On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond

Allegheny Highlands Trail

The Allegheny Highlands Trail is a 50 mile trail in Somerst County. This review covers the stretch from Meyersdale to Confluence.
For information: http://www.meyersdale.org/rails.html

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Right after you leave Meyersdale you come to the amazing Salisbury Viaduct. This is the first of several bridges you will cross on this section of trail and while it might not be the most scenic it is the longest and offers a great panoramic view of the countryside and PA Route 219. Be sure to turn around to see the windmills along the ridge above Meyersdale. The path runs down hill all the way to Confluence and no two contiguous miles look the same. There are dense forests, river bottom flats, high cliffs, rock walls and more waterfalls and rocky creeks than I could count. Leave time to grab one of the numerous benches and enjoy the view. Also plan to stop at the Rockwood visitor center that has just been named after Maynard Sembower. He is almost always there volunteering his time and has some great stories to share. The trail then crosses the Casselman River twice. The first time on a lower bridge and then the second time on a bridge that soars over the river with a spectacular view. The trail has a few spotsthat need some new crushed stone but for the most part it is well maintained by Somerset County. Ohiopyle State Park begins at Confluence.

Click here for the On the Beaten Path main page.