GAP Trail, Our Roots & You!
More Than a Trail: Our Deep Connection to the GAP
The Great Allegheny Passage isn’t just a trail—it’s a journey that has shaped who we are. Where our passion for adventure, the outdoors, and cycling all began. Its winding path through lush forests, picturesque towns, and historic landscapes captures the heart of adventure like no other.
We’ve been riding, exploring, and growing with the trail since day one, and it’s a privilege to share that love with you. The GAP is our home, and we’re committed to offering many ways for you to discover it for yourself.
Time-trusted Leader on the GAP
Began walking & biking tours in Pittsburgh
Launched “Bike the GAP” travel company
Our first GAPCO self-guided bike tours began
Rebranded to Noble Invention Bike Touring
Five-year milestone of Excellence on TripAdvisor
Created GAP Bike Tour Blueprints
15th season on the Great Allegheny Passage
“I remember the first time we started offering tours on the Great Allegheny Passage, fifteen years ago. There’s something truly magical about watching people pedal through these winding trails, feeling the weight of history in the air, and witnessing the stunning landscapes that have mostly remained unchanged.
That’s the beauty of riding the GAP – it takes you back, not just to nature, but to yourself.”
— Sara Petyk (owner)
Experience the GAP!
Let us plan your trip, from $730pp
Ride in July or August, from $650 pp
Kids and adults can enjoy the trail, from $1850
Create your own plan for your own budget!
Great Allegheny Passage
2010: Establishing Our Roots
In 2010, we launched our first self-guided bike tour on the Great Allegheny Passage, sparking our passion for biking and adventure travel. As one of the first to offer this experience, we gained a deep understanding of the trail’s challenges and beauty. Those early lessons still shape how we design tours today. While we’ve expanded nationally, our love for the GAP remains at the heart of everything we do.
Unmatched Knowledge
We pride ourselves on our in-depth knowledge of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Our team knows every twist of the trail, along with its history, landmarks, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an expert or casual rider, we craft tours that showcase the best of the GAP, ensuring an unforgettable experience every time.
No Outfitter With More Options
Every rider has different needs, which is why we offer multiple options for exploring the Great Allegheny Passage. Whether you need luggage shuttles or not, want to bike for a few days or take on a longer adventure, we provide a range of flexible itineraries to suit YOU! In addition, we offer Bike Tour Blueprints for those who want a full, self-made itinerary.
Riding the GAP
Great Allegheny Passage tours are offered between late April and mid-October. This schedule is dictated by weather and trail conditions. Most riders choose to ride between May and October.
Spring on the GAP is a wonderful way to restart your cycling season. April and the start of May can have periods of rain followed by periods of gorgeous spring sunshine. Spring flowers are found all along the trail and add a special color to your trip.
Summer is ideal for riders who love the long days, sunny and dry weather. Long sunny days allow for full days of biking, side trips, and socializing.
September and October is peak season on the trail – groups should book trips at least 9 months in advance when possible. Fall foliage occurs generally in early to mid-October, although exact dates do vary each year.
Bike rental can be included in this trip (Pittsburgh start only) through Bike the Burgh. If you will not be returning to Pittsburgh, there is a Cumberland drop-off fee of $75/bike. Ebike rental is also available.
Great Allegheny Passage tours start in Pittsburgh and end in Cumberland. We find this direction works best for the flow of the trip and travel logistics since most riders fly or drive to Pittsburgh. However, this tour can be offered in the opposite direction – Cumberland to Pittsburgh – at the rider’s request or to find lodging availability.
Due to the steep elevation change at the PA/MD border, another reason to start in Pittsburgh is that this allows for the last day of riding to be primarily downhill.
Most tours start in Pittsburgh and riders can utilize the Pittsburgh International Airport, Amtrak, or local parking facilities for arrival. The majority of riders also return to Pittsburgh at the end of their tour via the included shuttle.
For some (particularly riders driving up from the south) leaving a car in Cumberland, Md. may be preferable. In those cases riders are shuttled at the start of their tour to Pittsburgh, and then end their tour and depart from Cumberland.
Our trip coordinators are happy to discuss different scenarios to determine which starting and ending location will work best for you.
The GAP passes through rural SW Pennsylvania with small towns about every 10-20 miles which offer food, bathrooms, and bike services. There are also relatively frequent trailheads with port-a-johns along the length of the trail.
Cell coverage is fairly strong on the trail, particularly Verizon. Wifi can be limited, although most B&Bs and hotels will offer the service. *There is no wifi and limited cell service in Ohiople.
Have a question about the GAP?
Our professional team members are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding this iconic trail. Please reach out to them for trail tips and to plan your next adventure.
2025 GAP Tours
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GAP 4 Day Tour
Bike the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) for your next adventure vacation. You’ll spend 4 days taking in the scenic waterfalls, woods and charming towns that dot this trail.
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GAP 5 Day Tour
Bike the Great Allegheny Passage in 5 days and see all that the trail offers. From charming small towns to majestic waterfalls, the GAP has a taste of everything you want from a bike vacation.
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GAPCO 8 Day Tour
The Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath is a must-ride trail for all bike travelers. These two bike trails create two distinctly different experiences and one epic journey.
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Looking for Something Different?
We are proud to offer a wide variety of curated tour itineraries on many of the nation’s best trails.