Login | June 17, 2025
GAP trail
PETE GLADDEN
Pete’s World
Published: June 10, 2024
It’s definitely getting to be bicycle touring season what with June now in full swing.
And if you happen to be a cyclist who’s always toyed with the fantasy of turning your two-wheeled recreational steed into a two-wheeled range rover, well, I’ve got a wonderful adventure to throw at you: The Great Allegheny Passage Trail.
The perfect bicycle tour for first-timers.
The GAP trail as it’s usually referred to, is a 150-mile long former rail line turned recreational rail trail that runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland.
And from that northern Pittsburgh terminus this world class trail ever so gradually gains some 2,500 feet in elevation as it meanders its way up to the southern terminus in Cumberland.
But don’t let that 2,500 feet of gain intimidate you because throughout a majority of this trail you barely even perceive the sensation of the gradient rising and falling as you pedal along.
And best of all, on this trail you’ll never be more than nine miles away from a town that can provide overnight lodging/camping/dining/outfitting opportunities.
Now the GAP has been one of my all-time favorite rail trails over the years, so much so that I’ve pedaled across the entirety of this cinder thoroughfare three times.
But don’t take my word for it.
This past April readers of USA Today rated the GAP trail as the fourth most impressive of their top 10 rated rail trails in the United States.
And that high ranking has everything to do with the gazillions of gorgeous mountain views it provides, the numerous beautiful waterways it traverses and the 16 river-spanning trestles it contains, some of which stretch nearly a quarter mile in length and rise hundreds of feet above the wild, cascading waterways below.
Okay, so it's likely that your first question about partaking in such an endeavor concerns the fitness necessary to complete it.
Well, you’ll need to condition yourself such that you can ride 30-50 miles a day with gear for several days.
And that necessitates completing enough pre-trip training rides so your butt toughens up, your legs, arms and shoulders are strengthened and your mental fortitude is hardened.
Next, you’ll need to determine just how many days you’ll be riding.
Most riders opt for three 50-mile days or five 30-mile days.
Once you determine the days required, that’s when you can parallel your riding itinerary with the various lodging options available.
And as far as lodging is concerned, you’ve got a multitude of choices available here.
If you choose to do what’s termed “credit card” touring, you can travel super light and do all of your lodging and dining at motels, hostels and restaurants.
The GAP trail is famous for it's wide selection of B&B’s, guesthouses, hostels, inns and hotels, which can range from totally foo-foo to economically modest.
Now conversely, if you prefer to camp and cook, there’s also plenty of camping opportunities along the trail.
And despite the fact that most of the land surrounding the GAP trail is private, there's still a whole host of public and private campgrounds along its length.
Next to consider is transportation to and from trailhead terminuses, this because the GAP is a point-to-point trail.
And again, this is a facet of trip planning that also has a number of options.
There are a numerous outfitters that provide various degrees of shuttle service along the GAP (go to https://gaptrail.org/where-to-go/sites-amenities/shuttles/).
In addition, there’s also Amtrak service between Pittsburgh and Cumberland.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your bike is properly suited for the GAP’s varying trail conditions and is able to handle your luggage carrying needs.
Standard road racing bikes are adaptable - with the inclusion of beefier tires - but not recommended.
More typically GAP rides use hybrids, gravel and mountain bikes because they can provide a more comfortable riding position, a larger tire size and the capability to carry luggage.
Permits are not required for the GAP, though there are campgrounds along its path that do require reservations - like the Kentuck Campground in Ohiopyle State Park - so be aware when planning your itinerary.
For more information on the GAP trail, go to https://gaptrail.org/.