The Great Allegheny Passage starts in Cumberland, Maryland and runs approximately 150 miles through fantastic scenic hills and valleys, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Starting with the Deal, PA trailhead, the remainder of the Great Allegheny Passage is situated in Pennsylvania.  In this post, we’re going to explore the trail segment from Meyersdale to Garrett.

History of the Trail

For a more detailed history of the Great Allegheny Passage, please see our overview.

History Along The Way

Meyersdale

Meyersdale is a borough located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. 

Initially part of a larger tract of land known as the “Glades,” the area was primarily settled by German and Swiss immigrants in the mid-18th century.  The borough was named after Peter Meyers, an early settler who played a significant role in the community’s development. The town was officially laid out in 1871 and was officially incorporated as a borough in 1874.

Meyersdale saw significant growth with the advent of the railroad in the 1870s. The arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) transformed the town into a crucial hub for transportation and commerce.  The discovery and exploitation of coal reserves in the surrounding areas spurred economic growth. Coal mining became a major industry, attracting workers and fostering the town’s expansion.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were periods of prosperity for Meyersdale, driven by the coal and railroad industries. The town’s population grew, and it developed a vibrant commercial district.  During this time, significant infrastructure was developed, including schools, churches, and public buildings, which contributed to the town’s communal and cultural life.

As coal mining declined in the mid-20th century due to the depletion of resources and changes in the energy market, Meyersdale faced economic challenges. Many mines closed, leading to job losses and a decrease in population.  The town transitioned away from being a coal-dependent economy. Efforts were made to diversify the local economy, including a focus on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing.

In recent decades, Meyersdale has capitalized on its historical and natural assets to attract tourists. The Great Allegheny Passage is a major contributor to the town’s local businesses and tourism, along with small businesses and agriculture, adds to the local economy. Meyersdale features a number of restaurants, as well as historical homes and “bed and breakfast” offerings that have catered to all types of trail users, including cyclists and multi-day hikers, making it easy for these patrons to use Meyersdale as either a staging point, or a welcome stop after a long day on the trail.

Meyersdale is known as Pennsylvania’s “Maple City”.  The Pennsylvania Maple Festival is an annual event celebrating the region’s maple syrup production, that has become a significant cultural and economic event for Meyersdale. It draws thousands of visitors each year and showcases the town’s heritage and community spirit.

The Meyersdale Area Historical Society and other local organizations have worked to preserve the town’s historical sites and promote its rich history. The Meyersdale Railroad Museum is a notable attraction that highlights the town’s railroad heritage.

Today, Meyersdale is known for its close-knit community, small-town charm, and historical significance. It offers a peaceful lifestyle with access to outdoor activities and cultural events.

Meyersdale’s history is a testament to its resilience and ability to adapt to changing economic circumstances. From its early days as a frontier settlement to its peak as a coal mining town and its current status as a charming and historical community, Meyersdale has maintained a strong sense of identity and community throughout its evolution.

Meyersdale is a quintessential small American town with a rich history, vibrant community, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you’re visiting Meyersdale for the annual Maple Festival, exploring the Great Allegheny Passage, or simply enjoying the peaceful lifestyle, Meyersdale offers a unique and welcoming experience.

Trail Details

Trail Length

Starting at the Meyersdale trailhead parking area, this segment from Meyersdale to Garrett is 4.6 miles.  Though this is perhaps one of the shortest point-to-point segments on the Great Allegheny Passage, some of the sights on this short segment make it well worth it.

Trail Surface

The treadway surface is primarily crushed limestone.  There are a couple of road crossing points along the way.  The entire deck of the Salisbury Viaduct is a cement surface.

The average treadway width in this segment is 8-10 feet.

Starting at Meyersdale, the trail is a consistent approximately 0.5-0.8% downslope all of the way to Garrett.

Trail Signage

The Great Allegheny Passage utilizes standardized signage, as I mentioned more specifically in my overview of the trail [here]. 

Trail Views

Perhaps the coolest view on this segment is the Salisbury Viaduct that crosses over US Business Route 219 (the Mason-Dixon Highway), the CSX trail tracks, US 219, and the Casselman River.  We’ll explore that a bit more below.

Trailheads

Meyersdale (GAP Mile 31.9)

The Meyersdale trailhead is a rather large and very popular trailhead for the Great Allegheny Passage, accessible from Main Street.  It sits at the site of the former Western Maryland Railway terminal, now the Meyersdale Area Historical Society.  This building houses a museum focused on the area’s heritage including the rail, coal, and lumber industries.  It also has a souvenir and snack shop, full restrooms, and a gorgeous model train setup.

Outside, there’s a Western Maryland Railway caboose that can be toured during certain hours.

Parking is plentiful.  There are technically three lots; a small gravel area abutting Main Street right next to the trail that’s marked for two-vehicle handicapped access; a large lot that runs alongside the building, lined for 24 vehicles, and a gravel lot technically “behind” the paved lot, with access for approximately another 20 vehicles.

This incredible trailhead also has multiple seating areas, both open-air and a few benches next to the building that are shaded, as well as bike racks, lock posts, and a bicycle repair station.

While not technically at the trailhead itself, there are some e-bike charging stations in a new community green space in Meyersdale sponsored jointly by Meyersdale Borough, Meyersdale Area Merchants Association, and Meyersdale Renaissance Inc.  Each location features GFCI outlets intended for topping off batteries during visits to the business district.  Just note: this “green space” is down the hill of Main Street from the trailhead, and if you’re intending to top up here, it’s a definite climb back uphill to the trailhead.

But let me just say, trekking downhill to top up (or not, if you don’t have an e-bike) is worth it.  As a very trail-friendly town, Meyersdale has a number of lodging options for trail users, including B&B’s, guesthouses, and a “boutique” inn.  The GAPTrail.org website maintains a full list of these offerings. Let’s not forget a coffee shop, several restaurants, a drugstore, and a pizzeria. The Maple Festival Campground is open seasonally for those wishing to use this option for overnight camping.

Johnny Popper Road Trail Access (Meyersdale, PA) (GAP Mile 33.4, segment mile 1.5)

Listed on Google Maps and a few other sources, but omitted as a trail access on GAPTrail.org itself, this is a roadside dirt lot that has space for about 4 vehicles.  It’s the closest parking area to the Salisbury Viaduct.

My guess is that this parking space is here to benefit locals who want to walk or ride the viaduct that’s just a 10th of a mile further on, without having to walk all of the way from the main trailhead. I was “proven” right when I did some initial filming on this segment for the Secrets of the Trails YouTube channel. As a walker was coming down from the access point to the trail, he overheard me talk about my guess on-camera, and behind me he said, “yep, that’s me.”

Garrett (Garrett, PA) (GAP Mile 36.5, segment mile 4.6)

The Garrett trailhead sits off of Berlin Street just south of the Casselman River. It’s a large gravel and grass lot, able to hold well over 20 vehicles in several parking configurations. It has a concrete slab marked for 2 handicapped slots.

The trailhead features a toilet facility, a covered seating area, water fountain, and bicycle repair station.

It’s also the connector trailhead for the new 1,300-mile September 11th Memorial Trail.

Riding the Trail: Trail Tips

Under High Street

At GAP Mile 32.1, the trail runs through an underpass that carries High Street above.  The treadway remains crushed limestone through this approximately 93-foot-long tunnel, and it’s not lighted. 

And Over the River… and the Tracks… and the Highway

At GAP Mile 33.7 (segment mile 1.6), is another one of those “oh wow, look at THAT” features on the Great Allegheny Passage… the 1,908-foot-long Salisbury Viaduct.

Soaring 101 feet above the Casselman River, as well as over US 219, the active CSX rail line, and the Mason-Dixon Highway (Business US 219), you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and farmland.  It’s the longest trestle span on the Great Allegheny Passage, and it’s a magnificent place to watch the sunrise or sunset… and it’s truly breathtaking during a foggy fall morning.

This steel structure was an engineering achievement for the Western Maryland Railway, but it wasn’t built without a human cost.  According to GAPTrail.org, during construction in 1911, disaster struck when a traveling electric crane crashed to the ground while lifting a 14.5-ton girder. Six men were killed, and one was seriously injured in the accident. A month later, another worker died when he fell off the deck of the viaduct. 

Like all the bridges on this part of the Western Maryland Railway, the original design was intended to accommodate a second track, but it was never added.  Reportedly, hundreds of spectators cheered when the first train crossed in 1912.  The viaduct was abandoned as a through-route in 1975 when the Western Maryland Railway ceased operations in the area.  It was decked for bike and pedestrian use in 1998, and now is perhaps the most iconic structure on the Great Allegheny Passage. 

While riding down this magnificent structure, take some time and appreciate the beauty all around. At the western end, stop and turn around. The vista of the nearby Hunsrick Summit amidst the Allegheny Mountains to the south and east of Meyersdale, and the wind farm atop the summit is breathtaking, especially on foggy mornings!

The Meyers Burial Ground

This small cemetery sits beside the trail at GAP Mile 34.1 (segment mile 2.0).  It’s the burial site of Meyersdale’s founder Peter Meyers, and several family members.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’s been recently cared for, as some of the stones have fallen. 

Downhill to Garrett

After passing the Meyers Burial Ground, the trail maintains its approximate 0.5% downslope the rest of the way to Garrett. 

It passes by relaxing farmland scenery, and curves through a cut in a small hill where the sides of the cut are only a few feet from the treadway on either side. 

Trail Impression

The Meyersdale to Garrett segment of the Great Allegheny Passage is a very cool sub-10-mile ride, with one of the most incredible views on the entire trail across the iconic Salisbury Viaduct.  The fact that Meyersdale is one of the premiere trailhead towns on the GAP makes it a perfect staging point for an out-and-back, whichever direction you want to travel along the Great Allegheny Passage!