The section of bike trail along the Youghiogheny River between Ohiopyle and Confluence was completed in 1986 and was the start of what eventually became the Great Allegheny Passage. 

Confluence is where the Casselman River meets the Youghiogheny River (along with Laurel Hill Creek). The convergence of the three streams looked like a turkey’s foot, and the area was given the name “Turkeyfoot” by Christopher Gist, George Washington’s guide, during their second expedition to Western Pennsylvania in May of 1754. 

Gist and Washington spent the night here on May 20, 1754. The next day they canoed downriver to Ohiopyle, hoping to take the Yough all the way to the Monongahela and ultimately to the “Forks of the Ohio” (Pittsburgh PA). When they saw Ohiopyle Falls, they decided to take a land route, which led to them surprising and firing on a small group of French and Indians, starting the Seven Year’s War.

When the Pittsburgh & Connellsville Railroad arrived in 1870, a town was laid out at Turkeyfoot, and the name was officially changed to Confluence. The town prospered in the early 1900s, thanks to the coal and lumber industries, a large leather tannery, and the railroad. 

A 1,100-foot dam across the Yough was built in 1943, creating the 14-mile long Yough Lake, a popular spot for boating and fishing. The dam has also powered a major hydroelectric plant since 1989.

Today Confluence is a quiet, peaceful spot which seems a world away from Pittsburgh or DC (or even Ohiopyle). There are some great B&Bs, restaurants and cafes, and a bike shop where they will be happy to help with whatever you may need. It’s a great place to take a rest or stay overnight before continuing your journey on the GAP.

Read more in "Get Up and Ride" 

More history of other places along the GAP & C&O: History (getupride.com) 

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