Originally Posted by
AngeloDolce
Does anyone have experience with PA Bicycle Route S, or possibly camping in any PA state forests?
In 2013 I did Route S from Bedford, PA to Philly, with some deviations, including pike2bike, which is the 8 mile stretch of abandoned PA Turnpike that is an official unofficial bike trail. There are a couple of decent state parks along the way (Caledonia and Cowans Gap). There are also other camping opportunities, including in Bedford.
My trip started in PGH. Rode the GAP to Cumberland, MD then took U.S. 220 to Bedford. Route S leave the GAP at Rockwood and goes through Somerset to get to Bedford. I have ridden much of all three W-E PA bike routes. S was probably my least favorite in terms of traffic, thanks in large part to having to pass through York and Lancaster. With that said, it wasn't horrible, especially since I knew alternatives to some of the bad stretches.
Forgot that I had made these for someone who is riding to Philly from OH:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29937460?beta=false
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29935285?beta=false
The first map shows how I got from Cumberland up to Bedford to pick up Route S. It also contains the deviation from Route S at Breezewood for pike2bike, which I highly recommend if you have sturdy tires and a good light. (The two tunnels are unlit.) Not only is it neat in a post-apocalyptic way (a portion of the "The Road," starring Viggo Mortensen was filmed there) it bypasses a big climb out of Breezewood. When the rideable section of the old turnpike ends you make a left onto Pump Station Rd then the first right onto N. Hess Rd. That puts you back on Route S.
The second map shows how I deviated from Route S after Lancaster. Route S uses too much of PA 23 for my liking. My route spends time in the Conestoga Valley north of PA 23. Gorgeous stretch with some Amish farms, a covered bridge and very little traffic. My route also goes through French Creek State Park, where there is camping. (Weekend reservations strongly recommended. I did an overnighter there last weekend.) It rejoins Route S at the intersection of PA 100 and Daisy Point Rd. My route continues on to the Schuykill River Train that takes you into Philly.