The best traffic-free bike rides in Milton State Park

While Milton State Park offers 3.5 miles of trails, many are described as gravel, dirt, or natural surfaces, which may not be ideal for touring bicycles with narrow tires. The park's Mid Trail is universally accessible with a crushed gravel pathway, which might be suitable for some touring bikes. However, for extensive no-traffic touring, the park serves primarily as a gateway to the wider Susquehanna Greenway network.

This guide features 3 no-traffic touring cycling routes in the Milton State Park area. These routes vary in difficulty, offering options for different experience levels.

The routes in the broader Milton State Park area, particularly those connecting to the Susquehanna Greenway, often feature a mix of surfaces. You can expect paved sections, as well as smooth crushed stone or asphalt on rail trails like the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail. Within Milton State Park itself, trails are generally gravel, dirt, or natural terrain, with the Mid Trail offering a crushed gravel surface.

Yes, the universally accessible Mid Trail within Milton State Park, with its crushed gravel surface, could be suitable for families looking for a short, easy ride. For longer family-friendly options, consider routes that connect to the Susquehanna Greenway, which often include flatter rail trails. The park itself has family-friendly amenities like picnic areas and a playground.

Milton State Park is generally dog-friendly for walking on trails, but specific rules for dogs on bicycles or cycling trails are not explicitly detailed. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and ensure they are comfortable with cycling speeds and other trail users. Please check park regulations for any specific restrictions.

The routes in this area offer beautiful riverside vistas as they often follow the West Branch Susquehanna River. Milton State Park itself, being an island, provides unique views and is a haven for migrating birds and waterfowl. Longer routes like the Jones Mountain – Hassenplug Covered Bridge loop from Kelly Township may take you through varied landscapes and past historical features like covered bridges.

Milton State Park offers parking facilities for visitors. For routes starting outside the immediate park area, such as those originating from Lewisburg, there are typically public parking options available in those towns. Always check local signage for parking regulations and availability.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in the Milton State Park area, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be enjoyable, but be prepared for warmer weather and potential humidity. Winter cycling is possible but may require appropriate gear for colder temperatures and potential snow or ice on trails.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Jones Mountain – Hassenplug Covered Bridge loop from Kelly Township is rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain over its 92 km distance.

While Milton State Park itself has picnic areas, for cafes, pubs, and accommodation, you'll find more options in nearby towns such as Milton and Lewisburg. These towns are often starting points or pass-throughs for many of the region's cycling routes and offer various services for visitors.

Yes, Milton State Park's strategic location within the Susquehanna Greenway means it can serve as an access point to connect to other rail trails suitable for touring. The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail, for example, is a 9.3-mile trail with asphalt and gravel surfaces that is part of this larger network and is excellent for touring.

For those looking for a moderate challenge, routes like the Bike loop from Lewisburg and The Grove loop from Lewisburg offer enjoyable rides with some elevation changes over distances of approximately 30 km.