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Motor Through the Mountains
You were meant to ride on roads like these! The hundreds of miles of blacktop and concrete that wind through the ridges of the upper Allegheny Mountains are a biker's dream. Along the way, you'll take in panoramic vistas, abundant wildlife, and the very best of rural America. These three days in the Pennsylvania Wilds may well become the ride of your life---the one you remember forever.
- Day One
- Day Two
- Day Three
History Loop/Allegheny National Forest Loop
Your roadtrip begins in the vast Allegheny National Forest---500,000 acres of natural splendor with some of the best biking anywhere. The 90-mile History Loop shows you glimpses of our past. Visit the Eldred World War II Museum for a look at a M255 tank and working submarine periscope. Make your way to Kinzua Bridge State Park and see the remains of one of the engineering wonders of the world---the Kinzua Viaduct.
The 96-mile Allegheny Forest Loop starts in the town of Kane, home of Flickerwood Wine Cellars. Stop and taste their award-winning wines, then head for the Longhouse National Scenic Byway. Stop along the way for great views of the Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam; the best views are at Jakes Rocks and Rimrock Overlook. You'll end up in Bradford, home of the world-famous Zippo/Case Visitors Center.
Susquehannock Loop
From Bradford, you'll head to Coudersport. The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum is along the way - stop and see how the Allegheny National Forest created huge wealth in this area. The 117-mile Susquehannock Loop starts just after Coudersport. Austin Dam Memorial Park commemorates the second-worst dam disaster in Pennsylvania; stop and take a look at the haunting remains of the old dam, which broke in 1911 and killed about 80 people. You'll pass the small towns of Austin, Costello, and Wharton on your way to Sinnemahoning State Park, a good place to look for elk and eagles. Next, you'll travel straight up to the Allegheny Plateau. Stop at either Water Tank Hollow Vista or Cherry Springs Vista for excellent high views of the Pennsylvania Wilds, then loop back to Coudersport.
Tioga Lakes Loop/Mountain Pass Loop
Today, you'll travel from Coudersport to the charming Victorian town of Wellsboro. The 85-mile Tioga Lakes Loop takes you past the breathtaking Tioga-Hammond Lake Vistav Overlook. You might also want to stop at these lakes for some swimming, fishing, or boating. Cowanesque Lake is next; South Overlook is your best bet. You'll descend to the beautiful Cowanesque River valley and pass the towns of Nelson, Elkland, and Knoxville before you turn at Westfield. The Coates Heritage House Museum will give you a sense of the logging and tanning history that shaped this part of Tioga County. Next up is the Pine Creek Gorge, an absolute must-see for any visitor to the Pennsylvania Wilds. Take in the view from Leonard Harrison State Park. Once you get your breath back, hop back on the bike and head for Wellsboro.
The Mountain Pass Loop is full of hilly curves and is a great way to end your ride. Start in Wellsboro and head for the Tioga State Forest; you'll end up on Route 15, which features rocky outcrops and high vantage points with views of the highly eroded plateau topography. You'll wind through Mansfield next and end with another view of Hammond and Tioga Lakes.