Find the top rated hike trails in Butler, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
When heading to Boston from Pittsburgh on the GAP, you can use this "loop" option to avoid climbing a short, relatively steep area near the end of River Ridge Road, although you will be pretty close to Boston at that point, anyway. Taking the loop will get you to the Boston Bridge in a short time while riding through some industrial areas and neighborhoods. You will encounter very little vehicle traffic, if any at all. Most of the paved areas have been recently re-paved (2024) which makes the ride smooth for the most part. I use the loop just for a change of pace at times.
Time-wise, it makes no difference.
We started in Akron and rode about 18 miles north. Loved it!!!
My wife had a yen to do a through ride and chose the GAP trail as her goal.
We spent 5 days on the trail, starting in Pittsburgh, and finishing in Cumberland. Even with drizzling rain on several portions of the ride, we both count this as one of the best we ever rode.
The trail surface is so consistently even, it is easy rolling, especially once you cross the Eastern Continental Divide, where it steepens a bit, downhill. There was literally no trash to be found along the trail, and any debris from trees, like limbs, was quickly removed by the crews that do that. There were times when we rode many miles without seeing another rider, or crossing a road. Along the way we noticed many places to take a break, with benches or shelters, and near each trailhead you will find a bike maintenance stand, with tools and air pump. We stayed in Pittsburgh, Boston, Connersville, Confluence, Meyersdale, and finished in Cumberland. All the lodgings were very nice, and we left our vehicle at our hotel in Pittsburgh ( paid to park it there ) and hired a livery service to get us back from Cumberland to the steel city. If you are considering this trail, go do it ! It was great.
Beautiful trail however most dog owners do not have their dogs on a leash. You will also see 4 wheelers on the trail and other motorized vehicles
My wife had a yen to do a through ride and chose the GAP trail as her goal.
We spent 5 days on the trail, starting in Pittsburgh, and finishing in Cumberland. Even with drizzling rain on several portions of the ride, we both count this as one of the best we ever rode.
The trail surface is so consistently even, it is easy rolling, especially once you cross the Eastern Continental Divide, where it steepens a bit, downhill. There was literally no trash to be found along the trail, and any debris from trees, like limbs, was quickly removed by the crews that do that. There were times when we rode many miles without seeing another rider, or crossing a road. Along the way we noticed many places to take a break, with benches or shelters, and near each trailhead you will find a bike maintenance stand, with tools and air pump. We stayed in Pittsburgh, Boston, Connersville, Confluence, Meyersdale, and finished in Cumberland. All the lodgings were very nice, and we left our vehicle at our hotel in Pittsburgh ( paid to park it there ) and hired a livery service to get us back from Cumberland to the steel city. If you are considering this trail, go do it ! It was great.
Beautiful ride. Nice good trail. Lots of shade. Relaxing and fun. Highly recommend. Will do again.
My wife had a yen to do a through ride and chose the GAP trail as her goal.
We spent 5 days on the trail, starting in Pittsburgh, and finishing in Cumberland. Even with drizzling rain on several portions of the ride, we both count this as one of the best we ever rode.
The trail surface is so consistently even, it is easy rolling, especially once you cross the Eastern Continental Divide, where it steepens a bit, downhill. There was literally no trash to be found along the trail, and any debris from trees, like limbs, was quickly removed by the crews that do that. There were times when we rode many miles without seeing another rider, or crossing a road. Along the way we noticed many places to take a break, with benches or shelters, and near each trailhead you will find a bike maintenance stand, with tools and air pump. We stayed in Pittsburgh, Boston, Connersville, Confluence, Meyersdale, and finished in Cumberland. All the lodgings were very nice, and we left our vehicle at our hotel in Pittsburgh ( paid to park it there ) and hired a livery service to get us back from Cumberland to the steel city. If you are considering this trail, go do it ! It was great.
If you have researched the GAP at all, you already know this was among the first trails inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. Many riders continue to go back to ride it again. That speaks volumes to the experience of riding this trail. If you are an end-to-end rider, and not a camper, you will need accommodations. I would like to highly recommend Cardinal's Roost B&B in Rockwood, PA. You will not find more amiable hosts than Jennifer and Chris. The accommodations are spotless, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. The breakfast is out of a 5-star restaurant. They have a huge garage to store your bikes with plenty of space to do maintenance if need be. Jennifer and Chris are bicyclists themselves so they understand needs of cyclists. If passing through Rockwood on the GAP or just enjoying the beautiful scenery, you cannot go wrong with Cardinal’s Roost.
We are doing the trail now. It is beautiful with the colors changing. This trail is so well kept, with the surprise statues, just a joy to us and the dog.
Would recommend to anyone. Make sure you check out the memorial for Marcy Suzette Nellis on the oil City end. Good idea to carry a firearm or a knife in case there are any Sickos like david bosley running around.
Well maintained and cool on hot days. Watch for signs to see the covered bridge and stream just off the trail. Plant off stopping points along the trail with picnic tables and benches. We ride this trail 2 to 3 times a week.
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