The best road cycling routes in Montage Tract

Montage Tract offers over 20 road cycling routes, primarily catering to moderate ability levels. These routes provide a diverse experience through dense hemlock forests and rolling hills.

You can expect a varied landscape characterized by dense hemlock forests and rolling hills. The area features winding forestry roads that often include steep climbs, providing significant elevation gains for those seeking a challenging and rewarding experience. While some sections might be rugged, the routes are generally suitable for road bikes.

Yes, Montage Tract offers routes with significant elevation gains. For instance, the View of the Lackawanna River – Scranton loop from Scranton covers 33.7 miles with over 850 meters of ascent, making it a demanding option. The Scranton loop from PNC Field also presents a substantial challenge with nearly 600 meters of elevation gain over 47.4 miles.

While cycling, you'll traverse dense hemlock forests and rolling hills, offering picturesque views. The region is known for its numerous creeks, cascades, and waterfalls. Routes like the Scranton – Lackawanna River loop from Scranton follow the Lackawanna River, providing scenic river views. The broader Pinchot State Forest, which includes Montage Tract, also features unique rock formations and gorges.

The best time for road cycling is typically from spring through autumn. While the region is beautiful year-round, some forestry roads, like Montage Road, are not plowed in winter and can have slippery, muddy sections or washouts, making them less suitable for road bikes during colder months. Autumn is particularly vibrant with fall foliage along routes like the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Yes, dogs are generally permitted on trails within Pinchot State Forest, including Montage Tract, provided they are kept on a leash. This applies to many of the areas accessible by road cycling routes, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Montage Tract are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Scranton loop from PNC Field, the Scranton – Lackawanna River loop from Scranton, and the Lackawanna River – Everhart Museum loop from Electric City Trolley Station.

The routes in Montage Tract are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the challenging elevation gains, and the scenic beauty of the hemlock forests and river views. The variety of routes, from moderate to more difficult, is also frequently highlighted.

While many routes feature significant elevation changes, the broader area offers some gentler options. The Lake Scranton trail, for example, provides an easy 3.8-mile loop along its shoreline, which could be suitable for families. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail also offers a relatively flat 4.0-mile path with river views.

Specific parking details vary by route starting point. For routes originating near Scranton, you might find parking facilities in urban areas or designated trailheads. For routes deeper within Montage Tract or Pinchot State Forest, look for parking areas near trail access points or along accessible forestry roads. Always check local signage for parking regulations.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and elevation. For example, the Scranton – Lackawanna River loop from Scranton, at 23.7 miles, typically takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. Longer routes like the Scranton loop from PNC Field, spanning 47.4 miles, can take approximately 3 hours 50 minutes to complete.

While Montage Tract itself is a natural area, many road cycling routes start or pass through nearby towns like Scranton. In these urban areas, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and restaurants to refuel before or after your ride. It's advisable to plan your route and check for amenities in the towns you'll pass through.