The best road cycling routes in Bedford County

Bedford County offers a diverse landscape characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and extensive forests, with views of the Appalachian Mountains. You'll find routes with continuous climbs and panoramic vistas, providing a varied experience from moderate loops to more challenging rides with significant elevation changes.

Yes, Bedford County features routes with substantial climbs and descents for experienced cyclists. For example, the McNamee Hill loop from Cumberland is a difficult 47.9-mile trail that takes about 4 hours to complete, featuring significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Roadbike loop from Cumberland, which covers 75.5 miles with over 950 meters of elevation gain.

Bedford County is rich in natural and historical sights. You can cycle through areas with historic covered bridges, such as the moderately difficult 16.6-mile Covered Bridge Loop. Other scenic features include lakes like Shawnee Lake, Gordon Lake, and Koon Lake, as well as views from mountains like Blue Knob, the second-highest peak in Pennsylvania. The region also offers unique attractions like Coral Caverns and the Warrior Ridge Vista.

Absolutely. Many routes in Bedford County offer moderate challenges over longer distances. The WM Scenic RR Double Bridge loop from Ridgeley is a popular moderate 30.7-mile path with varied scenery and over 1900 feet of elevation gain. Another option is the Lake Koon – Fagan CREP Easement loop from Cumberland, a moderate 34.5-mile route.

The spring and fall seasons generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Bedford County, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can also be enjoyable, though it may include warmer temperatures. The diverse terrain and scenic beauty are accessible throughout these seasons.

Yes, several routes in Bedford County offer views of or pass by local waterways. The 42-mile Bedford Springs/Koon Lake Loop highlights Koon Lake and Gordon Lake. Shawnee State Park also features the 451-acre Shawnee Lake, which is popular for various activities and has a 3.5-mile trail around it, though specific road cycling routes directly alongside it may vary.

Komoot offers a selection of 9 road cycling routes in Bedford County, catering to various skill levels. This includes 7 moderate routes and 2 difficult routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and those seeking a challenge.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Bedford County, with an average score of 5.0 stars based on user reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse scenery, from rolling hills and valleys to views of the Appalachian Mountains, and the variety of routes available.

Yes, for a truly unique experience, you can explore the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike Tunnel. This unmaintained 13-mile biking trail through old tunnels offers an eerie and adventurous ride, though it requires proper lighting and helmets for safety.

Many of the road cycling routes in Bedford County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Cove Valley Travel Plaza loop from East Providence Township, a moderate 18.1-mile ride, and the Lime kiln loop from Cessna, a moderate 21.8-mile option.

Yes, you can find several road cycling routes that start from or near Bedford. The Roadbike loop from Bedford is a moderate 24.9-mile route, and the Sportsmans Lake loop from Bedford offers a moderate 30.3-mile ride.