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Roaring Run** and Forbes State
Forest is filled
with biking trails that meet everybody from the novice to the
expert’s requests. This
particular run is somewhere in the middle. There are just enough rocks, roots,
thorns, and mud to keep you honest.
But you can definitely find some speed. None of the climbs or descents are very long or very high, but there are enough altitude
changes to give you a great workout.
And the scenery (very green) is spectacular. You can find Roaring Run Natural Area
off of Hwy-31 east out of Donegal.
You turn right before the top of the hill right after you see
some signs for Kooser State Park—Firetower Road.
Parking is on the right.
You start on the McKenna Trail from a small field climbing up on
the rocks through the ferns.
Then you avoid the thorns and run through some mud. (Hillside and Painter Rock Trails are on the
left). An unmarked trail (not on
the map either) on the right (feels new) offers a nice climb and meets
up with the North Loop Trail. Otherwise
take a sharp left and head back down the hill on the Nedrow Trail.
Keep straight at an intersection with a road. You pass a memorial on the left. Then you pass a parking lot when the
road turns left. The cemetery is
on the right. After a couple
hills, you see the Hillside Trail again. Head right down and up through the
gulch (great single-track). Keep
straight until you meet Firetower Road. Turn right and head up the hill. The Tower Road Trail will be on your
right (more great single-track).
Always stay straight or head left at forks (throughout this set
of trails, red is where you want to be—cross-country ski trails,
blue is an alternate trail—but can lead you on a long adventure,
and yellow is off-limits hiking only).
You end up on Firetower Road
again. Head past the cabins and
climb the hill. Head left back
through the Hillside Trail.
Cross Nedrow Road and continue up the
hill on the Hillside Trail. Turn
right and head back down the McKenna Trail. (Two other trails from the
same lot will be posted soon) (more
info)
**Apparently, the set of trails in Roaring
Run Natural Area have been designated as off-limits to mountain
bikers. I have not checked this
season, but an explicit no-biking sign is supposedly posted so you’ll
have to ride other trails in that location that are NOT in the Natural
Area or head up to Laurel Summit or down to Seven Springs or Ohiopyle.
For more information on this closure, contact William Davis or call
the DCNR at 724-238-1200. I
still recommend hiking in Roaring Run Natural Area if you get the
chance.**
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Bee Balms on Nedrow Trail
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Nedrow Cemetery and Trail
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