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Tussey Mountain - Whipple Dam Biking Loop
Tussey Mountain - Whipple Dam biking loop
Centre County got a taste of summer in earlier this month with high temperatures in the 70s. For cyclists, any day over 40 degrees is summertime and this was pure nirvana. On those sunny days, many headed to Rothrock State Forest to explore their favorite dirt roads and see if the woods had changed. The common revelation is that the woods are still the same, but the hills somehow got steeper and longer. The fact is that it's the people who have changed. They've gotten heavier, slower and lost the aerobic capacity they remembered last year. This ride is for cyclists who like a challenge and the opportunity to explore new terrain. The Tussey-Whipple Loop is a 23-mile ride that spans two counties and connects U.S. Route 322 and state Route 26 with a network of dirt roads. I like this ride because it's simple, fun and sounds very impressive. Undertaking a 23-mile bike ride will amaze your non-cyclist friends. But regular bikers in Rothrock understand the secret ingredient that makes this loop easier than it sounds: gravity. Of the 23 total miles I believe you could get away with pedaling as little as 10. Those 10 will be honest, uphill miles where you'll curse your winter hibernation and feel every extra pound you gained. But hey, that's the exercise part of cycling and it's actually why many of us do it. This is a long ride and it's important that you have a reliable bike underneath you. If you just dragged it out of the garage, make sure your bike is tuned-up and checked out by a bicycle shop. This isn't a difficult bike ride but it would become a very long walk if your bicycle breaks down. Begin this adventure at Tussey Mountain Ski Area (No. 1 on the map). Follow Bear Meadows Road (paved) into Rothrock, and turn right on Laurel Run Road (dirt). The uphill part starts immediately as you begin from 1,400 feet elevation. Laurel Run Road uses a series of switchbacks to climb through the Galbraith Gap area and there is no denying this is hard work. The good news is 2.5 miles later you run out of mountain (No. 2 on the map). As you roll over the mountaintop, at 2,100 feet, an enjoyable descent begins. Laurel Run Road continues all the way to Whipple Dam State Park, more than seven miles away. You essentially coast downhill to Whipple Dam which sits at a lowly 980 feet. The gravel road provides a carefree tour through the forest, past hunting camps, springs and streams. You will need to pedal as the road flattens out, but fear not; there will be no major uphill until you pass Whipple Dam. Whipple Dam is a nice place to relax and walk around. You may want to eat something, because the workout part is about to begin. Laurel Run Road becomes Greenlee Road as you leave the state park. The road has several short ups and downs as it winds through the forest (No. 4 on the map). When you reach the Y intersection with Beidleheimer Road you'll choose the easier option by staying on Greenlee Road (No. 5 on the map). However, it won't be long until the easy road becomes challenging. Remember the seven-mile downhill to Whipple Dam? This is where you must regain that elevation drop, except in half the distance. It gets grueling as the mountain rises sharply. For two miles you pedal up a steep grade that exhausts even the strongest rider (No. 6 on the map). At the top of the climb, follow signs to Bear Meadows. Descending North Bear Meadows road is effortless (No. 7 on the map). At the bottom of North Bear Meadows Road turn left on Bear Meadows Road (No. 8 on the map). An easy downhill continues and the last two miles are paved. You will coast back to Tussey Mountain Ski Area with a minimum of effort. Calculating the uphill sections alone, I find about 10 miles of hard work which includes more than 2,000 feet of climbing. There are a few miles of mild uphill but they don't really count. There are easily more than 10 miles of carefree, coasting downhill miles but you don't need to tell your friends about those. Let 'em think you worked hard the whole ride. For more detailed directions, check out the new guidebook written by Bob Butler titled "A Naturalist's Guide for Mountain Bikers, Hikers and Drivers To The Seven Mountains." He provides exact mileage, flora and fauna descriptions and a dozen other trips for outdoor people. Directions Begin and end at Tussey Mountain Ski Area, located on Bear Meadows Road just off of U.S. Route 322, outside Boalsburg.
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