The Sheepskin Trail is a 34-mile trail project in Fayette County, PA. Once completed, it will connect the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) to the Mon River Trail. You can read more about Sheepskin Trail, the GAP, and the Mon River Trails.

We went for a bike ride on a completed portion of the Sheepskin Trail in Dunbar. Check out how we explored the Sheepskin Trail in Point Marion and in South Union Township.

This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

Summary

  • Itinerary- Park at Dunbar Park, ride on the Sheepskin Trail 2 miles to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), head toward Ohiopyle on the GAP, explore a waterfall
  • Distance- 2.8 miles one way, easy, flat
  • Total Time- about two hours including riding, exploring the waterfall, and picnic/playground time
  • Kids ages- my kids- 2 1/2 years and 10 months, my sister’s kids ages 7, 9, and 11
  • Child Transport- My kids were on their own Topeak Babyseat, each attached to an adult bike. We also have an Instep Bike Trailer which would have been fine, but there’s less crying going on when my kids are separated in their own seats. My sister’s kids rode their own bikes and had no problems with the ride.
  • Surface- crushed rock

Parking

We parked at the playground at Dunbar Park on West Railroad Street.

There were restrooms, but they were locked when we visited.

The Ride

When we approached the Sheepskin in the park from the parking lot, we went right on the Sheepskin Trail and rode two miles toward the GAP.

Dunbar Creek winds along the trail and offers pretty views.

My son got a kick out of seeing trains too.

The Sheepskin approaches the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) when a bridge comes into view. We made a right toward Ohiopyle to view the waterfall. But, turning left and heading toward Connellsville would be another great family bike day. You can ride about two miles to Yough River Park or head towards the downtown, maybe for a bite to eat or an ice cream cone.

The ride was flat and easy. I’m not exactly sure of the surface, but I’ll call it a crushed rock surface.

The Waterfall

Shortly after passing a bench on your left with views of the Youghiogheny River, the waterfall is on the right between mile marker 87 and 86.

There’s a bench near the waterfall to take a break, and you can walk closer to it.

I’ve seen these falls called Hippie Shower Falls on a PA Bucket List and Great Passage Falls on Uncovering PA, two amazing blogs about exploring Pennsylvania. Most people I talk to tend to call it Hippie Falls. What do you call it?

The Coke Ovens

On the way back we took a spur trail at the sign to check out some coke ovens. This is located about 0.5 miles from the park if you wanted to walk to it. The spur trail is doable on bikes, but a bit bumpier than the Sheepskin.

The signage touches on some history of the area. Coal was burned in the ovens at high temperatures to make coke. We were amazed to learn the region housed 38,000 coke ovens at its peak.

The Playground

After the bike ride, we enjoyed playing on the playground and having a family picnic. Check out my family’s recipe for pepperoni rolls, the perfect picnic item.

In addition to playground equipment, the park has a ballfield, Gaga ball pit, and outdoor fitness equipment.

A few yards down the trail from the park is the Dunbar Historical Society. It was closed when we were there, but I would like to return when it’s open. There’s also a coke oven across the street.

This was just a great family bike day in Dunbar. Between the ride, the waterfall, and a picnic at the park, it really was fun for all ages. We are looking forward to more segments of the Sheepskin Trail being completed.

Here is a breakdown of our ride for reference.

I hope you check out this area. You can walk or run it instead of riding a bike. Maybe you can ride further on the GAP to see what you can find, or maybe you want to head toward Connellsillve on the GAP. Whatever you decide, I want to see or hear about your adventures on the Sheepskin Trail in Dunbar. Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram (@adventureswkelly).

Nearby Attractions