Lots of people will make side trips to places like Falling Water and Antietam (yeah actually the C&O) on the GAP. But I came up with another activit, kayaking.

This weekend I did a short trip from Connnelsville to Confluence. Not very far but IMHO the best section overall of the GAP, except maybe the Big Savage and that glorious lookout just before the glide into Cumberland. But mile for mile, this has to be the most beautiful section. Ohiopyle is just awesome and the ride from there into Confluence probably gets you closet to the river on any part of the trail.

Confluence is small but worth exploring. The bike shop there is worth seeing. There is a great ice cream shop in town. The ice cream is delicious nad the owners friendly and welcoming. The dam at the outflow campground is worth seeing. It has hydro electric plant, I do not think I have ever been that close to a hydro plant before.

Camped at the Outflow campground. The next morning struck camp and went into town to have breakfast at the Sisters Restaurant, Later stopped at the gas station across the street to pickup a turkey wrap which turned out to be very tasty. They can make sandwiches to go, fresh, if you wish.

Checked into to Riversport which is just across the 281 bridge and immediately across the river from the Outflow campground. You can start your river run just across the road from Riversport. If you are coming from DC to Pittsburgh then you can opt to skip the Confluence to Ohiopyle section and do it by kayak instead. Riversport will transport you bike a gear. I would recommend staying a day over in Confluence if you have never ridden from Confluence to Ohiopyle as it is worth seeing. If you stay over Riversport will shuttle you back from Ohiopyle.

The kayak run from Confluence is doable with someone with minimal kayak skills. I have some lake experience but have not been in whitewater for about 40 years and that was in a canoe. I hit a number of rocks along the way. It got a little dicey a couple of times when I got wedged with swift water rushing down on me but kept my wits together and eventually freed myself. There is one section where you pass and island and you should keep to the right, from my experience this means stay to the right well up river of the island as it is very shallow up river of the island.
I think things would have gone a little better had the river been a bit higher.

The trip down river was simply beautiful. Osprey fishing for their lunch, a number of ducks and a strange water bird I have never seen before, gray back, white chest, orange feet and a long bill. I have lived in Western PA most of my life and this trip made be realize how impressive our hills can be. You get a true appreciation of the steepness of the hills looking up from the river.

Andy and his crew from Riversport were fantastic. Helpful, friendly, prompt just a great bunch of guys. Riversport is small but mighty,. No big cattle calls like some other outfits. You get a real personalized service. The price was a bargain at $40.

So if you are looking for a little twist to your GAP trip I would recommend a kayak ride and recommend that you go with Riversport.