By Rachel Camaerei • Communications Coordinator for the PMVB
Hit the trails! With 67,000 acres to explore, what are you waiting for? The Poconos is king when it comes to outdoor adventure, so gear up for some biking.
We’ve broken down biking based on skill-level from beginner to expert. Check out the parks and trails below, grab your helmet and start peddling!
1. For Beginner Cyclists
If you’re still getting the hang of things or biking for the first time, Promised Land State Park offers six-and-a-half miles of paved roads. Take in the beauty of the park as you push around Promised Land Lake. Be sure to take it easy because here, riders share the road.
Insider Tip: Want to kick it up a notch? Promised Land State Park permits mountain biking on designated trails only within Delaware State Forest.
2. For Moderate Explorers
The Switchback Railroad Trail is among the most historic trails in Pennsylvania’s Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The hard-packed dirt trail yields up to 18 miles of adventure for both bikers and hikers alike. This trail traces through Mauch Chunk Lake Park and along the outskirts of Jim Thorpe.
Insider Tip: Biking downhill toward Jim Thorpe is the easier navigation of the trail; the grade in reverse is more difficult.
3. For Adventure Seekers
Celebrating it’s 30-year anniversary, The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor runs throughout the state, but 24.4 miles trace the Poconos from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. You can always split up sections of this trail for shorter rides. The Lehigh Gorge Trail interconnects with the D&L Rail Trail, which runs through the scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Insider Tip: For a fun challenge, link up with Pocono Biking to experience part or all of the trail!
4. For Experienced Riders
The McDade Recreational Trail runs 32 miles throughout the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. From vertical drops to flat straightaways, this challenging, packed gravel path runs along the beautiful Delaware River. Bring your own bike or rent one through Edge of the Woods Outfitters – the only bike rentals in the DWGNRA! Due to the region’s recent storm damage, visit the DWGNRA’s website or call for trail updates.
Insider Tip: Mountain and hybrid bikes are recommended; bring an inflatable tire along for the ride.
5. For Mountain Bikers
Ready for an extreme ride? Feel like a BMX pro at Blue Mountain Bike Park. Experience the downhill thrills at Pennsylvania’s highest vertical. Bring your own full suspension bike or rent one on-site to conquer the varied terrain on 25 trails. A lift-service brings you back to the top of the trails, so you can crush the mountain again and again.
Insider Tip: Sorry newbies, all riders must have previous mountain biking experience.
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