Train From Pittsburgh To Dc

Bike From Pittsburgh to DC on the GAP & C&O Canal Rail Trail

By : Owen Roberts
March 5, 2022
Cycling, Traveling

For a memorable bike tour, the best mode is to take the GAP & C&O Canal Rail Trail from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. This 3-34-mile route starts at Bespeak State Park and goes e along the Monongahela River. It crosses the famous Smithfield Street Bridge in the Southward Side before dropping down to bounding main level in the city. This trail is unpaved but will be easy to follow, particularly if yous're on a budget.

The GAP, or Great Allegheny Passage, is a multi-use trail that follows abandoned railroad corridors. The trail runs 150 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Bespeak State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, including a 52-mile Montour Trail branch. When combined with the C&O Canal Towpath, it creates a seamless non-motorized corridor that stretches from downtown Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.

It's no wonder that the trail has get so popular. It provides a safe, breathtaking route for walkers, runners, cyclists, and cantankerous-country skiers. The trail is also popular with birdwatchers and offers excellent opportunities to meet wildlife, including:

bald eagles
river otters
and black bears.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. However, be enlightened that there are some steep hills along the fashion. You'll also need to watch out for occasional road crossings. The trail is open 24 hours a mean solar day, simply information technology's best to avoid riding during decorated times such as blitz hour in Pittsburgh or on weekends in Washington, DC. And then, what are yous waiting for? Starting time planning your next cycle tour today!

The History of The Trail

The GAP'south first department opened in the state of Pennsylvania in the twelvemonth 1986 and was completed in June 2013. The completion of the section cost $80 million and gave Pennsylvania the largest open-runway trail in the land. As of July 2013, 1,110 miles of the GAP are open up for public utilize. Information technology's a slap-up trail to bike from Pittsburgh to DC. You'll be amazed at how much the urban center of Pittsburgh has to offering. The Great Allegheny Passage connects Pittsburgh with Washington, DC through a 150-mile route that spans the region. From downtown Pittsburgh, you'll detect a wealth of celebrated sites forth the way. It's a great way to explore the area while enjoying the sights and the civilization. This route is a must for cyclists, and many will enjoy information technology from afar.

Those who want a long-distance bike ride can start at Point State Park and travel north to Cumberland, Physician. The trail is mostly apartment and like shooting fish in a barrel to ride, making it perfect for those who are looking for a leisurely journeying. You'll be able to take in all the natural dazzler of the Appalachian Mountains, and you'll fifty-fifty accept the chance to explore some pocket-size towns along the way. If you're looking for a memorable cycling feel, be sure to cheque out the GAP. It's sure to provide yous with plenty of excitement and chance.

Biking Tips

What bikes to use if y'all want to hope on this trail? Mountain or trail bikes are the all-time options for this trail. If y'all're not used to riding on trails, be certain to accept it like shooting fish in a barrel in the first and increase your speed gradually:

Always be aware of your environs and be prepared for anything that might come up your way. Yous never know what y'all'll encounter while cycling on the trail.
Brand certain to bring enough of water and snacks with yous, as well as a first-aid kit in case of emergencies.
Information technology'southward also important to have a jail cell phone with you in case you need to phone call for help.
Exist sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, as well equally appropriate clothing for the conditions atmospheric condition. In that location's no telling what kind of weather you might encounter while on the trail.

Summary

The scenery along the trail from Pittsburgh to DC is beautiful, and it's a great way to see some of the all-time that Pennsylvania and Maryland take to offer. There are plenty of trailheads along the road, so yous tin can hop on and off every bit you lot please. The trail is well-maintained and easily accessible, making it perfect for cyclists, hikers, and runners akin.

In addition to connecting Pittsburgh and Washington DC, the GAP connects with other rails-to-trails in western Pennsylvania. This makes it the perfect fashion to explore some of the most cute parts of the state. The trail is also part of the East Coast Greenway, a trail that stretches from Maine to Florida. The Great Allegheny Passage is the all-time wheel trail in the region, and the Panhandle Trail in West Virginia connects to the C&O Canal Towpath. The Montour Trail is the platonic biking route and is a rails-to-trail. It's piece of cake to navigate and offers beautiful scenery.

Owen Roberts

He combine his passion for travel with strong research and writing skills to generate engaging content for magazines, websites, and his personal blog. The result of his work is a unique travel guide articles virtually different country and cities.

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