Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
information.
You continue a gentle climb as the path heads southeast toward the Eastern Continental Divide. Here, the trail follows the route of the old Western Maryland Railroad, which began operations between Cumberland, Maryland, and Connellsville, Pennsylvania, in 1912. Sold to a competitor in 1931, the railroad was operational for many more years before falling into disuse. The Keystone Viaduct, a 910-foot-long bridge, can be found along this gorgeous part of the trail.
You cross the Eastern Continental Divide just before reaching the Maryland state line. From this elevation of 2,400 feet, it’s all downhill to Cumberland. Pass through the 0.5-mile-long Big Savage Tunnel just beyond the divide, and take in stunning views of the surrounding hills and agricultural valleys as you pass the Mason-Dixon Line into Maryland, just beyond the tunnel. Frostburg is the first town you reach, about 5 miles into Maryland. The city features a restored passenger and freight station—now open as a restaurant—originally built in 1891.
The trail leaves Frostburg and continues another 16 miles through rolling Maryland countryside to Cumberland. For much of this section, the route parallels the active Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and you may catch glimpses of its steam locomotive. The popular excursion line provides scenic three-hour trips through the Allegheny Mountains.
Cumberland, the terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage, does not disappoint. A pedestrian mall downtown has many restaurants and shops. In Cumberland, the trail connects to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath (also known as the C&O Canal Towpath), which takes you another 184 miles to Washington, D.C., without ever leaving a trail.
Note that equestrians are permitted only on the grassy areas of the Great Allegheny Passage between Boston and Connellsville, Pennsylvania; Rockwood and Garrett, Pennsylvania; and the Maryland–Pennsylvania state line and Frostburg, Maryland. Before you set out on a long journey to explore the trail, check atatrail.org for updates on detours and other safety information.
CONTACT: atatrail.org
DIRECTIONS
Some of the best parking for the Great Allegheny Passage can be found south of Pittsburgh along Waterfront Dr. in the shopping area in Homestead. Take I-376 to Exit 74. Travel south on Beechwood Blvd., which turns into Browns Hill Road, for 1.2 miles. Cross the Homestead Grays Bridge, and take the first right onto Fifth Ave. After 0.4 mile, turn right onto Waterfront Dr. The shopping area will be on your right; the trail parallels Waterfront Dr. on your left.
To reach the McKeesport trailhead farther south, take PA 837 out of Pittsburgh and follow signs to McKeesport (about 13 miles south of downtown). Cross the McKeesport–Duquesne Bridge and pick up PA 148/Lysle Blvd. going right (west) toward McKeesport. Follow the road about 1.2 miles into town, and veer onto the Water St. ramp on your right. Take a left onto Water St.; parking is located at Richard J. Gergely Riverfront Park.
Parking can also be found near where the Great Allegheny Passage and Montour Trail meet just off PA 837 in Clairton, off N. State St.
Free parking is available at the trailheads in Confluence, Ohiopyle, Connellsville, Meyersdale, Garrett, Rockwood, Markleton, and Fort Hill as well.
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