Weather on the GAP Trail-The best times to go! And Other Tips!

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in the US. It take you through mountains, along rivers, through history, and so much more. The trail is a place to enjoy peaceful contemplation and meet people from different walks of life.

And due to weather and a car issue, I was not able to get to Frostburg to do the section of the trail that I want to put up.

So, far I have travel over 65 miles of the trail and go back several times a week and will have it completed by the end of summer. Why so long? Because I only hike on good weather days and I have to get back to my vehicle at the end of the day, therefore I will be hiking the trail twice almost.

But the things that I have learned so far are….

When to go Weather Wise

Weather can change very quickly on the trail so it is best to check the hourly report every morning before heading out. This has helped me a lot because some times, the rain will only be for an hour or two in the morning or afternoon. I plan my hikes around the weather report, i.e. it was over 90 degrees out so I skipped a day.

The weather can change during the different times of years and each season has its good points and bad. Always have a sweater as some parts of the trail can get very cold very quickly when the sun goes down due to the elevation.

Important to note: Between November and early April, the Big Savage Tunnel is closed. It is about 7 miles up from Frostburg and you have to go back to Frostburg to get around it. Or from Deal, you have to go back to Deal.

This is closed due to weather conditions, i.e. heavy snows that can come.

Spring

From early spring, the trees are wonderful leaf less and you can see so much more around the trail. In addition, the small waterfalls coming off the rocks are wonderful after an evenings rain. Note: Big Savage Tunnel opens early April.

As Spring progresses, the leafs come back and the trail is full of life. You can hear the birds, see baby bunnies, and other animals running around both on the trail and in the wooded areas of the trail.

The weather can be in between 20 to 60 degrees. It can snow at times or be raining in nightmare down pouring. You never can tell but by May the weather start being perfect for the trail with warm days but chilly nights.

But some times you might have snow which you have to look out for and it can be a bit muddy, icy, and down right not fun at all during early spring, i.e. March and the beginnings of April.

If you are doing a biking trip, then May is the perfect month. Not to hot and not to cold.

Summer

Summer is can be both a wonderful time and the worst time of the year to be on the trail. Most of the time, the weather is nice and warm. But the humidity can be a killer. (Take twice the water that you think you will need!)

But overall it is best you have your day over between 2 pm and 3 pm, i.e. start the trail as early as possible, first light, and be done for the day by 2 pm. Between 4 pm and 7 pm, the trail can be unbearable with both the 70 plus degree weather and the humidity.

In addition, the area has thunderstorms that hit in the afternoon (usually). The thunderstorms down trees, create mini floods, and more importantly, get you and your gear wet which is one of the reasons that I check the weather every morning.

Fall

Fall is one of the most perfect times of the year to be on the trail. The leaf are changing colors. The temperatures are generally comfortable. The children are in school (mostly). But keep a close watch as once in a blue moon it has been known to snow in October.

The big issue is that the temperatures can change quickly and falling leafs when wet can be a bit slick.

Winter

Winter is a hit or miss on the trail. But remember that they close the Big Savage Tunnel from November to early April due to weather conditions.

Winter can be a wonderful time on the trail but not to do the whole trail. Winter is more day trips on really nice days. The trail is muddy, icy, and just plain nasty to be on. But once in a while, it is a wonderful winter day and a brief trip can get you out of your winter blues, i.e. a ride or hike to Red Waterfall or Layton to Diwson.

But the Winter is more of a hiking because the trails can be so muddy or a great mountain bike.

GAP Web Site

The GAP Trail Web Site is a great place to get information and a free map. Print the map before you go as cell service can be spotty or none at all on the trail and even in some of the parking areas.

The map has a list of areas to buy food, parking, tools for bikes, camping, lodging, bathrooms, and other items. It also list the evaluation of main towns and/or sites. Plus it is a great way to track where you have been if you are doing day trips or looking to complete whole trail.

In addition, check the web site for any trail issue that might be happening. The trail alert can be as simple as a downed trees and you might have to climb over them to major trail closures for spraying insects to closing sections of the trail for sink holes or other construction projects.

Food & Water

The trail has signs up about Next Water at X place but over all water is available at most parking areas. Food not so much but when you hit a parking area, generally their is a market, gas, restaurant, or other place available within a short distant.

But check the GAP map and back it up with your phone. A few spots that it showed food on the map, it was a bit off the trail. But an many areas as you get closer to Pittsburgh, food is within steps of the trail.

Always keep a few more snacks then you would normally eat in a day with you or stop when you are getting low. With Covid 19, a lot of the restaurants are closed that use to be near the trail.

In addition, this trail can be harder then it looks as the climb up the mountains can jump 560 feet in places like Frostburgh to E. Continental Divide in about 9 miles and 1212 feet between Cumberland and Frostburg in about 15 miles. I finish off a whole pizza after hiking from Woodcock Hollow to Frostburg and back to my vehicle.

Bathrooms

I hate the fact that Bathrooms on the trail can be 5 to 15 miles apart. Not all parking areas have bathrooms. Check the GAP Trail Map. But if you area going, take a bit of TP and other items you might need just in case.

Some bathrooms which are close are not even listed on the map as you might come across a restaurant, gas station, a town park, etc. But think about using any one you see because that generally is the last one that you will see along the way for a long time.

Most Important

Always look back on the trail. I have found so amazing view and items when I have turned around to go back on the trail that I would have missed.

Going up hill in places like Woodcock Hollow Parking Area to Frostburgh was lovely. But going back to the vehicle was a completely different view and so many things that I missed see just looking uphill.

Cell Service can be spotty or unavailable. In many areas of the trail and parking areas, their in no cell service. I was going to get a ride but found that my phone did not work in Woodcock Hollow or Deal. It was a long walk back to my vehical.

Take time to stop. Along the trail are many great signs that tell you about things, people, and points of interest. Take the time to read them. Also, relax and take a few moments to enjoy the middle of the trail. It is amazing how the bird and other little creatures will come out of the woodwork when you are being still.

Enjoy the trip. Do not forget to enjoy your trip. This is a lovely trail just made to enjoy.