Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail 106 ish to 110 Plus-Van Meyer to Cedar Creek

The trail from Van Meyer to Cedar Creek goes past the Port Royal Mine No 2 Disaster of 1901, a few waterfalls, items that were clearly from the railroads of the past, and a camp grounds.

Van Meyer started as a Colonial Frontier town but it will be remembered for the Darr Mine Explosion at Jacob’s Creek which is just up the road. The death toll was over 239 men and boys.

Ceder Creek Park is one of my favorite places near Pittsburgh because it has everything you can possible want with hiking, a waterfall, and so much more. It also has several miles of the GAP Trail with a free camp grounds for those who are doing a through hike, bike, or canoe trips.

A Bit of Mile 106-Van Meyer and a Place to get a Drink and/or Snack, if open

The house just off to the side of the trail has water and a few snacks available depending on the day. It is very nice and they are not up charging but rather just being helpful.

Mile 107-A Waterfall, an old Railroad bridge, and views of the Monongahela River

This mile has a bunch of straight a ways with a few turns.

This mile has this great creek with a little bridge.

It has these great old left over railroad bridges.

A great little waterfall on the side.

This great factory across the way. I believe someone told me it was an old beer factory.

The Monongahela River follows the trail and once in a while you have a great view and here you even have a bench to relax on.

And the Mile 108 marker!

Mile 108-Smithton Parking Area, A Little Creek, Weeping Rocks, A Little Waterfall

Across this bridge is Smithton that has food, stores, and other things you might need to pick up.

The Smithton parking area is avail for drops off and pick ups. It also has the road to cross the bridges to Smithton.

It also has a path down to the river.

A little stream is coming down but look how green all around it.

It looks like the walls are weeping as you go through this part of the trail.

It also has this wonderful little rock waterfall.

This bridge is so long but it is also very interesting.

The Mile 109 marker is just on the other side.

Mile 109-Saw Mill Run, Port Royal Mine No 2 Disaster, and Little Waterfalls

This part of the trail is beautiful!!!

Saw Mill Run is covered with greenery but you can see the run through it with the naked eye. But right near here was the Port Royal Mine No 2 Disaster of 1901.

The disaster involved the worst of any disaster. Four men died in the first explosion. But it was the second explosion killed sixteen more men who were recovering the bodies. This is the reason that Firemen and other wait to rush in to disaster situations. All of the men were married at the time of their deaths and left over 17 young children without a father.

A waterfall is off the trail and above. It is easy to miss if you are not looking for it.

The whole mile has little rock waterfalls.

Mile 110 marker!

A bit of Mile 110-Camping and Ceder Creek Park

Just past the Mile 110 marker is the camp grounds at Ceder Creek Park.

This camp grounds is only for those that are on foot, bike, or coming in from the river. It is free and has wood available for those that are staying.

Most of this mile is just the parking area to the other side of the trail.

I did not walk this part because I have drove the parking area so many times and love this park!