The Youghiogheny River Trail has 27 miles of trail in Ohiopyle and is part of the Great Allegheny Passage that connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed-limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad. This trail is suitable for all ages and accessible to people with disabilities. Rental bicycles are available. The trail is excellent for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing and can be used to combine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilderness trout fishing or hunting. All motorized vehicles and equestrians are prohibited.

From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead Parking Area in the east side of the park, the trail descends at a 1 percent downhill grade to the Train Station/Visitor's Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle. Bikers/hikers can enjoy this ten-mile trail section and watch canoeists and rafters travel through the Class I and II rapids.

From the Train Station/Visitor's Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail crosses the river twice and descends at a 3 percent grade to the western park border. Visitors can also park in Ferncliff Peninsula Parking Area. Bikes are not permitted on the trails of the Ferncliff Peninsula. Along the trail are mile markers and posts with the initials of the famous rapids in the river. There is plentiful parking in the town of Connellsville in parking lots on Third Street and in the Youghiogheny Riverfront Park.

Review of Youghiogheny River Rail Trail

• 

Active and Adventure Review of Youghiogheny River Rail Trail

Away Travel Editor: Alistair Wearmouth

Editor Favorite
Editor Rating Recommended for:
Camping,Cross-Country Skiing,Day Hiking,Mountain Biking

Editor Tips & Helpful Hints

• If you want to up the ante off the rail-trail's easier grade, Ohiopyle has another 13 miles of gnarlier singletrack in the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area.

Visitor Information