Originally Posted by
indyfabz
I am interested to feel what it's like to ascend to the divide from Cumberland. The ruling grade for the entire trail is only 1.5%, but the climb is a bit of distance. I did the 14.5 mile Route of the Hiawatha Trail fully loaded west to east back in June. That's the uphill direction. RWGPS showed grades in the 3% range. The surface is rougher than the GAP. Much rougher in places. Many (if not most) people ride it the other way and catch a shuttle back.
I'm curious about that as well. I've ridden the GAP 3 times now, and always starting in Pittsburgh. I don't mind the gentle climb to the divide in that direction. I might not hate it going the other direction without much gear, but I feel like going with all my camping gear uphill from Cumberland for 20+ miles would get old pretty quickly. Still might have to try it some day.