South Eastern PA

[cdouble]

Some friends and I would like to try bike packing. We're mostly middle-age, frequent XC mountain bikers (Marsh Creek, French Creek, Harmony Hill, Fair Hill). To get our feet wet, we're thinking a 1-2 night trip within a couple hours of home (Downingtown PA). The perfect trip would include solitude, some great views, some singletrack, a few beers (or perhaps something lighter) and a couple campfires but we know we may need to compromise on a few items.

Any recommendations for suitable routes in this area?

[kozorac]

See links. I'm leading the following two events in Canaan Valley, WV. Both meet most of your criteria, although i'll replace beer with bourbon. You're welcome to join the fun! If interested, give me a shout.

http://www.meetup.com/Western-Pennsylvania-Wheelmen/events/223150670/
http://www.meetup.com/Western-Pennsylvania-Wheelmen/events/223150694/

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/8080030
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/8009369

[jhl99]

Rothrock and/or Bald Eagle State Forests.  Park your cars at Penn Roosevelt State Park and mix and match single track and forest roads as much as you want.  You can use the Wilderness 101 course as route as a starting point.
You can overnight at development campgrounds (Greenwood Furnace, Poe Valley, Poe Paddy) or primitive camp.  You can ride all the classic single track at Coopers Gap and the stuff around Tussey Mountain or not.

[punchcard]

Check out Crush the Commonwealth next year or practice the route this year.