Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage is primarily surfaced with crushed limestone, offering a smooth and comfortable ride suitable for mountain bikes, touring bikes, and hybrids. Some sections, especially near urban areas like Pittsburgh and Cumberland, are paved. As a converted railroad bed, the trail maintains a gentle grade, typically less than 1%, though it can become softer when wet.

Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage is generally considered beginner to intermediate friendly. Its design as a rail-trail means grades are very gentle, rarely exceeding 2%. The most significant climb is eastbound from Cumberland, Maryland, to the Eastern Continental Divide, which is a gradual ascent of about 1,800 feet over 23 miles at an average 1.5% grade. Once past the Divide, the trail largely descends towards Pittsburgh, making for a more relaxed experience.

The Great Allegheny Passage is 150 miles long. While the exact duration depends on your pace and how many stops you make, most cyclists complete the entire trail over 2-4 days. Many combine it with the C&O Canal Towpath for a longer, 335-mile journey to Washington, D.C.

The trail offers spectacular and diverse scenery, including river valleys, dense forests, and mountainous terrain. You'll see views of the Casselman, Youghiogheny, and Monongahela Rivers. Notable landmarks include impressive tunnels like the Brush Tunnel, Borden Tunnel, and the 3,300-foot Big Savage Tunnel, as well as towering viaducts such as the Salisbury Viaduct. Don't miss the "Four Seasons" murals on the silos at the Youghiogheny Glass Factory.

The best time to cycle the Great Allegheny Passage is typically from late spring through early fall (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and all trail services and amenities in the trail towns are fully operational. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while spring brings lush greenery.

Yes, numerous "trail towns" are strategically located along the Great Allegheny Passage, providing essential amenities. You'll find options for lodging, dining, bike services, and strategically placed bike fix-it stations. Hiker-biker campgrounds are also available for overnight stays, making multi-day trips convenient.

Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage is generally dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but it's important to keep them on a leash and ensure you clean up after them. Always be mindful of other trail users.

No, you do not need any permits or have to pay entrance fees to access and use the Great Allegheny Passage. It is a public rail-trail accessible to everyone.

There are numerous access points and parking areas along the entire 150-mile length of the Great Allegheny Passage, particularly in the various trail towns. Specific parking details can vary by town, but most trail towns offer designated parking lots close to the trail. For detailed information on specific access points, it's best to check local trail maps or visitor guides for the section you plan to ride.

The Great Allegheny Passage is notable for several reasons: it was the first rail trail inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame, it connects to the C&O Canal Towpath to form a continuous 335-mile route to Washington, D.C., and it offers a journey through history with remnants of the railroad, coal, and steel industries. You'll also encounter impressive engineering feats like the Big Savage Tunnel and Salisbury Viaduct, and enjoy the convenience of numerous trail towns.

If you prefer a mostly downhill experience, consider starting your ride at the Eastern Continental Divide or in Cumberland, Maryland, and heading west towards Pittsburgh. The eastbound section from Cumberland to the Continental Divide involves a gradual 1,800-foot climb over 23 miles, which can be a test of endurance. Riding west from the Divide offers a more relaxed, predominantly downhill journey.