On the Beaten Path: Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
Allegheny Highlands Trail, Woodcock Hollow to Meyersdale
The Allegheny Highlands Trail is a 50 mile trail in Somerset County. This review covers the stretch from Woodcock Hollow to Meyersdale.
For information: http://www.meyersdale.org/rails.html
Click the pictures below to view a larger image.
For now, the Great Allegheny Passage starts in a parking area off Woodcock Hollow road near Lap, Maryland. Not much of a launching pad for a 150-mile trail but the
first 10 miles are under construction and the goal is to have them open by the end of 2006. When that section is
open you will be able to start in Cumberland. (or Washington D.C.) The open section of trail climbs to the
continental divide near Deal, PA with an average grade of 1.6 percent. The scenery along the way is great and so are the tunnels. More on those in a moment. As you climb toward Frostburg, MD the
leafy green forest opens now and again for a view of the valley below and for a portion of the trip the trail is flanked by the Western Maryland Scenic
Railroad. Six miles up the trail you will find Frostburg, MD. The town sits just up the hill from the
trail and is a great place to find a meal or a place to stay. From there you pass through the Borden tunnel and then its back up hill to the newly opened 3,000-foot Big Savage
tunnel. It took millions of dollars and two years of construction to stop the flow of water and to shore up
the walls to make for a safe passage. The tunnel was originally built in 1911 and is a must see for anyone interest in trails or trains. After you peak in Deal its all down hill to Meyersdale. I would tell you to watch for the
windmills but they are hard to miss. Meyersdale has embraced the trail and the restaurants and B&BŐs will be happy to let you in even if your bike shorts are covered in trail dust. Park your bike at the restored train
depot and walk into town. This section of the trail is extremely well maintained with several benches along
the way but take advantage of the restrooms because it might be a while before you see one again.
Click here for the On the Beaten Path main page.
