Description
Maurice K. Goddard State Park spans more than 2,000 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania, about 70 miles north of Pittsburgh. A centerpiece of the park is the expansive Lake Wilhelm, popular with anglers. A paved, off-road trail for biking and walking lines both its shores. On-road connections at either end complete a pleasant, largely wooded loop around the lake.
The trail on the lake's north side contains several sharp bends and short, steep runs that may more challenging for some, but there's a payoff with scenic vistas overlooking the water. Also, keep a look out for the many types of birds, such as geese, eagles, and ospreys, as well as other wildlife, that call the area home. Picnic areas are abundant for rest and refueling, and restrooms can be found at each of the four boat launches around the lake.
In winter, snowmobiles are restricted to the north side of the lake and cross country skiers may use the south side.
Parking and Trail Access
The address of Maurice K. Goddard State Park is 684 Lake Wilhelm Road in Sandy Lake and the main parking area is on this roadway between the bridge and the park office. Additional parking lots are available at each of the park's four boat launches (along both shores) and at the park's marina.
Route Alternatives
By
youker
in
May, 2013
Here is more info on specific routes to add to yesterday's comments. If you are not concerned with two short stretches on the road you can do a 13 mile circle starting anywhere and going in either direction. Otherwise you can turn it into two separate ...
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Confusing mileage and description
By
youker
in
May, 2013
I highly recommend this trail unless you are uncomfortable with short steep drops and uphills. My wife drove shuttle and I started at the start on the north east side just below the park office by the causeway and near launch site #3. The trail along ...
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Incredibly unique!!
By
rbyham
in
February, 2013
We are very fortunate to have an incredible network of Rails-to-trails' bike trails within a 45 mile radius in N/W Pennsylvania. All are beautiful, but this trail is my favorite, by far. Where most of the trails are built on flat abandoned railroad beds ...
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