Mountain Bike Ride - Ohiopyle State Park - Sugarloaf Mountain Bike Area

🚵‍♂️ Sugarloaf to Meadow Run: Ohiopyle Mountain Biking Adventure! 🚵‍♀️

Join us for an epic mountain biking journey through Ohiopyle’s rugged and thrilling trails!

• Meetup Location: Sugarloaf Mountain Bike Area Trailhead & Restrooms
• End Location: Meadow Run Trail Parking Lot
• Distance: ~9 miles
• Skill Level: Intermediate and Advanced riders recommended
• Estimated Ride Time: 2 to 3 hours (including breaks and regrouping)
• Ride Type: One-way self-shuttled ride (we’ll coordinate at the trailhead)

THE RIDE
This ride is designed for intermediate and experienced mountain bikers who enjoy a mix of flowy singletrack, technical descents, and rocky terrain. Starting at Sugarloaf Mountain, we’ll traverse some of Ohiopyle’s best trails, leading us to the Meadow Run Trail Parking Lot. Riders should expect a mix of fast descents, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks, with plenty of opportunities to challenge their skills.

We will shuttle vehicles between the start and end locations, so riders can enjoy the descent without needing to climb back up.

We will actually begin our ride at the McCune Trailhead. There is limited parking there, so we will meet at the Sugarloaf Mountain Bike Area Trailhead & Restrooms mentioned earlier to discuss shuttle logistics and take advantage of the facilities.

THE ROUTE
The Stats

• 9.3 miles
• 617' ascent
• 2,099' descent
• GAIA GPS Route

1. McCune Trail

• Distance: ~2 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate-Blue
• Physical Rating: Hard
• Description: Climb! Climb! and then... this is where the fun begins, flowy singletrack and technical rock gardens follow along the ridge through some neat rock outcroppings. After the technical stuff the trail starts to descend down the mountain. This is one of the best downhills in the park After the downhill you'll come to the overlook.

2. Upper Canyons Edge

• Distance: ~1.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy-Green
• Physical Rating: Easy
• Description: This trail connects Canyons Edge Loop to McCune Trail via sweet singletrack. There is a great rock bridge across a creek about halfway up.

3. Canyon Edge

• Distance: ~.5 miles
• Difficulty: Easy-Green
• Physical Rating: Easy
• Description: Canyon Edge is a 3,728 ft popular green singletrack trail located near Ohiopyle Pennsylvania. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions and has an easy overall physical rating. On average it takes 8 minutes to complete this trail.

3. Lower Canyon Edge

• Distance: ~1 miles
• Difficulty: Easy-Green
• Physical Rating: Easy
• Description: This trail features moderate terrain with some technical sections and some fast and flowy sections. This trail extends off the lower end of Canyon Edge Loop and connects us to the Upper Sugarloaf Loop.

4. Sugar Loaf Trail

• Distance: ~4.8 miles
• Difficulty: Intermediate-Blue
• Physical Rating: More Difficult
• Description: A mix of fast flowy sections with some techy bits leading us toward the end of our journey.

In mountain biking, the rating system for trail difficulty follows this general progression:

1. Green Circle (Easy) – Suitable for beginners, smooth trails with minimal obstacles.
2. Blue Square (Intermediate) – More challenging with some roots, rocks, and small technical features.
3. Black Diamond (Advanced) – Steeper grades, bigger obstacles, technical descents, and more difficult terrain.
4. Double Black Diamond (Expert/Extreme) – Very technical, requiring advanced skills, with features like large drops, rock gardens, and steep descents.
5. Pro Line (Extreme/Professional Level) – Highly challenging terrain meant for expert riders, often requiring downhill or freeride skills.

MAPS & INFORMATION
🔗 GAIA GPS Route Details
🔗 Traiforks Overview & Maps for the Area
🔗 Ohiopyle State Park Information

WHERE TO STAY
This group is having a camping Meetup at OhioPyle State Park. Click here for the details for that event.

MORE ABOUT OHIO PYLE AREA
Ohiopyle is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Before or after the ride, take advantage of these incredible activities:

• Waterfalls & Hiking: Visit Cucumber Falls or hike the Meadow Run Trail.
• Whitewater Rafting: Ohiopyle is home to world-class rafting on the Youghiogheny River!
• Local Eats & Shops: Grab a bite at Falls Market Restaurant & Inn or explore the Ohiopyle Trading Post.

RECOMMENDED GEAR & WHAT TO BRING
For the best experience, riders should be equipped with the following:
✅ Bike Type: A full-suspension or high-quality hardtail mountain bike with aggressive tires is recommended.
✅ Helmet & Pads: A helmet is required. Knee and elbow pads are strongly recommended due to the technical terrain.
✅ Hydration & Nutrition: Bring at least 1-2 liters of water and energy snacks.
✅ Bike Repair Kit: Spare tube, tire levers, mini pump, and a multi-tool in case of mechanical issues.
✅ Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers and bring a lightweight rain jacket if necessary.
✅ Gloves & Protective Eyewear: For added comfort and safety on rough terrain.

READY TO RIDE? JOIN US!
This event is for experienced mountain bikers looking for a technical and thrilling ride through some of the best trails in Ohiopyle. If you’re up for a challenge and love fast descents, rock gardens, and epic scenery, this is the ride for you!
📩 Have questions? Reach out to us!

BIKE RENTALS IN THE AREA
Mountain bike rental companies in Ohiopyle that offer high-quality, full-suspension bikes:

• Wilderness Voyageurs - Offers Kona Full Suspension MTN Bikes

ACCIDENT WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Your yes RSVP and by attending this event acknowledges that you have read and agree to my accident waiver and release of liability. With this in mind, please remember that I am not your guide. I am a fellow paddler that is offering notice of a group of friends that are gathering to share in ride-share to enable a fun day on the water for all. I love you guys, but I love my family more.

CANCELLATION
The paddle will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather or unsuitable river conditions. IMPORTANT: Check this MEETUP event page on Friday morning for last minute details and watch your email for additional updates.

SUNRISE/SUNSET
Moonrise: 3:56am
Sunrise: 5:56am
Moonset: 5:57pm
Sunset: 8:34pm

GUESTS
No guests permitted on this event. Please as your friend to sign up on Meet Up and to this group and RSVP to the event. This ensures that the attendees all read and agree to the liability waiver.

NOTE: The details to this event are subject to change.