Jacks Mountain Trails
The Jacks Mountain Region contains a wide variety of off road trails and difficulty levels, from punishing single-tracks to muddy drivable trails. You can put on a staggering amount of dirt miles traversing this region. Discover rugged mountain routes and avoid smooth roads almost entirely. The drivable trails are navigable on larger adventure bikes. All motorcycles must be registered and street legal.
Middle Ridge Trail
NOT A NOVICE TRAIL. Riders are advised to empty their bladders before attempting. This trail begins at the point where Henstep Valley Trail meets Rout 235. Follow a rocky fence line trail for a short distance, then make a right at the Middle Ridge Trail sign. The trail will take you along the ridge line through long sections of rocks, followed by several rock gardens. Did I mention the rocks? After about 2 miles the trail ends at a 4 way intersection. From here you can make a right on Summit Trail The other trails are closed to motorcycles by DCNR.
Henstep Valley Trail
This one is a long drivable trail that loops around Middle Ridge to connect Hunter Road and Route 235. Adventure bikes can get through without too much difficulty, but watch out for the mud holes. They may be deeper than you expect. Some sections are a bit rocky, but come on, it’s Pennsylvania. What did you expect?
Summit Trail
A punishing switch-backed ridge climb that is narrow and rocky at points. DO NOT RIDE STRAIGHT UP OR DOWN THE RIDGE. At the top of the ridge is a 4-way intersection. Hang a left here onto Middle Ridge Tr. The other trails are closed to motorcycles by DCNR.
Spring Trail
This short single-track connects Hunter Rd to Henstep Valley Trail. From Hunter road, the track starts with a rocky incline, which flattens out at the top of the ridge, then takes you right back down a rocky slope to end at Henstep Valley Trail. Starting from Henstep is more difficult because the climb is steeper. It’s a Wheaties moment!
Horseshoe Bend Trail
A fun, short trail that is much easier when you start from the Hunter Road end. Begins smooth and flowing, then you come to a downhill slope which gets increasingly rocky until you thump over some really big rocks and suddenly it’s over. Starting from Brenninger Gap is more difficult. You will be thinking “Horsehoe? Horseshit!”
Cold Spring Trail
Connecting Hunter Road to Short Mountain Road, this trail is a fun challenge for all types of riders. From Hunter Road, it starts out as a smooth single-track that climbs the ridge to meet up with a fence line. At the corner of the fence is a steep rocky downhill and an abrupt 90° turn onto a mercifully flat run. Don’t get too comfortable though; there will be several rock gardens along the way. The last section is all smooth except for a series of water bars which may cause you to giggle.
Bull Hollow Trail/Road
Miles of piss-your-pants fun! From Short Mountain Rd, the rout starts as a drivable trail with a few seasonal mud holes. Eventually you will come to a clearing with a cabin. Stop here and take a break, because it’s all rocky single-track from here. At the end of this is a sharp turn onto County Line Trail which will take you up and over a hill with lots of water bar swells, and end at Hunter Road.
Pardee's Tram Trail (Suicide Slide)
Take High Top Trail to the top of the ridge, then as you start downhill, look for the single-track on your left. Suicide starts out smooth and deceitfully easy, then begins a long decline made challenging by rocks. Then it gets steeper still! If you make it, go ahead and ring out your jersey. Who knew you could sweat going downhill!
Kreb Gap Trail
Starting out from Knob ridge Road, there will be a short uphill, which ends at a vista (Picture Time!). Across the road and down a steep loose hill onto a nice flowing track. Last is another steep downhill which puts you on Pine Ridge Trail, which leads out to Swift Run Road.
Knob Ridge Road
This one is pretty wide and smooth, so it should be all fun and no trouble. Look out for the Kreb gap trailhead near the intersection with Swift Run Road.
Strong Mountain Road
This drivable trail takes a mountainous route from Hunter Road to Havice Valley Road. You will find a mix of smooth flowing runs, and rocky slopes. This road has seen it’s fair share of flats. The rocks are not big, but they are loose! Stay strong!
Longwell Draft Road
A long gradually sloped drivable trail that connects with Strong Mountain Road. There can be a lot of puddles along the way, but they tend to be fairly shallow. Riding in either direction is a blast. It is actually part of a Backcountry Discovery Route, so you may meet other mud soaked explorers here.
Flat Hollow Road
This drivable trail goes out of the way a bit, but sometimes I throw it into my dual-sport route just for variety. It’s pretty flat as the name suggests, but it’s got some mud and bumps.
Little Poe Road
If you want trail with little variety, try Little Poe Road. From Havice Valley Road, it starts with rocky ascent that can shake your teeth out. At the top, check for loose bolts and continue down the other side of the ridge. Bear right at the intersection with Panther Run Road. This section is all muddy and rutty, and then begins a gradual descent to the valley floor where you follow a beautiful stream out to Poe Valley Road.
Panther Run Road
This one is pretty straight and flat. From Little Poe Road, you start out with some patches of small loose rocks. Further West, it turns grassy, with 3 lanes to choose from. It’s a fun time for any bike. The West end of the trail meets up with the Seiglerville-Millheim Pike putting you in a good spot to tour the trails in the Sand Mountain Region.
Poe Paddy Drive
Find the beginning of this road in Poe Paddy State Park. Please go slow through the camp ground. Soon after leaving the camp sites behind, you’ll come to a hard right and begin a long rocky ascent with several switchbacks. And when I say rocky, I mean BIG rocks! It’s a wide road, so pick your track and weave your way to the top. From here, it’s just a regular gravel road, but there are some amazing vistas overlooking the Penns Creek. Stop and enjoy. It’s mandatory.
Tower Trail
The sign at the East end will read “Deep Low Place Trail”. From here you take a narrow sandy trail through a clear-cut then a sloppy loose hill climb. A fast, flowing single track follows the ridgeline to a gravel road intersection. It’s not a long trail, but it gets your adrenaline going.
Plantation Trail
See description in Sand Mountain Trails.