Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a 150-mile rail-trail between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Cumberland, Maryland. Its gentle grade and mix of crushed-limestone and paved surfaces make it one of the finest long-distance bike routes in the eastern US.

Distance

150 miles (240 km)

Surface

Crushed limestone with paved sections

Difficulty

Easy-Moderate

Distance

150 miles (240 km)

Surface

Crushed limestone with paved sections

Difficulty

Easy-Moderate

Elevation

Gentle, average grade under 1% (high point ~2,375 ft at Deal)

Endpoints

Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD

Parking

Trailheads in Pittsburgh, McKeesport, Ohiopyle, Connellsville and Cumberland

Best for

Multi-day bikepacking, and the C&O link to Washington DC

The map

Overview map via OpenStreetMap. Open the full map →

Overview

At Cumberland the GAP meets the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath, together forming a 335-mile car-free route from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, a bucket-list ride for touring cyclists.

What to expect

A firm crushed-limestone surface, with roughly 15 paved miles at the Pittsburgh end, best ridden on gravel, hybrid or touring bikes with wider tyres. The average grade is under 1%.

A steady, barely perceptible climb to the Eastern Continental Divide near Deal (about 2,375 ft), then a long descent, dropping over 1,700 feet in 24 miles down to Cumberland. Highlights include Ohiopyle, the Big Savage Tunnel and the Eastern Continental Divide.

Excellent trail-town infrastructure: Ohiopyle, Connellsville, Confluence, Rockwood, Meyersdale and Frostburg offer lodging, food and bike services, making self-supported touring easy.

Best time to ride

May, June, September and October are the sweet spots: comfortable temperatures and, in autumn, superb foliage through the Laurel Highlands.

The Big Savage Tunnel typically closes in winter (roughly late autumn to early spring), which effectively closes the through-route, so plan multi-day trips for the warmer months.

What to bring

Rail-trails are remote between towns. These links go to Amazon; as an affiliate we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Bikepacking bags or panniers . Most riders tour the GAP over three to five days and carry their own kit.

Spare tube & tire levers . The nearest bike shop can be many miles away on a rail-trail.

Mini pump or CO2 . Reinflate after a flat without waiting for help.

Water / hydration pack . Water sources are spread out between towns.

Padded shorts . Long flat miles are easier on a comfortable saddle contact.

Bike lights . Tunnels and tree cover get dark even in daylight.

Sunscreen & snacks . Open stretches offer little shade; fuel every hour.

FAQ

Great Allegheny Passage FAQ

Most riders take three to five days to ride the 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, staying in trail towns along the way. Fast, fit riders sometimes do it in two.

Mostly it is crushed limestone, with about 15 paved miles at the Pittsburgh end and a short paved section near Cumberland. Gravel, hybrid and touring bikes with wider tyres are ideal.

It climbs gently from both ends to the Eastern Continental Divide near Deal at about 2,375 feet, then descends. The average grade is under 1%, and the long drop from the divide to Cumberland is a highlight.

Yes. At Cumberland the GAP connects to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath, giving a continuous 335-mile car-free route from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.

The Big Savage Tunnel usually closes for winter, roughly from late autumn to early spring, which breaks the through-route. Check current dates before planning a cold-season trip.

Plan your ride

Bicycle Speed Calculator Daily Distance Calculator Calories Burned Tire Pressure All bike routes

Sources