GAP TRAIL A map shows the GAP trail as it runs through Westmoreland County and Pennsylvania. towns along the way to eat, sleep and refresh before carrying on. Westmoreland County residents don’t have to travel far at all to enjoy the trail as a day trip, however. The portion of the Great Allegheny Passage that stretches from McKeesport to Connellsville is known as the Youghiogheny River Trail, and it runs through Westmoreland County between West Newton and Van Meter. Just in that 10.5-mile stretch alone, there is plenty to see and appreciate. WEST NEWTON The town is a perfect place to begin ex-ploring Westmoreland County’s section of trail for a number of reasons. There’s ample parking, a place to rent bikes at the West Newton Bicycle Shop and the trailhead visitor center, located in a replica of the former 1910 P&LE train sta-tion, where you can find maps and other information. There are several restaurants in West Newton, such as the Trailside Restaurant, where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a beverage after your ride is finished. If you left town and pedaled north toward Pittsburgh, you’d pass by the yards of local residents before reaching the trailside marker in a wooded section near the river that indicates the border of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. MAILBOX FORMATION Head south from West Newton toward Cumberland. Within two miles, you’ll reach a marker indicating a unique geo-logical feature along the trail. Sometimes referred to as the “Indian mailboxes,” this is an area in the hillside where the rock has eroded in a honey-comb pattern. Although you’ll ride past lots of exposed rock, much of it due to construction of the railroad, this type of erosion pattern is rare. It’s certainly worth getting off the bike for a few min-utes to investigate. While it’s tempting to look to the Youghiogheny River on one side, it’s worth peeking into the forest on the other. Depending on the time of the year, you could see waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife among the sometimes dense vegetation. CEDAR CREEK PARK As you cross the bridge over Cedar Creek Gorge, stop to notice the water from the creek rushing underneath toward the river. The riverfront here offers lots of parking and prime access to the water, and there are bathrooms, picnic tables and a camp-ing area. It’s a popular spot for people to come and relax near the water or stroll on nature trails. The park itself encompasses nearly 500 acres and includes an outdoor ampitheater that hosts a free outdoor concert series every summer and a model radio-controlled airfield (so don’t be alarmed by the strange buzzing you’ll often hear in the area). TRAIL SIGHTS See what you’ll discover in Westmoreland County on one of America’s most historic trails. Make a stop, or begin your ride, in West Newton. Indian mailboxes. Cedar Creek Park. Discover Westmoreland 2016 | 17
SSM_X001XXC07312016_Discover Westmoreland
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