What Is the Great Allegheny Passage Trail?

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a continuous rail-trail running from Cumberland, Maryland, to Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is best known for spectacular scenery and a gentle grade that suits biking and hiking, and it passes through historic sites, tunnels, bridges, and campgrounds along the way. If you are planning a day ride, a weekend outing, or a long-distance trip, the official site at gaptrail.org is the place to start.

Where the trail runs

The GAP forms a continuous route between two anchor points:

• Cumberland, Maryland — the eastern terminus
• Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — the western terminus

Because it is a rail-trail, the route follows an old railroad corridor, which is why the grade stays gentle rather than climbing steeply.

What you will find along the way

The trail is more than a path between two cities. According to the official site, the route and surrounding area include:

• Spectacular scenery — the landscape is the trail's headline feature.
• Historic and cultural sites — for example the Allegany Museum and the Pump House.
• Landmarks and structures — including the Borden Tunnel and the Bollman Bridge.
• Campgrounds — such as Cedar Creek.
• Recreation connections — including the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail and the Mount Davis area.

Getting there and connecting to other routes

The site lists Amtrak's Floridian under "Getting Here," which points to train access as one way to reach the trail. The GAP also connects with other trails and regional attractions, so it can be used as part of a longer trip rather than only as a standalone route.

Planning your trip

The official site organizes information under a few main areas:

If you want current details on access points, camping, and events, check gaptrail.org directly, since those specifics can change.