We’re in Pittsburgh now, at the end of the Great Allegheny Passage, having left DC four days ago. It’s been an excellent few days, 340 miles of traffic free cycling, the majority of that in secluded, quiet forests. The section leaving Cumberland was all uphill until the Eastern Continental Divide, 2392ft high. Whilst the gradient was mild and steady the whole way, it still tired us out. The views were spectacular wherever we had a break through the trees.
We rode through four long tunnels yesterday, leftover legacies of the canal or rail builders taking direct routes through the mountains. We also passed the Mason-Dixon Line so we’re officially in the North now.
Our camp last night near Confluence was one of the best of the summer so far. Chatting around the fire with fellow bike tourers and walkers, and Pete and I were inducted into the genius of the s’mores! Real, gooey ones made over a campfire, superb.
Today we put in 53 miles before lunch, gorged ourselves silly on big sandwiches at West Newton, and then cruised the last 38 miles into Pittsburgh, through increasingly industrial landscapes.
Ben Collins Outdoors 
So neat! I originally grew up in Pittsburgh and every time I return I appreciate the city and the forest views more and more. There are a lot of neat things to do in Pittsburgh and great food to eat. I imagine you’re already on your way out, but if you decided to hang around the city for a day.
Food places traditionally unique to Pittsburgh are Primanti Brothers (a sandwich shop that serves coleslaw with everything) and Eat ‘N Park (which has about everything).
The view of the city from Mt. Washington is gorgeous.
The cultural district and the strip district both offer a lot of interesting museums and cheap items and fun experiences.
Happy Biking!
Thanks for the tips Barbara. We are indeed on our way, just a fleeting visit to Pittsburgh so I’ll have to come back. We stayed right near E Carson St which seemed to be the hipster neighborhood. Good chocolate shop too.
Indeed. Pittsburgh is greatly changed since a couple of decades ago! It’s really working at becoming a cultural hub of a sort. Oh, yes, if it’s the chocolate shop that I’m thinking, it sure is!
Glad to see you are back on the road and were able to do this trip.
Thanks. So far so good, getting a little fitter each day and staying upright so far!