Last updated: November 26, 2025
Thing to Do
Bicycle Confluence to Big Savage Mountain
Adapted from abandoned rail lines, the completed 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage crosses the Eastern Continental Divide and connects Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The section between Cumberland and Ohiopyle is part of the PHNST network, connecting with the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, Eastern Continental Divide Loop, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.
To reach Big Savage Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide loop, bicycle 46 miles from Confluence (GAP Mile 61.3) to Frostburg (GAP Mile 15.5) on the Great Allegheny Passage, then 8+ miles on-road to the northern trailhead for the Big Savage Mountain Trail. While on the GAP, on your way to Frostburg, you will cross the Eastern Continental Divide.
Outfitter shuttles and lodging in Meyersdale available.
Trailhead: Confluence, PA - GAP Mile 61.3
Address: 865 River Rd, Confluence, PA 15424
GPS Coordinates: 39°48'19.7"N 79°21'47.8"W
Trailhead: Frostburg, MD - GAP Mile 15.5
Address: 10108 New Hope Rd NW, Frostburg, MD 21532
GPS Coordinates: 39°39'33.1"N 78°55'19.1"W
Trailhead: Northern Terminus of the Big Savage Mountain Trail
Address: South of Beall School Road and St. Johns Rock Road, off of St. John's Rock ORV Trail (Frostburg, MD 21532)
GPS Coordinates: 39°39'59.4"N 78°58'08.0"W
The section between Cumberland and Ohiopyle is part of the PHNST network, connecting with the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, Eastern Continental Divide Loop, and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.
To reach Big Savage Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide loop, bicycle 46 miles from Confluence (GAP Mile 61.3) to Frostburg (GAP Mile 15.5) on the Great Allegheny Passage, then 8+ miles on-road to the northern trailhead for the Big Savage Mountain Trail. While on the GAP, on your way to Frostburg, you will cross the Eastern Continental Divide.
Outfitter shuttles and lodging in Meyersdale available.
Trailhead: Confluence, PA - GAP Mile 61.3
Address: 865 River Rd, Confluence, PA 15424
GPS Coordinates: 39°48'19.7"N 79°21'47.8"W
Trailhead: Frostburg, MD - GAP Mile 15.5
Address: 10108 New Hope Rd NW, Frostburg, MD 21532
GPS Coordinates: 39°39'33.1"N 78°55'19.1"W
Trailhead: Northern Terminus of the Big Savage Mountain Trail
Address: South of Beall School Road and St. Johns Rock Road, off of St. John's Rock ORV Trail (Frostburg, MD 21532)
GPS Coordinates: 39°39'59.4"N 78°58'08.0"W
Details
Duration
1-2 Days
Consider an overnight in Meyersdale to break the trip into two days.
Activity
Biking
It's best to use a hybrid bicycle; all-terrain bicycles are fine as are some road bicycles. The GAP is a gentle grade of 3 percent. As part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, see Day 5 of the "Do the Loop" page on the Garrett Trails Web site for more information.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Confluence trailhead along the Great Allegheny Passage
West side of the Youghiogheny River adjacent to Confluence, south of the campground near the Yough Lake dam.
To complete part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, bicycle 41 miles from Confluence to Deal, then 8+ miles on-road to the northern trailhead for the Big Savage Mountain Trail. Continue past Deal on the GAP to cross the Divide and to visit the Big Savage Tunnel. Outfitter shuttles and lodging in Meyersdale available.
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
We recommend planning your trip in advance, preparing for various weather and trail conditions, and practicing common trail etiquette to create a safe and enjoyable trip. The Great Allegheny Passage is a beautiful outdoor space freely open for public enjoyment and the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy cannot and does not guarantee your safety while you’re traveling.
Take extra caution and slow down when trail surface is slippery or when crowded. Give extra space to younger or older travelers.
By Pennsylvania state law, bicyclists under the age of 12 (and under age 15 in Maryland) must wear helmets, and we recommend them for everyone.
Stay on trail and please respect private property. Most land adjacent to the GAP is privately-owned.
Stop at all railroad and street crossings, and watch for bollards, vehicles and uneven trail surfaces. Take extra care along the short and infrequent sections of the GAP that follow shared roadways.
Motors on electric vehicles are 750 watts or less
Devices weigh less than 100 lbs.
Device are no more than 36″ wide
Devices have fully operating pedals
Conditions
The speed limit on the GAP is 15 miles per hour. Please travel single file and stay to the right. Give an audible signal when passing, pass on the left, and only when it is safe to do so.Take extra caution and slow down when trail surface is slippery or when crowded. Give extra space to younger or older travelers.
By Pennsylvania state law, bicyclists under the age of 12 (and under age 15 in Maryland) must wear helmets, and we recommend them for everyone.
Stay on trail and please respect private property. Most land adjacent to the GAP is privately-owned.
Stop at all railroad and street crossings, and watch for bollards, vehicles and uneven trail surfaces. Take extra care along the short and infrequent sections of the GAP that follow shared roadways.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs and similar devices built specifically for mobility disabilities are allowed on the GAP.E-Bikes
No vehicles powered by internal combustion are permitted on the GAP, except those authorized for maintenance and emergency purposes. Other power-driven mobility devices, not specifically designed for disabilities, may be used in Pennsylvania, provided:Motors on electric vehicles are 750 watts or less
Devices weigh less than 100 lbs.
Device are no more than 36″ wide
Devices have fully operating pedals