Cooper's Quick Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

This loop gives a taste of some of the best trails in the area, particularly in the southern half of Rothrock. These trails are significantly less "technical" and more flowy than those near Tussey.

There are still plenty of tech sections though too so don't be completely fooled! Most climbs are easy, utilizing the roads while saving the downhills for the fun and scenic singletrack.

This route starts off from the Shale Pit parking area. Climb up Coopers Gap Rd until you come to the intersection with Brush Ridge Trail. Take a left onto Brush Ridge Trail and follow it through a few technical and rocky sections until eventually intersecting with Chestnut Spring trail. Take a right to climb up Chestnut Spring trail. At the top with the intersection of Dutch Alvin, stay left to follow Chestnut Spring just a little bit further until you come to the intersection with Lingle Valley Trail.

This is where the fun really starts and one of my favorite parts of the route!

Make your way down the steep and loose entrance of Lingle Valley Trail. Once it starts to mellow out, enjoy some flowy and rolling switchbacks through the valley. Continue through the valley through scenic rhododendron tunnels and by crossing various mountain streams.

Eventually, you'll intersect with Bear Gap Trail. If you really want a quick loop you can make a right onto Bear Gap Trail back up to Coopers Gap Rd, otherwise continue this route by staying on Lingle Valley Trail. Continue to follow Lingle Valley Trail. There will be another intersection with Otter Gap Trail on your left. Stay on Lingle Valley Trail. It'll turn into almost like a doubletrack forest road passing by some cabins but will eventually pop you out on the gravel Conklin Rd.

Take a right up Conklin Rd. Continue to climb Conklin Rd to the top until it intersects with Chicken Peter trail. Take a right onto Chicken Peter trail. This trail will feature some more rocky and technical sections. There are some bail-outs along Chicken Peter back onto Coopers Gap Rd if your legs are starting to feel tired. Otherwise, stay on Chicken Peter until intersecting back with Coopers Gap Rd and Bear Gap Trail.

From here, you'll follow Coopers Gap Rd for less than a mile until passing another parking area and meeting the Chestnut Spring trailhead. Take a right back on to Chestnut Spring trail. Continue on Chestnut Spring trail passing Lingle Valley Trail again, now on your right, until making it Dutch Alvin.

Start your long, fun descent back by taking Dutch Alvin. Dutch Alvin flows through some scenic open fields and unique terrain along the ridge top. Continue on Dutch Alvin where it'll eventually get a bit steeper and faster until you intersect back with Coopers Gap Rd. Head down Coopers Gap Rd a bit to the Brush Ridge Trail intersection again. This time take a left onto Brush Ridge Trail headed back down.

This section of Brush Ridge Trail will start off fast and technical. Finish the route strong by making your way through many tech sections and rock gardens. Once you cross the power line, you'll know your ride is coming to an end. At the end of Brush Ridge Trail, make a right back onto Coopers Gap Rd to finish at the Shale Pit parking area.