We will start at mile marker 0 of the Great Allegany Passage and our climb up into the mountain. Do not be intimidated by the climb. Trains don’t do well on steep inclines so the elevation never exceeds 2%. If the steam engine is running we can pay to have us and our bikes ferried up the mountain. However, you will lose the bragging rights for conquering the mountain. The trail surface is excellent, and a noticeable improvement over the C&O. We will start passing through several rail tunnels along the way. Almost at the top of the mountain we will stop to take a break in Frostburg, MD. If you need to refuel, food is available here.
By mid-day we should reach Meyerdale, PA for lunch. We will have already cycled through several tunnels including the Big Savage Tunnel. Lights are required in the Big Savage Tunnel, although the tunnel is lit. If it is a hot day it will feel like riding into air conditioning. We will have also cycled across several old rail trestles and crossed the Continental Divide. Luckily it’s all downhill from the Continental Divide.
Towards the end of the day we will reach Ohiopyle, PA completing about 71 miles, our longest day of the adventure. Be sure to see the waterfall in town.
Ken Whittaker