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.
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.
By Brian Clark 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."