SIGNATURE BIKE LOOP 2
Signature Loop 2 – Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds, Extended Version
The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is home to some of the best scenery and cycling in all of Pennsylvania. Traversing McKean County, this signature loop also showcases some of the region’s top attractions. When riding this loop, though, be sure to pack extra water and other supplies. The trade-off for a wilderness experience is very few stops along the way that provide amenities. This loop is approximately 65% paved, 35% unpaved/mixed surface and incorporates three established local bike trails, and due to its overall length of 121 miles, it also makes a great bikepacking adventure.
This loop begins and ends at Kinzua Bridge State Park, home of the Kinzua Sky Walk, recognized as one of the top 10 skywalks and viewpoints in the world. The Sky Walk extends out 624 feet into the Kinzua Gorge and offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the valley.
At Kinzua Bridge State Park, make your way to the MJ2KB (Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge) Trailhead, which was Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail of the Year. Follow this 7.8-mile trail to Mount Jewett and then continue on to US Route 219 to Lantz’s Corners. If you need to refill a water bottle, grab a snack, or use the restroom, head south only 0.2 miles to the intersection of US 219 and PA Route 6 where you’ll find two convenience stores with amenities. This will likely be your last opportunity for amenities for quite some time.
Head north on US 219 and turn left onto Old Bradford Road and enjoy a long, downhill glide until you reach the Kinzua Valley Trail Tally Ho Tailhead. Hop on the Kinzua Valley Trail and enjoy a scenic ride through the valley, closely following Kinzua Creek all the way to the Bigrock Overflow Area near the Allegheny Reservoir. From here, you can simply head north on Route 321 to the Heritage Community of Kane, where you can then pick up PA Route 6 East back to Kinzua Bridge State Park.
But if you’re looking for a bigger adventure, turn right onto Longhouse Scenic Drive to Mudlick Road, and then do some more gravel grinding with about 600 feet of elevation climb on some beautiful, forested roads and truly experience the Allegheny National Forest. But what goes up must come down, as they say, and the next long descent takes you into the Heritage Community of Warren. While there, stop by Warren Cycle Shop, a member of the PA Route 6 Bike Friendly Business Program, if you’re in need of any gear for the rest of the trip. Also be sure to stop at the Warren County Visitors Bureau to learn more about the region and what else you can explore after your ride.
In Warren, pick up PA Route 6 East for a short ride before turning right onto Railroad Street in Clarendon. Continue on to Chapman Dam Road and Chapman State Park. This 862-acre park offers opportunities for guided walks, stream studies, children’s programs, and occasionally hosts guest speakers.
South of the park, follow Hearts Content Road to Mayburg Road, and Bobbs Creek Road to PA 666 East for a scenic ride along Tionesta Creek. There’s a free camping option at Minister Creek Campground within the Minister Creek Recreation Area. Farther up the road, turn right onto PA 948 South and then left onto PA 66 North and pick up the (Name of Trail) near Russell City and follow all the way to the Heritage Community of Kane.
Kane offers a wide variety of amenities: food, lodging, or just a place to fill your water bottle for the last leg of the journey. CJ Spirits, Table 105, Twisted Vine Winery, Logyard Brewery, and Pepe’s Pizzeria and Bistro provide just a few food and drink options. For lodging, check out the Kane Tourist Home & Motor Inn and Kane Manor Inn. Even if you don’t want to layover in Kane, these businesses are all part of our Bike Friendly Business Program and will gladly provide a place to refill your water bottle or rest for a while before starting the last leg of the journey.
In Kane, follow the Biddle Street Ext to PA Route 6 East to bypass a section of trail still under construction. Follow PA Route 6 to Mount Jewett where you’ll turn left onto Hill Street, which turns into Roberts Street, and then make the left onto Bridge Street to return to Kinzua Bridge State Park.
Loop Notes and Stops:
- Kinzua Bridge State Park and the Kinzua Sky Walk
- MJ2KB Trail, Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail of the Year
- Kinzua Valley Trail
- Allegheny National Forest
- Longhouse National Scenic Byway
- Heritage Community of Warren
- Chapman State Park
- Heritage Community of Kane
- Abundant Night Life and Lodging Options
- Bike Friendly Businesses near this loop: Warren County Visitors Bureau, Kane Tourist Home & Manor Inn, Wilds Sonshine Factory, CJ Spirits LLC, Kane Manor Inn, Table 105, Twisted Vine Winery, WCCBI, Logyard Brewing, Pepe’s Pizzeria and Bistro, Warren Cycle Shop
