Great Allegheny Passage

Great Allegheny Passage
Name	Great Allegheny Passage
Location	Pennsylvania, Maryland
Length	150 mi (240 km)
Elevation	1,837 ft (560 m)
Established	2006
Usage	Hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing

Great Allegheny Passage. The Great Allegheny Passage is a popular hiking trail and bicycle trail that connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland, passing through the Allegheny Mountains and the Laurel Highlands. It intersects with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Youghiogheny River and the Casselman River. The trail is managed by the National Park Service and the Allegheny Trail Alliance, a coalition of organizations including the Sierra Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Introduction

The Great Allegheny Passage is a significant transportation route that has been used for centuries, with the Seneca people and the Delaware people being among the first to inhabit the region. The trail follows the route of the former Western Maryland Railway and the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, which were built in the late 19th century to transport coal and other goods. Today, the trail is used by thousands of hikers, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers each year, who come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Allegheny National Forest and the Ohiopyle State Park. The trail also passes through the Frostburg State University campus and the Confluence, Pennsylvania area, which is known for its historic Confluence Railroad Station.

Geography and Route

The Great Allegheny Passage spans 150 miles (240 km) from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland, passing through the Allegheny Mountains and the Laurel Highlands. The trail follows the Youghiogheny River and the Casselman River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Ohiopyle Falls and the Cucumber Falls. The trail also passes through the Ferncliff Peninsula, a National Natural Landmark located in Ohiopyle State Park. The trail intersects with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which offer additional opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and sightseeing. The trail is near the Flight 93 National Memorial and the Johnstown, Pennsylvania area, which is known for its historic Johnstown Flood.

History

The Great Allegheny Passage has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, when the Western Maryland Railway and the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad were built to transport coal and other goods. The trail was originally used by Native American tribes, including the Seneca people and the Delaware people, who inhabited the region for centuries. In the late 20th century, the trail was converted into a hiking trail and bicycle trail through the efforts of the Allegheny Trail Alliance and the National Park Service. The trail was officially completed in 2006, with the help of organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The trail has also been recognized by the National Recreation Trails program and the American Trails organization.

Trail Description

The Great Allegheny Passage is a relatively flat trail, with a maximum elevation of 1,837 feet (560 m) and a minimum elevation of 600 feet (180 m). The trail is surfaced with asphalt and crushed stone, making it suitable for hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and wetlands, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The trail also features several tunnels and bridges, including the Savage Tunnel and the Bollman Bridge. The trail is near the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Mellon University campuses, which offer additional opportunities for education and research.

Tourism and Economy

The Great Allegheny Passage is a significant tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The trail passes through several charming towns and cities, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cumberland, Maryland, and Confluence, Pennsylvania, which offer a range of amenities and services, including hotels, restaurants, and bike shops. The trail also supports a variety of local businesses, including outfitters, guides, and tour operators, which offer hiking, bicycling, and sightseeing tours. The trail has also been recognized by the National Park Service and the US Department of the Interior for its economic benefits, which include the creation of jobs and the stimulation of local economies. The trail is near the Fallingwater house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Kentuck Knob house, also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Management and Maintenance

The Great Allegheny Passage is managed by the National Park Service and the Allegheny Trail Alliance, a coalition of organizations including the Sierra Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The trail is maintained by a variety of partners, including local governments, non-profit organizations, and volunteer groups. The trail is also supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which provide funding and resources for trail maintenance and development. The trail has also been recognized by the American Trails organization and the National Recreation Trails program for its excellence in trail management and maintenance. The trail is near the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Antietam National Battlefield, which offer additional opportunities for historical preservation and education.

Category:National Recreation Trails