Great Allegheny Passage combines history, incredible views

Written by LINDA HARKCOM

(Above) The 1,908-foot Salisbury Viaduct carries the Great Allegheny Passage between Meyersdale and Rockwood, Pa. (Right) Bicyclists ride on the Keystone Viaduct. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Seeking an outdoor adventure that combines history and incredible views of nature? Consider a trip along the Great Allegheny Passage.

The 150-mile trail runs from Cumberland, Md., to Pittsburgh, Pa. Visitors can traverse the whole trail or just part of it, options that make it appealing to those looking for a day trip, a weekend excursion or a weeklong getaway.

Bryan M. Perry, executive director of the Great Allegheny Passage, said development of the trail began in 1978. It was finished in 2013.

“While it was primarily developed for biking, it is also used by hikers, runners, birdwatchers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. The Pittsburgh end is paved, so we even have rollerbladers who use the trail,” Perry said.

The trail has become a popular destination for all ages. Perry said in the past two years alone, the trail has hosted 1.4 million visitors annually. He said the trail is used in a variety of ways by those who travel it.

“The Great Allegheny Passage has become an international destination and can easily see (people from) 40-plus countries, in addition to all 50 states on an annual basis,” Ann Nemanic, executive director of GO Laurel Highlands, said in an email.

Some of the sites to see along the way are 14 major bridges and tunnels, including the Big Savage Tunnel, which spans 329 feet and is the largest on the GAP. Visitors also can see the deepest gorge in Pennsylvania.

“They can see lovely ethereal waterfalls, especially in the Ohiopyle area and the section between Confluence and Rockwood. They can also see the Eastern Continental Divide between Meyersdale and the Mason-Dixon Line,” Perry said.

Mile-marker zero starts at Canal Place in front of the historic Western Maryland Railway Station in Cumberland, and the trail ends at mile-marker 150 at Point State Park in Pittsburgh. Visitors can ride the entire trail or ride from one town to another, have dinner and ride back, Perry said.

Towpath adventure

Those looking for a larger adventure can add the C&O Canal towpath to their itinerary and make the 333.3mile trek from Washington, D.C., to Pittsburgh, or vice versa. The towpath begins in Washington, D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood and the two paths converge in Cumberland.

“Cumberland is home to milemarker zero, which makes it a natural start and stop point along the trail, and because it also connects to the C&O Canal towpath, it is a hub of activity for cyclists completing the whole GAP trail, those riding just a portion, those completing both the GAP and C&O Canal, and those wanting just a small taste of both,” Jessica Palumbo, tourism marketing and sales manager for Allegany County, Md., said in an email. “There are also so many amenities and activities between the two trail towns in the first 20 miles of the Maryland portion of the trail.”

The GAP connects a string of 10 trail towns, which Perry said were former farming, coal-mining, glassmaking and paper mill towns rich in history.

“The trail towns provide a welcome respite for cyclists along the Great Allegheny Passage. They may be riding for miles enjoying the scenic beauty of the region, and the towns allow them to slow down and enjoy a beverage, a meal or simply a place to stretch their muscles and rest a spell before continuing on their journey,” Nemanic said. “Each town offers something unique, including the art installations in each town along the trail.”

Palumbo said that in Cumberland, visitors love to explore the Shops at Canal Place. They also like to ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which she said offers a special for cyclists to load their bikes on the train to take the ride to Frostburg, Md., and cycle back down to Cumberland on the GAP trail.

“Right off the trail, cyclists can explore the pedestrian mall in downtown Cumberland, take historic walking tours or coordinate with an outfitter for a paddling excursion on the Potomac River,” Palumbo said.

For the Frostburg Trailhead, Palumbo said people like to cycle up the switchback through the sculpture garden, featuring metal sculptures with cycling themes.

“The switchback leads cyclists to the Frostburg Depot, which is the terminus for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, as well as the home to Tracks and Yaks, Maryland’s only rail-biking excursion,” she said. “A little further up the hill is Frostburg’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment district, full of unique shops, eateries, breweries, wineries and distilleries.”

Most miles of the GAP traverse the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. Nemanic said the trail towns and trailheads offer opportunities for superb day-trip experiences for bikers.

“An easy 15- to 20-mile ride can be enjoyed from numerous entry points within the Laurel Highlands,” Nemanic said.

Numerous spots, such as the expansive Salisbury Viaduct, crossing the Eastern Continental Divide, the Tall Bridge at Ohiopyle and the Big Savage Tunnel “make miles in the Laurel Highlands exceptionally memorable,” Nemanic said.

The historic Western Maryland Railway train station in Cumberland, Md., is adjacent to “Mile Zero” on the Great Allegheny Passage.

Golden age of steel

On the western end, the trail snakes through the Steel Valley of Pittsburgh. Perry said there are many sites to see in this area left over from the golden age of American steel. The trail traverses custom-built ramps, bridges and decks that go over live railroad lines, as well as the Hot Metal Bridge.

“The bridge got its name from when it was used to transport molten steel across the Monongahela River. It takes trail users from the south side of Pittsburgh to downtown,” Perry said.

Nemanic said each trail town offers the opportunity to stop and eat along the Great Allegheny Passage. Perry said there are so many tasty options that one could even gain weight on a four-day biking trip.

While most visitors use the trail for day trips, Perry said 7 percent to 12 percent do overnight and through rides.

“All of our trail towns have bed and breakfasts, guest houses or hotels, and there are half a dozen private campgrounds where you can camp for a small fee,” Perry said.