I have some friends that want to do a night or two on the GAP, close to PGH, lodgings, hot water, probably 30-50 miles a day, I know, Google. I'd prefer firsthand bike-pgh.org info. Was thinking maybe, this might sound crazy, taking the bikes out to Mckeesport on the bus. Riding for two, three days. Then hiring a Truck to pick us up wherever the bikes breakdown or someone stalls. Traveling light, just maybes some whiskey and plastic cards. I might bring a blanket, in case I get tired.
There are B&B's in West Newton , Ohiopyle and Confluence. There is a motel next to a diner in Connellesville, about 2 miels from the trail.
If you like breakfast, I most highly recommend the Gingerbread house in Rockwood. I would also most highly suggest avoiding Rockwood Trail House, but just because the proprietor was a super jerk to me once.
B&Bs are often booked-up this time of year, especially close to the trail, so don't assume that you can just show up.
There's a couple of campgrounds where you might be able to find space. They have hot showers- dunno if that counts for what you're looking for. IIRC, there's one around Adelaide or Dawson or thereabouts that's right on the trail. I often pull in there for water.
FWIW, you can also start in Duquesne- there's trail from there to McKeesport, including a lovely bridge.
McKeesport to Ohiopyle is nice. I'm a fan of hammock camping. The only thing that sucks about that ride is the walk up the hill to the campsite at Ohiopyle. If you want to be lazy about it, get dropped off in Meyersdale, and come back down to McKeesport with a stop in Ohiopyle overnight.
Traveling light, just maybes some whiskey and plastic cards
I don't think he's talking about camping, guys. I mean, I guess, if you carry enough whiskey, a sleeping bag is superfluous, but...
Some B&B's might be sold out, sometimes, but I haven't run into that. Of course, it would be better to call ahead.
I recommend Rvier's Edge in Confluence and Gingerbread house in Rockwood.
I quick search on Google shows that Goggle sucks as a mechanism for finding B&Bs. "B&B's NEAR WEST NEWTON!" should not include north of Pittsburgh, IMO.
If you stop by a bike store, they might let you look at this Trailbook, whcih has a lot of B&B's listed.
http://www.atatrail.org/about/store.cfm
If you stay at a B&B on the trail, they will often give you a complementary copy - alas! that won't help you find the first B&B.
Mick
The GAP has a Yahoo group. You might want to ask your questions there: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Great_Allegheny_Passage/
The rivers edge also has a few cabins available to rent.....not sure how available or costly they are, but they are there.
Camping at Ohio Pyle seems like the best option, I'll have someone who's not joining us on the ride take a Sport Utility Vehicle filled with tents, blankets and food out to Ohio Pyle early in the day and set up camp. We can ride from Duquense unencumbered of any gear, Get up early and ride to Rockwood for a late breakfast or lunch. back to Ohio Pyle for dinner and maybe a swim. Ride back to Pgh or have the Porter ferry you in the Sport Utility Vehicle.
That sounds like a sweet trip!
All of the lodging options along the trail are listed at www.atatrail.org/visit/amenities.cfm
The most scenic parts of the trail are towards Cumberland. If you're familiar with McKeesport and the trail start in Duquesne (Grant Ave). If not, start out in Boston, Pa. The first day you could ride to Adelaide for camping or Connellsville for indoor lodging. Day 2 you ride to Rockwood for a 46 mile day. Day 3 you'll pass through a couple of tunnels (one over a half mile long) and some cool bridges. The last 24 miles are downhill as you head into Cumberland. You'll also go over the continental divide.
If you only do two days I'd recommend you start in Connellsville and head towards Cumberland. Feel free to email at seth@ventureoutdoors.org if you want more details. It's a great trail.
Thanks for the tips.
