Mountain biking has increased in popularity so much so on the Allegheny National Forest that it's not uncommon to see bikers during all seasons. And biking has become an all season sport in the Atlantic and southern mid-western states. Join us as we tour biking spots on the Allegheny National Forest (ANF).
Finding the trails: Listed below are locations of several trailheads. You will find the best biking experiences during the off-season of the four developed ATV trails because of the developed tread and comfortable turning radius. The off-season (when the ATV Trails are closed to motorized use) is April 1 to the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend, and September 24 to December 20 of each year. Of course, you can ride mountain bikes when the ATV Trails are open, but expect to frequently encounter ATVs on the trails.
Marienville ATV/Bike Trail is a system of 35 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.
Rocky Gap ATV Trail is a 20.8 mile loop located along the Warren to Tidioute Road, at the intersection of Forest Road (FR) 155 (6 miles south of Warren, PA). You can access this trail anywhere it crosses a public road.
Timberline ATV Trail is a system of 38 miles of interconnecting trails located on FR 232, one mile south of SR 948 and SR 66 intersection. You can access this trail anywhere it crosses a public road. This trail also connects to the Marienville ATV Trail.
Willow Creek ATV Trail is a 10.8 mile loop trail located along Forest Road (FR) 137, approximately two miles south of SR 346 and 11 miles west of Bradford.
The next best choices for a prime mountain bike experience are the developed cross-country (X-C) ski trails. These trails offer little user conflict in the summer, and they have been developed for wide-tracking with skis.
Deerlick X-C Ski Trail is a 9.0 mile loop trail, located at the intersection of Tollgate Road and US 6 just east of Sheffield, PA.
Laurel Mill X-C Ski Trail is a 11.4 mile system of interconnecting trails located 3 miles west of Ridgway on Township Road 307, often called Spring Creek Road.
Most hiking trails are also open to mountain bike use. Listed below are the hiking trails that will provide the best experience.
Buckaloons Seneca Interpretive Trail is a 0.8 mile loop trail located at Buckaloons Recreation Area 6 miles west of Warren, at the intersection of US Route 62 south and US Route 6.
Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Management Area has 9.6 miles of interconnecting trails located on Forest Road 157, 1 mile south of Marienville on Loleta Road. The northern trailhead is located on Forest Road 376, 2.5 miles east of Marienville on Lamonaville Road.
Most trails including ATV trails, snowmobile trails, general open roads and gated roads are available for use by mountain bikers. 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 ATV Trails, during the closed season for ATVs, probably provide the best mountain biking experiences. The snowmobile routes also provide a scenic ride. For the more adventurous, purchase the administrative map at any Ranger District office, and plan your own trail experience.
Regulations
Biking is allowed in most places on 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.
Camping is permitted in most areas of the Allegheny National Forest except on the shores and within 1500 feet inland of the timberline around the Allegheny Reservoir, except in areas developed or designated for such use. In addition, no camping will be allowed within Jakes Rocks, Rimrock and Old State Road Recreation Areas; within 1500 feet either side of the center line of Allegheny Reservoir Scenic Drive and the main access roads into Jakes Rocks, Rimrock and Old State Road Recreation Areas; within 1500 feet either side of the main channel of Kinzua Creek from Red Bridge upstream to Mead Run; along FR 131 near Loleta; Duhring area near Spring Creek; and Hearts Content and Tionesta Scenic Areas.
Biking is prohibited only in the Hickory Creek Wilderness, Hearts Content and Tionesta Scenic Areas, Tionesta Natural Area, the Allegheny National Recreation Area east of the Reservoir, and the propagation area of the Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Management Area. These prohibitions are necessary for these few areas because of resource management objectives. A few examples: 1) the objective of the Hickory Creek Wilderness is to provide a primitive recreation experience and the presence of bicycles is incompatible with this objective; 2) the objective of the propagation area of the Buzzard Swamp Wildlife Management Area is to provide an area free of human disturbance for wildlife to use, and the presence of bikes again conflicts with this objective.
Safety
The skill level of these trails vary, and you should be in good health to enjoy them. We encourage you to bike with at least one other person and to leave your itinerary with friends so they'll know where to look if you don't return on time or need assistance. Practice safe biking, wear a helmet. The state of Pennsylvania requires those 12 and under wear protective head gear.
These trails are open for winter biking. Remember to dress in layers appropriate for the weather conditions. Be aware that these trails are used heavily in the late fall and spring by hunters. It is a good idea to wear bright fluorescent colored clothing if biking during these time periods.
For your safety, remember the off-road rules of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA): Ride On Trails Only; Leave No Trace; Control Your Bicycle; Always Yield; Never Spook Animals; and Plan Ahead.
Practice"No Trace" ethics - pack it in, pack it out. For sanitary disposal of wastes, dig a pit on flat ground at least 6 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water.
Water from any source should be boiled before consumption, as water is not tested or treated for drinking.
Please report any unsafe trail conditions such as downed trees and missing signs or trail markers directly to the nearest Ranger District.
Volunteers:
If you, a friend, or your club are interested in volunteering to help maintain trails, please contact the Ranger District.
Customer Service:
Bradford, Kane, Ridgway, Marienville and Warren are full service communities. In case of medical emergency, most local communities are serviced by 911; James City, Kane and Ludlow are serviced by relay service 837-1000; Tionesta and Endeavor areas are serviced by relay service 755-3200.
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