TRACE THE MITTEN

Day 1 of the GAP: Meyersdale, PA to Cumberland, MD

7/21/2025

Our day involved a little elevation gain to the highest point of the GAP and then heading down hill in what is know as the "Big Coast" of 23.5 miles into to Cumberland.

The station had a wonderful museum, gift shop, water and restrooms.

I always enjoy the model train set displays.

I was happy to explore the caboose.

I was right. This was a phone booth that was used because they lived in a hardwired time.

This booth was used by the train personnel. I am not sure why it is not in the station.

The trailer was able to hold our bikes and gear. We had two vans to hold the riders.

It would take us a few minutes to get ready to go.

This Boleman Bridge was made of cast iron. Later steel beams would replace the iron.

The trail reminds me of the trails in Michigan. The surface was smooth and tree lined.

Such rock formations were common along the trail and reminded me of a section along the Erie Canal.

Keystone viaduct.

This is a 910' long bridge over a road, river and another railroad. The existing train line filed suit that the air space above their track was theirs. This bridge is also curved which was unusual for me. I could not see end to end.

The view from the Keystone Viaduct.

The Eastern Continental Divide.

Our day started near the summit of the GAP. I could feel the gradual incline increasing in the last miles. From here it would be "The Big Coast" to Cumberland 23.5 miles away. The elevation here is 2392' and we descend to 640'.

The Big Savage Tunnel,

This is the longest tunnel of the GAP extending 3300'. This was built in 1911. The other train line (B&O) followed the river and was on the other side. This newer train line was the Western Maryland and created a shorter route. The competition lead to the B&O purchasing the Western Maryland. The smaller line was taken out of service and this lead to the creation of this trail.

Trying to keep my eyes on the road.

Lights are provided and riders can easily see the surface. It is wide enough for two way traffic. The openings are closed before the winter weather begins. The renovation of 2002 cost $12 million and this keeps maintenance costs down.

Mason Dixon Line

The name comes from the tow surveyors who established the line to mark the separation from the Calvert and Penn land holdings. With the beginning of disputes, there is a long and colorful history. Technology and knowledge were to a point in 1763 that this daunting task to determine a line through varying elevation and dense forest could begin. The line stretches 233 miles! Let me also add that various hostilities through the area also slowed down progress.

Borden Tunnel

This tunnel is 900' long and it has lighting. Because of being able to see the other in, it was more comfortable for me.

The steam train excursion was waiting to head back down the mountain.

We all ride our pace and when it comes to the organized breaks we arrive at different times. Our afternoon water break was at Frostburg. The trail was at the base of the city and a switchback trail could be walked or ridden to reach this station. Some stayed on the trail and I went up to the village.

There were so many little waterfalls along the route.

The evidence of the spring rains. There also was the lush woods.

The Brush Tunnel is the shortest tunnel on the GAP.

We were warned not to be in the tunnel if the train was in there too because we shared the space. We could hear the train as left Frostburg, but our paths did not cross. Soon after the tunnel the path became deep sand from the rain washing the hillsides. Somehow my chain came off and it stuck in the frame, Three of us could not loosen it. Luckily I could coast all the way to Cumberland. There was a bike shop that had to pull my pedal and drive sprocket. I was lucky that there was no other damage.

The end medallion in Cumberland.

I remember my Dad referring to the National Road as US Hwy. 40 that came through Indianapolis. Now it is Interstate 70 that follows that route. The path up the C & O Canal and the river going north from here provide a good travel path to Pittsburgh. At Pittsburgh you would follow the Ohio River down until the Mississippi River.

I was a very good first day.

Because I could only coast, I finished with the sweeper. We were staying at the hotel just off the trail and supper was soon. A quick change and a little freshen up and off to the brewery.