Photo Tour of Cumberland to the Eastern Continental Divide: GAP 0-23

Western Maryland Railroad

Overview

Overview. There is a constant uphill grade from Cumberland to the Savage Tunnel. The trail rises in elevation from 610 feet above sea level to roughly 2,400 feet above sea level at mile marker 22 in the Big Savage Tunnel. The Western Maryland Railroad right-of-way and now the GAP trail rises 1,700 feet in elevation in 22 miles. Along with the Big Savage Tunnel (mile marker 22), are the Brush Tunnel (mile marker 6.5), the Borden Tunnel (mile marker 17.5), the Mason-Dixon Line (mile marker 20.5), and the Eastern Continental Divide (mile marker 23.5). The scenic railroad parallels the GAP trail from GAP 0 to GAP 14.5. The Western Maryland Railroad double-tracked the section from Cumberland to the Big Savage Tunnel. One track remains and became the scenic railroad. To create the GAP trail, management removed the ballast, railroad ties and track of the second track. They paved the trail with fine gravel. The trail crosses over the tracks before the Brush Tunnel and crosses back over the tracks after the tunnel. Cumberland. The Western Maryland Train Station is the starting point, or zero-mile marker, for the GAP trail. Cumberland provides most amenities for bikers. For the first mile, the trail works its way through the Cumberland and the Narrows.

Traveling Westward

Cumberland (GAP 0). In Cumberland, the trail does not use roads and passes underneath two bridges. After the one-mile marker, the trail links up with the scenic railroad. The trail runs next to the scenic railroad through the Narrows and to mile marker 14.5, where the scenic railroad splits off from the trail and goes to Frostburg. Hemstetter’s Curve (GAP 5). Hemstetter’s Curve is located at the five-mile marker. The railroad and hence the GAP trail “contoured” Cash Valley, which created a “U” or horseshoe where the engine could see the caboose on the other side of the valley. Brush Tunnel (GAP 6.5). The trail shares Brush Tunnel with the scenic railroad. The tunnel has low-level lighting. Woodcock Hollow (GAP 9). Woodcock Hollow has an almost identical “U” or horseshoe configuration as Hemstetter’s Curve, except that the surrounding forest hides the curve on the inside of the valley. Frostburg (GAP 15.5). Frostburg offers most amenities; however, it requires scaling a steep hill. Borden Tunnel (17.5). Borden Tunnel is the second tunnel. Originally a double-track through the tunnel, a wide path is provided through the tunnel. Motion-activated low-level lighting provides some help, particularly in the dead spot in the middle of the tunnel. Mason-Dixon Line (GAP 20.5). The Mason-Dixon line is the border separating Pennsylvania from Maryland. The line is a popular stopping point for taking pictures. Big Savage Tunnel (GAP 22). Over half a mile long, the tunnel is a highlight. The 22-mile marker is in the middle of the Big Savage Tunnel. The tunnel has low-level lighting. At the eastern entrance to the tunnel is a scenic overlook. It is the only overlook of the entire valley on the 22-mile section. When looking at the distant mountains, to the right of a large bald spot or scar on the mountain are the Narrows and Cumberland, whence you have come. Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.5). The divide is the highest point on the trail. It is a popular spot to stop and take a picture. From here, it is downhill to Pittsburgh. Traveling westward, the divide marks the headwaters of Flaugherty Creek. Deal (GAP 24.5).

Traveling Eastward

Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.5). The divide is the highest elevation on the trail and the headwaters of Flaugherty Creek. It is a popular spot to stop and take a picture. It is level for 1.5 miles to the Big Savage Tunnel, and from there it is all downhill to Cumberland. Big Savage Tunnel (GAP 22). Over half a mile long, the tunnel is a highlight. The 22-mile marker is in the middle of the Big Savage Tunnel. The tunnel has low-level lighting. At the eastern entrance to the tunnel is a scenic overlook. It is worth stopping here. It is the only overlook of the entire valley on the 22-mile section. When looking at the distant mountains, to the right of a large bald spot or scar on the mountain are the Narrows and Cumberland, where you are going. Mason-Dixon Line (GAP 20.5). The Mason-Dixon line is the border separating Pennsylvania from Maryland. The line is a popular stopping point for taking pictures. Borden Tunnel (17.5). Borden Tunnel is the second tunnel. Originally a double-track through the tunnel, it provides a wide path through the tunnel. Motion-activated low-level lighting assists passage through the tunnel. Frostburg (GAP 15.5). Frostburg offers most amenities; however, it requires scaling a steep hill. Woodcock Hollow (GAP 9). Woodcock Hollow has an almost identical “U” or horseshoe configuration as Hemstetter’s Curve, except that the surrounding forest hides the curve on the inside of the valley. Woodcock Hollow is easy to miss. Scenic Railroad. At the 14.5 mile marker, the scenic railroad joins the GAP trail and parallels it to Cumberland. The Western Maryland Railroad double-tracked the section from Cumberland to the Big Savage Tunnel. One track remains, and it is the scenic railroad. To create the GAP trail, management removed the ballast, railroad ties and track of the second track. They paved the trail with fine gravel. The trail crosses over the tracks before the Brush Tunnel and crosses back over the tracks after the tunnel. Brush Tunnel (GAP 6.5). The trail shares Brush Tunnel with the scenic railroad. The tunnel has low-level lighting. Hemstetter’s Curve (GAP 5). Hemstetter’s Curve is located before the five-mile marker. The railroad and hence the GAP trail “contoured” Cash Valley, which created a “U” or horseshoe where the engine could see the caboose on the other side of the valley. Cumberland (GAP 0). The Western Maryland Train Station is the ending point, the zero-mile marker, for the eastern traveling biker. Cumberland provides most amenities for bikers. For the last mile, the trail works its way through Cumberland. For those who are continuing on to Washington, the trail seamlessly connects with the C&O Towpath.