The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) happened because of people.  People that had a vision and wanted to ride it.  People that went about the job of building it.  People that promoted it and those that are maximizing the GAP’s economic potential.

The story of the GAP’s success is captured by what these “Placemakers” now have to say or have written.  These are lessons-learned that you might find helpful in your own trail endeavors.

#1 in our series of “Placemakers” features Eric Martin.  As a kid that lived in Ohiopyle, before the GAP was a thought in anyone’s mind, he had a front-row seat to the beginnings of the trail and its popularity today.  Eric’s story and his family’s businesses (Wilderness Voyageurs, Falls City Pub, Tall Oaks Campground) are intertwined with the GAP and outdoor recreation.

Eric is a businessman, Carnegie Hero and a super cool guy.  We are proud to have him on the Board of Directors of The Progress Fund.  His insights about the GAP and tourism are rare to find.  We suggest you learn from his experiences here.