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Sand Mountain Road – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Sand Mountain Road – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim

Hard

3.5

(10)

riders

Sand Mountain Road – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim

11:44

131km

2,160m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 116 km for 761 m

Discouraged

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

33.6 km

Stone Gap

Mountain Pass

47.6 km

Viewpoint

82.7 km

Sand Mountain Road

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Sand Mountain Road is a double track gravel road that runs the length of Poe Valley State Park. As such, it connects to many of the trails within the park and you will most likely end up riding it for a stretch to get to and from your favorite trails.

Tip by

83.9 km

Poe Valley State Park Forest Trail

Highlight • Trail

Poe Valley State Park spans 620 acres and showcases various bodies of water, including Poe Lake and Tea Kettle Pond, along with several mountain peaks. The park is a favored camping destination if you want to explore a little longer.

Tip by

103 km

Poe Paddy State Park Campground

Highlight • Rest Area

This campground has tent spots and public restrooms. It is also a good spot to fill up water before a ride.

Tip by

104 km

Penn's Creek

Highlight • River

Here there is a small, paved, bridge crossing Penn's Creek and leading to Poe Paddy State Forest.

Tip by

104 km

Poe Paddy Tunnel

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

This small tunnel at the end of the Penn's Creek Path connects to Penn's Creek and continues on towards Poe Paddy State Park.

Tip by

131 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

82.4 km

22.5 km

13.9 km

7.77 km

4.66 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

76.2 km

28.6 km

13.1 km

7.52 km

4.78 km

962 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (700 m)

Lowest point (270 m)

Weather

Today

Wednesday 15 July

34°C

22°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a truly epic mountain biking challenge in central Pennsylvania, the Sand Mountain Road – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim delivers. This difficult 81.5-mile (131.2 km) route packs in a staggering 7118 feet (2169 metres) of elevation gain, demanding very good fitness and advanced riding skills over an estimated 11 hours and 45 minutes. It's a significant undertaking for experienced riders seeking a full-day adventure through varied terrain and stunning landscapes.

What to expect on Sand Mountain Road – Penn's Creek loop from Millheim

This loop is a journey through diverse terrain, from double-track gravel roads like Sand Mountain Road itself, which cuts through Poe Valley State Park, to challenging climbs within Bald Eagle State Forest. You'll encounter sections of old woods roads, fun singletrack, and even rail-trail along the Penns Creek Path. Expect varied surfaces, including rocky, sandy, and loose descents, where you might need to push your bike. The scenery shifts from dense forests and rolling hills to the beautiful Penns Creek valley, offering panoramic vistas and natural features like Poe Lake and Tea Kettle Pond. The Penns Creek Path is a highlight, following an old railroad bed past a distinct mountain tunnel and an old railroad trestle with breathtaking views of the creek.

Planning your visit

The route starts in the historic town of Millheim. While specific parking details aren't provided, it's a good idea to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot. You'll find restrooms and water available at the campground in Poe Paddy State Park, which is accessible via a small, paved bridge across Penn's Creek. Given the route's length and demanding nature, carry plenty of water and nutrition, and be prepared for a full day out. The diverse ecosystems and rugged terrain make this a quintessential East Coast mountain biking experience, best enjoyed when conditions are dry.