Tulpehocken Creek/Lake Ontelaunee loop

The full Tulpehocken Creek/Lake Ontelaunee loop is a substantial ride. For touring cyclists, it generally takes around 4 hours and 17 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find mostly flat crushed stone or gravel along the Tulpehocken Creek (Union Canal Trail sections), with some paved segments. Around Lake Ontelaunee, expect a mix of paved, unpaved, and natural surfaces. If your route includes parts of the Blue Marsh Lake area, you might encounter singletrack dirt trails and 'flow trails' with twists and turns. A bike capable of handling varied terrain is recommended.

This loop is rich in scenery and history. Along Tulpehocken Creek, you'll follow the historic Union Canal towpath, passing remnants of the canal and the restored Wertz's Covered Bridge. The creek itself is a Pennsylvania Scenic River. Lake Ontelaunee offers expansive lake views and opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna. You'll also ride sections of the Muhlenberg Rail Trail and Wyomissing Creek Trail.

Yes, the route connects to several other trail systems. You'll find sections that are part of the 9-11 Trail (Pennsylvania thru route), Blue Marsh Lake Multi-Use Trail, and the Schuylkill River Trail. It also includes parts of the Muhlenberg Rail Trail, Lake Border Trail, and Wyomissing Creek Trail, offering possibilities for extended rides.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for cycling this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with fall foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather. Winter cycling is possible, but some unpaved sections might be less accessible due to snow or ice.

Many sections of the trails that make up this loop, particularly the Union Canal Trail and trails around Lake Ontelaunee, are dog-friendly. However, dogs must always be kept on a leash, and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet. Always check specific park regulations for any areas you plan to visit.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the public trails that comprise this loop, such as the Union Canal Trail or those around Lake Ontelaunee. However, if your route takes you into specific managed areas like the Blue Marsh Lake Recreation Area, always check their official website (berkspa.gov) for any updated regulations or specific activity permits.

There are various access points with parking available around the loop. For the Union Canal Trail along Tulpehocken Creek, you can find parking lots at different trailheads. Similarly, Lake Ontelaunee has designated parking areas. It's advisable to check local park and trail websites for specific trailhead parking locations and any associated fees or restrictions.

While sections like the Union Canal Trail are relatively flat and easy, the full Tulpehocken Creek/Lake Ontelaunee loop is rated as 'difficult' due to its length (over 67 km) and varied terrain, which includes unpaved sections and some elevation gain. It requires very good fitness. Beginners might prefer to tackle shorter, easier segments of the Union Canal Trail or Lake Ontelaunee Trail rather than the entire loop.

Amenities can be found at various points along the extensive loop, particularly near popular trailheads, parks, and towns you might pass through. However, given the length of the ride, it's always wise to carry sufficient water and snacks, and plan your stops for restrooms in advance, especially on less developed sections of the trail.

Given the mix of paved, crushed stone, and potentially natural surfaces, a touring bicycle or a gravel bike would be ideal for this loop. These bikes offer a good balance of comfort, durability, and tire width to handle the varied terrain effectively. Road bikes might struggle on the unpaved sections, while mountain bikes could be overkill for the smoother parts.