The best traffic-free bike rides in Moosic Mountain Tract

Our guide features 5 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes in and around the Moosic Mountain Tract. These routes offer a range of distances and difficulties, providing options for various skill levels.

While the core Moosic Mountain Tract is known for its rugged, technical mountain biking terrain, the no traffic touring routes in the broader area often utilize smoother surfaces. You can expect routes that incorporate historic railbeds and tranquil riverbanks, providing a more suitable experience for touring bikes. For example, the Scranton – Lackawanna River loop from Blakely offers such conditions.

Yes, there is an easy route suitable for families looking for a gentle ride. The Blueberry Trail loop from Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain is rated as easy, covering 7 km with moderate elevation gain, making it a good option for a relaxed outing.

Several of the no traffic touring routes are designed as loops. For instance, the O'Conner Reservoir loop from Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain (13.6 km) and the Scranton loop from Lackawanna County (20 km) are excellent choices for circular rides, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

For those seeking a longer ride, the Scranton – Lackawanna River loop from Blakely is the longest route featured, spanning over 39 km. This route offers a substantial distance for touring cyclists to enjoy without vehicle traffic.

While specific parking details for each route vary, many trails, especially those within preserves like the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain, typically offer designated parking areas. For routes like the O'Conner Reservoir loop, starting points are often accessible by car with parking facilities nearby.

The Moosic Mountain Tract area, with its forested landscapes and heath barrens, is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers vibrant fall foliage. Summer can be pleasant, but be mindful of warmer temperatures. Winter cycling is possible but may require specialized gear due to potential snow and ice, especially on less maintained sections.

Yes, the Moosic Mountain Tract and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. The preserve's unique heath barrens support diverse species, including various birds like chestnut-sided warblers, and larger game such as white-tailed deer, black bear, and turkey. Cyclists often have opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially during quieter times of day.

While the routes themselves are the primary attraction for no traffic cycling, the region offers natural beauty. The Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain features extensive heath barrens, considered among the largest and best-preserved in the eastern United States. You can learn more about this unique habitat at The Nature Conservancy.

The komoot community rates the touring cycling experience in this area highly, with an average score of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the routes and the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes, particularly the quiet sections along riverbanks and through forested areas.

Generally, permits are not required for touring cycling on the designated no traffic routes in the Moosic Mountain Tract area. However, it's always advisable to check the specific regulations for any private land or protected areas you plan to traverse, especially within preserves, to ensure compliance.

Yes, the broader area around Moosic, Pennsylvania, is known for incorporating historic railbeds and tranquil riverbanks into its cycling routes. The Scranton – Lackawanna River loop from Blakely is a prime example, offering scenic views along the Lackawanna River, which are ideal for touring cyclists seeking smooth, car-free paths.