The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP)
bike trail extends from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on the north to Cumberland,
Maryland to the south for a total of 150 miles. I had the fortune of biking
portions of this trail in the summer of 2014.
There are hardy cyclists who
bike the trail in one continuous trip hauling all that they need on the bike. Some
continue on the C&O Canal Trail that starts in Cumberland and ends in
Washington, D.C. after another 185 miles for an epic 335 mile bike trip.
Being not so hardy, I chose
to do a series of “out-and-back” trips on certain segments of the GAP trail.
I started late on Day One
due to a flat tire and other complications. So, a shorter trip was all I could
fit in before dark. I pedaled from Frostburg to Meyersdale and back for a total
of 32 miles. This segment includes passage over the Mason-Dixon line and the
eastern continental divide, a traverse through the Big Savage Tunnel, and
spectacular views of distant valleys and hills while stopped at the trail’s
high point at 2932 feet above sea level.
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On Day Two I based out of
Confluence and rode south to Rockwood and back for a total of 38 miles. After
lunch, I set out north to Ohiopyle and back for another round trip of 22 miles.
Total mileage for the day was 60 miles give or take.
My final day started in Connelsville
south to a side trail to the town of Dunbar, followed by a ride south to
Ohiopyle and back for a total of 37 miles.
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The total mileage for my
three day trip clocked in at just short of 130 miles. Small towns are quaint
and welcoming. Views are spectacular. Tunnels, viaducts, and trestle bridges
are many. Overall, it was a very enjoyable and fulfilling trip.
The following link will give
you a short five minute video of this journey.
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