Sites & Amenities

The GAP is full of unique treasures, from railroad tunnels and historic coke ovens, to quirky public art and notable overlooks. Take a look here to find something new to see.

If you’re looking for a soft place to land after a long day on the GAP, look here to find bed-and-breakfasts, inns, guesthouses and hostels that await your arrival.

There are many experts along the GAP to help you get going. If you need to rent gear, repair your own, or desire a guide, these experienced outfitters will ensure you don’t miss a minute of your adventure.

You deserve a treat for all the miles you’ve put in! Plan to enjoy something thirst-quenching or rewarding to keep yourself moving.

We all know the importance of keeping hydrated while on the GAP, and recommend water. But when your day is over, raise a glass to the day behind you, and celebrate your accomplishments.

When your day is done, and you’d like to sleep under the stars, find a place to pitch your tent. You can’t camp just anywhere along the GAP, but there are options at both public and private campgrounds.

Several renowned trip-planning services will set up a self-guided or professionally-guided tour of the Great Allegheny Passage and the adjacent C&O Canal Towpath. Or, if you’re exploring on your own, there are wonderful side trips — whitewater rafting, canoeing, and historical tours — worth adding to your itinerary. Discover some options here. 

From getting you back to where you parked your car, or having your luggage delivered to your next lodging stop, shuttle services handle the logistics and allow you to relax. 

The amazing views aren’t the only inspirations along the Great Allegheny Passage. Find local artisans’ workshops and galleries, along with museums and tours that explore the rich history of the region. And an evening concert or play is a wonderful way to unwind after a day on the GAP. 

Find the right place to park your car for your day trip, overnight, or thru-trip on the Great Allegheny Passage or adjacent C&O Canal Towpath. There is parking in every trail town and canal town, but overnight parking is limited to certain locations, and on the Downtown Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. ends, you’ll likely pay for parking, whether for the day or overnight. 

Trailheads indicate where you can hop on or off the Great Allegheny Passage to start or end your trip. Every trail town has a trailhead (and all but Pittsburgh’s South Side and Downtown Pittsburgh have GAP-branded signage visible), and there are additional trailheads between some trail towns, some GAP-branded and some not.  

The Great Allegheny Passage winds through some of the finest outdoor recreation sites in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Plan a side trip or take a day to have an adventure of a different kind. do something different. Take a hike, ride a single-track in the woods, paddle a kayak, climb a rock face, hire a whitewater guide, or rent a pair of skis. Take a look at some options here.

The Great Allegheny Passage connects some lovely green spaces, perfect for taking a rest, having a picnic, or relaxing with your family. 

From snacks for your panniers or backpack, to finding the ingredients to make dinner at the next campground, find the groceries available near your spot along the GAP.

Trail towns along the Great Allegheny Passage are dotted with unique shops, markets, specialty boutiques, and antiques. Many will ship directly to your home so you don’t need to travel with your gift or keepsake. 

This is an informal list of visitor centers along the GAP, most seasonal and with limited hours, where you’ll find friendly faces that know about the trail and the area. While we recommend you pick up a copy of TrailGuide in advance of your trip, you can stop by these locations with your questions.