Map of the Great Allegheny Passage
Great Allegheny Passage
Great Allegheny Passage
LENGTH:
150 miles
SURFACE:
paved / unpaved
COMMUNITIES:
Homestead, Duquesne, West Miffin, MsKeesport, Port Vue, Liberty, Boston, Greenrock, Buena Vista, Suttersville, West Newton, Perryopolis, Liberty, Connellsville, Ohiopyle, Confluence, Fort Hill, Markelton, Rockwood, Garrett, Meyersdale, Frostburg, Cumberland
HIGHLIGHTS:
rail trail, Pennsylvania countryside, Monogahelia River, Youghiogheny River, local parks, tunnels, bridges, rural communities
NEARBY TRAILS:
RELATED LINKS:
The Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile long paved and unpaved pathway located in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The trail extends from Pittsburgh to Cumberland in Maryland and goes past numerous small communities along the way. Much of the route follows the Monongahelia River, the Youghiogheny River and the Casselman River as they meander through the Pennsylvania countryside.
The trail has multiple historic bridges along the way with spectacular views of the rivers. It also goes through thickly forested areas with lush undergrowth and many opportunities to view wildlife along the way. there are restored train stations, other historic sites and many spots along the way to grab a bite and rest up a bit.
Conditions
For the most part, the surface of the Great Allegheny Passage is that of compacted crushed limestone. There are sections that are paved in the urban areas. The grades are fairly level at less than 1%, with a slightly higher grade near Cumberland. The trail is open for bike riding, walking and running.
Communities
The Great Allegheny Passage goes past the following communities: Homestead, Duquesne, West Miffin, MsKeesport, Port Vue, Liberty, Boston, Greenrock, Buena Vista, Suttersville, West Newton, Perryopolis, Liberty, Connellsville, Ohiopyle, Confluence, Fort Hill, Markelton, Rockwood, Garrett, Meyersdale, Frostburg and Cumberland. There are numerous trailheads and parks along the way to start from or to take a break along the way.
Points of Interest
The Great Allegheny Passage goes past the following points of interest: the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, the confluence of the Monogahelia River and the Youghiogheny River, Boston Ballfield Park, North Buena Vista Historical Site, Cedar Creek Park, Ohiopyle State Park and the C&O Canal Towpath Trail.
The trail includes three tunnels, including the Big Savage Tunnel, the Borden Tunnel and the Brush Tunnel. If you plan to travel in a section with a tunnel, lights are advised. The Big Savage Tunnel is 3,295 feet long (0.62 miles). There is a fantastic view on a clear day from the southern end. The Big Savage Tunnel is located about 11 miles along the trail south of Meyersdale. The Borden Tunnel is 957-feet long and located about 2 miles north of Frostburg. The Brush Tunnel is 914-feet long and just west of Corriganville.
Nearby Trails
In Pittsburgh, the Great Allegheny Passage connects to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail system that follows the banks of the three rivers near the downtown area, past the stadiums and other attractions.
In Cumberland, Maryland, the Great Allegheny Passage connects to the 184.5-mile long C&O Canal Towpath that extends all the way to Washington D. C.
End Points
The north end of the Great Allegheny Passage is located just east of the Glenwood Bridge at Haysden Street on the south shore of the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh. This is also the place where the trail meets the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
The south end of the Great Allegheny Passage is located at Baltimore Street and Canal Street in Cumberland, Maryland. This is where the trail meets the C&O Canal Towpath Trail that extends as far as Washington D. C.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania.
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