The best traffic-free bike rides in Colton Point State Park

There are 3 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes listed for Colton Point State Park. These routes are designed to offer a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic, primarily utilizing the renowned Pine Creek Rail Trail.

The best time for touring cycling is typically spring through fall. Spring offers lush greenery and blooming mountain laurel, while fall provides spectacular foliage views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter conditions can make cycling challenging due to snow and ice on trails.

Yes, the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which is central to the no-traffic routes here, is very family-friendly. Its gentle grade and well-maintained surface make it suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. An excellent option is the Pine Creek loop from Shippen Township, which is rated as easy and covers 16.26 km.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which forms the basis of these no-traffic routes. However, they must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Always ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the trail's pristine condition for all users.

You can expect breathtaking views of the Pine Creek Gorge, often called the "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon." The routes primarily follow the Pine Creek Rail Trail at the bottom of the gorge, offering serene views of Pine Creek, forested hills, and glimpses of the dramatic canyon walls above. You might also spot diverse wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species like bald eagles.

Yes, there are circular options that incorporate sections of the Pine Creek Rail Trail. For example, the Pine Creek Gorge – Pine Creek loop from Shippen Township offers a moderate 62.88 km circular tour, allowing you to experience different perspectives of the gorge.

Colton Point State Park itself has parking areas on the rim. For accessing the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which is the primary no-traffic route, there are various access points along Route 414 and Route 44 with designated parking. It's advisable to check the specific access points for the route you plan to take.

The no-traffic routes primarily utilize the Pine Creek Rail Trail, which is known for its gentle grade and relatively flat profile, making it suitable for most skill levels. We offer routes ranging from easy, like the Pine Creek loop from Shippen Township (16.26 km), to moderate, such as the Pine Creek Gorge loop from Olmsville (28.57 km), which may include slightly more elevation gain.

While Colton Point State Park itself maintains a rustic character with picnic areas and primitive camping, you'll find more extensive amenities like restaurants and hotels in nearby towns along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, such as Wellsboro or Blackwell. These towns offer various services for touring cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars. Reviewers often praise the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Pine Creek Gorge, the peaceful, traffic-free experience on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, and the opportunity to spot abundant wildlife in a serene natural setting.

While the main no-traffic routes on the Pine Creek Rail Trail primarily follow the creek, the broader Colton Point State Park area is known for its rugged waterfall trails. Rexford Branch Falls is within the park, and Chimney Hollow Falls is just a few miles north. These may require short detours or hikes from the main cycling path.