The first segment of the Great Allegheny Passage was a 9.5-mile trail that in 1986 linked the Ramcat Trailhead, 2 miles downstream from Confluence in Somerset County, to Ohiopyle in Fayette County.

Larry Adams, then manager of Ohiopyle State Park and the driving force behind the development of the trail, called it the River Trail because it parallels the Youghiogheny River. The first bicyclists used 1.5 miles of River Road to reach Confluence.

The scenic Confluence/Ohiopyle segment continues to be one of the most popular sections of the passage. It passes through a series of “green” tunnels created by trees that grew straight up beside the trail, branched out over it and interlocked their crowns.

The crushed limestone trail is virtually flat. The difference in elevation is only 110 feet over 11 miles, according to Trail Book, the official guide to the passage and the C&O Canal Towpath.

The popularity of the trail led to the opening of B&Bs, guest houses, restaurants and bike shops in both towns. Bicyclists use the parking lot next to the old Western Maryland Railway station in Ohiopyle and around the town park and nearby streets in Confluence.

Although the preferred ride is from Ohiopyle to Confluence for breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or an overnight stay, the options are the same for those who begin their trip in Confluence.

The four commercial rafting companies offer Pedal and Paddle Packages. Customers rent a bike and pedal up to the Ramcat Trailhead near Confluence. They exchange the bike for a raft or inflatable kayak and paddle back to Ohiopyle. It’s an easy daylong adventure.

To encourage people to experience the river and the trail, Wilderness Voyageurs, a commercial rafting company, is offering — until Aug. 10 — a free bike rental for customers who sign up for a whitewater trip on the “Lower Yough.” The 7.5-mile stretch extends from Ohiopyle to Bruner Run.

The bike rental is valid until Oct. 1, said Eric Martin, co-owner of Wilderness Voyageurs.

Chris Ziegler, president of the Butler Freeport Community Trail, said a good out-and-back ride for first-time visitors to the trail goes from Butler to Herman, a 10-mile roundtrip. The Derailleur Bike Shop Cafe is at the turnaround point.

“It is, of course, uphill, which I find it is easier just to get it over with; others would disagree,” she said.

Ziegler said the “most scenic” section of the trail extends from Freeport to Sarver, a 14-mile roundtrip.

Sandy Mateer, vice president of the Redbank Valley Trail Association, recommends a 14-mile “scenic and flat” roundtrip from Summerville to Brookville for first-time visitors. There’s a parking lot at Milepost 34 at Summerville.

Information: www.atatrail.org; www.wilderness-voyageurs.com; www.butlerfreeporttrail.org; www.redbankvalleytrails.org.

Big work day

The Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group (PTAG) and Dirty Harry’s Bike Shop in Verona will hold a “Mega Work Day” Aug. 16 in Boyce Park.

Jim Kapp, PTAG’s co-steward for Boyce Park, said participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the soccer field pavilion. Trail work will begin shortly after a safety demonstration.

Although some tools will be provided, Kapp said workers should bring loppers, a flat-edged shovel, a bow saw, gloves, sturdy shoes and water. He said the work will include water mitigation, tree management and trail closure.”

Information: www.trailpittsburgh.org

Trail count

The Allegheny Trail Alliance is looking for volunteers to conduct trail counts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Hot Metal Bridge, Rankin Bridge, Boston, West Newton, Perryopolis, Connellsville, Ohiopyle, Rockwood, Garrett, Deal, Frostburg and Cumberland.

Contact: Vicki Day (vicki.day@maryland.gov).

Larry Walsh writes about recreational bicycling for the Post-Gazette.

First Published: August 1, 2015, 4:00 a.m.