Not GAP but the Butler Freeport Trail might be a possibility. http://www.butlerfreeporttrail.org/
2010-07-07 18:18:55
4
Nice place to ride a rail trail near PGH
Hi there, I need a little help with an idea for a weekend getaway. My son (12 yrs old) and I want to head out of town Friday afternoon somewhere 2 hours of less from PGH. Park somewhere and take a nice scenic ride on a rail trail (because its flat), then overnight in some small town hotel, ride a bit on the morning a head home Saturday.
Any suggestions of cool places to pick up the GAP trail and do such a thing, Any favorite books or websites that give pointers to trails to ride in the PGH area would also be appreciated.
Thanks folks,
2010-07-07 18:12:25
The GAP is perfect for this sort of outing, and you can find EVERYTHING you need to know at www.trailtowns.org. Click on Explore our Towns for more specific information on each town including lodging, etc.
Another option would be the Ghost Town Trail in Indiana County. There are accommodations available in: Dilltown the Dillweed Bed & Breakfast and trail shop provides overnight accommodations and trail related items for sale. The Red Mill Resort on the Rexis Branch also offers overnight accommodations. Motels, hotels and bed & breakfasts are located in Ebensburg, Johnstown, Indiana, and Blairsville. Camping is not permitted on the trail. Learn more about local camping options at http://www.indianacountyparks.org/trails/gtt/gtt.html#facilities. A new guidbook is out, and can be picked up at establishments along the trail, or via mail (not in time for Friday, I suspect).
If you want to venture out of state, I am a big fan of North Bend State Park/Trail just west of Clarksburg, WV (just barely inside your 2 hour window). The North Bend Rail Trail is a multi-use recreational trail operated by West Virginia State Parks. Formerly an abandoned spur of the CSX system, the trail is part of the 5,500 mile coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. Stretching 72 miles from I-77 near Parkersburg in Wood County to Wolf Summit in Harrison County, this scenic trail passes through 13 tunnels and crosses 36 bridges. Easily accessible from north/south Interstates 77 and 79, the trail nearly parallels US Route 50 east and west.
The trail passes through wild and natural areas, farmland and a variety of small rural communitiies that grew up along its length. The many points of interest and history include the Old Stone House and the former Stage Coach Inn at Pennsboro, a marble factory, hand-blown glass factories, outlet stores, arts and craft markets, fairs and festivals, sites of trail robberies and legends of tunnel ghosts. The trail also passes numerous state, county and local parks.
In the tumultuous years before the Civil War and the creation of the state of West Virginia, the former rail corridor was constructed by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad between 1853 and 1857. The trail boasts 13 remaining tunnels constructed by the railroad. The number 10 tunnel west of Ellenboro, for example, is 337 feet long and is a "raw" or natural tunnel which is bored through solid rock.
A check of the www.wvstateparks.com website shows cabins available for rental this weekend.
2010-07-07 20:27:02
Not a hotel, but my favorite B&B on the GAP trail is the Gingerbread House in Rockwood.
http://www.thegingerbreadhousebandb.com/
In my opinion the most beautiful part of the trail is between Rockwood and Confluence.
My favorite restaurant (anywhere) is the River's Edge in Confluence (also with a B&B, but the the B&B doesn't have a full breakfast like the Ginger house.) It's pricey for a trail meal but really, REALLY cheap for a restaurant of this quality.
2010-07-07 21:44:36