Whether spring, summer, or fall, it’s the perfect time to get on a roll and pedal one of PA’s nearly 100 rail trails or take a more challenging mountain bike route. There’ll be less traffic and more opportunity to take in our stunning views, experience our charming towns, and just enjoy the ride.
The Great Allegheny Passage
Western Pennsylvania
The Great Allegheny Passage consists of more than 150 miles of converted rail lines running from Homestead, PA (near Pittsburgh), to Cumberland, MD. The mostly level rail trail connects to the C&O Canal Towpath, extending to Washington, D.C., for a total length of 334.5 miles. Hop on the trail and make pit stops at charming towns along the way like Rockwood, Meyersdale, and Connellsville.
Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle
Biking opportunities in the Laurel Highlands include more than 50 miles of trails at Ohiopyle State Park, including 27 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage and more than 25 miles of mountain biking routes. Try the McCune Trail, a newer edition to Ohiopyle’s roster of mountain biking trails, for an exhilarating ridge-top single-track that leads up to spectacular panoramas of the state park.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Champion
While a fun-filled winter ski resort in winter, Seven Springs Mountain Resort transforms into a prime hiking and biking hub in spring, summer, and fall. The resort’s 11 downhill trails span more than 20 miles and range from smooth paved roads to extreme paths. The trails — which feature berms, banks, rock gardens, drops, and 20-foot jumps — are conveniently serviced by chair lifts.
Pine Creek Gorge
Waterville
Cruise through Pine Creek Gorge on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 62-mile pathway from Wellsboro Junction to Jersey Shore. The trail offers fabulous views of the area’s dramatic outcrops and several waterfalls, along with chances to spot wildlife such as eagles, deer, wild turkey, and river otters.
Cook Forest State Park
Cooksburg
Ride amid some of the tallest and largest trees in the northeastern U.S. in Cook Forest State Park. Bikes are permitted on all one-way, dirt roads within the park with a 13-mile bicycle route that follows the park’s lightly traveled roads and a portion of Hefren Run Trail. NOTE: Biking on hiking trails is prohibited except on the bicycle route portion of Hefren Run Trail.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Weatherly
Gentle downhill conditions and beautiful views of rock formations and the Lehigh River make the Lehigh Gorge Trail popular with cyclists of all ages. The 25-mile route from White Haven to Jim Thorpe is the perfect two to three-hour ride. Pocono Biking’s shuttle to the trailheads is also available.
Moraine State Park
Portersville
Rent single, multispeed, tandem, and children’s bikes from Moraine State Park to pedal through meadows and forests along the shores of Lake Arthur. Seven miles of trails can be accessed at numerous spots within the park’s Lakeview and Watts Bay Marina areas. There are also six miles of trails on the North Shore of Lake Arthur perfect for mountain biking with stretches that are with rough surfaces and slippery areas.
Schuylkill River Trail
Philadelphia
Every year, more than 2 million runners, bikers and commuters traverse the 75 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail, which when completed will run more than 130-miles between Philadelphia and Pottsville. Named the "Best Urban Trail" in the nation by readers of USA Today and 10Best, the trail parallels the Schuylkill River and covers territory in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Chester, Berks, and Schuylkill counties. Opportunities to stop for a place to grab a bite, or even a mid-ride brew, are plentiful along the trail.
Greater Reading Trails
Reading
Greater Reading Trails offer access to more than 125 miles of mountain biking trails in Berks County, from beginner-friendly cruises to challenging rock-strewn routes. In 2015, the trail system attained the International Mountain Biking Association’s Bronze Level Ride Center status and is the only ride center in the northeastern U.S.
Curwensville Lake Recreational Area
Curwensville
Clearfield County's Curwensville Lake Recreational Area has more than 12 miles of trails varying in difficulty and length. Try the moderate 1.45-mile Bee Kind Trail, designed to make riders feel like they’re deep in the woods.
MORE RIDE-WORTHY PENNSYLVANIA BIKING TRAILS
- Capital Area Greenbelt: The Hershey-Harrisburg region’s 20-mile urban trail is a great way to see Harrisburg on two wheels.
- Buffalo Valley Rail Trail: Admire glimpses of tranquil farmland and wildflower-peppered fields on this nine-mile pathway between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg.
- Cumberland Valley Rail Trail: The 13-mile trail stretches from Shippensburg to Newville, offering a scenic sampling of the valley’s countryside and woodlands.
- Allegrippis Trail: Enjoy 36 miles of multi-use trail systems organized into three stacked loops surrounding the beautiful Raystown Lake in Hesston.
- Delaware & Hudson Rail-Trail: The 38-mile trail in the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania winds past Susquehanna County’s pristine woodlands and several stop-worthy, scenic overlooks and small towns.
- York County Heritage Rail Trail: The 21.5-mile trail runs from York to the Maryland border and passes seven railroad structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Stavich Bike Trail: Bike for more than 14 miles through two states, two counties, and three townships from New Castle, PA to Struthers, Ohio.
- Tussey Mountain Trail: Located in Rothrock State Forest in Huntingdon, the 8.1 mile route is just one of the many favorite mountain biking trails near State College.
- Michaux State Forest: Mountain bikers can choose from 18 miles of easy trails and nearly 20 miles of more challenging trails in southcentral PA. Get maps, route descriptions, and other resources for mountain and road biking trails in and around Gettysburg at Healthy Adams Bicycle Pedestrian's website.
- Armstrong Trail: Possible stops along the 30-mile trail in Armstrong County include the towns of Kittanning, Ford City, and East Brady.
- Karl Stirner Arts Trail: Ride along the Bushkill Creek in Easton and enjoy 1.6 miles of outdoor art installations by local artists, including Karl Stirner – a renowned Lehigh Valley sculptor.
- Forbes State Forest: Choose from more than 250 trails ranging from winding single-track routes to dirt and gravel roads in Laughlintown.
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