Bike Trail Travels: Bike Trails in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a cyclist's paradise. With nearly 100 rail trails and over 2,100 miles of converted railroad lines, the Keystone State has more rail trails than any other state in the country. From the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to the rolling hills of the Lehigh Valley, these trails offer something for every rider: families looking for a relaxed bike ride, mountain bikers seeking technical terrain, and long-distance cyclists planning multi-day adventures.

This guide covers the best bike trails in Pennsylvania, complete with the details you need to plan your next adventure.

If you're looking for one of the most scenic trails in the Northeast, the Pine Creek Rail Trail should be at the top of your list. This 62-mile multi-use trail runs through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, following the scenic river and offering views that'll make you forget you're pedaling.

• Length: 62 miles

• Surface: Packed crushed limestone

• Grade: Never exceeds 2%

• Best bikes: Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes

• Activities: Biking, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing

The trail follows the former Jersey Shore, Pine Creek & Buffalo Railroad, which once carried timber and anthracite coal through the gorge. The grade is barely noticeable, making it comfortable for riders of all skill levels.

• Bald eagles soaring above Pine Creek

• Deer and wild turkeys

• Black bears on the hillsides

• River otters and beavers

The most secluded stretch runs 16 miles from Darling Run to Blackwell: no intersecting roads, just pure wilderness. Pack a lunch and plan for a full day of adventure. Multiple parking lots and picnic areas are available along the route.

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is Pennsylvania's crown jewel for long-distance cycling. This 150-mile rail trail connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland, and when combined with the C&O Canal Towpath, creates a 335-mile route all the way to Washington, D.C.

• Length: 150 miles (335 miles with C&O Canal connection)

• Surface: Crushed limestone with some paved sections

• Grade: Never exceeds 2%

• Recognition: USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice award winner

The GAP passes through charming communities where you'll find everything you need:

• Ohiopyle: Whitewater rafting, hiking, state park amenities

• Confluence: Riverside dining, B&Bs, small-town charm

• Connellsville: Historic downtown, bike shops, restaurants

• Rockwood & Meyersdale: Quaint stops with local eateries

• Salisbury Viaduct crossing

• Historic railroad tunnels

• Ohiopyle State Park (one of Pennsylvania's most popular state parks)

• Connection to the C&O Canal Towpath at Cumberland

The Schuylkill River Trail offers urban cycling at its finest. This developing trail system will eventually stretch 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County through Montgomery County, Berks County, and Chester County, all the way to Philadelphia.

• Current length: 75+ miles open to the public

• Longest section: 35 miles from Philadelphia to Parker Ford

• Surface: Paved and crushed stone sections

• Recognition: National recreation trail

• Schuylkill County

• Berks County

• Montgomery County

• Chester County

• Philadelphia

• Valley Forge National Historical Park

• Historic iron ore quarries

• Remnants of canal navigation systems

• Manayunk's trendy restaurant scene

• Boathouse Row in Philadelphia

The paved pathway sections are perfect for road bikes and families looking for smooth riding close to urban amenities.

For a ride through history, head to the Ghost Town Trail in Cambria County and Indiana County. This 49-mile national recreation trail gets its name from the abandoned coal-mining communities that once lined the route of the former Ebensburg & Black Lick Railroad.

• Length: 49 miles

• Surface: Finely packed limestone

• Location: Cambria County and Indiana County

• Recognition: Pennsylvania's Trail of the Year (2020), National Recreation Trail

• Eliza Furnace: One of Pennsylvania's best-preserved iron furnaces, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

• Wehrum: The largest ghost town, once home to 230 houses, a hotel, and a company store

• Interpretive signs: Learn about the region's coal and iron ore industry

• Railroad relics: Old mining slag, railroad ties, and discarded rail cars

• Bracken

• Armerford

• Lackawanna No. 3

• Scott Glenn

• Webster

• Beulah

• Claghorn

The trail connects to Duman Lake County Park, offering camping, fishing, and additional recreational trails.

The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail offers over 20 miles of mixed-use trail through picturesque Lancaster County and Lebanon County. Built on the former Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad, this trail system passes through charming communities and rich history.

• Length: 20+ miles

• Surface: Crushed stone and paved sections

• Special feature: Parallel path for horseback riding

• Activities: Biking, walking, running, horseback riding, cross-country skiing

• Mt. Gretna

• Cornwall

• Colebrook

• Lawn

• City of Lebanon

• Gentle grades throughout

• Ice cream shops along the route

• Restrooms at multiple trailheads

• Connects to Conewago Recreation Trail for extended riding

Cornwall Iron Furnace is just 0.6 miles from the Cornwall trailhead, a National Historic Landmark that operated from 1742 to 1883.

Pennsylvania isn't just about rail trails. Mountain bikers will find challenging terrain throughout the state.

• Jakes Rocks: Pennsylvania's 2024 Trail of the Year: 33 miles of professionally built trails for all skill levels

• Rothrock State Forest: Technical trails near State College

• Allegrippis Trail: 36 miles of trails surrounding Raystown Lake

• Wissahickon Valley Park: Urban singletrack near Philadelphia

• Allegheny National Forest: Remote riding in northwestern PA

• Professionally designed stacked-loop system

• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced options

• One of the best mountain biking destinations on the East Coast

• Spring: Ideal temperatures, wildflowers blooming

• Summer: Start early to beat humidity

• Fall: Peak foliage, comfortable temps

• Winter: Some trails groomed for cross-country skiing

• Wide tires (28mm or wider) for crushed limestone surfaces

• Helmet and basic repair kit with spare tube

• Water and snacks; Some trails pass through remote areas

• Phone with downloaded trail maps (cell service can be spotty)

• Blaze orange during hunting season

• Call out or ring a bell when passing

• Yield to pedestrians and horses

• Stay to the right except when passing

• Pack out what you pack in

• Keep dogs leashed on multi-use paths

Pennsylvania's trail system keeps expanding, with new sections opening regularly and connections improving each year. From the beautiful scenery of the Pine Creek Gorge to the historic Susquehanna River Valley, there's a perfect ride waiting for every cyclist.

The hardest part? Getting your bike to the trail head in the first place.

That's where we come in. At 1UP USA, we build bike racks designed to get your bikes to your next adventure safely and securely. Our racks are manufactured right here in the USA from quality aluminum, not cheap plastic that'll crack or rust after a few seasons. Every single part is replaceable, so your rack can last as long as your love for cycling.

You’ve invested in your bike. Make sure you're transporting it on a rack that's built to the same standards. Check out our full lineup of bike racks and find the perfect fit for your vehicle. Then load up and hit those Pennsylvania trails, they're waiting for you!