6-Day Great Allegheny Passage Heritage Bike Tour

by Discovery Bicycle Tours
Region
Allegheny Mountains,Maryland,Pennsylvania
Duration
6 days
Guided Status
Guided
Difficulty
2
D-Score™
N/A - Unknown

Overview

Ride the Great Allegheny Passage on a 6-day rail-trail bike tour through the Allegheny Mountains to Pittsburgh. Begin with a visit to Fallingwater, then pedal through forested valleys, Ohiopyle State Park, welcoming trail towns and riverside scenery. Along the way, visit the Flight 93 National Memorial and enjoy full support, comfortable accommodations and the steady joy of car-free trail riding. The Great Allegheny Passage is one of those rides that stays with you long after the miles are done. Following a historic railroad grade through the heart of the Allegheny Mountains, this beloved rail trail traces the Casselman, Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers all the way to Pittsburgh. Your journey begins with a visit to Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright 's extraordinary architectural masterpiece, before you take to the trail through deep mountain valleys, quiet forest and the wild beauty of Ohiopyle State Park. A moving visit to the Flight 93 National Memorial near Shanksville adds a powerful and meaningful moment along the way. As you ride, you'll discover welcoming trail towns, riverside scenery, historic tunnels, high trestles and the easy rhythm of a rail trail built for relaxed, steady pedaling. Each evening, comfortable trailside inns offer a friendly place to unwind, share stories and settle into the simple pleasure of traveling by bike. With iconic scenery, rich history and full support from start to finish, this 6-day GAP Trail bike tour is a beautiful way to experience the Allegheny Mountains, small-town Pennsylvania and the final ride into the heart of Pittsburgh. Day 1: Arrival Day. Your first stop is rural southwestern Pennsylvania for a tour and lunch at Fallingwater, the unforgettable home designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. After lunch, continue to Cumberland, Maryland, home of mile 0.0 of the Great Allegheny Passage. Your first ride begins right from the hotel, giving you a relaxed chance to get comfortable with your bike and make any needed adjustments before the days ahead. You'll enjoy an out-and-back ride along a scenic section of the historic C&O Canal Towpath, pedaling approximately 11.4 miles each way before returning to Cumberland. Day 2: Spectacular Vistas. 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. Day 3: Flight 93 Memorial and optional GAP Trail ride. 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. Day 4: Thick forests and deep river valleys. 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. Day 5: Rapids, rail trails and the Ruins Project. 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. Day 6: Departure Day. On your final day of the tour, you'll set off through quiet farm country and by midmorning, you'll ride into the suburbs, then continue through a recovering industrial area along the Youghiogheny River. In McKeesport, the Youghiogheny joins the Monongahela, and from there you'll follow this broad, working river toward Pittsburgh. Your route leads to Point State Park, the official end of the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers, this iconic landmark makes a memorable place to celebrate your accomplishment, take photos at the trail's end and enjoy views of Pittsburgh's skyline. After soaking in the sights at Point State Park, continue to Bicycle Heaven for a special visit to the world's largest bicycle museum and bike shop. With more than 4,000 bicycles and countless pieces of cycling memorabilia, it's a fun and fitting final stop for your GAP Trail adventure. The tour includes 5 nights' accommodation, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, support from experienced guides and leaders, industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1), all activities outlined in the itinerary, delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, all necessary equipment, branded t-shirt and bag, choice of gravel, hybrid, or e-bikes with accessories, Ride with GPS for navigation, detailed maps and itineraries, transportation in air-conditioned vans, customer care support before and during the trip, and access to 'My Account' for trip details. Accommodations include a characterful mix of properties along the trail -- from a comfortable hotel at the start of your journey to a historic inn with legendary breakfasts, a cozy suite in the heart of Ohiopyle State Park, and a welcoming Colonial-era bed and breakfast right beside the trail for your final night. Each is chosen for its location, charm, and trail-side convenience.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Airport transfers
Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental
Mechanical support
Support vehicle following all rides

About the Allegheny Mountains,Maryland,Pennsylvania

A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.