Great Allegheny Passage Overview
If you’re doing business along the Great Allegheny Passage you probably know the trail well. But if you’re new to the GAP, here are a few basics:
- The GAP offers nearly level trail riding for people of all ages and experience levels.
- The trail stretches 141 miles from Cumberland, MD to Homestead, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh.
- The final connection to Pittsburgh is anticipated by the 2012 season.
- The GAP connects to the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland. The towpath continues another 184.5 miles to Washington, D.C.
Make sure that your trail business is included in the free amenities listing at www.GAPtrail.org and find info helpful to your customers, including:
- Available packages, sample trips, and maps
- Equipment needed
- Trail grade, elevations, and average trail travel speed
- Trail Town amenities, like bike rentals/shops, lodging, and restaurants
- Trail rules and etiquette
- An online trail store with TrailBook and other publications
Want to direct customers to other points of interest while visiting? Have them check out www.mdmountainside.com, www.laurelhighlands.org, and www.visitpittsburgh.org. A comprehensive outdoor recreation resource for southwestern PA is available at www.wallsarebad.com.
Did you know? The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath make up a large part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. It’s one of only 11 national heritage trails and stretches from Pittsburgh to the Chesapeake Bay. In 2007, the GAP was the first trail to be named to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Hall of Fame, and in 2009 was named one of "10 Great American Bike Trails" by Forbes Traveler.