Weekend Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Loop Bikepacking trip!

Come join us for a thrilling weekend bikepacking adventure along the scenic Allegheny Plateau and Pine Creek Gorge rail-trail and gravel roads! This event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature, be moderately physically active, have plenty of time to stare at the trees, and make new friends. We'll start our journey at the start of the Pine Creek Rail Trailhead in Jersey Shore, PA and pedal our way through picturesque trails, enjoying the beauty of the trail, forests, county and surrounding landscapes.

Whether you're a seasoned bikepacker or new to the sport, this event is suitable for anyone with a moderate fitness level, so long as you are okay with a few punchy gravel hills combined with the ease of a pristine rail-trail. Pack your camping gear (for some very remote and primitive sites), snacks, and a sense of adventure as we embark on this unforgettable trip together. Don't miss out on this opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors!

The Details

Date/Time:

Friday, June 19th, 2026 8:00 AM → Sunday, June 21th, 2025 4:00 PM (stay up to date in the Signal groupchat for time changes)

Days/Nights:

3 days/2 nights

Start/End Location:

Jersey Shore, PA -> Jersey Shore, PA

Total Mileage/Elevation:

120+ miles, 6,540ft

(route information can be found here, some is still a WIP)

Cost to Participate:

$155 (early bird), $170 (regular)

Type of Adventure:

Unsupported, group bikepacking (camping) along the multi-surface rail-trail and gravel roads.

Terrain/Difficulty :

A mix of trails, gravel and backroads. Bring a gravel bike; there are a couple of steep hills to climb combined with some flat trails. Decent fitness is required for this trip- this is not a race, but with lunch, rest and refill stops planned along the way, a 10mph pace with all these stops included will result in about 7 hours of moving day.

Gear Required:

A full gear list and detailed itinerary will be emailed to all participants before the start of the event. You should expect to carry everything that you think you will need on your bike for this trip. That includes, but is not limited to, a fully functioning bike, a tent, biking clothes and camping clothes, food and water, spare bike parts and tools, etc.. If you would like to see everything I brought to New Zealand for a 3 month tour (different from bikepacking, but packing lists are similar) you can watch a full breakdown here https://youtu.be/g60vVx2L2i8?si=nXkYML5pjf_DU2Yz.

(additional information here) Please know that there is limited cell service, you will have to filter your water, download the routes ahead of time for offline use, and bring a battery pack. Assume (almost) nothing is provided at these sites and along the trail!

FAQ

What will our lodging be for this trip? Camping at 7 mile campground and Hoffman campground. They are both primitive sites- please check out their websites and pack accordingly.

How Do I Know If My Bikepacking Rig Will Work? I will send out a Google Forms that must be completed to ensure that your bikepacking rig is well suited for this trip. I know some people will be new to bikepacking, so I want everyone to have a basic guideline of what is expected to be in your setup! You can find some informational videos on this playlist I made to help you prepare for the trip!

Can I Rent a Bike/Gear? Short answer- no. This trip is dependent on you packing/bringing your own bike and gear. I will send out a gear/equipment list before departure to all registrants. I do have a limited bike/gear supply closet, so if there is something you need, I might be able to offer a bit of help!

Who Is This Trip Targeted For? Anyone can join, but this route is specifically suitable for beginner/intermediate cyclists/bikepackers, or people who simply want a bit of a chiller bikepacking trip, one with more downtime to enjoy the surroundings, but still some hours of pedaling to get a sweat going.

What Happens If It Rains? Unless there is torrential downpour and a gigantic storm looming, this event is rain or shine, so pack accordingly!

How Do I Get To/From The Event? You will have to drive to this event. I create a groupchat with everyone before the start of the event in case of wanting to carpool together.

What is your refund policy? If you cancel your trip 5+ weeks before our departure date, then you will get a full refund. If you are a no show or cancel less than two weeks before departure date, you will not get a refund (unless special circumstances occur). 

What are the chances/conditions that this trip will be canceled? All trips require a minimum of 5 guests to sign up. If fewer than 5 guests sign up, then the trip will be canceled and I will refund all tickets. 

Do you have any other videos to help me know what this event may look like? Yes! Please check out past group trips here, and other videos such as biking across the United States, New Zealand, and other adventures. You can find a YouTube video (from someone else) about this specific route here.