Imagine a
132-mile muscle-powered adventure that follows wild rivers,
passes through shaded forests, and intersects with charming
trailside communities. This nearly level ride along the Great Allegheny
Passage is, quite simply, the “Ride of Your Life.”
The ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland is only one way
people are experiencing the trail. Others make the longer
316 mile trek from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh. Still
others load their bikes onto their cars for day and
overnight trips.
However you wish to experience the trail, exploring the
trail towns that line it is half the fun! Here’s a taste of
what you’ll find in the towns:
Meyersdale (Mile 32) – The “Maple City” (a.k.a. “the sweetest place
on earth”) hosts the PA Maple Festival each year and is the closest
town to the Maryland state border. Meyersdale is near breathtaking
scenery and thrilling trail features like the Big Savage Tunnel and
the 101-foot-high Salisbury Viaduct.
Rockwood (Mile 43) – This charming trailside community has a small
town feel but offers trail services in a big way. B&B’s, bike shops,
and hometown restaurants are all at the trailhead or just in town.
The Rockwood Opera House and Mill Shoppes is a former lumber mill
and opera house that now houses shops and eateries.
Confluence (Mile 60) – The town motto is “Where mountains touch
rivers” and you’ll know why when you visit. Confluence is a great
little vacation community with riverside dining and a lovely town
square. Annual events like Pumpkin Fest and Old Home Days are full
of small town charm.
Ohiopyle (Mile 72) – Once
known as Falls City, Ohiopyle has been a tourist destination since
the advent of the railroads. Today, Ohiopyle is home to the renowned
Ohiopyle State Park and is the most frequented of all of the Trail
Towns with 1.5 million visitors annually.
Connellsville (Mile 88) – The only city among the Trail Towns,
Connellsville’s coke factories once fueled the regional economy.
Today’s local favorites are Youghiogheny Glass and Bud Murphy’s
Pizza.
West Newton (Mile 114) – The closest of the towns to Pittsburgh,
West Newton is a historic community in the midst of a major
facelift. The “Bridge to Tomorrow” that connects the trail to town
will soon take trail users to a new town square and into the
business community.
Looking for places to stay, dine, and visit while in the towns?
Visit www.greatalleghenypassage.org
for a listing of amenities.