The best gravel rides around Church Hill
5.0
(1)
54
riders
5
rides
Gravel biking around Church Hill features a landscape characterized by forested hills, serene lakes, and winding creek paths. The region offers varied terrain, including routes through state parks and along mountain roads. Elevations provide both challenging climbs and scenic descents. This area is suitable for gravel bikers seeking routes that combine natural beauty with physical engagement.
Best gravel bike trails around Church Hill
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Poe Lake – Poe Valley State Park loop from Sand…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
22
riders
58.3km
03:55
1,120m
1,120m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
18
riders
115km
08:09
2,340m
2,340m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
9
riders
72.7km
04:54
1,280m
1,280m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
39.1km
02:35
730m
730m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
riders
62.8km
04:16
1,140m
1,140m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This is a great and challenging trail. I encountered many other people walking it with dogs.
0
0
Sand Mountain Road is a double track gravel road that runs the length of Poe Valley State Park. As such, it connects to many of the trails within the park and you will most likely end up riding it for a stretch to get to and from your favorite trails.
0
0
This small state parks sits at the confluence of Penns Creek and Big Poe Creek. There's a campsite, restrooms, water, and a number of trails to access. It's a good starting point to explore all that Bald Eagle State Forest has to offer.
1
0
The Penns Ceek Path is a short section of the 328-mile Mid State Trail. As the name suggest it follows Penns Creek through beautiful forest and an old converted train tunnel. You'll find toilets and water at the western end of the path in Poe Paddy State Park.
0
0
Poe Valley State Park spans 620 acres and showcases various bodies of water, including Poe Lake and Tea Kettle Pond, along with several mountain peaks. The park is a favored camping destination if you want to explore a little longer.
0
0
Encompassing almost 900 acres, the Bear Meadows Natural Area contains a fen wetland. There are some nice walking trails here, fringed by black and red spruce trees, balsam fir, and lots of high bush blueberries.
0
0
The view of Seeger Road traveling up Broad Mountain is spectacular from here. You can see far across the valley, making it a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the views.
0
0
Greenwood Furnace No. 2, holds historical significance as part of the state's iron industry during the 19th century. Operating from 1872 to 1904, it contributed to the region's economic growth. Today, it stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage, attracting visitors interested in history and archaeology.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall difficulty level of gravel biking trails around Church Hill?
The gravel biking trails around Church Hill are generally considered challenging. All 5 routes listed in the guide are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and varied terrain through forested hills and state parks.
Are there any family-friendly gravel biking options near Church Hill?
The gravel biking routes around Church Hill are primarily rated as difficult, suggesting they might be too challenging for younger children or beginners. The terrain often includes substantial climbs and descents, making them more suitable for experienced riders.
What kind of scenery can I expect on gravel bike trails in Church Hill?
You can expect diverse natural beauty, including forested hills, serene lakes, and winding creek paths. Routes often pass through state parks like Poe Valley State Park and along waterways such as Penns Creek, offering scenic views throughout your ride.
Are there any loop gravel bike trails available?
Yes, many of the routes around Church Hill are designed as loops. For example, you can explore the Poe Lake – Poe Valley State Park loop from Sand Mountain Trailhead, which covers 36.2 miles, or the longer Sand Mountain Road – Penns Creek Path and Tunnel loop from Sand Mountain Trailhead at 45.2 miles.
What is the longest gravel bike trail in the Church Hill area?
The longest gravel bike trail featured is the Poe Lake – Poe Valley State Park loop from Sand Mountain Trailhead, which spans 61.0 miles and typically takes over 10 hours to complete. This route offers an extensive exploration of the state park's diverse environment.
Are there any gravel bike trails that pass by lakes or water bodies?
Absolutely. Several routes incorporate lakes and creeks into their paths. The Poe Lake – Poe Valley State Park loop from Sand Mountain Trailhead directly explores the area around Poe Lake. Another option is the Colyer Lake – Bear Meadows Natural Area loop from Shittaka Lot, which includes Colyer Lake.
What do other gravel bikers say about the trails in Church Hill?
The gravel biking routes in Church Hill are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often praise the challenging terrain, the beauty of the forested hills, and the serene lake and creek paths.
Are there any shorter, yet still challenging, gravel bike routes?
For a challenging ride that's shorter than the longest loops, consider the Greenwood Furnace Stack No. 2 loop from Shittaka Lot. This route is 21.5 miles long and features significant elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 17 minutes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails?
The terrain is varied, encompassing forested hills, mountain roads, and paths alongside creeks. You'll encounter both challenging climbs and rewarding descents, characteristic of the region's natural landscape.
Are there any routes that explore state parks?
Yes, several routes delve into the region's state parks. The Poe Lake – Poe Valley State Park loop from Sand Mountain Trailhead is a prime example, offering extensive riding through Poe Valley State Park's diverse natural environment.
What is the typical duration for a gravel bike ride in Church Hill?
The duration varies significantly depending on the route's length and your pace. Rides can range from approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes for shorter, difficult loops like the Greenwood Furnace Stack No. 2 loop, up to over 10 hours for the longest trails such as the 61.0-mile Poe Lake – Poe Valley State Park loop.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
