The Best Scenic Bike Rides in Cook Forest and the PA Wilds

To ride a bike is to fly–and to crawl depending on where you find yourself on the hill. It gives us the experience of traveling more naturally in the world, without insulation: to feel the direction of the wind, the temperature of the rain, and to breathe deep the scent of meadow flowers. There’s no falling asleep on a bike, only coming more alive.

The PA Wilds is the place to rejuvenate, with the Gateway Lodge as an ideal home base for many biking adventures. Whether you’re a cyclist, mountain biker, or find yourself on an e-bike, we welcome you to explore the best scenic rides in Cook Forest State Park and the PA Wilds.

Ride River Road in Cook Forest

To start, just a short ride from Gateway Lodge is the lovely and memorable River Road, which follows along the meandering Clarion River–a designated National Wild and Scenic River: Clarion River. Consequently, bicyclists are a familiar sight on this stretch, with lower speed limits helping to create a peaceful ride. While biking, keep an eye out for wildlife, and you might be lucky enough to spot an otter scrambling along the riverbank. Parking is conveniently available near the park office, located at 100 PA-36, Cooksburg. From there, bike east down River Road to your heart’s content.

Mountain Biking the Cook Forest Trail

In addition, another Cook Forest bike trail to consider is the 13-mile route that follows lightly traveled roads and a portion of Hefren Run Trail–where you’ll see evidence of old bracket dams used to move logs downstream in the 1800s: Cook Forest Trail Map

A scenic image captures a paved bike path stretching into the distance through lush green fields under a dramatic sunset sky, likely a section of the Route 66 bike trail. The sky features a mix of soft pastel hues and darker, more textured clouds, indicating either sunrise or sunset. Trees line the left side of the path, adding depth to the landscape. This tranquil scene evokes the peaceful outdoor recreational opportunities available near Cook Forest State Park and Gateway Lodge, particularly for cycling enthusiasts exploring the region.

Ride Rail 66 Country Trail Near Clarion

Nearby, the closest rail trail to Cook Forest is Rail 66: a serene 4-season, non-motorized trail offering 20 miles of scenic rural landscape: The Trail – Rail 66 Country Trail. Riders are rewarded with a variety of views, from shady hardwood forests to farm fields and pastures fringed with wildflowers. Also, the nearest access point is in Leeper, a mere 8 miles from the Gateway Lodge: Maps and Parking – Rail 66 Country Trail.

*E-bikes are allowed, but must not exceed 15mph, weigh 75 pounds or less, have a motor not exceeding 750 watts, and be propelled by pedaling. Children under 16 are not permitted to ride e-bikes on this trail.

Ride Along the Clarion-Little Toby Trail

A bit farther out, about 40 minutes from the Gateway Lodge, is an access point in Brockway for the Clarion-Little Toby Trail. This trail winds along the wild Clarion River and Little Toby Creek. “The first few miles of the Ridgway section contain lofty shale formations and waterfalls among great stands of Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. Wetlands and wildflowers abound, and visitors often spy deer, otters, raccoons, hawks, turtles and scampering chipmunks” (official trail
website).

The trailhead, on 7th Avenue, near the intersection with McCullough Street, has a parking area that also provides a pavilion and picnic tables. After your ride (or before), make sure to treat yourself with a stop at the Scoop Shoppe in Brockway for their delicious homemade gelato: The Scoop Shoppe – Lane’s End Farm Creamery

*Important note: E-bikes are not allowed on State Gamelands, which is most of the trail.

The Samuel Justus Recreation Trail

Also 40 minutes from Cook Forest, is an access point in Oil City for the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail: a picturesque, 7-mile paved rail trail that connects Oil City and Franklin along the Allegheny river. This nearly level trail passes through woodlands, and features historic oil wells and river views. The trail is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), see section below for their e-bike regulations.

While in the area, make sure to stop in at the lovely Woods & River Coffee in Oil City to pre-fuel your ride, or rest your legs afterward. Further trail tips can be found here: Biking the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail from Franklin to Oil City, PA – Uncovering PA

A panoramic sunrise view of the Allegheny National Forest displaying vibrant autumn leaves and the winding Allegheny River under a clear blue sky, showcasing the scenic beauty accessible to guests staying at Gateway Lodge near Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania. This view can be seen from the Jakes Rocks bicycle path.

Jakes Rocks

Located about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Gateway Lodge, is the renowned trail system known as The Trails at Jakes Rocks – Pennsylvania Wilds; whose trails were officially dedicated as the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year by the DCNR in September 2024. The expertly-designed Trails at Jakes Rocks is a 30+ mile adventure mountain bike loop that winds through natural boulders and beautiful forested landscapes. Segments vary based on skill level, and class 1e-bikes are allowed.

*If you like this trail, save the date for the 10th Annual Jakes Rocks Trail Fest scheduled for Sept. 18th-19th, 2026.

To E-Bike or Not to E-Bike

It’s easy to see why e-bikes have seen a surge in popularity over the last several years. They allow greater accessibility to those who would otherwise not ride, or have limitations. There’s still a lot of catch-up happening, however, with regulations.

Guests coming to the Gateway Lodge might want to bring along their e-bikes, but are uncertain where they can ride. In an effort to lend further clarification, we offer the following information:

Cook Forest State Park, which is managed by the DCNR, allows all traditional bikes and e-bikes (within specifications) on state park roads and designated biking trails. Specifications include:

● E-bikes must weigh 100lbs or less
● Have a motor no bigger than 750 watts
● Have functional pedals, and not go faster than 20mph with the motor
● Biking is not allowed in natural areas and hiking trails marked with yellow or orange blazes. You can find further info here: Biking in State Forests Fact Sheet

If you’re eager to start exploring e-biking in the nearby Allegheny National Forest (managed by the U.S. Forest Service), it’s helpful to know that e-bikes are prohibited on all non-motorized trails, except for Jakes Rocks Mountain Biking System–which allows Class 1 e-bikes: E-bike classification.

We truly hope you enjoy exploring the best scenic bike rides of our area, however you choose to ride them. And if you’re famished after a day of adventuring, you’re welcome to pull up a chair at our farm-to-table restaurant and tuck in to some delicious scratch-made dishes: Restaurant in Cook Forest | Gateway Lodge.

Preparing for Your Biking Adventure

Where can I charge my E-Bike in Cook Forest?

There is an EV Charging station at the nearby Cook Forest Park office for patrons to use.
Where can I go to get my bike serviced in Cook Forest?

Nearby Clarion Bicycle and Outdoor on 12085 East Reidsburg Road offers professional repairs, E-bike services and maintenance, generally open Wednesday through Saturday.
Where can I store my bike at Gateway Lodge?

If staying in a cabin, your cabin porch is the best place to secure your bike. While at the main lodge, you’ll want to secure your bike on a bike rack on your car or inside your vehicle.

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