Posts by Paul g Wiegman
Welcome Trailhead Brewery to Rockwood.
Trailhead Brewery opened its doors an easy ride just across the Casselman River Bridge at the Rockwood Trail Access Area. Hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays. Co-owners Bob and Hope Metzgar make all kinds of craft beers. These include IPAs,…
Read MoreThe Big Savage Tunnel opens April 1st
The Big Savage Tunnel will open April 1st. It’s been a long winter, but spring is rapidly approaching, even in the highlands of the Allegheny Mountains. That translates to robins returning, turkey vultures sailing on the thermals, skunk cabbage in the wetlands, and most of all, the Big Savage Tunnel, Mile 22 on the Great…
Read MoreTo: Punxsutawney Phil, From: Sally Rockbolt, Respectfully, I disagree.
Dear Philip; The memo of Wednesday, February 2, 2022, predicting “six more weeks of winter,” was just slid under my west door. Your extensive experience in rodent meteorology is recognized and appreciated. However, I also have long followed western Pennsylvania weather from here inside the Big Savage Tunnel near Deal, PA, based on factual historical…
Read MoreLake Somerset – A new visitor facility dedicated.
An exciting addition has been opened in anticipation of refilling Lake Somerset. In December, a new path, pad, and pavilion were completed for mobility-challenged users. The gates at the repaired dam have been closed, and the lake is expected to be full this summer. Then, the edge of the lake will be at the new…
Read MoreThank you Hank Parke for the GAP in Somerset County.
Every visionary project begins with an innovative leader. A leader with a look to the future, passion for the endeavor, and the willingness to labor endlessly and see the goal is met. That’s Hank Parke. In 1986 Hank read a report by Joesph Kupec who hiked the abandoned Western Md. Rwy and written a report extolling…
Read MoreWQED – Highlights of the GAP.
Pittsburgh television – WQED’s “The Great Ride” award winning documentary explores one of America’s most treasured biking destinations – the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal Towpath. As a continuation of the project, WQED has produced a series of short videos that highlight the trail’s treasured landmarks. These include the Mason – Dixon Monument,…
Read MoreBig Savage Tunnel will close Monday, Dec. 6th.
All good things must come to an end …. at least for a couple months. The Big Savage Tunnel will close for the winter Monday, December 6th. This is an annual seasonal closing to seal relatively warm air in the tunnel, and prevent ice from damaging the entrance and concrete liner. Thanks for visiting the…
Read MoreNew Trail Town Directories.
Directories at Trail Access Areas are important to guide visitors to businesses and services in adjacent towns. This past fall SCRTA involved individuals from Confluence, Rockwood, and Meyersdale to review the former information and give them an update. The new maps are now in place. Printed signs go out of date. That leads to the…
Read MoreHEADS UP – Heavy vehicles on the GAP
Somerset County is resurfacing the GAP between the Mason & Dixon Line (Mile 21) and Miller’s Run Trail Access/Sand Patch (Mile 28). Between November 15th and the 24th. That includes the Big Savage Tunnel. The tunnel WILL NOT BE CLOSED during the work, but there will be big trucks coming through while trail users are going…
Read More9/11 Memorial Trail Milestone & Volunteers Needed
On October 13, President Biden signed H.R. 2278 into law, designating the 1,300-mile 9/11 National Memorial Trail linking the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City, the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, VA, and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, PA. The Trail Alliance is now recruiting volunteers to further trail…
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