Find Out Why Centre County Has the Best Mountain Bike Trails in Pennsylvania

Are you a veteran of single track trails? Are you someone that is looking to get into mountain biking? State College and the surrounding region offer something to meet your skill level.

Why State College?
Centre County is one of the best places on the east coast to hit the trails on your mountain bike. SingleTracks has even named State College to be Pennsylvania’s Mountain Bike Capital. They likewise named State College one of their Top 10 Best Mountain Bike Destinations East of the Rockies. 

Local Trail Favorites
Some of the local favorite trails are found in the Rothrock State Forest, including the Tussey Mountain Ridge and Cooper’s Gap. Rothrock State Forest, which borders State College, offers over 100 miles of trail deep in a dark green forest. Tussey Mountain Ridge is one of the better known trails in the area with tremendous views of the surrounding region, which can be accessed from Bear Meadows Road. Cooper’s Gap is considered by some to be the best trail in Rothrock State Forest because of its length (26.7 miles) and its high-quantity of single track trails. These trails are just a couple of the dozens of favorites by locals and visitors alike. 

Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic
Every late May, the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic takes center stage. The event is five full days of stages in and around the county while providing a summer camp atmosphere. Participants from all over the globe come back each year to participate in a relaxed environment and bonding with other mountain bike enthusiasts while challenging their skills on some of the region’s best trails. 

Lodging
If you want some more tame trails Bald Eagle State Park offers a variety of options. Also in the park is the Nature Inn, which has this distinction of being named USA Today 10 Best Most Eco-Friendly Resort in the United States. 

There are all kinds of lodging options throughout the region including hotels, bed & breakfasts, campgrounds, camping and more. 

After Hitting the Trails
If you need bike repairs or parts the Bicycle Shop is only a short drive away in downtown State College. The store is a locally owned favorite and has been open since 1946. Their very knowledgeable staff can care to your every need and get you back on the trails before you know it. 

State College has been ranked in the Top 100 Adventure Towns by National Geographic because of all the outdoor opportunities residents and visitors alike have at their disposal. It only takes a short 10-15 minute drive from the heart of downtown State College and the Penn State campus to get to a plentiful supply of trail options. 

Also, if you want to ride your bike in State College the town has earned the distinction of being a Top 10 Bicycle Friendly City by Walk Score. Bicycle trails and co-share roads make it very convenient to get anywhere in town. 

After a day of riding few things are better than a nice cold craft beverage and Centre County offers the Central PA Tasting Trail. On the trail you can find four breweries, four wineries, a cidery and 2 distilleries. The trail also offers a passport program, where trail passports can be purchased at any participating location. 

Check out Blue Ridge Outdoors recommendations on how to spend 48 Hours in State College for ideas on how to maximize your trip. 

To get your planning started request a Visitors Guide to find all the best restaurants, lodging, attractions and so much more.