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United States
Pennsylvania
Allegheny County

Rankin

The best cycling routes around Rankin

4.6

(69)

978

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55

rides

Touring cycling routes around Rankin traverse a landscape characterized by quiet country roads winding through valleys and green rolling hills. The region features open fields, oak and pine trees, and the presence of creeks and ponds, offering varied scenery for cyclists. These natural features provide a serene environment for exploring the area on two wheels.

Best touring cycling routes around Rankin

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Red Waterfall – Homestead Pump House loop from Homestead, a 50.3…

Last updated: May 16, 2026

5.0

(11)

189

riders

#1.

Red Waterfall – Homestead Pump House loop from Homestead

80.9km

05:02

350m

350m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Tips from the Community

Sue
June 20, 2025, Firelane Trail

This trail is a fantastic wide multi-use gravel path popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers, winding its way through the park's beautiful woodlands. The towering trees and vibrant foliage create a peaceful setting ideal for a lovely day in the park. Several access points and connections to other trails on the grounds offer plenty of options to shorten or extend your time on the trail.

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This is a good place to take a break on a hot day, as the waterfall produces cold wind. DO NOT DRINK this water, It is from an acid mine and the red-orange color comes from iron and rust.

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It's a bridge :)

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S THE WATERFALL Demonstrating acid mnine drainage The water here is acid and iron-rich, coming up to the surface from underground mines, stairung the-rocks ruspred. Acid mine drainage (AMID) is a major source of water pollution. Cause of extensive stream environmental damage. The Ocean Coal Company, a subsidiaries of Bevind- White Coal Company Philadelphia, PA, esaiblished several mines in this region including, in 1900, Ocean No. 2. It is purported that drainage from ocean No. 2 is the chief cause of the Red Waterfall Why is it acidic and full of iron? Hundreds of millions of years ago, the massive Pittsburgh Coal Seam formed underneath parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohiờ from ancient swamp plants. Sand, silts, shells, and other -matter were deposited and made a rock seal over the carbon-rich vegetation, This rock contained the mineral "pyrite," made of iron and sulfur Coal mining exposes pyrite to oxygen and ground water causing the formation of sulfuric acid and a number of red, orange, and yellow compound s. AMD occurs when this mine water seeps, or in this-case, bursts out into Streams. The yellow sulfur can be seen in the shale near coal seams. GRESCHIN DASSAGE SPONSORED BY: Southwestern PA Heritage Breservation- Commission Allegheny Trail Alliances Regional Trail Corpofation For moterinformation. www.gaptrail.org

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its just a cemetery. i was riding for distance. and needed this place to keep the route on the GAP trail.

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Gravel Path. Very flat. There as also many resting points and cities along the way.

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mtm05005
March 31, 2025, Red Waterfall

The Red Waterfall is one of the main highlights on the GAP between West Newton and McKeesport. The falls gets its name from the water that has been colored red by nearby underground coal mines, which has made the water acidic and iron-rich water.

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Cool place to take a stroll at sunset and enjoy the art...

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the general characteristics of touring cycling routes in Rankin?

Touring cycling routes around Rankin are known for their quiet country roads that wind through scenic valleys and green rolling hills. You'll encounter open fields, oak and pine trees, and the presence of creeks and ponds, all contributing to a serene environment for exploring the area on two wheels. The region offers a diverse landscape, from picturesque valleys to mountain and meadow cattle country, providing varied scenery for cyclists.

How many touring cycling routes are available in Rankin?

There are over 50 touring cycling routes available in Rankin, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.6 stars, and more than 500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the region's terrain.

Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Rankin?

Yes, Rankin offers a good selection of easy touring cycling routes. There are 16 routes specifically categorized as easy. An example is the Three Rivers Heritage Trail – Three Rivers Heritage Trail loop from Homestead, a 7.6-mile (12.3 km) trail that typically takes about 42 minutes to complete, leading through a pleasant riverside environment.

Can I find challenging touring cycling routes in Rankin?

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Rankin features 9 difficult routes. A notable option is the Red Waterfall – Homestead Pump House loop from Homestead, which spans 50.3 miles (80.9 km) with significant elevation gain, offering extensive views across the region's varied terrain.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Rankin?

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Rankin are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Homestead Pump House – Three Rivers Heritage Trail loop from Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation is a moderate 19.3-mile (31.0 km) path that follows scenic routes, providing a blend of natural beauty and urban views.

What kind of natural attractions can I see along the touring cycling routes in Rankin?

While cycling in Rankin, you can enjoy the region's natural beauty, including green rolling hills, open fields, oaks, and pine trees. The area also features creeks and ponds. For specific natural monuments, you might consider visiting Hay Woods, a beautiful forest area, or exploring the serene Panther Hollow Lake.

Are there any historical or man-made landmarks to explore near the cycling routes?

Yes, in addition to natural features, Rankin's vicinity offers several interesting man-made landmarks. You could visit the Westinghouse Memorial, the Mary Schenley Memorial Fountain, or the Schenley Park Historic Landmark. These sites provide a glimpse into the region's history and cultural heritage.

What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Rankin?

The quiet country roads and diverse landscapes of Rankin are enjoyable throughout much of the year. The region's green rolling hills and open fields are particularly picturesque during spring and fall. While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the serene environment suggests pleasant cycling conditions outside of extreme weather.

Are there any routes that offer a mix of natural beauty and urban views?

Yes, some routes provide a blend of natural scenery and glimpses of urban areas. The Homestead Pump House – Three Rivers Heritage Trail loop from Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation is a moderate route that follows scenic paths, offering both natural beauty and urban vistas.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Rankin?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 30 reviews. Reviewers often praise the quiet country roads, the diverse landscape of valleys and green rolling hills, and the overall serene environment that makes for an enjoyable cycling experience.

Is there a route that covers a significant distance for a longer touring experience?

For a longer touring experience, consider the Hot Metal Bridge – Three Rivers Heritage Trail loop from Homestead. This difficult route covers 57.9 miles (93.2 km) with substantial elevation changes, offering an extensive journey through the region.

Are there any moderate difficulty routes that provide a good balance for intermediate cyclists?

Yes, Rankin has 30 routes categorized as moderate, offering a good balance for intermediate cyclists. The Homestead Pump House – Three Rivers Heritage Trail loop from Tree of Life Or L'Simcha Congregation is a popular moderate option, spanning 19.3 miles (31.0 km) and taking approximately 3 hours 12 minutes to complete.

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