Gravel Biking Routes

This is a growing collection of bike rides I have personally explored and will grow as I explore new areas. While these routes are downloadable, it is recommended to pick up either maps from Purple Lizard or PA DCNR public use maps for the areas you’re planning on riding. These maps provide a more comprehensive view of the forest areas you are riding in showing opportunities for exploration or bail out options if needed. Most of these rides are on public land but always be aware of where you are riding and respect private property, which can often be found within the public land.

The Black Forest area is extremely rugged and beautiful, this route explores a small chunk of the area crossing the famous Black Forest trail several times. The begins with a long descent along the County Line Branch area before climbing back to the plateau. After wandering along forest roads and passing some good vistas it descends off the plateau along Slate Run road. From Slate Run road it climbs along Francis Road which provides some beautiful vistas of the Slate Run valley and its tributaries. A trip up the Little Morris trail finishes it off with a little adventure. While this does include some pavement riding small tweaks to the route may be able to cut this out. While this is a fairly short route there are abundant camping options that make this a good option for an easy bikepacking trip.

Road/Trail Conditions: Little bit of pavement to start and end the route, but mostly well maintained gravel roads. The Little Morris trail is an abandoned woods road, while mostly rideable there is a high likelihood of blow downs and other obstructions requiring dismounting. The trail begins with a blown out culvert requiring a short bike carry. This trail can easily be avoided by continuing up Francis Road until you rejoin the route.

This a route that uses gated state game lands roads, and forest roads to explore a small chunk of Elk State forest. There is a good chance that during this ride you will be able to catch a glimpse of elk, as it is not far from the heart of PA elk country in Benezette. This route also includes an out and back trip to the Winslow Hill elk viewing area which can easily be skipped.

Road/Trail Conditions: This route has several gated driveable trails that are double track but mostly in good shape. The rest of the route is standard gravel forestry roads. The out and back to Winslow Hill is mostly paved.

This ride explores the Left Branch of Young Womans Creek and its tributaries and surrounding ridges. Parking can be found along Twelve Mile Road shortly after turning off Route 44. The ride then begins with a relatively easy ride along the ridge separating Kettle Creek and Young Womans Creek. After a long descent down to where the Left and Right branches meet the ride begins a long climb back to the start point. For some added fun it climbs steeply on to Fork Hill before descending back to Twelve Mile Road and more gradually climbing back to the main ridge.

Road/Trail Conditions: Mostly well maintained gravel roads, Fork Hill (mile 18 through 28) is double track that is currently in decent condition.