Pennsylvania - looking for places to bikepack

[jbphilly]

First time posting here and new to the idea of bikepacking, and am looking to take some short trips this summer (3-4 days) where I can get to some state forest or similar area and do some free-form mountain-bike wanderings. I live in Philadelphia and don't own a car, so I'm specifically looking at places I can reach by Amtrak or Greyhound plus some road riding.

I like state forests for this because they're larger areas where I can presumably ride around forest roads and trails, stealth camp (legally I would hope) and ride without a particular route, just exploring the area and being as isolated as you can in this part of the world.

I do have a lot of hiking/backpacking experience, but not from this area so I don't know many of the spots for this kind of things. I'm wondering what areas people can suggest that fit somewhat into the above criteria - or better yet, any good trail systems to hit up where I can camp out for a few nights while riding them.

My thought right now is to take the train to Harrisburg and then ride roads either northeast, in the direction of Weiser State Forest, or southwest, in the direction of Michaux State Forest. It should be noted that I'm not at all familiar with any of these areas, just looking at Google Maps. Am I on the right track - would these be areas I might have fun in?

While I do enjoy singletrack, I'm not yet a great enough mountain biker to handle really technical stuff, and besides, my Surly Troll doesn't have front suspension right now. Add on the fact that I'd be riding with some weight (my setup isn't as ultralight as it hopefully will be someday) and I'm probably looking for more forest road, non-technical riding - more for taking in the scenery than shredding trails.

Thanks for any suggestions you can offer!

[jhl99]

No car presents a challenge.

Disclaimer:  my home range is Western and Central PA.

The big blocks of PA State Forest land are in the North Central part of the state.  State College or Lewistown area good starting points... probably bus service to either one... then Roth Rock, Bald, Eagle, Sproul, Tioga, etc. etc. are then all in riding distance.  Amtrack stops at Huntington PA, which is a little south, but still a good starting point.  The Allegripis trail system is for day use, but is near Huntington and worth a visit... the trails are smooth there, which is a contrast with the typical PA rocks and roots.  Not sure if you can unload a bike from the train at the Huntinton whistle stop though.  PA State Forest roads are normally dirt/gravel, well marked and well maintaned.  Rigid bike is perfect for forest road.   No permits required for primitive, single night camping in State Forests.

As far as maps of PA state forest, contact the appropriate DNCR office and request the forest maps... they are a good starting point for planning a trip.

Somewhere on this site, I've posted some routes...

[Hubcap29erMan]

jbphilly - catch a ride on the MegaBus from Philly to State College, will cost you about $50 round trip... http://www.megabus.com/  You have all of Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests, well over 100,000 acres of land.  Fireroads, old jeep roads and single track galore.  Camping opportunities with facilities numerous.  For Rothrock, the best map would be the Purple Lizard Maps.  Google them, will cost a few bucks but worth it.  The Bald Eagle version will be out in the fall.  Glad to get you pointed in the right direction if you decide to come up.  Only catch is I am not sure what to tell you about getting your bike here via the bus.  The best shop I can recommend if you wanted to ship it would be FreezeThaw Cycles in State College (they are a surly dealer btw).  Shout if you need a hand.