Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Great Allegheny Passage, Connellsville, Pennsylvania

August 25, 2015
36 miles

Drove to Connellsville, Pennsylvania from Morgantown, West Virginia this morning, it took about 45 minutes. Parked by the Bed & Breakfast that we are staying in tonight. Unloaded the bikes and found the trail about two blocks away. Today we are riding on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, aka The GAP. This trail, connecting with the C&O Canal Towpath, connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Washington DC. We are riding the section from Connellsville, Pennsylvania to Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. Uphill 17 beautiful miles.

The trail followed the Youghiogheny River, again another name I have trouble pronouncing. Like yesterday's trail the river was on one side of the trail and rock walls and ledges were on the other side, all in forested areas. Even though it was a weekday and very rural the trail was widely used. We saw many people on packed bikes that I am sure were riding long distances.

 Youghiogheny River

 One of the scenic rest stops on the trail

 Rock walls along the trail

 Crossing a bridge over the Youghiogheny River going into Ohiopyle

We arrived in Ohiopyle right at lunchtime. Found an outdoor cafe and had a delicious lunch while basking in the sun. It was glorious! Riding in the trees is pretty chilly, even in August. Made the return trip to Connellsville, enjoying the scenery while not working so hard since it was downhill.

This trail left us with wanting more. I think we will have to come back, maybe even to ride the whole trail from Pittsburgh to DC!

No comments:

Post a Comment