Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
It's More Fun with a Companion!
REVIEWS
“No one knows more about railroads, geology, nature, industrial history, financial chicanery and trail construction between Pittsburgh and Cumberland than Bill Metzger – and no one can tell all the stories as well. This is flat-out the best, most ambitious, most educational, and most just-plain-fun rail-trail guidebook ever written, complete with great historical photos and crystal-clear maps. When I get too old to ride the Great Allegheny Passage, I’ll just savor the trip by reading this book.”
--Peter Harnik. Co-founder, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and author, “From Rails to Trails”
"I am totally enthralled by your wit, your energy, and your erudition. I would call this work a vade mecum. This is a Latin term meaning an indispensable guide. The literal translation is, 'Come, go with me.'"
--Bernie Sloan. Former Dean, New College of the University of Alabama.
"You call this a companion. That is so apt--this book is like having a trusted friend, experienced guide, and wise counsel along for the ride. ... It is a narrative, but of a particular kind. You can open the book to any page at random and be entertained and enlightened. It is like a shortcut to the dessert bar--you don't need to endure the vegetables and protein before getting to the fun stuff. The further I get in, the more I'm enjoying it."
--John Hankey. Former curator, B&O Railroad Museum; historian and writer.
"This book is fantastic. The maps and photos are great too. Bill Metzger provides a lot of detail in an easy to read and humorous style."
--Jim Shea. Cyclist and funny guy. Author, "Get Up and Ride."
"A history book packed with fascinating information and exquisitely drawn maps. Bill Metzger reveals mile by mile how the trail evolved from railroad to rail trail. Ride the GAP with the companion and add another dimension to one of America's great cycling adventures."
--Mike Fleagle. Cyclist, paddler, Maryland Master Naturalist (and Resident Goose).
"I had hoped you would just update the book ... and that you would just do it to the same fine level of quality that the first book hit. But the photography and maps in the new edition are superlative."
--Reader Jim
"Well, really, it's just what you want a guidebook to be. Fun to read and packed full of great information."
--Reader Dave
"Your 'trail laws' contain great advice and some of your hints made me laugh! The artwork and photos are great!"
--Reader Kacey
