Bicycling continues to ride on a crest of popularity that makes it one of Western Pennsylvania’s most popular individual and family recreational activities. The bike trails found in our state parks and other areas in the Great Outdoors feature a variety of lengths, terrain and scenic views. An added bonus is that you can take advantage of the many resources, facilities and activities found within each park.

Bikers of all skill levels will find something to enjoy on Pennsylvania trails. With a terrain that ranges from steep and challenging to gentle and pleasant, Western Pennsylvania is a biker's paradise.

In addition, touring cyclists and cycling fans have a lot to cheer for in our area. Numerous racing events are held in the Great Outdoors Region.  Brockway holds its annual 12.5-mile sprint, the Star Spangled Bike Race on July 4^th each year.  In addition, Ridgway features their annual Triathlon in April consisting of running, biking and canoeing.  Additional information on these events and others can be found in the “Events” section on www.visitpago.com

Pennsylvania is also firmly committed to the "Rails-to-Trails" concept. Over 800 miles of former railroad rights-of-way have been converted to rail-trails for biking and hiking throughout the state, with more on the way. For even more on Pennsylvania's biking trails, visit www.pedaling.com to search for trails in Western Pennsylvania.

Mountain biking has increased in popularity so much throughout the Allegheny National Forest that it's not uncommon to see bikers during all seasons.  Most trails including snowmobile trails, general open roads and gated roads are available for use by mountain bikers. A.T.V. trails are best suited for expert or extreme riding; many will find them too rough for riding. The ANF has over 600 miles of trail where bikes are allowed, but in actuality, many segments of ANF trails, even though open for bike use, do not provide a high quality experience for bikers. The snowmobile routes provide a scenic ride, but for the more adventurous, purchase the administrative map at any Ranger District office, and plan your own trail experience.

Biking is allowed in most places in the ANF where a Forest Service travelway exists - for example, trails, gated roads, and open roads. Respect the rights of private landowners of travelways, and obtain permission prior to using these private roads.

Some biking trails in the area are:

• Allegheny River Trail the Allegheny River Trail is the southern extension of the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail. Together, these two trails run from Oil City to Franklin (the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail segment) and from Franklin south to Brandon (the Allegheny River Trail segment). These trails will eventually be part of an extensive trail system that extends from the Great Lakes to Washington, DC. They travel along the Allegheny River in northwestern Pennsylvania. For more information on the Allegheny River Trail and the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail go to the Trail Website and click on "The Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Trails."
• Marienville ATV/Bike Trail is a system of 36.8 miles of interconnecting trails, located along State Route 66 about 15 miles southwest of Kane and 11 miles northeast of Marienville. You can access the trail anywhere it crosses a public road.
• Timberline A.T.V. Trail is a system of 38 miles of interconnecting trails located on Forest Road 232, one mile south of State Route 948 and SR66 intersection. You can access this trail anywhere it crosses a public road. This trail also connects to the Marienville A.T.V. Trail.
• Bear Creek is a 16-mile ride that follows a 3-mile section of Bear Creek. It has lots of great scenery however some sections have heavy brush and the trail can be somewhat obscured.  From Ridgway take State Route 3002 (Laurel Mill Road) west for 15½ miles to the parking lot at the Bear Creek Recreational Facility.  Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Beaver Meadows is an 11-mile loop with no major hill climbs, a variety of trail types and enough miles to make a great afternoon outing.  From Marienville, take Job Corps Road north for 5 miles.  Turn right at Beaver Meadows Recreational Area and park here. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Brush Hollow Trail is comprised of three trails developed by the Allegheny National Forest for hikers, cross-county skiers and mountain bikers.  All of the trails are relatively easy.  This is one of the few trails in the National Forest designated for mountain bikes.  The trails are wide to accommodate cross-country skiers so are not challenging but are enjoyable.  In order to accommodate all levels of riders and skiers, the trail system is divided into three loops.  In order of increasing difficulty, they are Brushy Gap, Elli, and Challenger.  Each is approximately three miles long.  For a family with young, less aggressive riders, the beginning of the trail system makes a perfect outing.  From Ridgway, take Route PA948 10 miles north.  There is a parking lot on the right-hand side of the road with a sign that reads Brush Hollow Trail.  The trailhead starts at the parking lot. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Duhring Ride is 17 mile back-road, backcountry tour of Spring Creek and some fine forest scenery.  Most of the trip is an easy cycle on packed roads.  The trail is easy to follow since it is marked with orange diamonds.  From Marienville take Route PA66 north six miles.  Just before the Forest Ridge Motel turn right onto Forest Road (FR) 131.1.  Stay on FR131.1 for 5 ½ miles.  Kelly Pines Recreational Facility will be on the left. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Game land Ride - Elk County - This is an enchanting, historical ride whose attractions include laurel tunneled single-track, caves, scenic overlooks, boulders to climb and a stretch of one of the finest rail-trail this country can boast. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Little Toby East - Elk County - Except for one long hill climb, this is an easy game lands ride on gated
  forest roads and undeveloped rail-trail. The scenery is unsurpassed. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Little Toby West - Elk County - Except for one long climb, this is an easy tour of the Little Toby valley and State Game land food plots. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Ridgway Race Course - Elk County - This is a very demanding course. Some consider the Ridgway ride as one of the best races in the state. It begins with a long, hard, paved climb that is followed by 14 miles of difficult pipelines and forest roads. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Owl's Nest - Elk County A moderately easy loop over gated forest roads along the banks of beautiful woodland streams. Because the trail has a 1½ -foot deep stream crossing, it s better to ride it in warm weather. The ride also includes a 4- mile side loop. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)
• Salmon Creek - Forest County This is a long, demanding ride along dirt roads and snowmobile trails. Download Printable Trail Directions (PDF)

Maps of the Allegheny National Forest may be picked up at regional offices or online at www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny

For additional Rails to Trails information visit our friends at the DCNR.  http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/

The Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau can provide you with an Outdoor Discovery Map of the Allegheny National Forest.  Please call (814) 849-5197 to request a copy.