Great Allegheny Passage

Chosen by National Geographic as one of the "Top Fall Trips In The World," the Great Allegheny Passage winds through Maryland’s mountains and along Wills Creek, giving bicyclists, hikers, and cross-country skiers some of the most majestic views in the east. Linking up to the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland, Maryland, travelers can enjoy a continuous, off-road trail experience for 334 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C.

Starting in Cumberland, the Great Allegheny Passage follows the route of the historic Western Maryland Railway as it makes a gradual ascent to the Eastern Continental Divide. Along the way, travelers pass through the Brush Tunnel and bend around the 180˚ Helmstetter’s Curve, paralleling the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (which offers rides, with bicycles if desired, to Frostburg, Maryland where public art, lunch, and ice cream await). After Frostburg, travelers can meander through the Borden Tunnel, cross the Mason & Dixon Line, and catch spectacular views into four states at the overlook outside the lighted Big Savage Tunnel.

The trail surface is mostly packed, crushed limestone, with the section near Cumberland, paved with asphalt. This trail is suitable for most types of bicycles, from mountain bikes and hybrids to road bikes. 


Motor Vehicles Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail except for emergency response vehicles or those authorized by the County.


Allegany County Trail Access and Parking:

  • Frostburg Riley Trailhead -  10105 New Hope Road NW, Frostburg, MD (Mile Marker 15.5)
  • Woodcock Hollow Parking - Woodcock Hollow Road, Mt. Savage, MD (Mile Marker 9.6)
  • Cash Valley Road Parking - 11250 Cash Valley Road, NW, LaVale, MD (Mile Marker 5.2)
  • Canal Place Cumberland - 13 Canal Street, Cumberland, MD (Mile Marker 0.0)

Resources:

Trail Rules & Guidelines

APPLY ONLINE FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION

PRINTABLE  SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION WITH USE GUIDELINES (PDF)

Report An Issue or Abuse


For more information on the Great Allegheny Passage, please visit https://gaptrail.org/.


Great-Allegheny-Passage_Brush Tunnel Image