Editorial Note: This post covering the Public Lands Ride – 2020: Laurel Ridge State Park/Forbes State Forest Route is one in a series. Start by reading what the PEC Public Lands Ride is all about.
The Hub’s Quick Take
Although biased since the Laurel Ridge State Park/Forbes State Forest route traverses our home turf, in our opinion, it rolls on the best terrain, gravel, and dirt in western Pennsylvania. You’ll traverse and be almost one with mountain streams (see a few in the above pics). You’ll encounter lush greenery, cool rock formations, interesting wildlife, and peaceful mountain multi-surface. But, make no mistake, this route is up and down (and up again, if possible) all day.
As an example, one of the Strava segments is named the “Dahl/Distillery/Dumbauld Death March,” which is a four-mile stretch that gains you nearly 1,400 feet of climbing. To boot, the climb just before the death march is up Fowl Hill Road. 366 feet gained in just shy of a half-mile at a 14.2% grade. Wrong spelling for the road, but right adjective. All joking aside, this is a great route that showcases the Laurel Highlands perfectly.
Below you will find a link to the Ride with GPS route and a section covering the Terrain by Picture. PEC’s description detailing the route can be found, here. Please consider donating to the Friends of Laurel Hill or Laurel Mountain Volunteers, the groups that work hard to maintain the parks/forest.
NOTE: For those located closer to Pittsburgh or traveling on the PA Turnpike, it may be easier to start the route near Jones Mills, PA. Google Kregar Parking Lot. An hour’s drive from Pittsburgh.
Terrain by Pictures
Public Lands Ride – 2020: Laurel Ridge State Park/Forbes State Forest Route
For alternate route option, check out Public Lands Ride sponsor, Purple Lizard Maps, Ohiopyle – Laurel Highlands Map.
The next in the series summarizes the Moshannon State Forest Routes. Also, make sure you keep up-to-date on all The Hub’s content by following us on social media (links on the top and bottom of this page), and by entering your info into the Newsletter signup (to the right and bottom).