Photo Tour of Eastern Continental Divide to Meyersdale: GAP 23-32

Flaugherty Creek

Overview

Overview. This section of the GAP trail follows the Flaugherty Creek to where it joins the Castleman River in Meyersdale. It makes sense to begin this segment at the Eastern Continental Divide where the water flows west and the trail follows the creeks and rivers west. In addition, the continental divide is a frequent stopping point along the trail for taking a group picture. As the trail follows Flaugherty Creek, it passes over multiple bridges which provide interest. A highlight of this section is the 970 foot long Keystone Viaduct (GAP 29.5). If you like trains, listen to the engines chugging up the step grade. The Western Maryland track was level and much better track.

Traveling Westward

Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.5). Water falling east of the divide works its way into the Atlantic Ocean. Water falling to the west of the divide works its way into the Gulf of Mexico. The divide is a convenient stopping place to take a group picture (see picture below). Deal (GAP 24.5). The Deal trailhead is a mile past the Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.5). It is a convenient trailhead for local residents walking or riding to the Savage Tunnel and overlook (GAP 22). Heading west from Deal to Warren’s Mill (GAP 26), the trail is a straight line where the top and sides of the trail are open. This section has a level or slightly downhill gradient. Although the scenery is not attractive, don’t be surprised to see a snake sunning itself on the trail or turtles laying their eggs on the side of the trail. Warren’s Mill (GAP26). The trail quickly ducks into the woods. It crosses Flaugherty Creek four times before Sand Patch (GAP 28) and another two times before reaching the 970-long viaduct. The multiple bridges provide interest on the trail. Sand Patch (GAP 28). Sand Patch is significant because the old B&O and now CSX railroad joins the Western Maryland Railroad, which is now the GAP trail. Keystone Viaduct (GAP 29). One of my favorite spots, the 970-foot-long viaduct crosses over the CSX railroad. CSX raised the truss bridge three feet so that the double-stacked containers could fit under the bridge. The main evidence is a ramp at the end of the truss bridge onto the old bridge. Meyersdale (GAP 32). The Meyersdale train station is just shy of mile marker 32. The train station has interesting historical railroad displays, and Meyersdale offers most amenities. Meyersdale Viaduct (GAP 33). Standing over 100 feet above the valley below it, the Meyersdale Viaduct passes over the Casselman River and the CSX railroad. It provides spectacular views of the valley and landscape. For those interested in railroads, this section of the Western Maryland track was superior to that of the B&O. The Western Maryland and now the GAP trail from Sand Patch to Garrett is relatively level. The B&O and now CSX starts and ends at the same elevation, but descends into the valley, 100 feet beneath the viaduct. Flaugherty Creek eventually flows into the Casselman River at Meyersdale, and the trail follows the Casselman River as it progresses to Pittsburgh.

Traveling Eastward

Meyersdale Viaduct (GAP 33). Standing over 100 feet above the valley below it, the Meyersdale Viaduct passes over the Casselman River and the CSX railroad. It provides spectacular views of the valley and landscape. For those interested in railroads, this section of the Western Maryland track was superior to that of the B&O. The Western Maryland and now the GAP trail from Sand Patch to Garrett is relatively level. The B&O and now CSX starts and ends at the same elevation, but descends into the valley, 100 feet beneath the viaduct. Flaugherty Creek flows into the Casselman River at Meyersdale, and the trail follows the Casselman River as it progresses to Pittsburgh. Meyersdale (GAP 32). The Meyersdale train station is just shy of mile marker 32. The train station has interesting historical railroad displays, and Meyersdale offers most amenities. Keystone Viaduct (GAP 29). One of my favorite spots, the 970-foot-long viaduct crosses over the CSX railroad. CSX raised the truss bridge three feet so that the double-stacked containers could fit under the bridge. The main evidence is a ramp at the end of the truss bridge onto the old bridge. The trail crosses two bridges on its way to Sand Patch. Sand Patch (GAP 28). Sand Patch is significant because the old B&O and now CSX railroad splits from the Western Maryland Railroad, which is now the GAP trail. The CSX follows Wills Creek to Cumberland. The GAP trail continues to follow Flaugherty Creek. From Sand Patch (GAP 28) to Warren’s Mill (GAP 26) the trail crosses Flaugherty Creek four times. The multiple bridges provide interest on the trail. Warren’s Mill (GAP26). After Warren’s Mill, the trail opens up overhead on its way to Deal. Heading east toward Deal, the trail is a straight line where the top and sides of the trail are open. This section has a level or slightly uphill gradient. Although the scenery is not attractive, don’t be surprised to see a snake sunning itself on the trail or turtles laying their eggs on the side of the trail. Deal (GAP 24.5). The Deal trail head is a mile before the Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.5). It is a convenient trailhead for local residents walking or riding to the Savage Tunnel and overlook (GAP 22). Eastern Continental Divide (GAP 23.5). Water falling east of the divide works its way into the Atlantic Ocean. Water falling to the west of the divide works its way into the Gulf of Mexico. The divide is a convenient stopping place to take a group picture (see picture below).