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An enjoyably technical ride with some rocky sections as it travels through the woods at French Creek State Park.


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Map Key

11.3

Miles

18.2

KM

90%

Singletrack

981' 299 m

High

522' 159 m

Low

1,074' 327 m

Up

1,078' 329 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Family Friendly Camping, boating, and other activities can be found in this area, which makes this a great part of a family visit.

Overview

This ride takes you over multiple trails in the French Creek State Park system. There are technical rocky sections and other areas of straightforwards singletrack. You'll ride by organized campgrounds, Scott Run Lake, and the Hopewell Fire Tower. Trails are well marked and most riders should be able to make it through the technical sections without having to walk.

Need to Know

Lately, I haven't seen any maps at the park offices so I suggest using a GPS, the MTB Project mobile app, or printing out a map which can be found on the park's website here.

Description

Enter the park from the south or west and park near the Hopewell Lake recreation area. Head southwest on the entrance road to the start of the climb on the West Entrance Connector Trail which leads up to the yellow-blazed Horse-Shoe Trail: French Creek State Park. Turn left and continue climbing. After a short distance, the white-blazed Turtle Trail begins. Continue straight, following the white and yellow blazing.

The Turtle Trail loops through a quiet and isolated section of woods on the western edge of the park. After a few miles, continue straight at the intersection with the Boone Trail. The blue blazes soon turn to the north, where riders will encounter technical steeps and lots of rocks. You'll also cross some wooden bridges and roads along the way.

Eventually, the Boone Trail overlaps with the Horse-Shoe Trail: French Creek State Park for a short distance. Where the two separate, continue straight to follow the yellow blazes. Look for the start of the Six Penny Trail on the right and follow the orange blazes for an easy ride. Note that much of this trail is closed to bikes so turn right on the Six Penny - Boone Trail Connector when you near Campground #3.

Briefly follow the Boone Trail again and then make the right to follow the Lenape Trail for a fun descent marked with green blazes. When you meet Scott's Run Road for the second time, follow it toward the dam at the edge of the lake. This makes a great spot for a break and it also provides nice views as your pedal above the water.

On the other side, continue on Horse-Shoe Trail: French Creek State Park until it overlaps with the Boone Trail. At the next intersection, turn left to follow the white blazes of the Turtle Trail up a rock garden climb. At the top, turn right for a quick out-and-back on the Ridge Trail to a nice scenic view near the fire tower.

One back at the intersection, descend the blue-blazed Boone Trail to the west. At the last intersection before reaching the road, continue straight on the Horse-Shoe Trail: French Creek State Park until it reaches the pavement. Turn right and continue down to where you left your car.

Contacts

Land Manager: PA DCNR - Main Office

Shared By:

Alex Zielke

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 15 votes

#2056

Overall
  3.9 from 15 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
7%
Recommended Route Rankings

#41

in Pennsylvania

#2,056

Overall
20 Views Last Month
11,065 Since Feb 10, 2017
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
5%
21%
74%
0%

Photos

The view of the rocky terrain on the leg burning climb up to the fire tower on the Boone Trail.
Apr 17, 2017 near Birdsboro, PA
There's really nice flow on this part of the Boone Trail.
Mar 5, 2017 near Birdsboro, PA
Good times on Boone Trail.
Sep 27, 2017 near Birdsboro, PA
Approaching a roll-over on the Ridge Trail.
Sep 27, 2017 near Elverson, PA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 29, 2022
Mike Nosal
Nice and dry. Tougher than expected.
Aug 31, 2021
Mike M
Apr 26, 2021
Michael Sheinkman
Oct 10, 2020
Howard XX
Sep 25, 2020
Howard XX
Oct 13, 2019
Jennifer Prutzman Motze
Rock gardens, technical climbs, great descents 10.7mi — 1h 47m
May 22, 2019
Justin Muffley
Very technical climbs and lots of them. Not for people with no patience or beginners. This trail will beat your bike up. It's very doable for most. 10.9mi — 2h 19m
Mar 17, 2018
Toby Kemp
Great technical ride. 11.3mi
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