Great Allegheny Passage
Great Allegheny Passage
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The Great Allegheny Passage soars over valleys, snakes around mountains, and skirts alongside three rolling rivers on its nearly level path from Cumberland, Md. to Pittsburgh. Cyclists pass through the Cumberland Narrows, cross the Mason-Dixon Line, top the Eastern Continental Divide, wind their way through Pennsylvania’s breathtaking Laurel Highlands, journey through the region’s coke, coal, mining, and steel-making corridor, and end at Pittsburgh’s majestic Point State Park. Stunning views of waterfalls, gorges, river valleys, and farmland are everywhere, especially from outside the Big Savage Tunnel, from the sweeping Salisbury Viaduct, at both ends of the Pinkerton Tunnel, and via the Ohiopyle High and Low Bridges. Riders overlook the joining of rivers at Confluence, McKeesport, and Pittsburgh, and can explore adjoining peninsulas, state parks, hollows, wildflower stands, and forests on foot at many places along the trail.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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64 within 3 miles
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37 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
254 reviews
Excellent
223
Very good
27
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
SoJerzeeGirl
New Jersey97 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
All in all, riding the entire GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland with my husband over a 5-day period (4 days of actual riding) was a phenomenal experience. I absolutely loved seeing the landscape transition from urban to suburban to rural. The abundance of nature and the vistas were nothing short of spectacular. The innkeepers we encountered were welcoming, gracious hosts. The grade, though not steep, was a bit challenging at times, and I definitely recommend padded shorts. The one real disappointing aspect was the fact that some of the restaurants along the way were closed, and therefore food and beverage choices were limited. In Ohiopyle, two out of three restaurants were closed on the same day. If you enjoy an adult beverage at the end of your ride, you might consider packing some of your own. As stated, though, the good far exceeds the not-so-good.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MtlBCcommuter
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada6 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
My Salsa Vaya touring bike worked well on the "GAP"'s 148.8 miles, and we had no rain! Met some great people cycling the trail. You need to plan and book accomodations in Jan or Feb to ride in September. The trail is shaded by trees most of the way, and the trail surface is mostly crushed gravel. We continued on after the GAP and did the 184 mile C&O Toepath trail...but that was a whole other story. Detours, very bumpy (rocks, tree roots, mud) conditions most of the way, and towns along the way that required uphill switchbacks and uphill roads, and poorly maintained outhouses put a tiny dent in our overall great riding experience. These 2 connecting trails took us from Pittsburgh to Washington DC. A must ride for touring enthusiasts!!
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry B
Cumberland, MD120 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
I have ridden the GAP many times. I enjoy the well packed and maintained trail. During the summer of 2023 there is some construction at the beginning in Cumberland but very passable,
The people,along the trail are very friendly and a lost of services every 15 to 20 miles.
Great scenery and fun places to stop
The people,along the trail are very friendly and a lost of services every 15 to 20 miles.
Great scenery and fun places to stop
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy B
Washington DC, DC19 contributions
Oct 2020
What a beautiful, well maintained trail. You could see how much effort goes into the upkeep, not to mention the costs. THANK YOU for all those who worked to make it happen and those who keep it up- a wonderful socially-distanced vacation experience that I would do again and highly recommend!
Written October 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rusty10075
New York City, NY10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
So impressed how well maintained this trail was. All 150 miles I rode no major pot holes, garbage , etc. Also good signage and mile markers. Even when going through towns where the trail seemed to cutoff it was easy to follow- no pulling over and guessing. Same goes for all the tunnels - well maintained. The Big Savage Tunnel (my favorite) while dark, long and the motion sensor lighting was a bit delayed it was also clean and well maintained. No sudden bumps or random debris. Plenty of water and bathrooms along the trail. Ohiopyle was a great stop to spend the night. I stayed at the Ohiopyle Suites (right off the path) and dined at the Falls City Restaurant and Pub. Had good food and a well deserved cold beer. You can walk anywhere in this small inviting town.
Used my road bike with 25” gravel tires and I was fine. Also as a female traveling solo I left safe.
Really found it a lovely trail and overall trip.
Used my road bike with 25” gravel tires and I was fine. Also as a female traveling solo I left safe.
Really found it a lovely trail and overall trip.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusieDee1
Plymouth, MI111 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We started in Connellsville and went up (2% grade) approximately 17 miles to Ohiopyle and back, Ohiopyle to Fort ? And back, then Rockwood to Meyersdale and back, then Meyersdale over the gap to Frostburg and back. Wonderful trail, mostly canopied, wildlife, views, places to eat. Great trip. We will be going back, and will combine with rafting in Ohiopyle.
Written July 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roberttO761OL
Towson151 contributions
Apr 2022
My wife and I bike all over the world and the GAPCO trail which is a combo of the Great Alleghaney Passage and the C&O canal is incredible. We took the train to Pittsburg spent the night and then road about 40 miles each day along the Great Allegheny Passage spending the night in incredible hotels or B&B and having great meals. In Cumberland you pickup the C&O canal and it is amazing going all the way to Washington . So you can the train from Washington to Pittsburg and ride all the way back and it is totally safe and great hotels & B&B along the way
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen S
Pennsylvania372 contributions
Sep 2020
We rode the portion of the Great Allegheny Passage from Frostburg to the Eastern Continental Divide. Although most of the rails to trails we ride in PA are asphalt, the ride here is mostly smooth stone (crushed limestone). It slowed us down a little but we had the whole day to waste. It was a slight uphill journey but a very interesting one. The Mason-Dixon line was neat and the views near the Big Savage Tunnel were awesome. Only complaints were the young couple walking the 4 dogs near the divide were leaving their dogs waste on the trail as they walked and older gentleman than almost ran head-on into my husband in the "lighted" tunnel.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🙋🏽♂️🤹🏽♂️✔️Keep Life Simple ✈️🧳✅
Pittsburgh, PA88,427 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The GAP trail runs the route of the old Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad. There are numerous access points for a short walk with your dogs or bicycle on the trail. This reviews for Sutersville access point. All level and plenty of free parking.
Written June 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusieDee1
Plymouth, MI111 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Nicely maintained packed gravel trail. Slight grade up for the 16 miles to Frostberg. Mostly shaded in the morning. Awesome cruising on the way back! Have lunch at the Princess Cafe in Frostberg. Had a very nice day.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam S
Wellington, OH38 contributions
Any recommendations for long-term (4 days) parking in downtown Pittsburgh near the GAP trailhead?
We recommend the First Avenue Garage, 600 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. which is right on the GAP. An alternative is the Grant Street Transportation Center, 55 Eleventh Street, 15219, which is convenient for those connecting or returning by Amtrak. Check in with the staff on duty to alert them to your overnight parking plans.
John M
Elgin, IL5 contributions
My wife and I are thinking about this ride on our tandem. looking at about 50 miles/day for a leisurely ride. At this time our plan us to ride east from Pittsburg to Cumberland. Any recommendations for hotels/motels at each trail head, and what about transportation back, can Amtrak handle a tandem on the Capitol Limited? Thanks in advance. John Martin, Elgin IL
Hi, John, I'm sorry for the delay in answering your questions. One of the best features of the Great Allegheny Passage are the lodging options -- from guesthouses to cottages to B&B's. May I suggest that you pick up a copy of TrailGuide at our website (a good $10 investment, with maps of the trail and towns) to outline your options? As for Amtrak, I'm afraid their bicycle service doesn't allow for tandems. The bikes hang by their front wheel and tandems usually exceed the length from the hangar to the floor of the rail car. You may wish to double-check with Amtrak to be sure.
Pam S
Wellington, OH38 contributions
Is it better to do the GAP ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, or vice versa?
Sorry for the delay, Pam. The advantage of Pittsburgh to Cumberland is the 22-mile "downhill" at the end, from the Eastern Continental Divide to Cumberland. I do prefer Cumberland to Pittsburgh, though, since my legs are fresh on day one to climb that same 2 percent grade up, and then when I arrive in Pittsburgh I'm closer to my car, and home, and a shower.
Laura W
Ogdensburg
I see most people do the GAP as a bike ride. Some friends and I wanted to hike the trail instead. do you have any information about that? Thanks!!
HappyHikerGirl
Madison, NJ496 contributions
When we did the GAP last year we only saw cyclists. I hike. Personally, I wouldn't enjoy the GAP as a hike. My preference for hiking is mountainous, more scenic, and more intimate with nature. The GAP is a well maintained rails-to-trails trail. IMO the first quarter from Pittsburgh south to West Newtown is not very scenic as there are a lot of industrial factories, empty industrial factories and waste, and small towns that are struggling. The most scenic portion starts before Ohiopyle through Cumberland. If I were to hike it, I'd start in Ohiopyle.
Cindy M
Checotah, OK4 contributions
Is there a bike shuttle from pittsburgh to cumberland! We want to park in Pittsburgh and bike from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. Thanks!
Rock City Shuttles, Golden Triangle Bike, Cumberland Trail Connection are all possibilities. Amtrak also runs between Pittsburgh and Cumberland and can be a good option. Pick up a copy of TrailGuide for a longer list of shuttle services, available at the GAPTraul website or on Amazon.
k s
Fairfax, VA59 contributions
how difficult is navigating the incomplete section, especially near Pittsburgh?
HappyHikerGirl
Madison, NJ496 contributions
It's not hard to navigate the incomplete section in Pittsburgh. We stayed at the Courtyard Pittsburgh Downtown, which is literally blocks from the official start in Point State Park. One tip: ride the bike trail along the water to get to Point State Park, then follow the signs (we did take 1-2 wrong turns). If you do this you are doing the actual GAP that takes you along a highway and other not so scenic things. Tip from couple who did the GAP with us, they crossed the Monongahela River via the highway - 376 (right at the park) and then rode that other trail the GAP. They had done the GAP, but knew that was more scenic. That trail also has clearly marked signs.
Regarding hotels... that part of the trail: McKeesport to Meyersdale is not heavily populated and the number of people who do the GAP wouldn't sustain a Marriott or Hilton property. We stayed in West Newton: Bright Morning Bed & Breakfast and Ohiopyle: Yough Plaza Motel. Neither are establishments I would go to if I didn't have to (you can see my reviews and pictures).
BTW - I'm originally from Arlington, VA and my husband lived in Fairfax before we got married and moved to NJ. Happy travels KS from Ffx!
bam18Md
md4 contributions
I am trying to find information about RUNNING the GAP. Does anyone know if it is purely a cyclist trail and/or is it runner friendly? Or perhaps, I should ask from an etiquette perspective if runners should avoid this to leave it for cyclists? We would be looking to run about 14 miles probably a 7 mile out and back segment, preferably close to one of the towns, as a stop over in along any part of the trail on a road trip to Pittsburg. Thanks.
The Great Allegheny Passage is perfect for runners -- joggers, ultramarathoners, and anyone in between. Some of our trail groups host 5K and 10K events, and in October, you and seven teammates can participate in the GAP Trail Relay from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. The GAP's a regular spot for walkers, strollers, hikers, and in the winter, x-c skiiers. Enjoy!
Can you give me information about the train from Cumberland Md to Pittsburgh. Planning on doing the ride this summer. Would like to know where you get the train back to Pittsburgh.
Hi, Lori, Amtrak's Capitol Limited runs between Pittsburgh and Cumberland and each train holds eight (8) slots for bicycles. You can purchase your seat and a slot for your bike on a first-come, first-serve basis. See Amtrak's website for details. There are shuttle services available, and some folks are content to rent a car for their return trip.
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Claim your listingGreat Allegheny Passage - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Allegheny Passage
- Hotels near Great Allegheny Passage:
- (0.26 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites Cumberland
- (0.28 mi) Bruce House Inn
- (0.24 mi) Cumberland Inn and Spa
- (0.26 mi) Ramada by Wyndham Cumberland Downtown
- (0.41 mi) The Inn on Decatur
- Restaurants near Great Allegheny Passage:
- (0.06 mi) Cafe Mark
- (0.10 mi) City Lights
- (0.06 mi) Uncle Jack's Pizzeria & Pub
- (0.13 mi) Baltimore Steet Grill
- (0.16 mi) Ristorante Ottaviani
Great Allegheny Passage Information
Excellent Reviews | 223 |
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Very Good Reviews | 27 |
Great Allegheny Passage Photos | 347 |