If you're the athletic type and you enjoy mountain biking Central Pennsylvania is a great place for it. We enjoy having several state parks very nearby as well as an active biking community that supports the trail systems. One place in particular thats great for moutain biking is the Scotia Barrens just outside of State College. There are thousands of acres of state maintained land that has miles upon miles of trails that are both challenging and fun on a mountain bike. This particular area doesn't really have a lot of steep hills or descents which make it great for a beginning rider. It is very easy to get lost in Scotia though so make sure you keep you bearings and think about getting a map at a local bike shop.
Another thing to be careful of while riding in Scotia is to be sure to stay out of the state lands during hunting season. You wouldn't want to be mistaken for a deer or turkey while out trying to get a few miles in 
on the bike. Most hunting seasons start in early fall and continue to the end of the year although there are a few seasons in the spring. Make sure you check in with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the actual dates and times of any and all hunting seasons.
Scotia is only one of many great places in Central PA for mountain biking. There is also Rothrock State Forest near Tussey Mountain that has plenty of single track trails and a lot more elevation changes. Just to the west there is also Greenwood Furnace State Park that also has miles and miles of trails for any mountain bike enthusiast. For more information contact the Nittany Mountain Biking Association. There are more than enough local trails to keep even the most hard core cyclist busy!
Comments(1)