TRAIL ALERTS

 The trail crew from Somerset County, plus volunteers, opened the Big Savage Tunnel. The lights are on and it will remain open through the 2022 season. The trails leading up to the tunnel, from both sides, are still wet and a little soft, but will dry and compact. A new limestone surface was laid, from…

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…

 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…

  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…

  Fall color is a highlight of the season along the GAP in Somerset County.  The following two weeks will feature kaleidoscopic views all along the trail. Some Suggestions; Starting in Confluence, ride south 9 Miles to the Pinkerton Horn.  At Pinkerton, views from the High Bridge are spectacular. Add the Pinkerton Tunnel and the…

Confluence welcomes two new restaurants!  The Tissue Farm opened an espresso and tea shop in May. The menu features espresso drinks, chai (made in-house), hot chocolate, teas, and lemonade located on Latrobe Ave.  Plus, locally made baked goods are on hand. A recent Five-Star Google Review sums it up; “Their espresso drinks and their cold press are…

The popular Outflow Campground at Youghiogheny has reopened. Bikers are welcome to enjoy this convenient location next to the river, just below the outflow of the Youghiogheny Reservoir.  Camping sites are available with hammock hooks and nearby restrooms and showers.  The campground is a very short bike ride, or walk, to all of Confluence’s services…

GAP Reopens Near Boston, PA The Regional Trail Corporation and Elizabeth Township will reopen a 10-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage near Boston, Pa., on May 1, 2021. The opening follows a five-month closure to replace sewer lines running underneath the trail.  The project included a complete resurfacing and widening of the trail and the…

It’s Open, the 1st segment of the 9/11 Trail in Somerset County. The first 1.5 miles of the 9/11 Memorial Trail in Somerset County opened for public use, April 30th. Somerset County Commissioners Gerald Walker, Colleen R. Dawson, and Pamela A. Toker-Ickes joined Cindy Dunn, Pennsylvania Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, Stephen Clark, Superintendant…