The Ultimate Guide to #BikePA6
Resources for Cyclists
The Ultimate Guide to Biking on PA Route 6
Whether you’re looking for leisurely transportation through a charming community, an adventurous ride on a gravel loop trail, or the ultimate bicycle tour across Pennsylvania, PA Route 6 is your road! In the cycling world, PA Route 6 can be referenced in two ways: as BicyclePA Route Y and as USBR 36 PA.
Route Y is the second longest BicyclePA route in PA, and it generally follows U.S. Route 6 through the deep forests of northern Pennsylvania. It offers access to Routes A and Z in the west and Route L in the east. It’s often the choice for people cycling between Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, or Chicago and the New York metropolitan area.
PA Bike Route Y
BicyclePA routes were designed by experienced bicyclists to provide bicycling members of the traveling public who wish to traverse the state with a guide to some of the Commonwealth’s highways and rail-trails. Few of these routes contain bike lanes or other facilities designed specifically for bicyclists traveling within the four corners of the Commonwealth. Every bicyclist is responsible for his or her personal safety and welfare and for remaining alert and mindful of conditions on the roads or trails. BicyclePA Route users are expected to be licensed drivers or persons at least sixteen years of age who have several years of road bicycling experience.
Learn more about PA Bike Route Y through our partners:
- PA DCNR · BicyclePA Route Y provides some background into the creation of BicyclePA Route Y as well as other Bicycle PA Routes across the Commonwealth.
USBR 36 in PA
From Ohio to New York with PA Route 6
In May 2018, USBR 36 in PA was named, connecting cyclists from Ohio to New York with PA Route 6.
The United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS) is the national cycling route network of the United States. It consists of interstate long-distance cycling routes that utilize multiple types of bicycling infrastructure, including off-road paths, bicycle lanes, and low-traffic roads. As with the complementary United States Numbered Highways system for motorists, each USBR is maintained by state and local governments. The USBRS is intended to eventually traverse the entire country. The USBRS was established in 1978 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the same body that coordinates the numbering of Interstate highways and U.S. Routes.
Bike & Explore
The PA Route 6 Signature Bike Loops
PA Route 6 has worked hard to develop our 6 Signature Loops as well as the Trans Pennsylvania Cycle Tour. These loops take riders past and through some of the region’s best attractions, scenery, and small-town charm.
Our Signature Loops were created with advanced riders in mind. These loops traverse some of the corridor’s most challenging riding, averaging around 67 miles per loop with numerous elevation gains. Some of them can be done in a single days, others might require a weekend. However you choose to do it, these loops have something for everyone.
Signature Loop 1 – Great Lakes, Presque Isle and the Bayfront
Wineries, arts and culture, and fantastic views are just a few of the reasons you’ll enjoy this signature loop, which begins and ends in Scott Park. On this loop, you’ll enjoy plenty of fresh breezes blowing in off of Lake Erie as you explore Presque Isle State Park and the Bayfront Bikeway.
Signature Loop 2 – Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds
This loop begins and ends at Kinzua Bridge State Park, home of the legendary Skywalk. Experience the Allegheny National Forest from its highest points to its lowest valleys as this loop encompasses parts of the Knox-Kane Rail Trail, Kinzua Valley Trail, and all of the scenic forest in between.
Signature Loop 3 – Ride Through the Dark Skies
Begin this journey in the Heritage Community of Coudersport. This loop explores numerous gravel roads throughout Potter County and includes stops at the Austin Dam, Cherry Springs State Park, and Lyman Run State Park.
Signature Loop 4 – Canyon Rambler
Explore the Pine Creek Rail Trail through the PA Grand Canyon, one of the northern tier’s most scenic rides. Pick up the PCRT at the Darling Run Access Area, Marsh Creek Access Area, or the Butler Access Area. No matter where you choose to begin, riding is easy and enjoyable throughout the canyon. Things get interesting, though, between Blackwell and Wellsboro with almost 800 feet of climb on your way back to Wellsboro and the PCRT. Looking to make it a family adventure? Consider cutting out the big hills and just ride the PCRT down through the canyon and back.
View this route on Ride with GPS Learn More
Signature Loop 5 – The Endless Mountains
Ride this loop and learn why this region of Pennsylvania is known as “The Endless Mountains.” Based around the Heritage Community of Tunkhannock and numerous small towns, the views overlooking the Susquehanna River can be spectacular.
Signature Loop 6 – Hawley and Wally Showdown
Located in the Pocono Mountains, this loop encompasses beautiful Lake Wallenpaupack and surroundings areas. Come for the riding, stay for the nightlife and a plethora of activities and events the whole family will love.
Bonus: Loop by Region
Other Options
You can also search collections of loops that feature specific regions across the Route 6 Corridor:
- PA Route 6 on Ride · Collections
- #BikePA6 in the Great Lakes
- #BikePA6 in the PA Wilds
- #BikePA6 in the Endless Mountains
- #BikePA6 in the Pocono Mountains
We are always looking to develop more great loops along PA Route 6, too. Use our convenient #BikePA6 Submission Form to tell us about your favorites!
Also, we need cyclists to help us make PA Route 6 even more “bike-friendly”. Sign up to be a #BikePA6 Insider, and we will send you email updates on #BikePA6 as well as information on how you can help us find and test bicycle loops!
(Disclaimer: The material and information contained on Ride with GPS is for general information purposes only. PA Route 6 Alliance will not be liable for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information on the Ride with GPS website. Although every effort is made to ensure this information is updated and accurate, due to the nature of the internet and technology involved, PA Route 6 Alliance takes no responsibility for and will not be liable for any personal injury or for any loss or damage suffered as a result of riding these loops. Ride at your own risk.)
PA Bicycle Laws and Bike Safety
The PA Route 6 Alliance and its partners continue to work closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists across the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor under the guidance of PennDOT’s Active Transportation Plan.
More Helpful Links
- PennDOT Pennsylvania Active Transportation Plan · Executive Summary
- PennDOT Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual
- PennDOT Staying Safe: Your Bicycle and You · Youth Guidelines Brochure
- Safe Kids PA · Bike and Wheeled Sports Safety
- PennDOT Bikes on Public Transportation Information
- Bike Now · Commuter Resources
- Commuter Services of Pennsylvania · Bike Resources
- League of American Bicyclists · Smart Cycling
- Pennsylvania Route 6 Bicycle Master Plan Design Guide: Section 1, Ohio/Pennsylvania Border to McKean/Potter County Line
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