Adventure seekers and dual sport motorcycle enthusiasts have a new destination to explore starting Monday. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is unveiling a 20-mile stretch of challenging trails within a sprawling 700-acre area in Schuylkill County, promising both thrill and picturesque landscapes.
Karl Myhre, a recreational forester for the Weiser State Forest and an avid rider, describes the trails as “challenging, but they’re fun. That’s what people are seeking, a challenge. They’ll like this trail.” The trails offer a mix of tight turns, steep descents, and breathtaking scenery.
The Catawissa Recreation Area, encompassing 5,600 acres in Schuylkill and southern Luzerne Counties, was acquired by DCNR in 2022. The newly opened dual sport section marks the initial phase of the area’s development, with future plans including an additional 109 miles of trails to accommodate ATV and UTV riders. The trailhead and parking area are situated off Lofty Road in Delano Twp., Schuylkill County.
Single track riding
The single track trails will be accessible from dawn until dusk, starting in May and closing at the end of September. Scott Miller, Weiser District Forester, explains, “Then the rest of the time, you know, people want to come out and hike, ride mountain bikes, hunt, whatever. You know, the track is here to use.”
Designed for dual sport motorcycles, which are a hybrid between street and dirt bikes, the trails require bikes to have headlights, tail lights, turn signals, a horn, and a license plate. Myhre suggests using single-cylinder bikes under 500cc for an optimal experience.
While off-road riders often pause to admire the natural beauty, safety and operational management remain priorities. DCNR aims to hire a vendor to oversee daily operations, including permit management and trail maintenance, with a preference for employing medically trained staff.
DEP’s involvement
The second phase of the Catawissa Recreation Area will see collaboration between DCNR and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to construct a road from Oak Ridge Road in Hazle Twp. This road will facilitate public access and support the development of a mine drainage treatment plant at the Catawissa Creek headwaters, addressing pollution issues from two mine drainage tunnels.
In a bid to address illegal dumping, DCNR has introduced security measures and engaged in extensive cleanup efforts, removing over 16 tons of trash and 5 tons of tires. “We know that obviously the public generally consists of great people who are all doing the right things, but it just takes a couple to spoil things for everyone else,” said Ryan Reed from the Bureau of Forestry.
‘Fun times’ and ‘stress relief’
The opening of Catawissa is seen as a crucial step in addressing the needs of off-road enthusiasts, with Reed emphasizing the significance of this development as “the tip of the spear” for future infrastructure projects. “This serves as a great model for that type of concerted effort, and I think that this is a great first step in doing so,” he added.
Bud Matto, owner of Matto Cycle in Pottsville, expressed excitement about the new trails, despite their limited length. “Off-road riders are a whole big, fast group of riders. They’re not just a bunch of dirt bike guys…it’s our fun times, our stress relief, and we just love to do it,” he said.
Before you ride
Permits to ride on the trails must be purchased in person at the Weiser State Forest Resource Management Center at 16 Weiser Lane, Aristes, Columbia County. The office is about 25 miles from the trailhead in Delano Twp.Permits are $45 for Pennsylvania residents and $65 for out-of-state residents.
