Mission

Founded in 1995 as the Allegheny Trail Alliance, the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy promotes its signature project, the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, and coordinates, strengthens, and supports the efforts of allied partners to ensure a high-quality experience for all those who enjoy the GAP. Today, the GAP Conservancy leads national marketing and promotional efforts in conjunction with local and regional destination marketing organizations, curates the GAP’s official trail map, produces TrailGuide: The Official Guide to Traveling the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage, and maintains www.gaptrail.org. It coordinates trail count days and analyzes annual trail use patterns, works with municipalities to update wayfinding signage, engages trail town business owners on best practices, and oversees research that documents the impact of GAP travel on the regional economy. It also raises money for trail maintenance and makes emergency and enhancement grants along the GAP corridor. The GAP Conservancy is a nonprofit organization and holds 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. It is governed by a 21-member board of directors, and receives an annual independent financial audit.