PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania, with its diverse landscapes and rich industrial heritage, is a paradise for cyclists, boasting an extensive network of trails. Among these, one stands out for its impressive length, scenic beauty, and historical significance: the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP). This world-renowned rail trail holds the distinction of being the longest bike path in Pennsylvania, offering an unforgettable journey through the state's western region, including the mountains, valleys, and river gorges.
The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP): A 150-Mile Epic
The Great Allegheny Passage is a continuous, multi-use trail that spans two states, with the vast majority of its length located within Pennsylvania.
- Total Length: The GAP spans approximately 150 miles from its starting point in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to its terminus in Cumberland, Maryland.
- Nature of the Trail: As a "rail trail," it was converted from the former corridors of the Western Maryland Railway, Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, and other lines. This means it has a very gentle, nearly level grade, making it accessible to cyclists of all ages and abilities. The surface is typically smooth, crushed limestone.
- Path through Pennsylvania: The trail's journey through Pennsylvania is particularly scenic. Starting in Pittsburgh at Point State Park, it follows rivers like the Monongahela and Youghiogheny, passes through charming trail towns like Ohiopyle, Connellsville, and Meyersdale, and crosses the Eastern Continental Divide.
Connecting to the Nation's Capital: The GAP & C&O Canal Towpath
One of the most remarkable features of the Great Allegheny Passage is what happens at its southern end. In Cumberland, Maryland, the GAP seamlessly connects with the C&O Canal Towpath. This allows for a continuous, car-free journey of approximately 334.5 miles to Washington, D.C. (Source: Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy). This linkage makes the GAP a key part of one of the most popular long-distance biking routes in the United States.
Highlights and Scenery
Riding the GAP offers a wealth of stunning scenery and impressive engineering marvels:
- Salisbury Viaduct: A massive 1,908-foot-long viaduct offering panoramic views of the Casselman River valley.
- Big Savage Tunnel: A 3,294-foot-long lighted tunnel that cuts through Big Savage Mountain.
- Ohiopyle State Park: The trail runs directly through this popular state park, offering views of its waterfalls and the opportunity for other recreational activities.
- Crossing the Divide: The trail crests the Eastern Continental Divide at an elevation of 2,392 feet near the Maryland border.
Other Notable Long Bike Paths in Pennsylvania:
While the GAP is the longest completed trail, Pennsylvania has other significant long-distance paths:
- D&L Trail (Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor): Located in eastern Pennsylvania, this trail is planned to be over 165 miles long when fully complete, though some gaps currently exist.
- Pine Creek Rail Trail: A highly scenic 62-mile trail located in the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon" (Pine Creek Gorge).
The Great Allegheny Passage stands as the longest completed bike path in Pennsylvania, offering cyclists a world-class, 150-mile journey from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. Its gentle grade, beautiful scenery, historic trail towns, and connection to the C&O Canal Towpath make it a premier destination for both day-trippers and long-distance tourists. It's a true gem of the Keystone State and a testament to the success of the rail trail movement.
Sources:
- Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy (gaptrail.org)
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Local visitor bureaus for Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle, and other trail towns
- D&L Trail (Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor)
- Pine Creek Rail Trail resources
