Youghiogheny River TrailIn 1754 George Washington followed the Youghiogheny
River in his search for a water route to Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh), but he
gave up when he encountered the falls at Ohiopyle and the rapids below. Modern
visitors cycle this route through the Appalachians on the former route of the
Western Maryland Railroad. This trail has been named as one of the best walking
trails in the world. Writing in the October 1994 issue of Travel and Leisure
Magazine, Rita Ariyoshi named the Youghiogheny River Trail among 19 paths
from France to New Zealand as “The World’s Best Walks”. The trail is part
of the Pittsburgh to Washington, DC system. The Youghiogheny River Trail is actually
part of a larger trail system called the "Great Allegheny Passage."
It follows the Yough River in Pennsylvania from Confluence to McKeesport. The
surface is crushed limestone. It’s a popular trail, and hence can be a
busy one. - Location: Confluence to Ohiopyle to Connellsville
- Trailheads:
Confluence, Ohiopyle, Connellsville
- Surface: 28 miles, crushed limestone
- Character: Busy to crowded, wooded, mostly shady, flat to gentle grade
- Special usage restrictions: No motorized vehicles; no snowmobiles; no
horses
- Amenities: Rest rooms, water, bike rental, food, wading, fishing
At the trail heads in Confluence, Ohiopyle, and Connelsville a variety
of amenities are available including bike and river rentals, restaurants, pharmacy,
and groceries. At Confluence, the Youghiogheny Reservoir is located on the
trail side of the river. The Youghiogheny and Casselman Rivers and Laurel Hill
Creek come together at Confluence. At Ohiopyle, the trail passes through
the village and the heart of the magnificent Ohiopyle State Park. In spite
of traversing a mountain, the slope is very gentle making transit in either direction
a pleasant one. Enjoy the splendour of this magnificent landscape in a personal
way. |