Find the top rated wheelchair accessible trails in Cumberland, whether you're looking for an easy short wheelchair accessible trail or a long wheelchair accessible trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a wheelchair accessible trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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.
Rode this trail today on our Giant Momentum E bikes. Started at beginning of trail in Everett, ended at Red Rut where the trail ends. 24 mile round trip. Trail was mostly fine gravel with grass in the middle. Some places gravel was slightly thick, but was not a problem for us at all. Goes through two towns towards the end section. Signs are easy to follow there. Follows along the Juanita river. However there is about a 2 mile or so section that is stone road. Would ride again if in the area.
Since my wife has 2 knee replacements, this spot is perfect. Maintenance is being performed (2024) so it is a little out of the norm. Trail runs along C&O towpath so switching is easy. Also eastern part close to facilities. Western part more remote. We love also the many parking areas available. Geocaches add to the adventure as well. Will return.
Took the bikes one way then back. Flat and level with one small hill. Good condition with some areas with small gravel.
Rode from Cumberland to a parking area 23 miles outside of DC, camping at four of the campsites along the way. They have been doing a lot of work to improve the condition of this trail and it shows. Weather was perfect, but most sections seemed like they would still be pretty good even after some rain. There was one detour that was a tough push over really rocky roads for a few miles. Other than that, it was perfect.
We tried following the TrailLink map beginning at the Johnstown Flood Museum. The trail is not well marked. It disappears at the end of Plum Street. This could be a great ride if it were maintained. We ended up following the rail line, riding and walking on ballast until we found ourselves in Conemaugh. We rode to the Spruce Street trailhead in Franklin but decided to end our ride and follow RT 271 back to Johnstown. We would have loved to continue riding north but didn't know what to expect.
We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.
I headed out of Pittsburgh Point State Park 8/6/2024 for a day ride to Homestead and back. I quickly ran into large homeless encampments along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail portion of the GAP. No one approached me but the trash, the smell of urine and tents almost on the trail were discouraging and I ended my ride and drove home. I might suggest anyone planning to ride that section of the GAP check the current conditions before proceeding. From what I found online once I got home was that it does not appear to be a short term problem. Other riders have commented on open drug use and the concern for unleashed dogs. I could not find a go around from local riders’ comments.
On the way down we rode the rail trail. It’s was 90% trees and concrete path. Hancock was a cute little town tho and we stopped at the Blue Goose Market that was cute. We rode the tow path on the way back and I thought that was slightly better for the scenery. It was a gorgeous day to be out but I’ve been on better trail.
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