AVAILABLITY
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 mid-May to early 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.
START/END
Great Allegheny Passage trips start in Pittsburgh and end in Cumberland. We find this direction works best for the flow of the trip and travel logistics as riders fly or drive to Pittsburgh.
This trip can be offered in the opposite direction – Cumberland to Pittsburgh – at the rider’s request or to offer the best lodging availability.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Great Allegheny Passage is a crushed gravel rail trail surface with a grade of less than 1%. Short portions of the trail near Pittsburgh and Connellsville are paved. The trail is well-maintained and kept clear by volunteers and local municipalities. There are restrooms at several trailheads along the way, and frequently towns where riders can stop for food, water, and bathrooms.
The trail grades slightly uphill as you ride south, particularly in the section between Confluence and Meyersdale. Once the trail reaches the Eastern Continental Divide just beyond Meyersdale, the grade slopes downward to Cumberland at about 1.75%.
*If you are riding from Cumberland northward, then expect to ride this uphill over the majority of your Day 1. It is not difficult, just make sure to take time to rest and have some water and snacks on the bike with you.
WHAT IS THE BEST DIRECTION FOR THE GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE?
We recommend considering your pre- and post-trip logistics when choosing which direction to ride between Pittsburgh and Cumberland.
If you are flying into or leaving a car in Pittsburgh, do you prefer to be shuttled back to the city on you last ride day OR to be shuttled to the other end of the trail on Day 1 and end your trip back in the city.
If leaving a car in Cumberland, it’s the same question – do you want to end your trip at your car or at your shuttle?
Our trip coordinators are happy to discuss different scenarios to determine which will work best for you.
OTHER NOTES
The GAP trail is not particularly isolated, although it does run through mostly small town and rural communities. You’ll find towns with food and bike services every 20 miles or so.
Cell coverage is fairly good along the Great Allegheny Passage and Verizon covers most of the area. Wifi can be limited, although most B&Bs and hotels will offer the service. *There is no wifi and limited cell service in Ohiople.
