2019 Great Allegheny Passage Itinerary

For 2019 we are hosting two Great Allegheny Passage Bicycling Adventures and one trip along the C&O Canal.

SPRING RIDE 2019 $385
Thursday, April 25 – Sunday, April 28
FALL RIDE 2019 $385
Saturday, October 19 – Tuesday, October 22

Day 1: 40 Miles– Point State Park, Pittsburgh (GAP mile 150) to Cedar Creek Park near West Newton (GAP mile 110)

Leave your car in Cumberland and we’ll transport riders and gear to Point State Park in Pittsburgh where the trail begins. After enjoying a specially prepared box lunch we’ll ride together (22 miles) to the first rest stop just to make sure everyone is ready to go. This day you’ll see the Monongahela River and cycle past former steel towns on your way to Cedar Creek Park. We’ll cross the Hot Metal Bridge, the Youghiogheny River Bridge, and others as we cruise on our way. You can linger in any number of places before grabbing a cold beverage at a cool rest stop in West Newton. Before you know it, you’re riding into camp at beautiful Cedar Creek Park where you’ll be treated to homemade hors d’oeuvre’s and a relaxing meal around the campfire. Hotel option, Comfort Inn, 1.5 miles from camp.

DAY 2: 50.3 Miles- Cedar Creek Park (GAP mile 110) to Confluence PA (GAP mile 61)

Rise and shine and get ready for a yummy made-to-order breakfast. Take down your tent, choose your trailside snacks, listen to the briefing and off you go! Today you’ll pass by some typical coal patch company towns, perhaps visit a restored train station, and discover the remains of old coke furnaces.  This area was once the king of coal mining and coke production and it boasted as having more millionaires than anywhere else in the country! You will enjoy the scenic beauty of the Yough River Gorge today and have a spectacular view as you cross the Ohiopyle High Bridge. Take a moment to read the informative signs about the history of this area. Base camp tonight is the Outflow Camping Area in Confluence where you’ll get a tasty snack, a shower, and head to the great food and drink in town. Be back in time to relax by the fire, then it’s off to sleep. Hotel option, one of the several Confluence guest houses just minutes away.

DAY 3: 18.6 Miles– Confluence (GAP mile 61) to Rockwood (GAP mile 43)

Wake up and smell the coffee because today, right after your made to order breakfast, you will get to plan your day. Spend extra time at camp, explore the offerings at Confluence or, our favorite, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright House. Today is an easy day of riding so relax and take your time on the way to Rockwood. When you arrive at the Husky Haven Campground we will have a delicious dinner ready to be served.  Set up your tent, take a shower, enjoy the campfire, and have a few cold drinks at the Rock City Café. Hotel option, Husky Haven Guest House or other nearby guest houses.

DAY 4: 44.6 Miles– Rockwood (GAP mile 43) to Cumberland (GAP mile 0)

Breakfast is always homemade and always a treat, so enjoy every delicious bite. Take down your tent, get your cue sheet briefing, and head down the trail for the final day of scenic bicycle touring. Today you will cross the Salisbury Viaduct, a long, very high steel trestle bridge that will take your breath away. You will also cross the Keystone Viaduct, pass through the Big Savage Tunnel and two other tunnels. Once you get to the Eastern Continental Divide you will be treated to 23 miles of down hill riding. You will end your GAP Adventure in Cumberland, Maryland around 3 o’clock. You can enjoy the town, check out the Visitor Center exhibits, get a bite to eat, celebrate with friends and pick up your gear.  Congratulations, you just experienced the satisfaction of riding 150 miles in 4 days on the Great Allegheny Passage!

Feeling even MORE ambitious? If you would like to ride the entire G.A.P. and C&O Canal Trail together, the fall ride provides the opportunity. Simply sign up for both the fall GAP and C&O ride. This epic combo adventure is October 19-26. $770 plus a $75 hotel fee for the transition night. Total $845

• For more information or to reserve your spot, email us at info@TheBicycleEscape.com, check out our blog at TheBicycleEscape.com, or call us at 301.663.0007.