Great Allegheny Passage: West Newton to Cedar Creek

You can find convenient parking at both ends of this section. Cedar Creek Park offers multiple paved parking areas. In West Newton, there are parking options available in the trail town, which serves as a major access point for the GAP.

Yes, this section of the Great Allegheny Passage is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally welcome on the GAP trail, but they should always be kept on a leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

The trail is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, but the tree cover provides some shade. Winter hiking is also possible, though conditions may vary with snow or ice.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access or hike this section of the Great Allegheny Passage. It is freely accessible to the public.

Cedar Creek Park itself does not typically have an entrance fee for day use. However, if you plan to use the Cedar Creek Trekker Campground, there is a two-night maximum stay, and facilities include potable water and toilets. For specific regulations or to confirm any changes, it's always best to check the official Westmoreland County Parks website: westmorelandcountypa.gov.

The terrain on this section of the GAP is very easy. It features a nearly-level grade and a crushed limestone surface, making it smooth and accessible for hikers of all abilities. It follows an old railroad right-of-way, ensuring a consistently flat path.

Absolutely! With its easy, nearly-level grade and smooth crushed limestone surface, this portion of the Great Allegheny Passage is ideal for families with children and beginner hikers. It's also suitable for those with limited mobility.

You'll enjoy picturesque views of the Youghiogheny River, with islands appearing around Smithton and a wider river expanse near Cedar Creek Park. The route also features several streams, rock formations, hillside creeks, and a variety of wildflowers and trees. Don't miss the Cedar Creek Gorge Interpretive Area within Cedar Creek Park.

Yes, Cedar Creek Park offers extensive amenities including restrooms, water, pavilions, benches, playgrounds, and even a bike repair station. West Newton is a welcoming trail town with a visitor center, clean bathrooms, restaurants, a bike shop, and a craft brewery. You'll also find markers commemorating historical mine disasters, reflecting the area's rich coal and coke history.

Yes, this route is part of the larger Great Allegheny Passage (Pennsylvania) and also overlaps with the Great Allegheny Passage, 50 (Pennsylvania), and BicyclePA Route S. Within Cedar Creek Park, you can also explore sections of the Cedar Creek Park Hiking trail.

The one-way distance for this section is approximately 5.4 kilometers (3.4 miles). A typical hike would take around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete one way, depending on your pace.