Poe Paddy Tunnel – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim

The Poe Paddy Tunnel – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim is a mountain biking route that truly earns its 'moderate' difficulty rating, offering a challenging 31.7 miles (51.0 km) with 2404 feet (733 metres) of climbing over roughly 3 hours and 51 minutes. This loop is a fantastic pick if you're looking for a diverse and demanding ride through central Pennsylvania's Bald Eagle State Forest, best suited for fit and experienced riders.

What to expect on Poe Paddy Tunnel – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim

Expect a ride that keeps you on your toes, transitioning from wide forest roads to smooth cinder rail trails, then into technical singletrack and doubletrack sections. The highlight is undoubtedly the historic Poe Paddy Tunnel, a nearly 300-foot-long passage that's cool and dark, requiring a flashlight. You'll also be rewarded with panoramic views from Penns View Vista and ride alongside the winding Penns Creek, passing through Poe Valley State Park and along Poe Lake. Be prepared for a hard bike ride; some sections, like the roughly two-mile climb on Old Mingle Road or the rocky singletrack along Penns Creek, will test your fitness and may even require you to push your bike.

Planning your visit

This challenging loop requires very good fitness and mountain biking skills. A flashlight is highly recommended for the Poe Paddy Tunnel due to its darkness. Be aware that some unpaved sections can be difficult, and the singletrack along Penns Creek can be very rocky, potentially requiring you to walk parts of it. During low water levels, you might even need to portage your bike across Penns Creek where an old rail bridge is missing.

Trail details

• Distance: 31.7 miles (51.0 km)
• Elevation gain: 2404 feet (733 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 3 hours and 51 minutes