Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail 89 ish to 94 plus- Connellsville to Dawson
Due to extreme heat and life, I have not been on the trail for a bit. So, I will be skipping the Ohioply area for a short time. The post below was hiked during the spring. I started the trail near my house when Covid19 had everyone on lock down and my local park was so filled with people that it did not seem like a safe place to be. But I will complete the trail as the weather gets better and Ohioply will be the last posted.
Unless otherwise stated my photo are all going towards Pittsburgh, PA. But during this section of the trail. I walked from Dawson to Connellsville, therefore, all my photos will be looking back towards Cumberland. I will also be going backward with the mileage, i.e. Dawson to Connellsville to make it easier.
Connellsville is not only a trail town but a town that is deeply in US historical value. General Braddock crossed the river here on his march to Fort Duquesne. The town was also labeled the “Coke Capital of the World” it had millionaires per capita in the US and possible the world at one time. It also served all five of the major railroad lines but more later…
94 plus to 94-Dawson Parking Area
Dawson Parking Area can be one of the most confusing to get to. The trail is on the right, coming up from Cumberland but you have to make a left to go under a bridge to get to it. It also looks like a place of business not a trail head until you are upon it.
But it has a great picnic area for a rest before continuing on.
The miles are passing you by as you have been traveling.
Passing under a bridge…
The river on one side in between the tree lined rail trail.
But check out the islands that block the floating trees.
And mile 93 is just down the way.
94 to 93-Moreland Run, Coke Ovens, and Red Birds
As you walk around this corner, look up to the right…
A landslide which will be covered by new grow within a year. The volunteers have done a great job in clearing the trail.
The trail is a slow turn so that you don’t really see what is coming up next but that is what makes it so exciting…
With bird racing across the trail but once in a while you can see one like the red bird in this tree.
If you look up the hill, these dark holes can be seen. At first, I thought that they were caves but they are coke ovens.
At this sign, there is a little trail that will take you up to the Coke ovens. A waiting me was the doll waiting on the trail. I am not sure how long she will be staying…Creepy!
The Coke Ovens are large enough to walk into but not really to stand up fully.
It is worth the time to stop and see them.
And the little red bird taking a bath….
The Coke Ovens line the trail as you keep going down the trail.
To the left, a little trail will take you to the river and an old bridge foundation of bricks.
Down the trail just a bit more is a wonderful little history about the Coke Ovens and the area.
The trail goes around another bend…but before that…
Moreland Run…
Great views of the Youghiogheny River on the whole travel to Connellsville.
Great trees and other greenery.
Another bend and….
93 to 92-KOA Holiday and Snacks
The trail just winds around a few turns.
A little stream is off to the side.
But just a little turn…
The KOA Uniontown campgrounds. The rates of the cabins and RVs ranging from just over $100 to just under $200. Tent sites are around $25 per night. But you have to stay two nights or at least pay for two nights. Unless you have a group of 4 to 6 people or have family meeting you here plus this is where you will be staying to have a day off to clean up and play in the pool. Not really worth the money.
Half way down….
The 92 Mile mark but down the trail more is the actual mile marker…lol
The KOA Snack Bar and Store. This is great to get a snack or supplies.
Past the KOA is a community park.
Just past that the park is Mile 92.
92 to 91-Swinging Bridge and a Staircase to a View
Around a bend.
A street comes into view but very few cars past.
The little trail that is behind this bench area takes you…
To the Swinging Bridge…
Back on the trail and down the way, these stair have a great view of the bridge and river. But those are so scary stairs…
The view shows the whole bridge through the trees.
The back to the trail and around another corner.
To a straight a way with Ivy walls.
And fabulous trees in bloom.
Then mile 91 come into view.
91 to 90-Murray Run, a Railroad Bridge, and Rock Walls
Crossing the street…
And around the bend.
Murray Run.
Around another corner.
A train bridge.
A wonderful view of the Youghiogheny River.
And the rock wall across the way.
But as you walk down the trail…
Look back to see the bridge…
Around this corner…
Some out unused vertical pillar…
With some seating. I wonder what the story is…..
And just past Mile 90…
90 to 89ish-Connellsville Camping and Parking Area
Heading down the path for just a bit longer.
Take a moment and relax on the bench and enjoy the river.
Before arriving in Connellsville that is just around the bend.
Connellsville await you.
With Shelters.
Behind the shelters is a nice shopping center with a grocery store and a pizza place plus more.