Planning a ride from Philly to Pittsburgh and been checking out the route and keep coming across this https://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

Pretty much PA Bike Route S. Tried and proven route.

ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf...state_mapS.pdf

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.

So you will probably need something a bit wider on the GAP. You probably want something wider for a tour anyway. My 28s do just fine as long as it is not raining. If it is raining and the path is soft then I wish for something wider.

Let me know if you need any help on this end.

You are familiar with warmshowers?

According to the mileage, 3 days would mean 132 miles/day. 5 days is about 80 miles/day.

BTW...I would get off PA 23 at Red School and take Valley View, Turkey Hill and Smoketown to get to Weaverland. Much nicer. PA 23 in that area is super-rolling, the shoulder is narrow and there is heavy traffic at times. PA 23 through Morgantown sucks.

I would also not get on PA 100 from Pughtown. Cross PA 100 onto Daisy Point and make a left on PA 23.

Neil_B thanks for the camping info that was going to be my next question you beat me to it!

Spinnaker I was thinking about getting some 28s but I literally just got the 25s so in to save a little cash i was going to hang on to them but depending on what my work is like before I go I may pick up a set.. Im sure it will make a ig difference once im out there.. and I am not familiar with warmshowers so thank you!

indyfabz.. I realized the milage was a little intense after I wrote it someone mentioned it to me off hand so I just went with it.. and thanks for the route tips ill check that out..


It looks like im going to have to hold the ride out for a little longer than I thought maybe middle of august until I can get some more work. i dont have a rack or panniers yet so im looking to save up for a decent pair.. Also the bolts in bolt rack braze ons are frozen after what im sure was 25 years of not being touched and being abused as a city beater so I need to figure that out... bought some pb blaster so hopefully that will help loosen them any tips on this end if that doesnt work out?