Geared for Success: Bike Trails of Pennsylvania

Whether you’re a full-fledged biker (who always wears a helmet, of course) or someone who just takes their wheels out on a warm day (and also wears their helmet), it’s important to know where it’s safe to ride, how to ride politely, and which spots you’ll jam with the most. And did we mention, you should always wear a helmet? 

With the warmer seasons approaching, there’s no doubt you’ll be filling up those tires and getting ready to hit the park paths on your two-wheeler (or two plus some training wheels, we don’t judge). But, if you still have your training wheels when it comes to biking trail knowledge, we’ll give you the full rundown. And if you’re interested in finding a trail just for biking, take our Park Finder for a spin. (There’s a filter to find parks with bike trails.) Once you find your paths, you’ll always remember them. It’s just like riding a bike!

Find a Path That Matches Your Speed

You can’t just pick any old path and start biking. You could, but you might run the risk of getting hurt or possibly hurting others. Why? Different trails are for different riders. Maybe you’re hoping to strengthen those calves with some intense uphill/downhill action, or maybe you have an intense fear of hills and want to take it easy. Whatever your speed is, you can find a bike trail to match. 

Looking to experience the adrenaline rush of a trail jam-packed with steep climbs, rocky roads, and small jumps? If you’ve got the right bike for it, and the right spirit, we have the trails for you. Just don’t forget what we said about wearing that helmet!

A great place to start may be the winner of the 2024 Pennsylvania Trail and River of the Year, the Trails at Jake Rocks, a stacked loop set of 30+ mile trails that are full of adventure. Check it out the Trail of the Year designation.Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is an 18-mile path is full of technical challenges and stakes, but is also doable for almost any age. Daring to up the ante? Discover more heart-stopping trails from Visit PA.

If you’re interested in a more scenic approach to biking, look no further than Canoe Creek State Park. Their biking trail encompasses forests, riparian areas, wetlands, and fields–so you can see a million different landscapes all in one go! There’s also always the Gifford Pinchot State Park 3.5 mile bike trail that is perfect for a slower, calmer ride.

Mind Your P’s and Q’s

So you’ve found your park trail. But hang on! Don’t go riding just yet. You’ve still got to learn how to behave. In the world of biking, there are certain standards to abide by on the paths–standards that will keep everyone safe and feeling welcomed. So before you get to burning bike wheel rubber, take a course in bike etiquette. If you’re looking for a general trail etiquette guide, check out our past blog on minding your trail manners!

Who gets right of way in the great outdoors? It’s important to be cognizant of trail signage. Yield signs are often triangular and give the full rundown of who should let who pass. Although often, bikers should be yielding to all non-bikers. And, downhill bikers should yield to uphill bikers. We all know how tough it is to pedal up those hills!

If you’re thinking of taking that bike off-road and building your own path: Don’t! Park professionals spend a whole lot of time mapping out trails for everyone’s safety–and the safety of the natural areas. Going into unfamiliar and unplanned territory can lead you into sticky situations, or itchy situations, or even bear territory situations–and you certainly don’t want that.  

Finally, it’s important to abide by the number one rule of the trails. And you can’t miss it on any sign that’s posted. Leave no trace. This rule encompasses any and all things you can leave behind on a trail: food waste, animal waste, plastics, and packaging. If you want to follow the rule, here’s all you need to remember: Take it with you! Oh, and lastly, don’t forget politeness. A smile, or wave, or simple hello can go a long way in making a fellow biker’s day.

Hear What Makes Bike Trails Special

For people who want to exercise, feel the breeze through their helmet holes, and don’t want to just walk, bike trails are the safest and most fun way to go! They allow you to see natural sights, come across other bikers, and stay out of busy streets with cars and buses. 

Still looking for that perfect bike spot? The DCNR’s Biking page is a resource hub for details on tons of PA park bike trails. Check it out. Oh, and one more time before we go: Don’t forget to wear a helmet!