6-Day Great Allegheny Passage Heritage Bike Tour

Biking: 22.8 miles (24 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 228 feet (69 meters) ascent, 228 feet (69 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Today, the rail trail winds out of the Potomac River Valley toward the crest of the Eastern Continental Divide, with rolling mountain views opening up in every direction.

Along the way, cross the Mason-Dixon Line, a fun and memorable spot for a break and photo. Then continue on to the Big Savage Tunnel and the highest elevation of the tour. After cresting the divide, enjoy a fun downhill roll into the historic town of Meyersdale.

You can choose the ride that feels right for you today: pedal the full 32 miles, take the van to the very top of the climb or ride the van for half of the climb. Lunch is a picnic, and dinner is at the inn.
Accommodation: Yoder’s Guest House, MeyersdaleView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 32.6 miles (52.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,109 feet (643 meters) ascent, 741 feet (226 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier to Intermediate

Start the day with a ride from the inn in Meyersdale along the GAP Trail to the town of Rockwood. After time to explore the town and river valley, pedal back across the Salisbury Viaduct to Meyersdale.

After lunch in town, travel by van to the nearby Flight 93 National Memorial. This moving site honors the 40 passengers and crew members lost on Sept. 11, 2001. You have time to explore the visitor center, the Tower of Voices, the Wall of Names and the 40 Memorial Groves.
Accommodation: Yoder’s Guest House, MeyersdaleView More
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 24.8 miles (39.9 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,076 feet (328 meters) ascent, 1,077 feet (328 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Today’s ride carries you into some of the most scenic stretches of the GAP Trail. The Casselman River joins the Youghiogheny in Confluence, where the larger, deeper valley leads you away from small towns and into Ohiopyle State Park.

This region is rich with history. George Washington fought here for the British during the French and Indian War, and the plunging waterfalls and soaring ridges give you a real sense of why this area was once considered America’s Northwest Frontier.

Take your time along this beautiful stretch of trail, with views of the river far below, before rolling into the lively town of Ohiopyle. Here, river rafting and bicycling share the spotlight. Dinner is at a nearby restaurant, followed by a night at the rustic Ohiopyle Suites, just steps from the trail.
Accommodation: Ohiopyle Suites, OhiopyleView More
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 42.3 miles (68.1 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 807 feet (246 meters) ascent, 1,572 feet (479 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Rolling out of Ohiopyle, continue through the state park and across beautiful historic rail-trail bridges over the rushing Youghiogheny River. It’s a wonderful morning of easy pedaling, with forested hillsides, river views and the sound of rapids nearby.

Enjoy lunch in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, the first large town since Maryland. The trail and river run right through the historic downtown, making it a great place to pause and refuel.

After lunch, ride about 16 miles along the trail to The Ruins Project, a spectacular mosaic art installation created in the remains of a former coal mine site. Take time to explore the color, creativity and sense of renewal in this one-of-a-kind place before continuing through rural farm country and occasional small towns into historic West Newton.

Tonight, settle in at Bright Morning Bed and Breakfast, a collection of four historic Colonial-era houses right beside the trail. It’s a welcoming spot for your final evening together.
Accommodation: Bright Morning Bed and Breakfast, West NewtonView More
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 42.4 miles (68.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 754 feet (230 meters) ascent, 1,202 feet (366 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier