By: Rob Housley
My Favorite place to ride. Wow, this is hard because everywhere I ride in PA there is always favorite area. These areas can be to take in the view or just hear the whispering pines and smell their aroma.
But an area that stands out the most is riding the state forest trails in Huntingdon and Centre County among the Tussey Mountains. My ride usually starts with meeting a few friends in the parking lot on Colerain Rd. Within minutes of unloading we are at our first overlook where you can view several counties. Traveling along these mountain sides there are lots of majestic views. About two hours into the ride we stop at Whipples Dam State Park for a snack and restroom break. Back on the trail we travel through several straight-aways and intersections in the lowlands heading towards Alan Seeger Natural Area. I think this is another reason this area is special, due to the elevation, in the lowlands, the snow does not stay around long so you have to take advantage while it’s there.
Another highlight of this trail ride is Tussey Mountain Ski Resort. At the resort they have a place to park your sleds and watch the skiers or go inside for a snack or drink. Trailer Parking is available there too. This state forest trail system links many state parks such as Penn Roosevelt and Greenwood Furnace.
Now, for my wife and I one of the biggest highlights of a ride is food. As I mentioned before, Tussey Mountain has food but also consider tracking across RT322 and wiggling your way down to the Wilderness Lodge near Reeds Gap State Forest. Their food is good along and so is their hospitality. Another option is to head back and stop at Doans Bones. This place specializes in barbeque ribs and pickle soup. And, I believe there is fuel across the street.
Back at the parking lot by sunset and still burping the barbeque is the worst part of the day. And then tie down the machines in the trailer and head home. You get home exhausted and can’t wait to relax and sit down to your planning for the next day’s ride.
Total miles on trip can be 121 to Reeds Gap or less than 100 to Tussey Mtn Ski resort. The maps are on DCNR website along with trail conditions. But, if conditions are good, I’m going riding and post on the Glendale Lake SMC FaceBook club of how they were.
Are you willing to share your Favorite Trail? If so, Keystone Snowmobiler would like to hear from you too. Send your story and pictures to member@pasnow.org . Be sure to put Keystone Snowmobiler in the subject line. Share your sledding favorites with your fellow sledders. PA has some great places to ride, let’s hear about them.
Rob Housley
Glendale Lake SMC
