Big Savage Tunnel

Bring a headlamp or bike light!
Amazing! What an absolutely once in a lifetime experience to bike through history. We just completed this section of the GAP trail and fall is the time to go! Beautiful scenery. Beautiful tunnel.

This tunnel is amazing. Nicely paved and smooth the whole way through - all 3,291 feet of it. The tunnel is lit, but it's still very dim. If two people were walking toward each other without flashlights, they wouldn't see each other until they were less than 50 feet apart. It was about 70 degrees outside the day I went in September, but the middle of the tunnel could not have been over 50 degrees. There are a few signs outside to tell the story of the tunnel. Fantastic views and a small "park" at the eastern end.

3300ft tunnel with lights. The tunnel is well maintained and easy to bike through. Within 2 miles of the tunnel is the Mason Dixon Line stone landmarks which is nice place to take photos. Next to mason Dixon Line is the best outlook on the GAP Trail. On the other side of tunnel is the Eastern Continental Divide which is another nice photo opt for bikers.

Such a beautiful tunnel really riding through feels like being in a refrigerator on a hot day.

The best part of the entire GAP trail is riding though Big Savage Tunnel and the spectacular view at the southern end.

Always a pleasant hike to and through the tunnel, with a perfect scenic spot to picnic on the other side. 😌

Really cool stop along an amazingly well maintained trail.

This tunnel—built in 1911, abandoned in 1975 when the railroad stopped running, and allowed to languish for three decades before it was refurbished as part of today's bike trial—is a piece of history. I haven't been there since it was restored. I knew the tunnel in the years when it had fallen into disrepair. As a student at Frostburg State University in the 90s, we would hike up the railroad grade from town, first through the much shorter and wider Borden Tunnel, and eventually on to this cavernous eldritch cyclops bored for more than half a mile through Big Savage Mountain. In those days, with no internal lights to provide a sense of distance, it was a dark and frightening grotto. Standing at one end, the the exit always seemed an unfathomably distant tiny keyhole of light. Cold clear spring water seeped, and in places vigorously gushed, through fissures in the walls. Hunks of concrete hung ominously overhead, suspended from the ceiling on bits of rusty twisted rebar. In those days, it was easy to imagine that the enveloping darkness might conceal forgotten passages leading to other slumbering worlds or undreampted of realities deep within the bowels of the Earth. Signs posted at both ends warned that cave ins were possible and cautioned against going inside. Entering always felt like venturing into the den of a sleeping dragon or ogre, but enter we did on many occasions. Each time felt like a magical, albeit dangerous, adventure.

I am glad it's been refurbished and that people still enjoy it, but I somehow doubt the tamed version is half as fun as the Big Savage Tunnel I knew and loved!

Very cool on the warm day & nicely rebuilt. No sign of any water in it at all.

I have cycled through this tunnel in the past. It is very smooth surfaced and well lit. However, it is closed during winter. One of the best spots on the entire Great Allegheny Passage... Very scenic on the Eastern side. Pack a lunch, and spend time to enjoy the view.

Great trail and tunnel!!! The over look after the tunnel is always a nice place to sit and relax for a bit!

I am very lucky to live so close to one of the greatest tunnels on a bike trail.
Absolutely great. If debating on whether to visit the trail, this should persuade to do so.
The ride up from Frostburg is a little bit of a challenge, a run is even more so. I've taken advantage of the tunnel in the heat of summer for a very nice cool run.
Cumberland a little further, too bad either train isn't running currently, that adds to the experience.
The ride down from Deal is shorter and an easier ride. Meyersdale is a bit further from that direction.
So once again, if planning a bike ride, this should definitely be on your list.

Located on the GAP Rails to Trails heading to Cumberland Maryland from Pennsylvania.
The Savage tunnel is closed during November thru April 1 check website for specific time frame.Listen to WEATHER FORECAST before your trip Be Prepared !!!!
While using the trail bring a light for your bicycle you don’t want to get stuck out in the dark … WARNING there are Bears 🐻 along the trail Keep Your Distance!!!
Cell phone 📱 service is limited in some places
Items to carry
Water,Energy Bars,Patch Kit,SpareTube,Sunscreen,Bug Spray,Sunglasses,Pocket Knife,Mini First Aid Kit
Very Beautiful scenic trail in Pennsylvania
This trail is very busy depending on the time of year …😎🙌🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏

Really cool place. Well lit, cool, and quiet. Just the way I like it.

The trail is a beautiful and scenic bike ride through the Laurel Highlands. The Big Savage Tunnel is one of the most significant landmarks on the trail which extends from Pittsburgh to Georgetown!! A must see!!!

Cool tunnel to ride through along the well-maintained GAP. Panoramic views from the east end of the tunnel are spectacular, especially on a sunny day. A must ride tunnel and trail for any cycling enthusiast.

Over 3,000 feet cold and dark. Great biker experience.

Absolutely fascinating. One of the highlights of the GAP trail.

Awesome, got to help close the tunnel for the winter!

Outrageously awesome nice little camping spot off to the right before the tunnel not that you're really allowed to Camp there but it was good