Mountain Biking the Greater Philadelphia Area, 2nd A Guide to the Delaware Valley's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides

by D'Antonio, Bob

• ISBN13: 9780762728060
• ISBN10: 076272806X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-07-01
• Publisher: FalconGuides

Summary

Pump up the tires, grab your helmet, and get ready to enjoy the best mountain biking that the Greater Philadelphia area has to offer. Philadelphia native and veteran mountain biker Bob D'Antonio outlines forty-four rides, from scenic cruising trails to heart-pumping, bone- jarring singletrack, each within 75 miles of the city. Packed with insider tidbits about the area's rich history, attractions, and wildlife, this volume is more than just a trail guide.

Author Biography

Bob D'Antonio was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia. A well-known rock climber with over 700 first ascents throughout the United States and a mountain biker since 1982, he is the author of three rock climbing guides and three other mountain bike guides for different areas in Colorado. He spends his life living between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Louisville, Colorado.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	viii
Introduction	1	(3)
How to Use This Book	2	(1)
Elevation Profiles	2	(1)
How to Use the Maps	3	(1)
Map Legend	4	(2)
The Rides Philadelphia Area
1. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge/Lagoon Loop	6	(4)
2. Impoundment Loop	10	(5)
In Addition: Ode to the Pennsylvania State Park System	14	(1)
3. Fairmount Park Forbidden Drive	15	(4)
4. Wissahickon South	19	(4)
5. Wissahickon Gorge North Loop	23	(4)
6. Pennypack Park	27	(4)
7. Ridley Creek State Park	31	(4)
8. Valley Forge National Historical Park	35	(4)
9. Schuylkill River Trail	39	(3)
10. Tohickon Creek	42	(4)
11. Wharton State Forest	46	(4)
12. Brendan T. Byrne State Forest	50	(6)
Southern Philadelphia Area
13. Brandywine Creek State Park	56	(4)
14. Middle Run Natural Area	60	(5)
15. Iron Hill Park	65	(3)
16. Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area	68	(7)
17. Nottingham Park	75	(4)
Southern Philadelphia Honorable Mention	79	(3)
Western Philadelphia
18. French Creek State Park/Red & White Loop	82	(4)
19. French Creek State Park/Turtle Loop	86	(5)
20. Blue Marsh Lake	91	(5)
21. Pumping Station	96	(5)
22. Walnut Run	101	(4)
23. Horseshoe Trail	105	(4)
24. Furnace Hills	109	(4)
25. Mount Gretna	113	(5)
26. Weiser State Forest	118	(4)
27. The Pinnacle	122	(6)
Jim Thorpe
In Addition: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania	128	(1)
28. Lehigh Gorge State Park	129	(4)
29. Drakes Creek	133	(5)
30. Scrub Mountain	138	(3)
31. Broad Mountain Loop	141	(4)
32. Broad Mountain Connector	145	(4)
33. Coal Cracker	149	(4)
In Addition: Jim Thorpe The Man	152	(1)
34. Fire Line Trail	153	(3)
35. Mount Pisgah	156	(2)
36. Flagstaff Mountain	158	(4)
37. Switchback Trail	162	(4)
38. Twin Peaks	166	(5)
39. Mauch Chunk Ridge	171	(7)
Northern Philadelphia
40. Jacobsburg State Park	178	(4)
41. Pohopoco Tract Delaware State Forest	182	(3)
42. Round Valley Recreation Area	185	(4)
43. Delaware & Raritan Canal	189	(5)
44. Navesink Highlands	194	(5)
Appendix
The Art of Mountain Biking	199	(16)
Mountain Bike Beginnings	199	(1)
Mountain Biking Etiquette	200	(4)
Clothing	204	(2)
Be prepared-Supplies and Equipment	206	(3)
Types of Terrain	209	(1)
Mountain Biking into Shape	209	(1)
Techniques to Sharpen Your Skills	210	(3)
Last-Minute Checkover	213	(2)
Repair and Maintenance	215	(4)
Bike Clubs and Organizations	219	(4)
About the Author	223