Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail 5 ish to 10 ish-Cash Valley Road Parking Area to Woodcock Hollow Parking Area

Along this area of the trail, we have Helmstetter’s “Horseshoe” Curve which is the most photographed sites along the Western Maryland Railway, the Brush Tunnel, the Mountain View stop of the tourist railway, and great views of so many wonderful things.

The day that I started this was a bit of apprehension dread that overwhelmed me. It would be the day of dead things on the trail. A butterfly, a baby mouse, and some children said that there was a dead snake on the side of the trail. I did not investigate….lol.

But overall this was a lovely part of the trail.

5 ish-Cash Valley Road Trail Access and Helmstetter’s “Horseshoe” Curve

The 5 mile mark is before the Cash Valley Road Trail Access.

But looking back toward it was a memories of another day and the day to come.

But looking forward is the beginning of the Helmstetter’s “Horseshoe” Curve. This is the most photographed part of the Western Maryland Railway.

The curve allows passengers at both ends of the train to see each other. With the cows in the background and a Helmstetter’s Family Farm to the right and left of the trail but a beautiful background all around.

But looking to the right is just as wonderful.

Looking backwards toward the parking lot you can see the curve even better.

Once around the curve, there is a small straight way before turning another corner. I love how the sides feel like walls but the center is wide open.

Then a rail way crossing which the track goes to the left of you.

But look up at the trees holding on for dear life and you can only wonder how they are still growing and holding on to the sides.

I love the rock cliffs. The colors that come off of them depending on light and if they are wet can be incredible and changeable over the day.

Another curve and then you come to an opening and mile 6.

Brief History

Helmstetter’s Curve is one of the most famous this side of the Mississippi. Named after the family farm that was along side of it, note: the farm was for sale as of 6/3/20, it has become one of the most photographed curve in the US.

The Helmstetter family has allowed charters on their property to get better pictures because you can’t see the whole U shape unless you are above.

A horseshoe curve is used to lengthen the uphill or downhill grade and reduce a steep climb not unlike a switch back trail on a large hill. It is a bit longer but easier to get up or down a hill.

Helmstetter dog was actually on the trail the day that I was walking through. It was just checking on the cows on the other side of the trail, i.e. the farm is on both sides of the trail. When I returned to get back to my vehicle, he was there to get a scratch.

Mile 6 to 7-Brush Tunnel

As you arrive at mile 6, the right side of the trail opens up without a wall on your right but beware of the cliff sides. They can go straight down throughout the trees and the valley below.

A few turns and…

You run into the Brush Tunnel which is 914 feet long. On the right of the tunnel, there seems to be a trail to the top of the tunnel but I did not go up.

The tunnel has electrical lights inside but you can also see light at the end of the tunnel.

It is also a bit colder in the tunnel then the trail and I bet it drips a bit of water when it is raining.

Once out of the tunnel, watch the right side of the trail.

The drop is pretty far down because you are walking in the tree tops.

A view looking back towards the tunnel. Both sides have a few rocks to sit on for a break. I even saw a biker sleeping on the rocks. He must have needed a nap.

Then once again crossing the railroad tracks.

The cliff is now safety on the other side of the trails plus a bit of shade and a few turns and you are at mile 7.

Mile 7 to 8

Mile 7 to 8 is just petty trail with a slow climb up the mountain and around this corner….

The mountain side opens up and you realize that you are up a very high mountain.

The slow grade has made you miss the elevation change until you see the mountain across the way.

Then back between the mountain on each side.

Then opening up to this fantastic view of the mountains beyond.

Around another corner with such lonely clouds above.

A bit of a straight away with mile 8 at the top.

Mile 8 to 9–Mountain View Train Stop

Mile 8.

Mile 8 also as some neat rocks to relax on for a bit as there are no benches on the trail.

This was my favorite place on the hike. It was not long but short and sweet.

The layered rocks with trees growing in them. Layers of mystery of lifetimes gone by.

Then opens up to a wonderful view.

This straight away is at least half mile long.

But at least you have a few things to see such as a local Indian Chef.

And these beautiful mountains across the way.

You can see this at the beginning of the road but are not sure what it is….It is a mystery until you are almost upon it.

9 to almost 10-Mountain View Train Stop and Woodcock Hollow Parking

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad stops at mile 9 for a Mountain View but the joke is that the trees cover the Mountain on the other side of the Valley…lol

They have this house face up but I am not sure why unless it is for a play or a train station that has been take down years ago.

The trail goes down a ways turning to the left.

Just before a turn to the right is a little waterfall/stream coming down the hill. It is a nice items to see as the day is almost over.

The turn to the right is a bit ugly but I think that they must have had a mudslide in the last few years and they are reseeding the area.

But at the end, it opens up to Woodcock Hollow Parking Area (only about 4 parking spots) with a picnic table, bathrooms, and benches for a little R&R from hiking or biking on the trail.

I love that the trail has these signs at parking areas. I both tell you how far you have gone if you look back towards Cumberland which is not impressive at this point…

Or how are you have to go for Pittsburgh. Only 140 more miles to go!!!