Originally Posted by
jordanss
Planning a ride from Philly to Pittsburgh and been checking out the route and keep coming across this
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/407577. This will be my first multi day ride and Im very excited, it seems this route is a popular one and well traveled. I just wanted to see if any of you on here had any info on the route its self...places to camp, places to shower (maybe a waterfall
??) sites to see, scenic detours..anything! ive heard the trip takes about 3 days im giving myself 5 so ill have time to stray the beaten path.. thanks!
also whats the ground condition like ill be riding a '87 Trek Elance with 25 Panaracer Ribmos
First state park outside Philly with a campground is French Creek, two miles off the route.
Caledonia west of Gettysburg is also a nice state park. It's directly on the route. And there's a small waterfall, but I'd not try to shower in it. :-)
The Bike Route S uses the Great Allegheny Passage from Rockwood to West Newton. You can continue on the trail to McKeesport and get to Pittsburgh from there. There's free primitive camping near Connellsville, at Cedar Creek Park in West Newton, and just south of Boston at Dravo Cemetery. Keep in mind the GAP is a crushed limestone surface.
I don't recommend stealth camping along the S Route or on the Great Allegheny Passage.