If you haven’t noticed Fall has arrived in Western PA. Last weekends ride on the Ghost Town Trail was beautiful. The leaves are magnificent and the temperatures are cooling down (except for the last weekend).
This Saturday, October 15 is our annual Fall Foliage Ride along the Great Allegheny Passage beginning at the trail parking area at the train depot in Meyersdale, PA. In years past we have started at Meyersdale, PA and ended at Cumberland, MD but this year we are going to try something different. We will begin riding at 10 AM at Meyersdale, PA heading up to the Continental Divide and then down to Frostburg, MD and then return for a total distance of 32 miles. This is an area of the GAP with a large change in elevation – approximately 400 feet upward then approximately 400 feet downward. While that may seem like a lot don’t forget that this is along former railroad track beds so if they can do it you should be able too as well. Don’t forget a light as we will be traversing the 3000 foot long Big Savage tunnel.
Be sure to bring plenty of water and/or sports drink as there are limited facilities between Meyersdale and Frostburg. If you don’t feel like packing a lunch, both Meyersdale, PA and Frostburg, MD are nice towns with plenty of choices for food. Just be aware that in Frostburg you have to do some hill climbing if you want to head into town to eat. There is a small café near the Western Maryland Railroad turntable very close to the trail.
It will take approximately 2 hours to get to Meyersdale from Pittsburgh so allow plenty of time so you will be in Meyersdale and ready to go by 10 AM. Please note the departure time is 10 AM – a different time was posted on the blog earlier.
Basic directions from the PA Turnpike
- Take Somerset Exit #110.
- Proceed through 3 traffic lights and at the 4th, turn LEFT onto E Main Street.
- At the next light, bear RIGHT onto Berlin Plank Road (becomes Rt 219 S).
- Go 3 miles then turn RIGHT onto Garrett Shortcut Road.
- Continue 8 miles to a stop sign and turn LEFT onto Rt 653.
- Proceed slowly through Garrett and turn RIGHT onto Rt 219 S.
- Go on Rt 219S about 2 miles, then turn RIGHT onto Business Rt 219.
- Once in town, turn LEFT onto Main Street by the fire station.
- Proceed 4 blocks up the hill, and across the tracks you will see the train station on your left.
Please consult your map or GPS before heading out.
The weather is looking a bit rainy towards the end of this week but should clear up by Saturday. The forecast is for cool temperatures so remember to wear layers. You will be surprised how fast you will heat up during the ride. Don’t forget to bring your camera (or camera phone)!
