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Excellent entry-level riding in a beautiful area.


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Map Key

14.7

Miles

23.7

KM

25%

Singletrack

2,887' 880 m

High

1,991' 607 m

Low

1,474' 449 m

Up

1,476' 450 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

The Roaring Run parking area, just off 711, provides quick trail access from the turnpike (I76). For hiking, there is the Roaring Run trail network, as well as the Laurel Highlands Trail. Unfortunately, these are off limits to bikes. In contrast, riding is allowed in the area just east, which is a valley formed by Jones Mill Run.

The ride described here makes its way to a point on the western ridge of the valley and then descends the western side to near the valley entrance. It then enters Laurel Hill State Park. After riding a couple of the park trails and crossing a third bridge over Jones Mill Run, the ride ascends back up the valley on the eastern side.

At the top, the ride accesses a loop of singletrack that returns to the starting point. You may notice a few unauthorized trails in this area. The ride is excellent for beginning and intermediate riders that are fit. The sections of singletrack are fun with roots and mud being the major obstacles.

Need to Know

If you approach this ride from the turnpike, the exit at Donegal is like a roadside auto/truck stop with plenty of places to pick up food and beverages for before and after. Sarnellis Market at the junction of 711 and 381 is a good choice. If you are at Seven Springs, the parking area marked at the Ridge Trail trailhead is an excellent starting place for this ride. If you are staying at Hidden Valley, the ride can be accessed directly from the resort. Regarding hunting, check ahead and dress appropriately.

Description

Route finding should be pretty easy as most of the junctions are marked, but running the MTB Project mobile app will be helpful.

Starting from the parking area, cross Fire Tower Rd. (that you drove in on) and begin riding the Lookout Trail. After passing the Laurel Highlands trail (yellow blazes) take the next right onto Jones Mill Run Trail.

Continue down and back up until Jones Mill Run Trail dumps you out on a forest road at the top of the ridge. Continue as you pass Laurel Highlands trail and then turn left on Fire Tower Rd.

Shortly after, turn left onto Cherry Trail. Descend the doubletrack to Jones Mill Road at the bottom.

Turn right on the road and take it towards the entrance to the valley looking for the marked Ridge Trail trailhead (and parking area) on your left.

Take Ridge Trail down past the cabins until it hits the park road. Turn left, cross the bridge over Jones Mill Run, and access the Pump House Trail.

Take Pump House Trail up a short steep climb to a left at the top onto Martz Trail. This will take you quickly to a junction with a forest road. Simply cross the road to gain access to the Red Oak Trail.

Take Red Oak Trail up the valley side until it dumps you onto Jones Mill Road.

Ride up the road until Lookout trail and take a right, riding Lookout Trail as it goes up near the Hidden Valley Resort. Now, stay to the right at most junctions to stay on the Lookout Trail as it circles the top of the valley, crossing Jones Mill Run Road, and brings you back to the parking area.

Contacts

Shared By:

Adam Linstedt

Trail Ratings

  3.1 from 9 votes

#3491

Overall
  3.1 from 9 votes
5 Star
11%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
22%
2 Star
22%
1 Star
11%
Recommended Route Rankings

#101

in Pennsylvania

#3,491

Overall
9 Views Last Month
3,313 Since Jan 19, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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67%
17%
17%
0%

Photos

Oops - on Lookout Trail
Jan 14, 2015 near Somerset, PA
Red Oak Trail
Jan 14, 2015 near Somerset, PA
Gentle descent on Red Oak Trail
Jan 14, 2015 near Somerset, PA
Jones Mill Trail Exit
Jan 14, 2015 near Somerset, PA
At bridge crossing Jones Mill Run
Jan 14, 2015 near Somerset, PA

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