So where's all the dirt around here? (PA)

[Venture]

So now that everybody is getting dirt-oriented bikes, where's the dirt? I'm not talking dirt roads, but rather non-dirt roads, like trails. I've lived in PA all my life and off the top of my head I'm not sure where you can legally ride a dirt bike. Most state parks don't allow it, so where is everybody riding?

If anybody has any good routes throw up a Google map or something.

 

[Yamaguy55]

I ride over in Bald Eagle State Forest. There are trails of varying difficulty set aside for street legal bikes. I'll tell you up front some are too tough for my WR250R, at least with me on it. Most are rock gardens where you better have a good bash plate.
The DEP doesn't advertise this on their website. If you stop in the State Forest office at Laurelton on PA45, there are maps available in the vestibule; which is how I found out about them. Read all of the the notes I have on the maps. If you look at each waypoint, there is info. Some are really general in nature, so don't skip any.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210790737004731528169.00049347c1df1ec342f2a&msa=0&ll=40.836671,-77.382202&spn=0.193254,0.410614

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210790737004731528169.00049347c1df1ec342f2a&msa=0&ll=40.836671,-77.382202&spn=0.193254,0.410614]http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=210790737004731528169.00049347c1df1ec342f2a&msa=0&ll=40.836671,-77.382202&spn=0.193254,0.410614

There is also a section down on Shade Mountain: I have added the waypoints to the main map. Be advised the east west road on shade mountain is navigable by a car, but the trails themselves are very tough.
I'll provide a cheering section to anyone doing this entire trail system ( Shade Mountain) with a Tenere. A trials bike would be more suitable. A really light trials bike, with a skilled rider. Very unpleasant on my WR250R.

 

[Yamaguy55]

Additional note: I left a set of State Forest/Dual Sport trail maps at Martins, so talk to Dennis ( the owner) and make a copy if needed. I pick up some every time I pass the SF office in Laurelton, and hand them out. Let me know if anyone needs some, and I'll gather up a few next time I'm over there, which most likely will be Friday. I can see about dropping off a stack of maps next time I'm in at martins, as i know most of you are far from here. Most State Forest offices have some maps from the other forests, so check there for Bald Eagle maps. They aren't the detailed Dual Sport ( Seven Mountains) or Shade Mountain maps, but they're a good start.

 

[Venture]

So most of those roads, such as "Longwell Draft Road" are closed to automobiles? It sounds like it from your descriptions. Just verifying because I'm surprised Google shows them on their maps.

I'm going to have to try for a trip up there, even if it's a detour on my next trip to my Dad's cabin up in Bradford County.

 

[Yamaguy55]

They are NOT all closed to automobiles, but if a car goes on Longwell Draft, you'll find him still there. It is doable with a motorcycle, or a 4WD with ground clearance at about 5-10 MPH. I can do Longwell Draft on the WRR at about 35-45MPH. The ones by the vistas you can access by car. The Dual Sport trails are a combo of these roads and ones that no car can ever get to: too rocky or narrow.
Google maps and GPS will lead you to roads that aren't there. Don't believe either. Walk it if it looks questionable. This area was once all logging roads, now it is no-cell-coverage pseudo-wilderness. You mess up, you may expire before help arrives. It has already happened a few times in the last few years. Rider beware. I am aware of four fatalities by misadventure since 2008 in this exact area. Ride like an adult.

 

[Venture]

They are NOT all closed to automobiles, but if a car goes on Longwell Draft, you'll find him still there. It is doable with a motorcycle, or a 4WD with ground clearance at about 5-10 MPH. I can do Longwell Draft on the WRR at about 35-45MPH. The ones by the vistas you can access by car. The Dual Sport trails are a combo of these roads and ones that no car can ever get to: too rocky or narrow.
Google maps and GPS will lead you to roads that aren't there. Don't believe either. Walk it if it looks questionable. This area was once all logging roads, now it is no-cell-coverage pseudo-wilderness. You mess up, you may expire before help arrives. It has already happened a few times in the last few years. Rider beware. I am aware of four fatalities by misadventure since 2008 in this exact area. Ride like an adult.

Point well taken.

What's the recommendation for a dirt-noob with a 250 DS? I want to build up my skills but not get in over my head right away.

 

[Koinz]

There's a smokin hole rally in Jim Thorpe every year in the may time frame Trail riding.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=656124&highlight=Thorpe

 

[Yamaguy55]

Point well taken.

What's the recommendation for a dirt-noob with a 250 DS? I want to build up my skills but not get in over my head right away.

I would be happy to bring the WRR and take you on ever more difficult stuff. The poor 250 feels neglected these days.

There's ok stuff closer than that. I use my WRR to explore, and have found lots of short runs. PM if interested. I won't kill you first trip out. Bring other 250 chums if you like.