Great allegheny passage

[dreitman]

I plan to ride great allegheny passage/ C&O canal.  I understand the trail between Pittsburgh & McKeesport is incomplete.  Can someone suggest an alternate street route from Pittsburgh to McKeesport?

[CharlieR]

I haven't ridden it yet, but I'm looking at using the Montour Trail and completely bypass Pittsburgh (and all the traffic). Drops you back out north of Pitt.

[BrianW]

There have been a lot of threads recently on this topic, and the GAP in general, both here on the ACA forums and over on the "Touring Forum" (http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/47-Touring). Do a search on both sites and you'll find lots of info.

If you are interested, I have a trip journal from my GAP ride last year at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/BrianGAPtour

[fonsie]

I ride it every year since it opened in 2007. From McKeesport for about 2 miles there's a series of on a path, in a bike lane. Then your on a trail to RT 837 the signs are marked well. It's kind of finished but, from Kennywood Park to Sandcastle you have a series of shoulder riding on 837. Once you go thru sandcastle you got a path strait to Pittsburgh. I'm taking 2 of my nephews from Pittsburgh to DC when school lets out, ones 8 and the other will be turning 11. Have a good trip. 

[Peaks]

Advice given in the GAP tour book is to take a city bus from Pittsburg to McKeesport.  That's what I did last year.  Most buses have bike racks on them.