In the serene landscapes of Northeast Pennsylvania, a remarkable initiative has taken root, inviting cycling enthusiasts to explore the region’s vast network of gravel roads. This unique venture, which began in a Wyalusing conference room, has evolved into the Endless Mountains Grand Depart and the expansive Endless Gravel PA Route Network.
The Birth of a Cycling Initiative
During a pivotal meeting in 2021, regional officials convened to design a 430-mile bikepacking loop. Cain Chamberlin, executive director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR), remarked, “It was all hands on deck when we first did this.” As the COVID-19 pandemic drove people outdoors, the four-county area—Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming—saw an influx of visitors.
Robyn Cummings, executive director of the Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, noted, “They were coming here to spend time with their families. They were coming here for extra outdoor activities.” This surge in interest prompted Donna Iannone, then a Sullivan County Commissioner and an avid cyclist, to propose the bikepacking loop initiative.
Expanding the Network
The initial bikepacking route has blossomed into a comprehensive cycling network. In collaboration with David Landis of Village to Village Trails, who specializes in developing gravel routes, EMHR launched the Endless Gravel PA website. This resource offers 2,000 miles of curated routes, accessible on Ride with GPS, and showcases the region’s 11 welcoming hub communities.
Embracing the Gravel Trend
Gravel cycling, a burgeoning trend, has found a natural home in the Endless Mountains. With minimal major highways, the region is ideal for mixed-surface cycling. Landis explained, “Gravel riding means you’re spending at least some of your ride on unpaved roads. They may be gravel, they may be dirt.” He highlighted the appeal of gravel bikes, which combine features of road and mountain bikes.
Landis also pointed out the safety and adventure aspects of gravel cycling, as it allows riders to avoid busy roads and explore secluded areas. “You can find some really quiet paved back roads, but in general, if you look for gravel, you kind of like solve most of those safety risks,” he said.
Diverse Routes for Every Cyclist
Starting with the 430-mile loop, the project expanded to include shorter routes, catering to a broader audience. Chamberlain emphasized, “We just wanted to give more options to everyone and reach a wider demographic of cyclists.” The routes vary in difficulty and terrain, from the challenging 67-mile Montrose Mustache ride to the more accessible 16.6-mile Nicholson: Hop Bottom Weather Rock ride.
Each ride is self-guided, with routes and important amenities outlined on the EndlessGravelPa.com website and app. The EMHR also introduced a bicycle-friendly business program to support cyclists.
The Annual Grand Depart
The Endless Mountains Grand Depart, a multi-day gravel cycling race, marks the highlight of the cycling calendar in the region. Chamberlain noted the event’s appeal, drawing participants from across the globe. Robyn Cummings reflected on the community’s involvement, “They’re fierce and they’re competitive, and now the communities like to track and follow them where they’re at along the way too.”
Beyond the thrill of the race, local businesses and residents engage with cyclists, providing “trail magic” in the form of refreshments and support.
Building on a Rich Heritage
The Endless Mountains have long been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking and kayaking. Gravel cycling complements these offerings, providing a new way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Chamberlain observed, “Cycling has always been a thing here for sure, but this was just a way to capitalize on a new kind of cycling with what we had already at hand.”
