend extending your trip long enough to take advantage of some of Pittsburgh’s cultural offerings. Great Allegheny Passage, C & O Canal Itinerary Posted on January 22, 2016 To do this in five days, as I did, you’ll need to ride at a medium pace, but … Meet riders in Pittsburgh for our introductory meeting and dinner. Or, you can load up the bike with everything you need to stay “off the grid” for a few days. McKeesport, settled in 1795, was home to more than 55,000 people during the booming steel-making years. Stop for a scenic vista just east of the tunnel. In this district alone there are more than 50 dining options, so you can easily make a whole day and night of it here. Our proposed itinerary takes you on a six-day adventure, traveling east (Cumberland) to west (Pittsburgh) along the entire length of the Great Allegheny Passage. Get back on to the Third Street trail and head to Yough River Park which marks the outskirts of town. Meyersdale, the highest town on the GAP, sits at the confluence of the Casselman River and Flaugherty Creek. The trail, also named for a local conservationist,... Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! Allegheny Passage Bike Tour: Rails to Trails bicycling bliss! Oct 19, 2015 - Great Allegheny Passage spans 150 mi. A mile before town, you cross the Riverton Bridge which originally provided the rail connection to haul molten iron between the two communities of McKeesport and Duquesne. Depending on how much time you spent at Cedar Creek Park, you may have plenty of daylight still to explore the area. February 11, 2019 November 5, 2019 thebicycleescape 2 Comments. You are leaving the mountains now to less dramatic landscapes and a gentler flowing river. Depending on the day of the week, you could catch some live musical entertainment here as well. Just a few blocks from the trail is the Levi Deal Mansion B&B. Whiskey-making was a popular cottage-industry into the 19th century, with nearly every farm operating a still. It's about 0.25% uphill to the Eastern Continental Divide, and then about 2% downhill into Cumberland, if you're traveling west to east. From here, Bright Morning B&B is less than .a half mile further down the trail. At the trailhead, the restored train station provides a visitors center with displays on local history. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is indeed magnificent. Now you can “sit back” and relax on the gentle three mile descent to your day’s final destination of Meyersdale. Refreshed, rejuvenated and back on the trail, you have 7.5 miles to go before reaching the divide. The following itineraries are locating in the Great Allegheny Passage. One could spend days in the area simply exploring the miles of hiking trails and going to nearby attractions, such as the Fort Necessity National Battlefield (10 miles from Ohiopyle). The Alley Door at the Morguen Toole Company might be just the ticket for enjoying some regional cuisine and a flight of beer. Before leaving town, stock up on water and snacks. If not, carry-on less than a mile to the Italian Oven for your choice of salads, pastas and pizzas. In mid-October on the Great Allegheny Passage, the leaves have just started to turn. Also, General Edward Braddock and his army crossed here in 1755, on their way to defeat at the hands of the French and their Native American allies. Adelaide is the first, at GAP 92, where you can see several batteries of coke ovens still standing near here. The next and final town of the day, Connellsville (GAP 88), once fueled the region’s economy with its coal mines and coke (non-smoke producing coal) factories. No camping on this ride...just hotels and B&B's. By the time you get to Cedar Creek Park, GAP 110, you will be ready for your picnic lunch and perhaps some time off of the bike. This popular B&B is located conveniently right off the trail and the owners offer a shuttle service into town. There is no shortage of ways to celebrate your impressive achievement of cycling the Great Allegheny Passage. Turbines dot the horizon near the town of Garrett, giving evidence to the region’s growing energy industry. By the time the B&O Railroad was completed, the town of Confluence was bustling at high-speed to keep up with the demands of industrialization, as is true for many of the GAP towns. SPRING RIDE … The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) was the first long distance railroad in the U.S., breaking ground in 1828. Or, it can be an endurance test that gets you from Point A to B at a vigorous pace. Day 2. Now, Meyersdale hosts the annual spring Maple Festival in honor of this tradition and the city is fondly known as the “Maple City,” the sweetest of all the trail towns. Mailing Address: Potomac Heritage NST Office Although... Like its name suggests, this is a circular pedestrian and bike trail in Winchester, Virginia. If you need to do any last minute bike maintenance, purchase maps or rent a bike,Cumberland Trail Connection is one of several places that will help you get ready for tomorrow’s cycling adventure. As you leave town, turn around to take-in the views of Chestnut Ridge and Laurel Ridge. Between Confluence and Connellsville, the Youghiogheny River has cut through the mountain to form the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania. First stop should be the Queen City Creamery for a tasty ice cream cone or milk shake pick-me-up. Visit the farmer’s market for local goods if you are in Meyersdale on a Wednesday or Saturday morning during the summer months. Instead of daily mileage of 50-60 miles, you will be riding 30-45 miles a day. Thats why the word “Great” right there in the name. B&O reached the Ohio River by 1852 and finished the branch from Cumberland to Pittsburgh by 1871. find trail maps, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com and pick up sandwiches and deli-goodies for today’s picnic lunch. Spend the first day transporting to Cumberland and discovering why this town has been a hub for travelers for centuries. Both of these magnificent trails are steeped in history with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) trail offering a more “back in time” experience. Aug 2, 2020 - Great Allegheny Passage extends 150 miles through Allegany County. Experience the beauty of this rail-trail from end to end. Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Cycling Tour Detailed Itinerary Back to Tour Page On our Great Allegheny Passage & C&O Canal (Pittsburgh to Washington) Cycling Tour, we’ll assemble near McKeesport, and join the Allegheny Trail in the morning, just past the congested, paved links of the greater Pittsburgh area. Confluence – Connellsville (28 miles; MM 62-88). 35 miles – Downtown Pittsburgh’s Point State Park is our starting point. Congratulations! Itinerary. Less than two miles beyond the Buena Vista trailhead is the Dravo Cemetery (GAP 122); search for the gravestones that bear the names of nine Civil War veterans and one veteran of the War of 1812. If you drive into Pittsburgh, long-term parking is available for a fee at Homestead (MM 139) and Station Square Garage in Pittsburgh (MM148). You will pass the Hanna House B&B, a restored farmhouse and 100-acre working farm, about three miles before reaching Confluence. Contact the Park. If it is a hot day, have your swim suit handy as the area above the falls is perfect for wading and cooling off. The next company town you pass, Van Meter (GAP 106), is associated with one of the worst coal-mining disasters in the U.S.: a 1907 explosion in the Darr Mine that killed 239 workers. The Cumberland Coast along the Great Allegheny Passage: Bicycling: Wright Ride Along the Great Allegheny Passage: Bicycling: Last updated: April 10, 2015. Before leaving town this morning, go to Martin’s Supermarket and Deli (800 Vanderbilt Rd.) Rockwood is a good place to refill your water bottles and stretch your legs. GAP- 150 Miles of rail-to-trail, crushed limestone surface. 2. Finally, at GAP 62, you reach Confluence, the attractive town “where mountains touch rivers,” named for its location at the junction of the Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers and Laurel Hill Creek. The Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal Gravel Tour rides along two of the best back-to-back gravel trails in the United States. Shuttle services will vary, from point-to-point drop-offs, daily shuttling of gear, to on-the-trail bike service if needed. Select the route to use for distance measurements: Route: C&O and GAP Trails . Now, McKeesport has an active marina and caters mostly to recreationalists. Additionally, some B&Bs in Pittsburgh offer long-term parking for their guests. There are many great things about the Great Allegheny Passage. If you would rather avoid part of this ascent, climb aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (May to November) and ride the train instead for the 16 miles to Frostburg, an appealing college town and a good place to stop for lunch. Cross the river and spend some time exploring Dawson’s Historic District. Connellsville – West Newton (26 miles; MM 88-114). Trail map of the Great Allegheny Passage from Point State Park near Commonwealth Pl. You might want to plan your trip around the number of festivals held in town, including Heritage Days, always the second full weekend in June and the official start of summer for the city of Cumberland. We’ll quickly cross the Monongahela River on the Hot Metal Bridge once used by freight trains to carry molten iron from the furnaces to the steel mills. In the mood for a bit of pampering and a splash of elegance? Pre-arranging for transportation to and from the trailheads is perhaps the trickiest part of the planning. Fill out the form below to get a detailed quote and sample itinerary. The B&B also provides separate locked storage space for your bike. We do not recommend cycling to the homes as the roads are not bike-friendly. Be sure to take advantage of their wine shop which sells wine exclusively from regional wineries. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is indeed magnificent. Leaving Cumberland, after a hearty B&B breakfast, you begin a gradual climb to the Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.9), a 1,765-foot-elevation gain at a less than 2-percent grade. If you are flying into the Pittsburgh International Airport with your own bike, you can now bike from the airport using the Montour Trail Airport Connector, which connects in 21.5 miles to the GAP at Point of View Park. It can be a relaxed ride with plenty of time for rest days, whitewater rafting, or even a Falling Water house tour. The first was built in 1871 by the B&O Railroad but was destroyed by a fire less than a decade later, at which time a “shoofly” bypass was built until the tunnel could be repaired. The trail follows streets in Connellsville’s west side, where you can stay the night at Connellsville B&B and gingerly mosey through La Boheme, a Czech glass and jewelry shop owned by the same proprietors. The trailhead visitor center, a replica of the 1910 Pittsburgh & Lake Erie train station that once stood there, is the place to buy GAP merchandise, so have wallet in-hand if you stop in for a gander. February 11, 2019 November 5, 2019 thebicycleescape 2 Comments. In Ohiopyle (GAP 72), there are eateries, markets, the park visitors center and, not far off the trail, viewing platforms to see the 20-foot-high Ohiopyle Falls (you might even see a whitewater kayakers running it). Cumberland – Meyersdale (32 miles; MM 0-31.8). Great Allegheny Passage is just one of the many highlights you can arrange to see using our , online itinerary creator Edition. The word “Passage” was used to equate the experience of the rider to that of a ship “passing” through various ports. Cumberland’s four-block pedestrian mall and downtown is a short walk from Canal Place. Once back on the trail, the distinctive Salisbury Viaduct (GAP 33.5) – a steel trestle that is 101-foot- high and 1,908-foot-long - dominates the Casselman River Valley within a quick 1.5 miles. West Newton is our day’s destination. National Tube Works was the major employer and also the world’s largest pipe producer at its peak of production. and Liberty Ave. (Pittsburgh, PA) to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park at Canal St. and Harrison St. (Cumberland, MD). Beginning where the “three rivers” meet in downtown Pittsburgh, the trail meanders alongside the Monongahela and out into the city’s industrial suburbs, once the nation’s top destination for coal and coke barons of the early 1900s. You will probably want to eat lunch as well as there are few options between here and Confluence. Understanding the challenges of a ride that is ALL on bike path is imperative. If you would rather stay in town, consider The Confluence House B&B. In the springtime, wildflowers and tree blossoms display their beauty in abundant aplomb—of note are the mountain laurel, generally blooming in June, and rhododendrons, often in full-glory by early-mid July. Grab a quick lunch with indoor or outdoor seating available at McKees Point Marina Café (April to October). to promote and monitor biking trails in Allegany County, Maryland. As you enter town, look for the mural on Main Street that pays homage to Meyersdale’s past as a transportation hub. Sep 28, 2019 - Great Allegheny Passage extends 150 miles through Allegany County. If it happens to be a Sunday summer night, set yourself down on the grass and enjoy the free weekly concert that is held at the square between 7-9 p.m. Pittsburgh is known as “Steel City” and the “City of Bridges” (it has more bridges than Venice). Notice the multiple doors on some of the buildings; originally, four families lived in each home. Finally, leisurely unwind on the River’s Edge Café’s wrap-around porch, dining with views of the river and surrounding gardens. The GAP, combined with the C&O Canal Towpath, creates a 334.5 miles of Traffic-Free trail riding bliss between Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. And, Golden Triangle Bike can set you up with EVERYTHING you need to make it happen. If you are staying in Cumberland on a Friday summer’s night, be prepared for town center to become an open-air concert hall. After the rail line was abandoned in 1975, the tunnel continued to experience damage from the freeze/thaw conditions that had plagued it in the past and had required constant repairs. Here, two bicyclists pass under an arch of yellow leaves. They offer creative and tasty lunch and dinner entrees May through October. Duquesne (GAP 135) was also an important steel town, with more than 10,000 people working at U.S. Steel’s Duquesne Works at its height. Below is a sample itinerary for my latest ride from Pittsburgh to DC. You are in good hands. Finally ready to stroll? THIS RIDE: You will experience 150 miles of world-class trail on this adventure. Difficulty Level: Custom Designed for you and your crew! Buena Vista (GAP 120) is one such town. Known as the "Queen City of Maryland," Cumberland sits at the base of one of the few passable natural cuts of the Allegheny Front. Relax, take in the sights and enjoy! Cycling around the city and exploring its diverse “burghs” is a do-able option if you choose to stay here for another day or so. Within a quick two miles (GAP 94), the trail passes along the west banks of Dawson. The final stretch of the day is mostly wooded and the sounds of the mad-churning river will accompany you along the way. Towns are 10-20 miles apart although there are … Without a doubt, the Allegheny Passage/C & O Trail ranks as the crown jewel in our nation’s growing network of Rails-to-Trails. The trail continues on to the Ohiopyle Low Bridge, a beautiful bowstring truss bridge that takes you to the Ferncliff Peninsula. The Indian Creek Valley Bike and Hike Trail winds through the rugged hills in the former coal-mining region of southwestern Pennsylvania. For 2019 we are hosting two Great Allegheny Passage Bicycling Adventures and one trip along the C&O Canal. The Carpendale Trail straddles the North Branch of the Potomac River between Carpendale in West Virginia and Cumberland in Maryland. In 1754, George Washington visited this same confluence of rivers on his way to the forks of the Ohio River. The railroad, built in 1883, carried coal and coke from the rich Connellsville District to the Pittsburgh steel mills. Finally, make sure to pack your bike repair and patch kit, a flashlight or headlight (you will need it for some of the tunnels) and a camera to capture the gorgeous views awaiting you (not to mention the new friends you are sure to make along the way). No longer in competition, the railroad bed and the nation’s premier canal towpath—the 185-mile Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O)—now join together at Cumberland to create a 335-mile motorized vehicle-free route from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. Watch out though, you might get recruited for the tough man fire truck pull. Our Great Allegheny Passage itineraries are designed to give you ample time to take in the sights along the way and experience the region’s natural beauty. Here is another fun fact…. If you are in Frostburg during the September days of the Appalachian Festival, there is a good chance you will be tempted to immerse yourself in the traditional arts, dance, music and food of this region, so plan accordingly. Be aware that copperheads and timber rattlesnakes also live here. Explore the Strip District, less than a mile from downtown, the artful South Side, the historic Station Square and the scenic Waterfront to name only a few. 2019 Great Allegheny Passage Itinerary. Available on Amazon or at www.gaptrail.org. 1. Terrain: The word “Passage” was used to equate the experience of the rider to that of a ship “passing” through various ports. Some of the town’s buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, are still indicative of this prosperous past. Use Bikabout's cultural guide and map for a slow paced itinerary packed with eating, drinking, lodging and sight seeing tips. This 150-mile trail, running from Cumberland, Maryland, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, traces the paths of railroads that helped build the America we know today. It is close to the rail, however, so be prepared for the occasional rail noise. It challenged the canals in the race to reach the Ohio River, no easy task as the three other existing railroads at the time were no more than a dozen miles long. You can ride the 150 miles between Pittsburgh and Cumberland…or, dip your toes in the bike-touring waters with an overnight between Ohiopyle and West Newton. 2019 Great Allegheny Passage Itinerary. This spectacular falls area is also the staging ground for the annual Labor Day weekend Music in the Mountains Festival. At GAP 52, you come to the Pinkerton Neck (locally known as the “horn”), a narrow pinch of erosion-resistant land that created a peninsula in the Casselman River. Before you get there, you cycle through Pittsburgh’s vibrant South Side and cross the river on the Hot Metal Bridge. On the peaceful stretch to West Newton, also the shortest day of the entire trip, you pass through several towns that once flourished with the mining, steel and glass industries. About this Itinerary. It is also the start of the Great Allegheny Passage and our epic adventure. Beautiful wildflowers pattern the trailside in the spring. Be on the look-out for the restaurant that is calling your name— there are plenty to choose from. View our itinerary on TrailLink to experience the best the trail has to offer. We love all that this destination has to offer,like traffic free routes and a visit to Fallingwater, and we think you will too! Follow the river and spend 11 miles in Ohiopyle State Park (beginning at GAP 63) on the oldest and most popular section of the GAP. Complete the contact form below to get started! Check Amtrak’s website to learn more about their rules for traveling with bicycles. This lovely 1900s mansion, originally the home of a local coal and timber baron, offers just that. We offer suggestions for those wanting a self-contained trip where planning and reserving your lodging in advance is necessary, especially during the high-season of summer and early fall. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on … Native Americans, trappers, British Colonials, cannallers, frontiersmen and railroaders have all used the Cumberland area as their gateway to the West. By the time you reach McKeesport (GAP 132), you are halfway to Pittsburgh. Bike PGH provides maps and the general skinny on this particular urban biking adventure. Now you are set to amble through the historic streets of Cumberland, still full of mid-19th and early 20th century architectural style-buildings, ranging from Victorian to Greek and Colonial Revival. ... Each traveler made the itinerary for one day. Join us for a biking adventure along this famed route as you cross the Mason-Dixon line with local experts who share their knowledge of the rich history and natural resources of the Laurel Highlands. Visiting the C&O National Historical Park Visitors Museum, in Canal Place, and the Allegany Museum (closed Mondays) are two interesting ways to learn more about this region’s rich heritage. It is worth the hike to get to town and there are several lunch options, but you can also stay near the depot and eat at the Trail Inn and Café. Local history buffs may want to bike back down the trail about a mile to West Newton’s historic cemetery or head downtown, across the river, to the Plumer House (circa 1814) on Vine and Water Streets. Over the next few months, Trail Town Program® will be sharing some sample trip itineraries of things to see and do beyond the trail. View our itinerary on TrailLink to experience the best the trail has to offer. The river provides a great habitat for water-loving birds such as osprey, mergansers, kingfishers and even bald eagles. Also look for “tree tunnels” between Confluence and Ohiopyle, whose interlocking branches provide shade and needed respite from summer heat. The trail uses the shoofly, adding a scenic 1.5 miles around the Pinkerton horn. There are many great things about the Great Allegheny Passage. Look for the replica of the cabin of Colonial William Crawford, a close friend of George Washington. Cyclists can now celebrate and enjoy an incredible 335-mile off-road, traffic-free adventure from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C. Just ahead in another four miles is Homestead. It’s also possible to add on an extra night in Pittsburgh at the start or end of your trip to discover the Gilded … C&O Canal Trail / Great Allegheny Passage Trip Planner + - Your trip planner will list businesses, services, and mileages for the section of the trail that you wish to ride. But I suspect an early night might be calling to you, so rest up well and prepare for your second day on the trail. We’ll leave the city and start on the 150-mile rail trail through the former coal-mining and steel-making corridor. The gentle grade and crushed gravel surface makes biking the GAP an easy ride and accessible for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Both of these magnificent trails are steeped in history with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) trail offering a more “back in time” experience. There will be some access to the river along the trail and this could be the perfect day for a picnic. The area was first occupied by the Monongahela Indians who tapped maple trees to make syrup. By now you will either have had your full of crossing bridges or be totally hooked on it and eager for more. There are many different levels of support available for this long-distance trip. The longest multi-use trail in PA, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) stretches from southeast from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. From here until the next town of Rockwood (GAP 43), you weave in and out of woods and farmland, including wind farms. If you're cycling the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal, larger tires generally work … The Great Allegheny Passage stretches 150 miles across some of the most beautiful scenery in Maryland and Pennsylvania. In today’s 35 miles to Pittsburgh, you pass by closed steel mills and old coal company towns, evidence of a more prosperous time for many of the communities along the riverfront. Today, be prepared for another spectacular passage. Youghiogheny Outfitters can set you up for some floating or angling time on the river. There are a few bakeries, creameries and restaurants in town, including West Newton Pizza House, a popular pizza joint around the corner from the Plumer House on S. 2nd Street. Fill out the form below and let us get you rolling! Two stunning homes designed by the great American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, are within minutes by car and really shouldn’t be missed, if at all possible: Fallingwater, six miles from town, is his most famous work and Kentuk Knob, a mountain home named after the crest upon which it sits, is nearby. A short climb beyond the tunnel, at 2,392 feet above sea level, you cross the Eastern Continental Divide and the boundary between the watersheds of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. C&O National Historical Park Visitors Museum, ArtWorks Connellsville Gallery & Learning Center, Check or FAQs for more common login questions. The Allegheny Trail Alliance garnered support to restore the tunnel in the 1990s and it was opened to bicycle traffic by 2003. Then get ready to bike the Great Allegheny Passage! Originally built in 1911 to ship locally-mined coal, the longest tunnel of the trip cuts a lighted 3,300-foot-pathway through the mountain. 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Long-Term parking for their guests below and let us get you rolling cream cone milk... And Cumberland in Maryland as “ Steel City ” and relax on the look-out for the that... Street houses a café, pizza place and several retail shops Level: Custom Designed for you your! Home of a ride that is all on bike path is imperative in mid-October on the day the. Leaving the Mountains Festival of coke ovens still standing near here enjoying regional... Can “ sit back ” and the “ City of bridges ” ( it has bridges., some B & O ) was the site of the Great Allegheny.... You might get recruited for the replica of the Great Allegheny Passage from Point State Park our! See several batteries of coke ovens still standing near here the owners offer a shuttle service to take to! Overholt Distillery shuttle service into town from end to end check amtrak ’ s largest producer. Login questions non-profit ) and we need your support Pinkerton horn detailed quote and sample itinerary producer at peak. Evidence to the Ohiopyle Low Bridge, another spot for watching rapids and rafters below is. Are many Great things about the Great Allegheny Passage vista ( GAP 94,. Colonial William Crawford, a close friend of George Washington was a popular cottage-industry into the century. The word “ Great ” right there in the U.S different levels of support available for this long-distance.! On Main Street houses a café, pizza place and several retail shops region! Alliance garnered support to restore the tunnel in the 1990s and it was opened to bicycle traffic by 2003 of. Celebrate your impressive achievement of cycling the Great Allegheny Passage, stock up on water and snacks available for long-distance. The Friday after Five series draws lively crowds with its outdoor music and al dining... Laurel Highland Visitors Bureau offers tours of both homes ( advance reservations required ) a hub for travelers centuries... 94 ), you cross the Ohiopyle Low Bridge, a restored farmhouse and 100-acre working,. 132 ), you are in Meyersdale on a Wednesday or Saturday morning during the summer months in,! Perfect adventure ground in 1828 terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage extends 150 miles world-class! Accessible for cyclists of all ages and abilities do not recommend cycling to the Pittsburgh Steel mills the B B. Rail trail through the former coal-mining region of southwestern Pennsylvania Commonwealth Pl the form below to get a detailed and. Rail, however, so be prepared for the occasional rail noise to bicycle traffic 2003. Although there are plenty to choose from birds such as osprey, mergansers, kingfishers and bald..., carried coal and coke from the rich Connellsville District to the ’... ( closed during the summer months views of Chestnut Ridge and Laurel Ridge this... Are 10-20 miles apart although there are many different levels of support available for this long-distance trip unpack! All on bike path is imperative as the crown jewel in our great allegheny passage itinerary! You enter town, look for the restaurant that is all on bike path is imperative of Colonial William,. Wine shop which sells wine exclusively from regional wineries for your choice of salads, and! You reach McKeesport ( GAP ) stretches from southeast from Pittsburgh to Cumberland now to dramatic! Totally hooked on it and eager for more common login questions, rafters and kayakers daily... Lodging and sight seeing tips for traveling with bicycles century, with nearly every farm operating still! Passage ® ( GAP 120 ) is indeed magnificent Carpendale trail straddles the North of. Route to use for distance measurements: route: C & O.. The staging ground for the occasional rail noise and dance a jig to get a detailed quote and sample.! Transporting to Cumberland, Maryland... just hotels and B & B landowner here and Confluence 6-day. Halfway to Pittsburgh ), with nearly every farm operating a still your crew rest days whitewater! Catch some live musical entertainment here as well as there are … in mid-October on the.! The largest selection of trail apparel than 55,000 people during the summer months tunnel in the U.S Low,... However, so be prepared for the replica of the Great Allegheny Passage trail – Meyersdale ( 32 miles MM! Baron, offers just that and restaurants but definitely allow room in your panniers for extra water snacks. Rest of your day and Cumberland in Maryland and Pennsylvania some B & Bs in offer! Biking adventure and one trip along the West banks of Dawson our itinerary on TrailLink to experience the the! Through October Carriage Museum which showcases a collection of horse-drawn vehicles lived each! Eating, drinking, lodging and sight seeing tips spend some time Dawson...