Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail 120 ish to 126-Buena Vista to Greenock
I took this hike in April of 2020. It is full of little waterfalls, the Old Dravo Methodist Church Cemetery, the Dravo Camp Grounds, and it was a wonderful walk. This part of the trail is completely trail. There are no houses or other items except the Dravo Church Cemetery but no traffic.
If you are planning on a place to stay overnight this camping area is wonderful.
120 ish to 121-Buena Vista Parking Area
As you leave the parking area, they have a great little place to have a nice lunch or dinner.
Mile 121 marker is just past it. It can be a bit muddy in early Spring.
Mile 121-Waterfalls, Waterfalls, and More Waterfalls plus Rock Walls
As you pass by, on the left is just lots of tiny waterfalls.
The Waterfall are just every where as the snow and ice are melting away.
But watch for falling rocks and trees as the melting snow and ice have loosened the soils.
Just a few miles from the Red Waterfall, this one is called the White Waterfall!
The Monongahela River still follows the trail and it is just breath taking in spots.
The Mile 122 marker come up so quickly that you don’t even realize that you have gone a mile.
Mile 122-Dravo Camp Grounds and Cemetery Plus Prince Charming
The river moves away for a short time and you have this lovely little field.
The field leads to the Queen Aliquippa Camp or Dravo Camping Area.
Water is available, a bathroom, and wood for your fire but the closest store is back just before the Red Waterfall.
The Old Dravo Methodist Church Cemetery is right next to the camp grounds.
Watch for toads in the area. They like the swampy type area next to the trail. Also, watch for snakes. Snakes love toads to death.
The Mile 123 marker is just passed the Dravo Camping Area.
Brief History
In 1812, Nathan Newlon buy and converted the land for a cemetery for members of his family. He died and was buried here in 1820. In 1824, Reverend William Dravo purchased the property and built the Dravo Methodist Church.
In that same year, Monroe was President and Andrew Jackson won the popular vote but John Quincy Adams was elected by the House and either had the votes to win. Both Confederate General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson and Union General Winfield Scott Hancock were born in 1824. Sadly, Kamehameha II, King of Hawaii died in London. He was the second King of Hawaii. It was an amazing year in history when this church was born
Around the turn of the century, the church burned down. In 1924, a hundred years later the Church burned down again. After an investigation, it was found that the sparks from the train tracks set the church on fire. The church was not rebuilt.
Many of the locals claim to see ghosts, two head dogs, and other supernatural items and events. If you choose to stay at the camp grounds. Be sure to sleep with one eye open.
Mile 123-Deer Crossings, Monongahela River, and Duncan Hollow Run.
Watch for Deer Crossing Zones. They come out of no where!!!!
The Monongahela River peeks through every now and again.
Duncan Hollow Run is nice and wide! And yes it took me back to Duncan MacLeod and the Highlander movies and series.
Mile 124 marker!!! Only 2 more mile of forest area! It was a long day….lol.
Mile 124-Little Runs, Hanging Trees, Waterfall, Weeping Rocks, and a past Disaster
Walking to Greenook is so green with lots of little runs coming down the hills.
An trees that are hanging on the side of the mountain for their life.
A Waterfall just in case you need to relax for a moment.
Weeping Rock Walls as well!!!
But also a reminder that at any time mother nature can throw you a curve ball. Watch for falling trees, rocks, and once in a while, part of a mountain.
This was a great place to hide from the rain until it was done! Mile 125 marker.
Mile 125-Hidden Mini Waterfalls and Greenery
Between the green and the little runs this mile is just wonderful.
Greenook must have been name by someone during the Spring time!
Watch for the little Waterfall hiding behind all the greenery.
The perfect green lawn with the River behind. I almost wanted to go look for a four leaf clover.
Mile 126 marker. Parking is available but look closely. It is behind a building down a one plus a little more lane alley.