The Great Allegheny Passage
is a 152 mile biking and hiking trail that is being built by the
Allegheny Trail Alliance.
When it is completed, it will reach from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD.
There, the trail will connect to the C&O Canal Towpath, which connects
Cumberland and Washington D.C. At this time, there is a 100 mile continuous
section of the trail completed, from McKeesport, PA to Meyersdale, PA. This is
the longest rails to trails project that has been completed in the east.
The Allegheny Trail Alliance is made up of seven rails to trails groups, each
representing a section of the trail. Two of these sections, the
Yough River Trail South and the
Allegheny
Highlands Trail, meet in Confluence. Thousands of bicycle enthusiasts and
hikers enjoy the beautiful scenery here each year as they travel on the trail.
Many of them visit the local attractions here, and find Confluence a perfect
place to dine and rest.
Located primarily in Fayette County,
Ohiopyle State Park encompasses about 19,052 acres of rugged natural beauty
and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Mountains. The focal point of the area
is the more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-GAY-nee] River Gorge that
passes through the heart of the park. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the
best whitewater boating in the Eastern U. S. as well as spectacular scenery. The
park has 79 miles of hiking trails. Always bring a map, water and wear sturdy
shoes when hiking. Specific trail maps are available at the park office and the
Train Station/Visitor Center.
