Great Allegheny Passage: Meyersdale to Deal

You can typically find parking at the Meyersdale Visitors Center, which also serves as a historic Western Maryland Railway terminal. This is a great starting point for your hike.

Yes, this segment of the Great Allegheny Passage is considered easy and is very suitable for beginners and families. It's a converted rail bed with a well-maintained crushed limestone surface and a gentle grade, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers.

The trail offers several highlights. You'll cross the impressive Keystone Viaduct, which provides breathtaking views nearly 100 feet above Flaugherty Creek. Near Deal, you'll reach the Eastern Continental Divide, the highest point on the trail. East of Meyersdale, you can also find the historic Bollman Bridge. The route also features peaceful farmlands and views of Amish homesteads.

The terrain is primarily a smooth, well-maintained crushed limestone surface. As a former rail bed, it's mostly flat with a gentle grade, typically less than 1%. You'll also encounter a few wood-surface bridges and a cement surface on the Keystone Viaduct.

Spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to hike this trail. Spring brings lush greenery, summer offers warm weather for longer days, and fall showcases beautiful foliage. The well-maintained surface makes it enjoyable across multiple seasons.

Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required to hike this section of the Great Allegheny Passage. It is freely accessible to the public.

While the trail itself is linear, shuttle services are available from various private operators along the wider Great Allegheny Passage. It's advisable to research local shuttle providers if you plan an unsupported one-way trip for this section.

Yes, this route is part of several larger trail networks. It fully encompasses sections of the 9-11 Trail (Pennsylvania GAP to/from Maryland), the Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania), the Great Allegheny Passage, the 50 (Pennsylvania), and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (left bank).

Meyersdale, known as Pennsylvania's "Maple Capital," offers amenities including the Meyersdale Visitors Center. You might also find local treats, such as Amish donuts, in the area due to the presence of an Amish community.