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Where Mountains Touch Rivers

The Casselman River and Laurel Hill Creek join the Youghiogheny River in picturesque Confluence. Young George Washington explored the region in 1754 during his days as a surveyor, and noted that the three bodies of water together formed the shape of a turkey foot. To this day Confluence sits in the Turkeyfoot Valley, poised on the eastern edge of Ohiopyle State Park and its vast recreational opportunities.

Confluence is a favorite stop for its many B&B’s, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, and an espresso shop. Two bicycle/pedestrian bridges connect the town’s peninsulas. A full-service bike shop, the Turkeyfoot Valley Historical Society, and several retailers anchor its town square, itself reminiscent of New England with a lovely wooden gazebo perfect for a break from traveling.

Nearby Landmarks

Confluence is the home of the newly-opened Joshua C. Whetzel, Jr. Recreation Area, featuring an easy footpath up to a ridge overlooking the town and trail.  A short ride from the GAP is Youghiogheny River Lake and Dam, with great views from the top of the dam and wooded picnic areas nearby. The popular Outflow Campground has a hiker-biker section and several loops for traditional car camping.

East of Confluence on the GAP are the Pinkerton Low and High Bridges above the fast-moving Casselman River, the 849-foot Pinkerton Tunnel, and the Pinkerton Bypass.  Westbound is a popular put-in for whitewater paddlers, and the rest of Ohiopyle State Park.

Local Events and Activities

The local can’t-miss event is Pumpkinfest, an October weekend delight, with arts and crafts, live music, a pageant, an antique and classic auto show, square-dancing exhibition, and a largest pumpkin contest. The Mt. Davis Challenge, held in July, attracts road- and gravel-cyclists for a 56-mile race with punishing climbs and thrilling descents.

The Casselman River features great paddling, trout fishing, and wildflower-viewing.

Parking and Trail Access

The primary parking lot for the GAP also serves the Joshua C. Whetzel, Jr. Recreation Area, and accessed via River Road, just off PA-281. There’s also a gravel lot along Ram Cat Road, at the far eastern edge of Ohiopyle State Park, where rafters often put in for floating the middle section of the Youghigheny River.

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Shuttle-Luggage-Sunshine
Sunshine Luggage Shuttle

Go light with Sunshine and let us make your trip better! Transporting your luggage safely and on time is our specialty!

The Parker House
The Parker House

An elegant country guesthouse in Confluence with a sunroom, quiet library, cozy loft, and front porch access to the GAP.

laurel Highlands Lodging near GAP trail
Fernwalk Cottage, Laurel Highlands Lodging

Five-star comfort, a full kitchen, and a deep soaking tub await you, just 4.5 miles off the GAP, near Confluence.