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I rode the GAP /CO this past Labor Day weekend- best bike trip ever. 120 miles from Pittsburgh to Meyersdale (120 miles). Almost flat- never any sense of climbing, smooth trail on a road bike with 32mm tires and fenders. The ride from Meyersdale to Cumberland was easy- downhill the last 30 miles or so. Thanks to all the groups that put the trail together- what an asset to the region.
We parked on side of the trail in Van. We got on the trail along Route 322. You can see where the trail would go across the road in connect (through the woods) to the Sandy Creek trail.
There isn't a designated parking lot, just pull off of the trail. The trail is in PA State Game Lands #45. We went along the trail from Van towards Shippenville.
Trail is mostly flat except a slight grade uphill from Van towards Shippenville. Surface is mostly gravel with some dirt.
It is bikeable on a mountain bike but wouldn't advise on a street bike. A wheelchair would be challenging but is doable.
Rented bikes from Cumberland Connection (they were AWESOME!). We didn't get on the trail till 4:30 and made it to Gunter Hotel in Frostburg by sunset at 6:29. It is a lot of uphill walking from the trail to downtown Frostburg. Ask for room with new beds at Gunter and make sure and go to the mens bathroom to see the 'jail cell'. Ate at Shift which was amazing! We were on the trail by 8:40am, lunch at Rockwood (Rockwood Mills-the dessert were amazing!) by 12:30 and made it to Confluence by 3:30 for our shuttle pick up . We stopped many, many times for pictures! I hardly wanted to blink because this was such an amazing, beautiful experience!
I strongly recommend doing extensive research before attempting to locate and ride the Allegheny River Trail. Please note the following. The Sandy Creek Road off of Coal City Road is not a recommended access point for the trail. The road is washed out and is not maintained in the winter. Anything smaller than a medium sized SUV would likely return without a muffler. Also note that the Allegheny River Trail is below the big bridge where the Sandy Creek Trail crosses the Allegheny River period on a GPS altitude is not available and so it appears as though the two Trails connect. The trail is beautiful but seven miles South of the bridge at East Sandy the trail is cut off and detours into rough gravel due to an earlier washout and the property owner not wanting bikers on his land. All in all the trail is beautiful but requires research and precise navigation. It is advisable to access the Allegheny River Trail from the opposite side of the river where there is a small parking area near the Sandy Creek Trail or the Brandon Trailhead south of East Sandy. The historic railroad tunnels are best accessed from the emlenton end.
This trail is only an hour and a half away from home and it was awesome. Weather was perfect
I rode almost all of this trail Thursday and Friday 10/19 10/20 The surface of the trail was excellent all packed small limestone except for one little spot at New Bethlehem where they took out a railroad bridge that you could easily bypass this by riding down route 28 a short 1/4 mile.
Thursday I started in New Bethlehem. There is a giant eagle there at the end of the trail in Brookville. Make sure you by something to eat and drink because there are few places with food along the trail rode new Bethlehem west to climax tunnel turn around to Brookville city back to New B total miles 51
Stayed at super 8 Brookville PA it was really quiet there is a buffet near the hotel yum
Friday I passed by the trail in Sligo the trail is not improved. Might need a ATB for this area I decided to drive all the way to Phillipston and found the extremely nice trailhead. maps and plenty of parking plus a large port a potty to change you clothes in. Passed by the coaling tower and followed redbank all the way to climax tunnel bypass. I was out of snacks so I decided to keep riding up the steep road and down the tunnel bypass toward New Bethlehem. Stopped at lifesaver gas station for a foot long sub cookies and large Gatorade. There were lots of leaves on the trail did not see much wildlife the trail is more remote than what I am used to. Returned to Phillipston miles 49 checked out the Armstrong trail also.
The Five Bridges Trail is rough, swampy and somewhat isolated- which is exactly what makes it so awesome. I drove 80 miles to ride this trail and it didn't disappoint. This is a perfect trail for anyone who has a bike capable of handling mildly rough terrain and enjoys being in nature. I felt like I was exploring and not just cruising a bike path. It goes through wooded areas and wetland. I'm hoping this trail stays the way it is and doesn't get smoothed and groomed making like most of the other rail trails. Variety is a good thing.If you have a mountain or a fat bike and want a scenic but easy ride you should give this trail a try.
This trail is not a typical rail trail. It is hilly in the middle and challenging. Great scenery, wilderness, and I love the workout it provides. Plus you can extended your ride by combining your ride with the connecting Westmoreland Heritage Trail.
This is certainly a beautiful trail in a spectacular natural setting and with a lot of history, too. Thanks to all the other reviewers for their helpful comments. I'd like to add a stronger pitch for at least a few port-a-potties along the way. Seriously, 32 miles with hardly any public toilet facilities??? We started in Emlenton, where there IS a port-a-potty which we foolishly ignored, and biked up 10 miles, when we suddenly wished we could find a toilet. Finally we turned around when other riders told us that nothing was available. We're from Wisconsin where there is generally a little town every 5 to 7 miles from the days when steam engines need to take on water that often, and you can usually find a bathroom if you'd like to do the opposite. Wisconsin state trails require a pass which is about $20 for the year, and well worth it if it provides for these kinds of facilities. Maybe Pennsylvania could do the same.
Nice ride on a great trail, from Alexandria to Flowing Springs Road and back, total of 34 miles, another trail off my bucket list, I think that was trail # 37, hope to get to ride all in Pa in the next 5 years!!!
This is a wonderful trail. If like me you read the other reviews and wondered exactly where the gap in the trail is, the north end starts at N Kent road, north of the tunnel by Kennerdell. So if you want to see either tunnel, start from the south end and ride north. Also: note that while this does intersect the Sandy River trail, they are not at the same elevation. You must climb a steep flight of wooden steps to get up to the other trail. Not a really big deal, as long as you’re okay carrying your bike up and down.
Great trail for multi-day ride with motels or camping, or single day rides. I had to find parking locations in order to ride several days, with Round trip rides of 40-60 miles/day (20-30 each way). A few confusing spots and a couple steep spots. Quite confusing in Pittsburgh, where markings are absent, and trail goes through the city streets, but lovely to arrive at Point State Park fountain. Cedar Creek Park especially lovely area, with camping (but gates lock at sundown so don't park late). Great long ride down gentle hill from Deal, MD (highest point on trail) to Cumberland. Long uphill ride back up 26 miles from Cumberland back to Deal. Beautiful trail.
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