Race Loop

Race - Aug 11, 2019

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

There are over 20 miles worth of trails available in this park, about 12 miles worth are dedicated MTB singletrack. There is a nice variety of terrain with a few areas of speed. It has a decent amount of tight, technical riding, rock gardens, creek crossing, logs, roots, short valleys and more.

There is even a variety of tree and plant types that you can enjoy riding through. You'll see many areas of old growth trees, a section of some smaller trees that are a bit lower and fun to ride through, and some pine tree switchbacks and some dense fern patches. A great overall outdoor MTB experience for this area.

Bike the Wilds holds a race here at least once a year, usually in August. The trails used for the race are clearly marked. For race information check out Bikethewilds.com. Most of the singletrack is marked with yellow trail markers and mapped out for you to follow (available at the park office).

There are many miles of marked red trails and connector trails that are multi-use. Just watch out for what the horses may leave behind on some of the other trails.

There are no paved bike paths in the system but I suppose there are some roadways in and around the park that could be used. Area cyclists and the park committee seem to keep the trails maintained fairly well.

The loop shown on the map was part of a local race and continues to be well-used. The race was one of seven in the Bike the Wilds Race Series. Expect the race loop to take about an hour to maybe two, depending on your skill level.

Camp sites are available, there is a small lake, restrooms and shelters and playgrounds all accessible near the trailhead. Many other trails for hiking or even horseback riding exist, but horses are not supplied. You must also bring your own bike or boat or whatever you may need. There are no on-site stores or rentals.

This loop starts out easy then heads up hill as you finish the end of the Cherrytree Loop. Shortly, you'll have transitioned to the Main Loop, where you'll continue a moderate climb.The climb is not too steep and continues on fairly easy ground for about a mile.

When it starts to flatten out, there is a rock garden to ride through. It can be a little tricky for people not accustomed to PA rocks, but most of it should be no problem for more experienced riders. Keep an eye out for an intersection with the Sidewinder Loop (Zippy Do Dah), as you'll want to keep left and transition to this trail.

The first descent is a bit technical with a few steep and loose sections, and spread out over almost two miles. At the bottom, there is a nice creek crossing with no bridge. It has a good run in and out with a nice, flat rock bottom that is easy to ride. The trail will dead end into the Splane Loop, and you'll want to hang a right to follow that loop trail.

The next climb is shorter and steeper with a few valley crossings. The next descent can be a bit fast and not too technical, or you could choose to take the doubletrack for a real fast trip down to the bridge.

The next mile is up and down with several little valleys to run through. The next section gets more technical with some mild ridge riding and then the trail has some rocks and holes to watch out for while mostly climbing.

Next, you'll come out onto a dirt road, take a left then ride it only about 50 yards or so and then look to the right for another trail. This trail is fairly simple before you cross a paved road. Soon, you'll come across more rock gardens that have a few more technical and difficult spots.

After that, you'll make a final turn onto the top of the Cherrytree Loop, and the route climbs a little before there is a nice, flowing descent to the bottom through some tall pines.