The best gravel rides around Summit Hill

There are several gravel biking routes around Summit Hill, with komoot featuring 5 distinct tours. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate difficulty, catering to various skill levels.

The terrain around Summit Hill is characteristic of the Appalachian Mountains, featuring hilly landscapes, dense forests, and varied surfaces. You'll find well-maintained crushed stone on historic rail-trails like the Switchback Trail and sections of the D&L Trail, alongside other gravel roads such as Spooner Road and Warden Road, which might have potholes or muddy ruts. Elevations range, offering both scenic climbs and descents.

Yes, many trails offer beautiful views. The Switchback Trail provides views of Mount Pisgah. The D&L Trail – Lehigh Gorge Section is known for breathtaking views of the Lehigh River, especially as it weaves through lush forests and along towering rock cliffs. Mauch Chunk Lake also offers picturesque views and is a prominent water feature in the area.

Gravel biking in Summit Hill offers a range of difficulties. Many historic rail-trails, like the Switchback Trail, are known for their gentle grades, making them accessible and relatively easy. However, some sections can be rocky, adding a varied experience. The D&L Trail generally offers easy to moderate difficulty. Our routes include both easy and moderate options, ensuring there's something for most riders.

The Switchback Trail is a popular choice, following the historic Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway. It's celebrated for its gentle grades, making it a relatively easy ride, though some sections can be rocky. Many riders prefer to start in Summit Hill and bike downhill towards Jim Thorpe. Access is convenient near Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which provides amenities like parking and restrooms.

The D&L Trail is known for its crushed gravel surface, making it ideal for gravel biking. It's a multi-use trail that spans over 165 miles, with sections near Summit Hill offering easy to moderate difficulty. Riders can expect to pass through lush forests and along impressive rock cliffs, with scenic views of the Lehigh River.

For a longer ride, consider the Views of the Lehigh River – Buttermilk Falls loop from Lehighton. This moderate route covers approximately 62 kilometers with over 347 meters of elevation gain, offering a substantial gravel biking experience.

Yes, for an easier and shorter option, the Bridge view – Views of the Lehigh River loop from Coalport is an excellent choice. This easy route is about 18 kilometers long with around 100 meters of elevation gain, perfect for those new to gravel biking or looking for a relaxed ride.

Yes, parking is available. Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which is a key access point for trails like the Switchback Trail, provides amenities including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it a convenient starting point for your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique blend of historic rail-trails, the scenic Appalachian landscapes, and the well-maintained gravel surfaces that make for an engaging and enjoyable ride. The variety of routes, from gentle to more challenging, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, several routes are designed as loops. For example, the D&L Trail loop from Lehighton offers an easy 21-kilometer circular ride. Another option is the Views of the Lehigh River – Bridge view loop from Lehighton, a moderate 25-kilometer loop.