MTB Project Logo
Climb
MTB
Hike
Trailrun
Ski

Big Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.7 (42)
  1. Areas
  2. PA
  3. …Northwestern PA
  4. …Allegheny National Forest
  5. Trails at Jakes Rocks
Explore MTB in 3D
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Previous Next

“There are many ways to enjoy Jakes Rocks, but this ride hits just about every trail in phase 1! ”

Frank Maguire
Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Google Map
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

11.1

Miles

17.8

KM

100%

Singletrack

2,140' 652 m

High

1,741' 531 m

Low

728' 222 m

Up

729' 222 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Although there are some tougher sections, if your kid is up for an adventure and has some stamina, this is very doable.

Be aware of PA hunting seasons.

Overview

This ride is a showcase of all the trails in phase 1 of the trails at Jakes Rocks. Completed in 2016, the loop hits all the trails on the perimeter before doubling back a little bit to climb up to Coal Knob and then hits a gradual descent back to the trailhead.

Description

Starting from the picnic area trailhead at Jakes Rocks, stay to the right and head out on Tuttletown for a gradual climb along the edge of the plateau. There a few opportunities to catch a glimpse of the valley and the Kinzua Reservoir through the trees, which will get better in the fall. The trail crosses the road couple of times, before turning east and heading downhill. Tuttletown eventually becomes Coal Knob.

Continue on Longhouse Trail where Coal Knob meets Elijah. Get ready for the longest sustained downhill in this phase, dropping for over a mile and a half. There are multiple optional lines that include hips, rock gardens, and drops. There are also several wooden puncheons and cool armored sections to deal with wet areas.

Longhouse Trail eventually levels out and after crossing several drainage areas the trail starts to climb, crossing FR 492 where it becomes Vulpes. After a short climb, take a right on Cornplanter and descend again for a short bit, passing through some large boulders. Now make a left on to Three Sisters.

Three Sisters is the only trail (so far) that is built by hand by local volunteers, and the difference is readily apparent. The surface is looser and then proceeds through some very tight rock chasms that no machine could fit through. There are several cool rock features in this section that make for cool photos, if you want to document your ride!

At the end of Three Sisters, turn left on to Seneca for a short, fast downhill, including a natural wall ride. There are multiple, very cool wooden puncheons as well as rock features that flow really nicely in the other direction if you have some energy left at the end of this loop.

Once you get to the top of the plateau, take a left on Coal Knob. Coal Knob starts out climbing slightly. Once on top, you cross a broad piece of exposed sandstone, reminiscent of Dupont or even Moab slick rock. On the far side of the knob, the trail drops into some of the best flow in this phase.

At the intersection with Elijah and Longhouse Trail turn right and connect to Tuttletown to continue flowing back to the parking lot.

Contacts

Local Club: Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association

Land Manager: USFS - Allegheny National Forest Office

Shared By:

Frank Maguire with improvements by Ryan Sprake
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 42 votes

#1

in Trails at Jakes Rocks

#337

Overall
  4.7 from 42 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Trails at Jakes Rocks

#3

in Pennsylvania

#337

Overall
20 Views Last Month
22,184 Since Aug 31, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
9%
71%
9%
9%
3%
Add a Photo

Photos

Climbing up to Coal Knob on G Trail. Jakes Rocks Trail System. Warren, PA.
Aug 30, 2016 near Warren, PA
Pedaling through house-sized boulders is one of the coolest features of the Jakes Rocks Trail System.
Aug 30, 2016 near Warren, PA
The big forest on F Trail at Jakes Rocks.
Aug 30, 2016 near Warren, PA
Riding through a lush section on A Trail at Jakes Rocks Trail System. Warren, PA.
Aug 30, 2016 near Warren, PA
The Coal Knob slickrock on G Trail. Jakes Rocks Trail System near Warren, PA.
Aug 30, 2016 near Warren, PA
Top to bottom run on Cornplanter
Sep 24, 2019 near Warren, PA

1 Comment

Sort by: Oldest Drop down
Newest Oldest Popular
loading

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 4, 2023
Eric Dittmer
coal knob, Elijah to intersection and back, tuttletown. 15mi
Sep 3, 2023
Eric Dittmer
coal knob, tuttletown, senaca,tuttletown- spur 10.2mi — 1h 04m
Sep 2, 2023
Eric Dittmer
coal knob, tuttletown, spur 6mi
Jul 5, 2023
Eric Dittmer
Ridgeback and following. tuttletown, Elijah, ursus,laurel,oh hi o cornplanter, coal knob, parking 8mi
Jun 3, 2023
Timothy Howard
Fantastic and much needed course selection to see the best of the national forest. 11.1mi — 1h 30m
May 29, 2023
Eric Dittmer
spur, coal knob, Elijah to ursus, laurel, OH hi yo to powerline, up to parking lot
May 28, 2023
Eric Dittmer
top and longhouse. zigzag 9.3mi
May 7, 2023
Eric Dittmer
spur. tuttletown, longhouse, vulpes,laurel,oh-hiyo, cornplanter, senaca 9mi — 1h 03m

Nearby Recommended Routes

Welcome

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started