Great American Rail-Trail In Pennsylvania

The Great American Rail-Trail in Pennsylvania is hosted by trails that showcase the state’s history and heritage, from its days before the country formally came into being to its heyday as an industrial powerhouse. Beginning at the Maryland–Pennsylvania border on the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org), the route travels to Pittsburgh and through downtown on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.

Plans to complete the Great American through Pittsburgh also align with the vision of the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition—one of RTC’s TrailNation™ projects—to connect Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York via a developing 1,500-mile trail network.

Related: Trails along Pittsburgh’s rivers are helping the region’s economy (The Allegheny Front | July 8, 2024)

Pennsylvania stories along the Great American Rail-Trail

Pennsylvania and West Virginia’s Panhandle Trail

Stretching 29.2 miles through small towns and the countryside of West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, the Panhandle Trail is a key piece in connecting several longer routes, including the Great American Rail-Trail®

10 Unique Lodgings Along the Great American Rail-Trail

We highlight lodging along the Great American Rail-Trail, and history buffs can find more from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

How the Great Allegheny Passage Transformed a Region

The 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Western Maryland is a premier rail-trail destination.

The “Great American” Route Through Pennsylvania

Trails Along the Route

Click the links below to view full trail descriptions on TrailLink.com.

• Great Allegheny Passage (gaptrail.org)
• Three Rivers Heritage Trail
• Montour Trail
• Panhandle Trail

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Route Reveal Celebration

Great American Rail-Trail Preferred Route

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