Find the top rated bike trails in Lock Haven, whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a bike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I'm rating this trail for its future potential more than its current condition.
The two segments that currently exist are nice enough, and the trailhead in Castanea is great. The existing trail segments are well-maintained with decent scenery as they follow close to Bald Eagle Creek and the West Branch of the Susquehanna. They can also easily be connected by traveling a couple of miles on quiet roads in between.
When complete, this trail will effectively become a roughly 10-mile extension of the spectacular Pine Creek Trail, creating a continuous path from Lock Haven nearly to Wellsboro.
I spent a few days bikepacking to, from, and on the Pine Creek Trail in early October 2023, and I attempted to use the existing parts of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail since they were more or less along my route. On my way to Pine Creek I took the existing trail segment east from Castanea and then took the roads to the beginning of the second trail segment. I then rode the second trail segment and crossed the (fantastic) bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna. After studying maps and satellite images, I thought that it might be possible to exit the trail from the eastern end and continue on a local road toward Jersey Shore. However, the improved trail ends abruptly after crossing the bridge over the West Branch, and I found that there was definitely no way to access any road from this point (especially with a loaded touring bike). The banks on either side of the trail fell away steeply and were thick with brush, and the adjacent land was posted private property. The old rail bed obviously continued east from this point, but it was too overgrown with weeds to ride. I had to backtrack the second trail segment to the bridge on McElhattan Drive in order to cross the West Branch and continue on my way.
I really look forward to the day when I can hop on this trail in Castanea or Lock Haven (or maybe someday even further south?) and travel all the way to the beginning of the Pine Creek Trail in Jersey Shore...
I rode from Jersey Shore to outside of Wellsboro and back over two days. The trail is well maintained and number of spots you want to stop at and just watch world go by.
Some things to note:
Bring a physical map since cell phones don't work. The trail is well marked concerning the distance between location but without a map, you don't know where you are exactly. And there are no maps on the trail.
Wear sunscreen. If it's a sunny day, it can be brutal with the sun beating down on you.
Bring extra water. Aside from a few stores (Slate Run and Cedar Run) on the trail, there is no sources of drinkable water on the trail that I could find.
No shelters aside from comfort locations. If a storm rolls in, you’re out of luck.
Overall the trail is a wonderful and one I hope to visit again.
This has it all...well maintained and signed trail, multiple rest rooms and camping options along the way, some great towns you'll bike through to grab a bite to eat...you could even combine it with a backpacking or canoe trip.
Fantastic trail experience. We rode from Darling Run to Blackwell and back on a flat and groomed surface. The trail is well marked. We chose this section because it’s the full run of the gorge. We left around 9 am in mid-July and the trail heading south had little access to the sun. The ride back, with the sun higher in the sky, was spectacular with gorgeous views around every corner. We saw plenty of deer and a bald eagle. An unforgettable experience.
We have rode this trail a couple of times starting at different trailheads. This time we started in Jersey Shore and rode 10 miles toward Waterville. Sunny hot day, bur with all the tree cover a good tail to help stay cooler.
We've rode this trail several times now, from different jump off points. No matter what section you're on, it's enjoyable!
Grass is growing through the gravel between Emporium and Little Red Barn Farm. Emporium Chamber says trail will be sprayed later in June. Trail could use additional gravel. Lots of wildlife along the trail.
I lost my black wristlet along this trail today (5/27/23) Please call me at (814) 937-7979 if found.
This trail is easy to find from either the Simmemahoning Park Office or the Wildlife Viewing Area which is a mile north of the park office. There are parking lots and rest rooms in both areas. The park office is manned during the day. The trail is flat and wide. Great for families. The southern part of the trail passes 40 Maples day use area. There are restrooms at 40 Maples. South of 40 Maples the trail exits onto and shares the park road that goes to the lake. Can be ridden using mountain bikes or gravel bikes.
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