Ahhh, spring. After a cold, grey (and icy!) winter, the region is now bursting with vibrant hues of green. Soak it in – we all deserve it!
The rainbow of colors, paired with animated wildlife, and comfortable temperatures, all make this the ideal time to dust off your bike or walking shoes and explore the trails of the SRV.
Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the region offers trails for all skill levels, ages, and abilities; many trails are even handicapped and stroller-accessible.
The region’s offerings are simply too expansive to mention in one blog post, so please visit our website’s Outdoor Recreation section to fully explore all of the options for your specific needs.
In this post though, we’ll offer a few suggestions for easy, moderate, and difficult hiking and biking trails – including a biking event in October for those with a competitive spirit.
At the very end of the post, we’ll also offer some trail etiquette tips.
Let’s get started!
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail – hiking and biking
The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, which is a ten-mile stretch between Lewisburg and Mifflinburg, is the perfect trail for biking, walking, running, and exercising your pet (on leash). The surface is paved asphalt and gravel and the pathway is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and multiple bikes in a group.
Directions to the Lewisburg Trailhead: From the Rt 15 and Rt 45 intersection, head west on Rt 45, away from downtown Lewisburg. Go to 15th St and turn right/north. Look for parking lot entrance just before the rail trail crosswalk.
Directions to the Mifflinburg Trailhead: Traveling on Rt 45, look for the intersection with 5th St, toward the western end of town. Turn north, right if coming from the east and left if coming from the west. Go two blocks and look for the turn into the trailhead parking lot on the left just past the trail crosswalk.
Merrill Linn Land and Waterways Conservancy
The Merrill Linn Land and Waterways Conservancy maintains trails perfect for experiencing the great outdoors on foot. Visit their website to learn more about the Dale’s Ridge Trail located just outside of Lewisburg as well as the Koons Trail in Mifflinburg at the historic Hassenplug Covered Bridge and the Merrill Linn Trail in Bald Eagle State Forest.
Milton State Park
Milton State Park is a convenient location for walks along the beautiful Susquehanna River. The Park is an 82-acre island in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River with 3.5 miles of walking trails to explore river and island habitat.
Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA)
While the majority of AOAA trails are for off-road enthusiasts, there is also a 3.1-mile walking trail with exercise stations and scenic outlooks. The trail is open to the public for free, year-round enjoyment. The trailhead kiosk is located at the AOAA Welcome Center and the trail will lead you through the wooded campground and across bridges over the swales.
Roaring Creek Tract in Weiser State Forest – hiking and biking
This eight-mile shared-use trail is ideal for those who wish to take a leisurely hike or bike alongside the gurgling creek and reservoirs. Forty miles of shared-use trails also wind their way through Weiser.
Shikellamy State Park Marina – hiking and biking
The State Park has a 1.5-mile paved trail at the Marina plus 1.7 miles of wooded trail at the Overlook. The marina is ideal for hiking and biking as it offers a 1.5-mile walking and biking trail past a butterfly garden with beautiful views of the Susquehanna River as well as the Shikellamy Bluffs and Blue Hill across the river.
Bald Eagle State Forest
Bald Eagle State Forest offers 320 miles of trails including a 45-mile section of the Mid State Trail plus 120 miles of shared-use, non-motorized trails. Miles of hiking-only trails can be found within the State Forest’s natural areas. Trail maps can be obtained at the district office.
Raymond B. Winter State Park
R. B. Winter State Park is the ideal destination for explorers of all skill levels, offering a plethora of difficult trails (and quite a few easy ones, too). Park resources point to the following difficult hiking trails:
- Bake Oven Trail
0.96 mile, more difficult hiking
This trail runs in conjunction with the Mid State Trail and takes hikers along the ridge top and through areas of mountain laurel and chestnut oak. - Brush Hollow Trail
0.73 mile, more difficult hiking
This trail runs in conjunction with the Mid State Trail on the park’s southern border. - Overlook Trail
0.33 mile, more difficult hiking
This short, steep trail starts on Sand Mountain Road and climbs through an oak and maple forest to an overlook 300 feet above the park, then continues onto state forest property. - Old Boundary Trail
0.77 mile, most difficult hiking
This trail connects Bake Oven Trail and Sand Mountain Road. Hikers cross scenic Halfway Run and its nearby wetland area.
A Few Words From Two Experts
Because cycling in the region is so diverse, perhaps the most sensible way to consider trails is by “road” trails and “off road” trails. Local bicyclist and outdoor enthusiast Dave Decoteau recommended Montour Preserve for easy and scenic road biking, “Anything around the Montour Preserve can be turned into a very enjoyable time for families and enthusiasts…simply by taking a hike around the lake.”
Decoteau also suggested using the Susquehanna River as a focal point for road rides, “Any rides on either side of the Susquehanna, either branch, are fairly flat and always enjoyable. Try to pick the less traffic side of the river, and stay over, but if you do…you can be rewarded with some really pretty rides.”
In terms of off-road trails, Weiser State Forest trail is an out-and-back ride that is “beautiful, partially paved but gravel, and very doable” according to Decoteau.
According to Decoteau, an “insane” mountain bike trail is Natalie Mountain in the Elysburg area.
Decoteau said, “You can fly through the air. You can ride endless roots and rocks of all sizes. There are about 80-miles of trails here. It’s not for beginners, but a beginner could have a great ride there if they ride within themselves and safely walk things outside of their skill level. Adrenaline folks can have the time of their life here…or get badly hurt if they are not careful. It’s as good as any ‘riding destination’ I have ridden in the U.S.”
Cimarron Chacon, President, GRO Promotions LLC, manages a popular biking event called unPAved, which takes place in the Susquehanna River Valley in October. Chacon suggested Buffalo Valley Rail Trail as a “go to” because it has a round-trip distance of 20 miles and is very flat and has about 60% gravel surface.
She said that R.B. Winter State Park is also popular with local gravel riders. Starting at the State Park, there are a variety of interconnected routes that create a perfect 30-mile loop. This ride has the classic rolling hills, amazing vista, and the perfect weekend ride distance, according to Chacon.
“If you are looking for a tougher ride or a way to train, the Jones Mountain Loop has it all. Starting and finishing in at the Rusty Rail Brewery the climb up Brandon and Jones Mountain using roads that exceed a 10% grade. The route is roughly 30 miles in distance with a descent down Old Shingle road that is just as steep as the climb up,” Chacon said.
Experienced Bikers: Mark Your Calendar for unPAved in October!
Every October, nearly 1,000 bicyclists gather in the Susquehanna River Valley for an event called unPaved, which includes mostly off-pavement courses that are 125-, 90-, or 50-miles, all set against the backdrop of flaming fall foliage. Chacon said the courses feature great gravel, serious climbs, amazing descents, fantastic foliage, and breathtaking vistas.
Chacon said the challenge of the event is not the road surface, but the elevation gain.
“Pennsylvania mountains are notorious for their never-ending climbs. The average ride will dish out close to 1,000 ft of climbing for every 10 miles ridden. Participants taking on the unPAved routes need a strong level of fitness and endurance to complete the event. Finish times range from 6 to 11 hours,” she said.
There are many fun, social elements sprinkled into the event mix, including social gatherings in the evenings at local pubs and restaurants and local treats along the way – like pierogies at one aid station and whoopie pies at the finish line.
Chacon said, “The weekend starts on Friday with a pub crawl and games, then on Saturday attendees can enjoy the Fall Fest with thousands of booths, guided rides, the start of the Big Lick unPAved 200, and the unPAved film festival. If they still have spunk in them, they can conclude the weekend with a huge after party at the Miller Center on Sunday evening.”
Chacon said the event utilizes Segment Timing, where riders are only timed on part of the course, with “time outs” at the aid stations.
“Racers love this because they can actually ride with their friends,” she said.
Inside Tips: Trail Etiquette
Bike path etiquette generally follows the principle of “right for travel, left for passing.” Bikers should stay to the right side of the path and pass on the left, giving audible warnings (like a bell or a verbal warning) before passing. It’s also crucial to yield to pedestrians and other slower users, especially when passing, and to be aware of your surroundings.
Google AI provided these handy tips:
- Stay Right, Pass Left: The most fundamental rule is to travel on the right side of the path and pass on the left.
- Audible Warning: Announce your approach when passing, either with a bell or by yelling "on your left".
- Yield to Pedestrians and Slower Users: Bikers should always yield to pedestrians, walkers, runners, and other slower users.
- Be Predictable: Ride straight ahead, indicating turns, and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
- Be Aware: Look ahead and behind before passing or changing direction.
- Slow Down: Reduce speed when passing or stopping, especially when there are others around.
- Be Visible: Use lights and reflective gear when riding in low light conditions.
- Leave No Trace: Don't litter and keep pets on leashes to avoid hazards.
- Be Respectful: Treat other path users with courtesy and respect, regardless of their mode of travel.
It’s hard to believe, but we’ve barely scratched the surface of hiking and biking opportunities in the SRV!
For much more information, visit our Outdoor Recreation to plan a hiking or biking adventure that will inspire and invigorate you and your family.
