Photo Tour of Meyersdale to Confluence: GAP 32-61

Casselman River

Overview

Overview. The GAP trail from Meyersdale (GAP 32) to Confluence (GAP 61) follows closely the Casselman River. Although the river is more visible in the fall when the leaves are off the trees, the river is usually visible from the trail even in summer. This enhances the scenic beauty of this section of the trail. Most of the trail is wooded and is enclosed on the top and open on the sides. In addition, much of the tail is cut through the side of the hill revealing the rock strata. A highlight of this section is the Pinkerton Tunnel and the high and low bridges (GAP 52).

Traveling Westward

Garrett (GAP 36). Leaving Meyersdale and the Meyersdale Viaduct, the trail passes by several farms and wooded areas to the Garrett trailhead. The section from Garrett to Rockwood (GAP 43) is typical of this stretch. It is wooded, and the river follows fairly closely for much of the way. Rockwood (GAP 43). Rockwood is a trail town and can provide many of the services that trail users seek. The section between Rockwood and Markleton (GAP 50) is wooded but open on the top and closed on the sides, which creates a corridor effect. Currently, the Rockwood to Markleton section is closed due to a slide. At a cost, a shuttle is provided. It is unknown when the section will reopen. Markleton (GAP 50). At Markleton, the trail becomes enclosed again as it parallels the Casselman River. The Markleton (GAP 50) to Hardenville (GAP 59) is one of my favorite sections. The Pinkerton (GAP 52) tunnel and high and low bridges are a highlight of the entire trail. The low bridge crosses the Casselman River and immediately enters the Pinkerton Tunnel. Exiting the tunnel, the trail crosses the Casselman River with the high bridge. A headlamp is recommended in the Pinkerton Tunnel. There is no lighting. The trail passes Fort Hill (GAP 54) and Harnedsville (GAP 59) on its way to Confluence (GAP 61). Confluence (GAP 61). At Confluence, the Casselman flows into the Youghiogheny River, and the trail follows the Youghiogheny River toward Pittsburgh.

Traveling Eastward

Confluence (GAP 61). The trail crosses over the Youghiogheny River and follows the Casselman River. Upon entering Confluence, there is a large trail sign directing bikers across the bridge and into Confluence. If you take this route, it is a shortcut, where you will have to cross the highway. Technically, the trail goes straight and ducks under the highway bridge and then circles back over the highway bridge. Going either way connects with the trail. Pinkerton Tunnel (GAP 52). The Hardenville (GAP 59) to Markleton (GAP 50) is one of my favorite sections. The trail passes Fort Hill (GAP 54). The Pinkerton (GAP 52) tunnel and high and low bridges are a highlight of the entire trail. The high bridge crosses the Casselman River and immediately enters the Pinkerton Tunnel. Exiting the tunnel, the trail crosses the Casselman River with the low bridge. A headlamp is recommended in the Pinkerton Tunnel. There is no lighting provided. Markleton (GAP 50). Currently, the Rockwood to Markleton section is closed due to a slide. At a cost, a shuttle is provided. It is unknown when the section will reopen. Rockwood (GAP 43). Rockwood is a trail town and can provide many of the services that trail users seek. The section between Rockwood and Garrett is wooded. Garrett (GAP 36). After Garrett, the trail passes by several farms and wooded areas toward Meyersdale Viaduct. A highlight of this section is the Meyersdale Viaduct (GAP 33.5). Meyersdale (GAP 31). The train station and Meyersdale are just beyond the 32-mile marker. Most amenities can be found in Meyersdale.

Photo Tour:

Traveling Eastward …………… Traveling Westward
GAP 32 East. Meyersdale train station is in the background.
GAP 32 West.
GAP 33 East.
GAP 33 West.
GAP 34 East.
GAP 34 West.
GAP 35 East.
GAP 35 West.
GAP36 East.
GAP 36 West.
GAP 37 East.
GAP 37 West.
GAP 38 East
GAP 38 West.
GAP 39 East.
GAP 39 West
GAP 40 East.
GAP 40 West.
GAP 41 East.
GAP 41 West.
GAP 42 East
GAP 42 West.
GAP 43 East.
GAP 43 West.
GAP 44 East. Since this section of the trail was closed in 2025, the old mile markers were used.
GAP 44 West. Since this section of the trail was closed in 2025, the old mile markers were used.
GAP 45 East. Since this section of the trail was closed in 2025, the old mile markers were used.
GAP 45 West. Since this section of the trail was closed in 2025, the old mile markers were used.
GAP 46 East. Since this section of the trail was closed in 2025, the old mile markers were used.
GAP 48 West. Since this section of the trail was closed in 2025, the old mile markers were used.
GAP 49 East.
GAP 49 West.
GAP 50 East.
GAP 50 West. To the right and out-of-sight is the Markleton trail head and put-in for boaters on the Cassleman River. The parking lot is used for the shuttle.
GAP 51 East.
GAP 51 West.
GAP 52 East. The entrance to Pinkerton Tunnel is in the background.
GAP 52 West. Leaving the Pinkerton Tunnel heading west, the biker crosses the high bridge over the Casselman River.
GAP 53 East.
GAP 53 West.
GAP 54 East.
GAP 54 West.
GAP 55 East.
GAP 55 West.
GAP 56 East. The barrel barriers warn bikers of a portion of the steep bank, which slid away due to heavy rains.
GAP 56 West.
GAP 57 East.
GAP 57 West.
GAP 58 East.
GAP 58 West.
GAP 59 East.
GAP 59 West
GAP 60 East.
GAP 60 West.
GAP 61 East
GAP 61 West.

Highlights and Fill Ins

The following are photos that I enjoy or fill-ins of areas missed or scenes that complement the mile marker photos.

GAP 33.5 Meyersdale Viaduct. The Meyersdale Viaduct in the background provides a spectacular view of the valley.
GAP 36.5 Garrett Trail Head. Unfortunately, the summer foliage hides the view of the house.
GAP 43 Rockwood. In 2025, the Rockwood (GAP 43) to Markleton (GAP 50) section was closed due to a slide and unstable bank. A shuttle was provided.
GAP 48.5 Bank Slide. This picture was take several days after the slide. The trees have been cleared and the trail is passable. The bank was declared unstable and the Rockwood to Markleton section of the trail was closed in 2025.
GAP 49 West. An enclosed scenic corridor near Markleton is typical of many of the enclosed views found along the trail.
GAP 52 West Entrance to Pinkerton Tunnel prior to being refurbished. The sign on the fence reads “Pinkerton Tunnel Bypass.” This is a historical slide. The tunnel has been refurbished and is open.
GAP 52 Heading west, the Pinkerton Tunnel opens up onto the high bridge over the Casselman River. It offers a scenic view of the river.
GAP 52 Pinkerton Low Bridge. We think the trail is for bikers, but it is an ideal outing for these two wheelchair bound adventurers.
GAP 59 Harnedsville. Two youths cycling across the bridge crossing the Casselman River at Harnedsville.
GAP 61 Confluence. The bridge over the Youghiogheny River. The Casselman River’s confluence with the Youghiogheny River is located not far downstream. Actually, the bridge and sign are deceiving. The bikers on the bridge took a shortcut, but the actual trail goes under the highway bridge (not shown) and then circles back over the highway bridge.
GAP 62 Confluence. Pictured is the confluence of the Casselman River (Center) with the Youghiogheny River (right). Westward travelers will follow the Youghiogheny River and eastward travels will follow the Casselman River.
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