The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is truly one of America’s greatest rail trails. You will pass stunning scenery, bridges with sweeping vistas, and charming trail towns. It runs between Cumberland, Maryland, and downtown Pittsburgh, winding through the mountains and valleys that the former Western Maryland Railway once traversed. This region has a rich history in steel manufacturing, so you’ll encounter many relics from that era along the route, including the Salisbury Viaduct, a 1,908-foot steel structure that spans the Casselman River, and the Big Savage Tunnel, a 3,291-foot tunnel that cuts through the Allegheny Mountains. The trail connects with the C&O Towpath in Cumberland, providing a great option if you want to extend your ride all the way to Washington, D.C.!

The GAP stretches for 150 miles of well-graded, hard-packed crushed limestone. It’s suitable for all abilities and makes for an excellent trip for anyone looking to get into cycle touring. The trail’s surface is well-maintained and smooth, so a hardtail mountain bike, gravel bike, or hybrid bike is perfect for the path. The most important factor is that you feel comfortable on your bike! One of the first questions that arises when planning to ride the GAP is what direction to take the trail. If you ride from west to east (Pittsburgh to Cumberland), you’ll experience a slight ascent until you reach the Eastern Continental Divide, followed by a fast and fun descent. On the other hand, riding in the reverse direction presents a punchier climb at the start (though still well-graded, as it’s a rail trail), followed by a gradual descent all the way to the finish. At the end of the day, whatever way you ride the trail, an unforgettable experience awaits!

There are several transportation options available for you and your bike to travel to the start of the GAP and return after completing the trail. Both ends of the GAP are accessible by Amtrak’s Floridian line, which accepts bikes, making it an excellent option for car-free travel. If you prefer to drive, there is ample overnight parking in both Cumberland and Pittsburgh. The trail offers a variety of accommodation options, allowing you to ride it as a credit card tour, staying in hotels and B&Bs each night, or to bring camping gear and use the campsites and hiker-biker sites scattered along the trail. This Collection is planned so that each day ends in a town with a hotel, but there are also plenty of camping options too if you wish to spend a night under the stars.

The best time to ride the GAP is between April and October, though summer can bring hot days. If you ride in the winter, you’ll likely encounter snow, and the Big Savage Tunnel between Meyersdale and Frostburg closes from December to early April, requiring a detour. No matter when you decide to ride, it’s always a good idea to bring rain gear! Be sure to check the availability of amenities in towns along the route before starting your journey, as some may not be open depending on the time of year.