GAP - C&O Canal - Day 4

 Thursday, 15 October 2020

Meyersdale to Cumberland, 32 miles

A short memorable day: crossing the Eastern Divide, three tunnels, one long viaduct, the Mason-Dixon Line, a 23-mile descent, and stunning views. What more could you ask for?

The 909 ft long Keystone Viaduct is just a short distance from Meyersdale.

The highway underpass at the Eastern Divide shows the profile of the GAP.

At the Divide. On this side the waters flow to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. On the other side the rivers flow to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Big Savage Tunnel is the longest tunnel on our route, 3294 ft. Note that the tunnel has lights inside. This was the first rails-to-trails tunnel we've been through that was illuminated.

Wind turbines atop Mt Savage at the exit of Big Savage Tunnel. The bench at lower right suggests a great view (next photo).

The view at the eastern end of Big Savage Tunnel.

About a mile later, the trail crosses the Mason-Dixon Line and we pass from Pennsylvania into Maryland.

Second tunnel of the day, the 957 ft long Borden Tunnel, also illuminated. These lights were motion-activated, which was a little weird. It would have been nice if they had come on a second earlier than they did (that is, as you were approaching them rather than just after you passed them.) The "sparkles" in front of the tunnel are falling leaves.

For the last 14 miles, the trail is side-by-side with the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

A better view of wind turbines on Mt Savage. Somewhere up there in the trees is the Big Savage Tunnel and the Mason-Dixon Line.

Final tunnel of the day (and final tunnel on the GAP), the 914 ft long Brush Tunnel, also illuminated.

The end of the GAP and the beginning of the C&O Canal Towpath in Cumberland.