Great Allegheny Passage

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.