Youghiogheny River Trail (South) - Great Allegheny Passage Reviews    

By jiggs1960 in August, 2012

My wife and I have only been riding trails for a year and a half now, but have put on about 2000 miles in that time (we have no lives outside of riding). Most of our riding is done in Eastern Pennsylvania/Northern Md. and have hit most of the trails in this area. Up until now, our favorite trail had been the Pine Creek trail (from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro). That was until we did this trail. As other reviewers have said, the section from Confluence to Ohiopyle is especially nice. The views are incredible, and the trail it's self is a very nice riding surface. One note to anyone reading this, don't be too alarmed by the overcast skys first thing in the morning. It looked like it was going to rain hard, (even thought the forecast called for a beautiful day), but just like that, it cleared off around 9:30 A.M. One of the locals said this is very typical for this area, I guess because of the way it's situated in relation to the nearby mountains. We were planning on doing the Pine creek ride this October to see the leaves, but now are reconsidering, and will more than likely come back to the Youghiogheny River trail instead. As beautiful as it was in the summer, it has to be spectacular in the autumn. For us, it was a 3 1/2 hr drive to get to, but worth it. Highly recomended, DON'T MISS THIS ONE!

TenTimes The Scenery on a Bike!

By jaylunndec174real in August, 2012

Started Around The Bridge in The town Of Ohio Pyle. Rode North Around Seven Miles. A quick ride out with crazy amounts of cliffs and rapids you would need an all day hike to see. 2 Hours out we turned back and found the return ride to be just as Awesome. We could not take the Mt bike trails because we pulled my son in a tow behind, But want to return when he is bigger to take the more challenging off shoots. A lot of cool pull off spots with shade and access to the River. With great photo ops all along the way as well. Benches Provided a great place for lunch.

Very scenic trail - Aug. 26, 2010

By stilts 1946 in September, 2010

We rode this trail from Ohiopyle to the outskirts of Confluence and back, about 20 miles. Beautiful and shaded trail from start to finish. Stopping to watch rafters and kayakers going through the rapids was entertaining. The trail follows the river the entire way. The opposite bank had trains going by occassionally. We saw 2 deer and 2 snakes next to the trail plus a suicidal chipmonk that I managed to avoid. The trail is wide and packed limestone surface which was fine because there had been no rain. I think if you were there after a good rain the trail would be muddy. This is one trail that REALLY needs to be paved. From what we heard from people using the trail, it is very popular with locals and attracts lots of vacationers. Weekends are really busy, so if you can weekdays are better.

Ohiopyle

By BikerHerry in May, 2010

We rode this trail in April of 2010. Great ride in either direction. Going up river you can "hear" the waterfalls but can't see very many. Going down river you stay close to the river for a distance. There are a few local history display boards along the trail. Ohiopyle has a nice park and picnic area, an ice cream store and grille, as well as many souvenir and white water rafting places. Great parking facilities, we had an RV. There is also a very nice peninsula, called Fern something that you can walk on. It takes you right out onto the river in one spot. Very well maintained.

Prettiest section of the GAP

By in August, 2006

"This section of the Great Allegheny Passage is by far the prettiest and most scenic of the whole trail. From Confluence on up to Connellsville it has the feel of riding through a state park (which part of it is). The section from Confluence up to Ohiopyle is probably one of the most, if not THE most used section of the trail, especially on weekends....and for a good reason.

My favorite ride is Confluence to Ohiopyle, about 11 miles long. On this section you'll experience riding through really pretty wooded terrain, nice views of the river, and in Summer you'll see lots of boaters and kayakers on the river.

Ohiopyle is a great destination because you've got the Ohiopyle Falls, Cucumber Falls, the natural waterslides, the Ferncliff Natural area, the views from the two bike trail bridges over the river, and the restored train station/information center. Just up the road a short drive is Frank Loyd Wright's ""Fallingwater"" house too. There are several places to eat in both towns, as well as overnight lodging, and rafting rental/bike rental shops too.

If you plan on doing this section of trail plan on bringing a camera with you, especially in the Fall when the leaves change."

Nice Trail

By brent1 in August, 2006

"Very nice trail thru very thick mountain woods. Access is great,if you are looking for a workout this is the trail,sode several miles from Ohiopyle towards Connellsville and back, the trip back was definitely a workout due to the slight but steady up hill grade"

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL

By rickford in June, 2006

"MY WIFE AND I JUST HAD THE PLEASURE OF RIDING THE ENTIRE SOUTH ""YOCK"". THE SURFACE IS GREAT. THE SCENERY IS SPECTACULAR. THERE ARE NEAT CAFES IN OHIOPYLE AND CONFLUENCE THAT CATER TO BIKE FOLKS. TAKE ENOUGH WATER WITH YOU TO LAST YOU ENTIRE RIDE AND ENJOY THIS GEM OF A TRAIL"

Most beautiful trail in the world

By in March, 2005

"I was born and raised in Connellsville, PA. I started riding this trail in 1994 because I knew the area between Connellsville and Confluence had some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

The best way to enjoy the scenery was by the bike trail. In 1999 while riding the trail I met the woman who would become my wife. We lived in Elizabeth Twp for a few years then we moved to Confluence, PA so we could enjoy the beauty of the area everyday."

My Favorite

By in April, 2004

"I've biked trails all over the midwest, but I am from the Pittsburgh area. My favorite ride of all anywhere is the Connelsville to Ohiopyle stretch, 17 miles up, ending in a spectacular high bridge over the river right near the Ohiopyle end. Waterfalls, whitewater rivers, wild flowers, I even almost hit a deer once!

Another favorite spot is about eight miles up from Connelsville where a gas line right of way cuts across the river valley, opens up the view of the entire valley. Beatiful! Always a great rest stop. Then the downhill ride from Ohiopyle to Connelsville is a blast!

A little busy near the Ohiopyle end on weekends in the summer, watch for slow travelers if you like to ride the downhill fast.

Definitely alsways worth the drive from Pittsburgh to get to the trail if you don't feel up to the full ride up from McKeesport."

Excellent Conditions: McKeesport-Meyersdale

By in May, 2003

"For a trip report, go to
www.thirdwave-websites.com/bike/0305biketrip.htm"

Beautiful

By in March, 2003

"Last summer there were eight of us from the new Bible Bike Club that went on the trail. We took the trail from Ohiopyle to Connellsville. We enjoyed the huge trees, the river and the bridge. The atmosphere was great. The pizza was good in Connellsville. Until we meet again -- The Gang."

Beautiful trail

By leb in July, 2002

"My husband and I rode from the Ohiopyle to Confluence and up to Connellsville the week before Memorial Day. The weather was cold but the river was up, which was really awesome, and we really enjoyed the trail. We had lunch in Confluence and the locals were very friendly. I would love to come more often if it wasn't over a 6 hour ride for us to get here. I'm looking forward to another trip to experience the rest of the trail. "

Yough south

By in July, 2002

"If you have the desire to get off the urban sun baked trails this is your destination. The Yough south offers 17 miles (between Ohiopyle & Connellesville) of packed limestone trail through an umbrella of trees grown together high above the path and parallels the yough river.

Most of the old railbed is cut into the side of tree covered hills that end down at the rivers edge. This is wild country; there are no toilet facilities. Along the trail are wildflowers, small streams coming down the hillside and, under the path, various wildlife and one crossroad, used as a 'takeout"" for boats.

For a tamer but no less beautiful ride try the 10 mile section between Ohoipyle and Confluence. Either way you will be planning your next trip back."

Great Trail

By crowley600 in October, 2001

I'm from OH. and drove over to ride on this trail on the weekend of oct. 13. I had been told this was a nice trail and it was the truth. It was the most beautiful trail I've ever rode. The trees were changing and the scenery was excellent. The best thing was the river was on one side and there rock formations and beautiful woods on the other. Will definetly return atleast once or more times next year.

Youghiogheny River Trail-South

By in August, 2001

I biked on a portion of this trail for the first time in late July. My starting point was at Ohiopyle. It was very serene and the trail surface was wonderful. It must be wonderful during October with the cooler temperatures and the colorful leaves and smells of autumn! I`ll be back!

This trail is great

By kim2 in June, 2001

"I love this trail, its a great workout. It's also beautiful- its along the river and there are lots of waterfalls along the trail. "

"Connellsville, my home town"

By in September, 2000

"I was born in Connellsville, PA, and now live in Northern Virginia. For years I thought Northern Va. and the Washington, DC area had some of the best trails around
and now I have found the Yough River Trail. When I visit Connellsville now I can't wait to get out on the trail, It's great."