|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Also known as the Superhighway Trail, this section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike abandoned in 1968 is now uniquely dedicated to non-motorized use. Originally planned to be a railroad throughway in 1883, it has the gentle grade common to rail trails. It also has both the shortest and longest tunnels on the original 1940 Turnpike. Neither of the tunnels have lights so bike headlamps are important. In the spring and fall you might want to take a jacket because, while it may be warm outside, it will still be cold in the tunnels. Watch for pillars of ice in the winter. The "trail" surface is 4 lanes of turnpike concrete 6 inches thick overlaid with asphalt. 36 years of disuse means that there are plenty of cracks. The upper quarter inch of asphault seems to have pulled away in many places. The westbound lanes seem in better shape overall than eastbound. Trailhead: The western terminus of the trail is at Breezewood and there is something of a parking area at the intersection of Rt. 30 East and Tannery Rd. (N40 00.000, W78 13.682) Access to the trail is up the embankment. There is to be an access further up Tannery Rd. to the right but for now it seems to be a private road. There is a gate and some places to pull off of Oregon Rd. (N40 2.665, W78 9.809) about midway on the trail.This is not an easy place to get to from Rt. 30. Parking at the eastern terminus of the trail is the best and most "official" of the tree accesses. Turn north on Pump Station Rd. about 7 miles East of Breezewood. Turn left at the mailbox for 3005 Pump Station Rd. and park in the area bearing to the right. The trail is not officially open (but also not posted No Tresspassing) so ride at your own risk. The Army Reserve uses the road for practice from time to time and the trail will be closed those weekends. Check http://piketobike.org/ for updates. (Lat:40 Lon:-78.22803) Trail Guides for Pike to Bike Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Southern Alleghenies Conservancy 814-623-7900 sacc@earthlink.net Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted 96 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JOE on 2/17/2008 NICE HIKE, NEED A GOOD LIGHT FOR TUNNELS BUT THEY ARE COOL IN BOTH WAYS SO BRING A JACKET OR HOOD.GRADE UP IS A LITTLE CHALLENGING BUT COMING BACK DOWN IS A GLIDE. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Bedford County Hiking, Bedford County Trails, Bedford County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
