GAP Trail: Riding the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
  • The final episode of my Across Country Trip. Riding the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland 150 miles. Passing the Eastern Continental Divide. The first day was all day riding 118 miles from sunrise to sunset and finished the trail on the second day. GAP trail has lots of bridges, passageways, river crossings, rocks, and waterfalls and everything is wrapped in green flush, the trail is very pretty.

ความคิดเห็น • 118

  • @FollowThomas
    @FollowThomas  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    😊Thank you for watching
    👉 SUBSCRIBE for FREE here: th-cam.com/users/FollowThomas
    👉 Hit the THUMBS UP button above and please leave a comment. I love reading them.😊

  • @mountainmangaming808
    @mountainmangaming808 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I think the fall would be the best time to do that trail will all the colors

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I agree. I'm thinking of doing it again this fall 🍂🍁

  • @rongurney48
    @rongurney48 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    The "Pittsburgh River" you were riding near is called the Monongahela. In Pittsburgh it meets with the Allegheny to form the Ohio River.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thanks for the information. I looked up the name but couldn't remember it. Thanks again 👍😁

  • @BIKESnSKILLETS
    @BIKESnSKILLETS 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Funny how the cows seem to communicate like is he alright.. yep hes cool 😅

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Haha, cows were little confused 🤔😂

    • @BIKESnSKILLETS
      @BIKESnSKILLETS 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@FollowThomas they're so cute it's like I can feel what they think 😂

  • @jennyandkevin7163
    @jennyandkevin7163 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Doing this ride in October. Looking forward to it! Thanks for the video.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's an absolutely beautiful trail. I rushed it through but next time I would spend more time on the trail. The trail is easy to ride and the crushed limestone is very smooth.

    • @kevinlalzare
      @kevinlalzare ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FollowThomas Awesome! We plan on doing this trail in 3 days or so. Enough time to enjoy the scenery and take picture's. We will surely vlog this trip!

  • @bennetthasty7886
    @bennetthasty7886 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Great video thank man ❤🎉 I’d love to do the gap this next year

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Definitely, you're gonna live it. There is so much more to see than I was able to capture including the longest tunnel and great views to those beautiful high bridges.

  • @kmccarr
    @kmccarr ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The GAP is a beautiful trail. Like you I live in FL but grew up close to Pittsburgh so know the entire trail and surrounding communities very well. Hope you didn’t miss the Ohiopyle Falls. I did the GAP last year and plan on doing that and the C&O this year. Great video and thanks for sharing.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      I definitely missed a lot, have to go back and do the trail at a slower speed. 118 miles in one day is way too much.

  • @FloridaFlipFlops
    @FloridaFlipFlops ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Like 21 👍
    Hello from Naples, Florida. What a great ride. So much to see along the trail, bridges, rivers, foliage. So much beautiful green everywhere. The Kickstand Kitchen was awesome. Thanks for sharing, have a great week. 💯

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If I would ride again I would slow down and explore more. I missed a lot but it was the end of my month-long trip.

    • @FloridaFlipFlops
      @FloridaFlipFlops ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@FollowThomas We enjoyed the scenery there. Cheers

  • @CheikoSairin
    @CheikoSairin ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Riding a bike all day from morning to sunset is a tiring activity. But it is also a very enjoyable experience during cycling. I really enjoy watching your adventure. Big LIKE from me.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      I enjoy outdoor activities, biking, birding and traveling. Traveling by bike is one of the best forms of traveling, slow enough to enjoy nature and fast enough to get places. Thanks for following along and have a great rest of the weekend.

  • @hammockstocoasters
    @hammockstocoasters ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful trail, lovely bridges. I love bridges! Glad you could fix your leak while out on the trail. Looks like a ton of nice benches along the trail too. Loved following along, as always.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's an incredible rail trail. Loved the high bridges. If I would ride it again I would slow down and explore more. 👍

  • @Packsalot
    @Packsalot ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Lots of bridges. Cool trail system. The rail trail is pretty neat. I really liked the bridges and tunnels on this route. Plus the forest areas were nice too. Good thing you had a light for the tunnel. It got dark in there real quick. Wow, lots of miles and ran out of daylight too. Glad you had a tent to set up for the night. You had an audience to greet you too. Mooooo! LOL. Awesome trip. Have a great day.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's an incredible trail. I definitely missed a lot, want to go back and do it at a slower speed.

  • @BIKESnSKILLETS
    @BIKESnSKILLETS 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    That would be nice 👍

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If you ever get a chance ride it. It's totally worthwhile. There is so much more to see than I covered in this video. I didn't even film the longest tunnel. Thanks for watching 🙂

    • @BIKESnSKILLETS
      @BIKESnSKILLETS 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@FollowThomas yes I want to get out of Colorado for awhile. Lower elevation would be nice and less rugged terrain I assume

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@BIKESnSKILLETS Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the US. I rode around the Dillon Reservoir back in 2022. It was absolutely breathtaking I want to go back.

    • @BIKESnSKILLETS
      @BIKESnSKILLETS 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@FollowThomas it is beautiful 🤩

    • @BIKESnSKILLETS
      @BIKESnSKILLETS 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@FollowThomas we have wolves now also and we don't know where they put them so little scarier now..bears. MTN lions. Wolves.. coyotes. snakes oh My

  • @flaeuro
    @flaeuro ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A great month of adventure 👏👏👌💪💪👌🚲🚲🚲🌴🌴🌴

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The last 30 days were intense. I saw and experienced a lot. Thanks for watching 🙂

  • @I_Am_Birding
    @I_Am_Birding ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So green and long bikeway, I enjoyed this tour in the Gap trail. Glad you had some rest, revive survive gather some energy to complete the ride. Thank you indeed this is so amazing!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was planning to ride it within 3 days but ended up doing it a day and half because the next day it was raining. I tried to go as much as possible on the first day. Thanks for watching 🙂

  • @rongurney48
    @rongurney48 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    BTW, Thomas, the second river you crossed over at 10:38 is the Youghiogheny (pronounced "yock-a- gainey" or yock, for short). A very popular river to raft on, especially in the Ohiopyle area.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Those rivers there have all difficult names to pronounce, thanks for explaining. 😊

    • @rongurney48
      @rongurney48 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@FollowThomas BTW, there are two segments of the Yough river available for white water rafting, the most popular is the Lower Yough, from Ohiopyle, going downstream to a designed river take out area. The more challenging area for rafting is the Upper Yough, with many Class IV/V rapids. You owe it to yourself to do some white water rafting from Ohiopyle. Check it out. You'll love it.

  • @FloridaandBeyond
    @FloridaandBeyond ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Beautiful area to bike! That is great you can fix your own bike. Thanks for taking us on another ride! We love watching these!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Things happen on a road usually nothing more than a flat tire. I always have a couple of extra tubes with me in case if I need it. Thanks for following along. The GAP Trail is such a cool old rail trail, most known its high old railroad bridges.

    • @FloridaandBeyond
      @FloridaandBeyond ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@FollowThomas it looked amazing!

  • @NNYDebbie
    @NNYDebbie ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing your cross country trip. It was very enjoyable. Looking forward to your next adventure.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for following along! 😊

  • @MoniHannen
    @MoniHannen ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another video that we loved. ❤ What a beautiful river 😍

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for following along 😊

  • @destinationdero
    @destinationdero ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The GAP Trail looks great. Nice share

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a great trail. Loved the ride. Have you done it?

  • @PFAM5
    @PFAM5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That’s crazy with 118 miles on the first day! Great job and awesome scenery!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It was a long day riding but the next day it was raining so it was good I got most of it done.

  • @robertosrooftopbirdwatchin2239
    @robertosrooftopbirdwatchin2239 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Greetings! Sir Thomas, finally I’m here I miss this great adventure biking and birding of yours ,the trails are so magnificent and healing greenery thank you for taking us along with you I loving it, thank you so much stay healthy,happy w/ur lovely family friends 🤝

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'm glad to see your comment again. I've been traveling all month and the GAP Trail was the last episode of my Bike and Amtrak across country trip
      If you get the chance check out my previous episodes of my trip also. Thank you for checking out this episode. Take care and stay healthy. 👍🙂

    • @robertosrooftopbirdwatchin2239
      @robertosrooftopbirdwatchin2239 ปีที่แล้ว

      Definitely I will catch up my good friend thank you so much God bless w/ur lovely family friends 🤝

  • @bluemountaindrivepae
    @bluemountaindrivepae ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The Great Allegheny Passage is part of the Great American Rail Trail. I hiked and biked it many times, without a good camera.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      It's an amazing trail, I definitely wanna ride it again and take more time to explore it.

  • @socaljoe
    @socaljoe ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Man you did that fast. So glad you rode it

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      I was planning to ride it within 3 days but ended up doing it in 1.5 days. The first day was beautiful riding weather. It's a great trail crushed limestone surface makes it very smooth to ride.

  • @laagangkatabang
    @laagangkatabang ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Gorgeous hike. nice weather and sceneries

  • @sylvain65
    @sylvain65 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the ride!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for following along 😊👍

  • @SteveAudra
    @SteveAudra ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a beautiful trail with great water views and cool bridges. Wow, a couple of those were so high up. Very cool!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Those old narrow railroad bridges are turned into continuous bike trail. Some of the bridges are way up, amazing photography opportunities. Next time I would take more time to explore the surroundings and take pictures from the bottom up. The GAP trail is an amazing trail.

    • @SteveAudra
      @SteveAudra ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Is anyone allowed to camp along the trail? Or were you winging it hoping no one would care? You made me nervous the longer you kept riding into the night without having a place to sleep.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes you can camp anywhere by the trail except near towns. I saw No Camping signs near towns. Normally I don't do that long days but I enjoyed the ride till I got sleepy. The next day it was raining, glad I got most of it done.

  • @vs123
    @vs123 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very beautiful nature

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for following along 🙂

  • @brendansullivan7867
    @brendansullivan7867 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing this video, I'm planning to ride the GAP myself this summer. Looks amazing

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      The GAP Trail is amazing. I definitely recommend it. If I would ride it again I would slow down next time and explore more. Those old bridges are phenomenal. 👍

  • @spaceghost8995
    @spaceghost8995 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    50 miles ridden before noon? You're way faster than I am! haha

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yeah I like to ride fast. I did 118 miles that day. 😊

  • @Iliketoadventure
    @Iliketoadventure ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another great adventure! Always love watching your videos! You do a great job and your fun and charming personality always shine! Happy summer to you😎☀️👍🏼

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you for your uplifting comment 😊

  • @BenjamindeForest
    @BenjamindeForest หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I want to do this so badly

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Definitely! 💯😁 I'm thinking to ride it again and take more time on the trail at this time.

  • @marks6041
    @marks6041 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You're riding locomotive strong knocking out 118 miles in a single day on a gravel trail Thomas! Whenever I watch your videos I scratch my head wondering how you fit all your camping and cooking gear, clothing, jackets, and camera equipment into your compact bikepacking bags! I admire your positive attitude when traveling and the way you always enjoy yourself. appreciate nature, and make the best of it (even in the rain)!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      All my stuff is lightweight. The front handlebar bag has rolled together the sleeping pad and sleeping bag + food bag. The large saddle bag has a Nemo tent, clothes and cooking ware. The frame bags have tools and stuff. The backpack has my laptop and other stuff. I can be traveling for months with this setup if needed. I'm trying to avoid carrying stuff that I don't use. Thank you for following my adventures. 🙂

    • @marks6041
      @marks6041 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@FollowThomas Thanks Thomas, I had forgotten that you normally wear a backpack too! I like using my carbon Tailfin Aeropack with pannier mounts in back when bikepacking as it provides the option of also utilizing either 22L or 10L panniers. The seat-pack on it is built into the top of the rack so it eliminates sway.

  • @OutdoorsInFlorida
    @OutdoorsInFlorida ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice Thomas…. You get around America!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You're traveling across the country as well gotta make life happen! 😁 This is my third year doing this monthlong Amtrak and bike adventure trip. Looking forward to next year's trip. 👍

  • @tedcoleman558
    @tedcoleman558 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Great job on the video.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you very much!

  • @buffalobybicycle716
    @buffalobybicycle716 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Way to work Bird man! You sure keep your upbeat personality during those times of strain and stress for the camera. The incline you were riding is harder then it looks as it prevents you from having any time coasting and is non stop pedaling. It can get monotonous!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's not always easy like you said but positivity helps for sure. Every time I pick up the camera I try to see and say something positive and it goes a long way.

  • @HiSpeeedLoDrag
    @HiSpeeedLoDrag 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Dont worry, the locals cant pronounce the Monongahela river either. Theres actually three rivers that converge in Pittsburgh. The Mon, the Ohio, and the Allegheny.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Haha, yes it was hard to remember, it had to be some native name or something. Good to learn something new.

  • @billysbikesbrews7183
    @billysbikesbrews7183 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m glad you did the GAP.. hopefully you can do it again at a slower pace.. I feel you missed a lot.. there’s 2 waterfalls in Ohiopyle that are Stunning.. Meyersdale is a great town.. $1 ice cream cones 🍦.. good video

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I know I missed a lot doing 118 miles on the first day and the next day it was raining. I definitely want to go back and do it at a slower pace.

    • @billysbikesbrews7183
      @billysbikesbrews7183 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FollowThomas Don’t get me wrong it’s still beautiful trail.. I’ve done this trail a few times.. one day I would like to challenge myself to do the whole trail in one day.. 🚴‍♂️😎🍺

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@billysbikesbrews7183 it's doable in one day just have to keep fast pace.

  • @johnnyk6906
    @johnnyk6906 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    impressive distance for an old person 🙂

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      In my 30's and 40's I wasn't able to ride those distance. I did 192 miles in one day a few months ago riding from Jacksonville to Melbourne FL. I have the video if you want to check it out. The good thing about the riding is that age is just a number. Riders in their 50's and even 60's are often more capable than younger ones. Thanks for watching 🙂

  • @recyclespinning9839
    @recyclespinning9839 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I hope I have enough courage to do a great bike tour like this. I just worry about food 😂..

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The GAP Trail is an easy to ride trail. There are plenty of small towns on the way and lots of food places. The best way to get started is to just do it! 😂👍
      Or, check out the C&O Trail I just uploaded the video.

    • @recyclespinning9839
      @recyclespinning9839 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FollowThomas thanks for the encouragement.

  • @charlesphelps2730
    @charlesphelps2730 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Should have stayed in Rockwood Hostel. They have showers

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thanks for letting me know. Next time I definitely will 👍

  • @bluemountaindrivepae
    @bluemountaindrivepae ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Those cows know your not supposed to camp there lol.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes they were curious. I didn't plan to camp there but that's where I ended up in the dark, that's why I wanted to leave early before anybody came.

  • @AlanJohnsonSunbird
    @AlanJohnsonSunbird ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Incredible trip and amazing effort.
    What bike and tire size are you riding here?
    I’m interested in doing these trips.
    Thanks

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I used 40mm tires at the time but on the Erie Canalway Trail I used 35mm tires without any problems, it had the same stone dust surface. I bought my bike from Bikes Direct, the largest online seller in the world. They offer up to 60% discount because they don't have physical stores.

    • @AlanJohnsonSunbird
      @AlanJohnsonSunbird ปีที่แล้ว

      @@FollowThomas thank you so much.
      I really like your setup.
      Which model is the bike?
      I just looked at their website.
      Extremely interesting.
      Much appreciated!!!!!!

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AlanJohnsonSunbird brand name is "Motobecane" that Bikes Direct currently owns. It's an old French bicycle brand and I'm happy with the build.

    • @AlanJohnsonSunbird
      @AlanJohnsonSunbird ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@FollowThomas That’s excellent! Thanks again

  • @BrantHikes
    @BrantHikes ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do you know why they changed the name of the trail? I hadn't heard about that.
    I've been wanting to ride this trail since it opened. Looks like a great ride

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's a great trail and the crushed limestone surface is very smooth to ride. I always knew this as a GAP Trail or Great Allegheny Passage. Autocorrect my mistake. I'll fix it. Thanks

    • @BrantHikes
      @BrantHikes ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Great Allegheny Passage is what it was called when it opened

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for noticing. Didn't even see my typo. Now it's fixed.

  • @doriskeil-shamieh8852
    @doriskeil-shamieh8852 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's Great Allegheny Passage.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks, I didn't even see it, autocorrect, just fixed it.

    • @doriskeil-shamieh8852
      @doriskeil-shamieh8852 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@FollowThomas i figured no one would find your video if it wasn't named correctly. Looks like you had a good trip.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      @@doriskeil-shamieh8852 Thanks. I'm glad you noticed. 😊

  • @bluemountaindrivepae
    @bluemountaindrivepae ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Deadmans Hollow, kids found a man hanging from a tree.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I knew there had to be a story behind it. Thanks

  • @bill1340
    @bill1340 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Are e-bikes allowed? Are there campsites or places to plug-in e-bikes? Thank you for the info.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว

      I think ebikes are allowed. I didn't see any no ebikes signs. There are towns on the way.

  • @princepage632
    @princepage632 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    where are you from? your accent is from another country!! but where?

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I'm an Estonian from Estonia but I live in Florida. Thanks for watching 🙂

  • @tomrodgers6629
    @tomrodgers6629 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Your video is out of sequence. That's my trail.

    • @FollowThomas
      @FollowThomas  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I noticed that also after publishing but had to leave like that. That can happen when using two different cameras.