DAY TRIP || GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE

What a great fall day for a bike ride from Confluence to Rockwood. 18 miles. The temperatures were in the low 60s, a bit chilly, but peaks of the sun were at our backs in and out all day. We rode through the recently renovated and reopened Pinkerton Tunnel, originally built in 1911. Casselman River alongside us.

 

All along this section of the Great Allegheny Passage, on either side of the leaf-laden path were numerous Eastern Hemlocks, oak trees, wildflowers, rhododendrons, ferns, fungi, and moss. The burst of color, gushing rapids, and scent of autumn air was all worth the hour-and-a-half drive to get here. 

We rode our bikes into the business district and discovered the Rockwood Mill Shoppes and Opera house. Although they were closed for the season we plan to visit again in the spring to browse the antiques and handmade items and chow down on their pizza.

Every once in a while a whistle from a train chugging by across the ways of the Casselman River could be heard. And strangely, a colorful Quail follow me for a time up the path; perhaps a released pheasant.

Once in Rockwood, we were greeted by a unique mural painted by artist Diane Adams. What a beautiful community asset! I can't think of a better way to inspire people and cultivate change!

Thanks for visiting!