Opportunities

The basic services desired by trail users are pretty straight forward: lodging, food, and bike shops (see charts below). While these services are generally covered in many of the Trail Towns, the market is growing, and there is always room for growth, competition, and new ideas. 

Here are some business opportunities:

• Fresh, local foods.  There’s a lot of comfort food along the trail.  This can be well-earned when you’ve biked 30 or 60 miles a day, but many trail users remain health-conscious and in search of fresh, local foods and maybe even some cuisine that pushes the envelope. 
  
  
• Lodging.  The Trail Towns boast plenty of great B&B’s and guest homes.  But what happens when a group of 30 pedals into town and there aren’t enough beds?  Few hotels operate along the trail.  Also, there’s just one hostel, and it’s doing wonderfully.  What next stop along the trail is prime for a sister hostel?  Particularly lodging needs include more beds in Connellsville, and more campgrounds trail-wide.
  
  
• Green business.  83% of trail users surveyed said that they would be more likely to patronize a business that engages in practices that are mindful of their impact on the environment over one that is not.  The Great Allegheny Passage Sustainable Business Network bands together those who are engaging in sustainable business practices.  More sustainable businesses can help to position the trail as an eco-tourism destination.
  
  
• Transportation.  One of the difficulties in planning a trip on the Great Allegheny Passage is figuring out how to get from here to there.  Some businesses offer shuttling and luggage forwarding along the trail, but the need for more remains.
  
  
• Libations.  It’s easy enough to find a beer along the trail, but discriminating beer drinkers might love to find a microbrew.  Or wine drinkers, a wine bar.  For many these are the rewards due after a day on the trail.
  
  
• Sweet indulgences.  There are few bakeries, cafes, or ice cream shops along the trail.  Enterprising businesses do offer these treats, but opportunity exists for stand-alone operations catering to those looking for sweet treats and caffeinated drinks.

Want to know more about the trail market and business opportunities in the Trail Towns?  Contact Us today or check out our “Find It” section for available properties.

Responses to 2006 trail user survey

Services wanted most by trail users

Trail users' lodging preferences