Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Ridge Road is located in Michaux State Forest, Southeast of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. This is a pleasant and peaceful road that tours the northern half of the forest and includes views of the south and the Pinnacle Mountains. The road does cross Highway 233, but remains 95% gravel. Cell service is...
Learn more about Michaux Ridge Road

Ridge Road runs through much of Michaux State Forest. The northern end is known for its access to Hammond's Rocks and for being more challenging than most of the other forest roads here. Accessing Hammond's Rocks from the south is recommended unless you have high clearance, as north of there, the we...
Learn more about Ridge Road (North)

Laurel Run Road is a scenic gravel route that winds through the quiet beauty of the historic Henry Valley in Tuscarora State Forest. Following the path of its namesake stream, the road passes several notable landmarks: the Pioneer Cemetery of the old town of Pandamonia, the stunning overlook at Henr...
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Elk Hill Road is a rugged gravel road cutting through the remote stretches of Tuscarora State Forest, offering travelers sweeping ridge views, dense forest scenery, and access to several secluded hiking trails. This backcountry route is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience t...
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This road is located in Michaux State Forest, Southeast of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The road's northern end contains the high point near Big Hill, then decreases in elevation until Dead Woman Hollow is reached. The famous Appalachian Trail crosses this road on the northern end. Just south of Tom'...
Learn more about Dead Woman Hollow

This forest road is probably best known for Buzzard Rocks Vista near its midpoint, which offers a nice view from the Sliding Rock Mountain across Hairy Springs Hollow to the west. The north end has about 500 feet of elevation change up from or down to the valley beyond the forest. The road itself is...
Learn more about Hogshead Road

Meadows Road offers a peaceful gravel drive through the heart of Tuscarora State Forest, connecting to Laurel Run Road at both its eastern and western ends. Along the way, you’ll find several designated roadside campsites (check the Pennsylvania DCNR website for current rules and regulations). Don’t...
Learn more about Meadows Road

This is an essential connecting route through Michaux State Forest. There are many options for outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing on this road. The surrounding area has beautiful views, especially during spring and fall. There is one marked campsite on this route,...
Learn more about Ridge Central

This is a scenic route through Michaux State Forest, with nice views throughout. The road is mainly gravel with small rocks, mellow ruts, and some steep inclines/declines depending on which way you traverse the trail. 4WD is not required for this road, but if snow is present, it is recommended.
Learn more about Thompson Hollow Road

Cowpens Road is a short, quiet gravel trail connecting 3 Square Hollow Road to Laurel Run Road, winding through the heart of Tuscarora State Forest. This scenic route passes by more of the forest's hiking trails and showcases the area's rugged beauty with dense woodlands, rolling ridges, and peacefu...
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3 Square Hollow Road is a scenic gravel route winding through Tuscarora State Forest, offering access to a variety of hiking trails and landmarks. Along the way, you'll pass the historic 1956 crash site of the C-119G "Flying Boxcar" and the stunning 3 Square Hollow Vista, also known as the Cumberlan...
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Second Narrows Road winds through the Tuscarora State Forest, offering scenic access to numerous hiking trails--including the renowned 250-mile Tuscarora Trail. This quiet forest road is popular with hikers, overlanders, and campers alike, with several roadside campsites available along the route. C...
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The Little Valley Road runs east to west through Tuscarora State Forest in Pennsylvania. This road makes for an easy and relaxing drive. Little Valley Road offers beautiful views from the top of Conococheague Mountain at the Blain Vista. Three marked campsites are along the road but require a permit...
Learn more about Blain Vista Trail

This is a side road coming off the Ridge Road Extension trail; it features steep inclines and declines as well as tight switchbacks, making it more difficult to traverse in the winter months. There are beautiful views throughout this trail, making it a must if you visit Michaux State Forest.
Learn more about Middle Ridge Road

This is an unmaintained forest road connecting Baltimore Road with Ridge Road in Michaux State Forest. There are many opportunities for hiking, cycling, and sightseeing along this trail. This trail is mainly gravel, with a few dirt patches and small rocks. The trail is wide enough to pass comfortabl...
Learn more about Milesburn Road

This forest road features perhaps the best vista in Michaux State Forest. The Dark Hollow Vista is near the western end of this road. It is surprisingly quiet here, and on a recent visit, only 2 trucks and 6 bicycles passed by during 45 minutes while having lunch and taking in the view. This vista i...
Learn more about Stillhouse Hollow Road

Please Note: this road may only be open during deer season, though it seems to be open year-round now. This is a beautiful two-track dirt road along a ridge through Tuscarora State Forest. There are no major elevation changes along the route, but there could be some potential for mud and puddles. Wi...
Learn more about Horse Valley Ridge / Concord Road

Birch Run Road is located in Michaux State Forest, Southeast of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The road passes by beautiful scenery, such as Rocky Knob, East Big Flat Ridge, Ram, Strausbaugh, and Sierra Hills. This road connects Milesburg Road and Shippensburg Road. Birch Run has poor cell service, so ...
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The Little Knob Road runs East to West through Tuscarora State Forest in Pennsylvania. This road makes for an easy and relaxing drive. The road offers beautiful views from the top of Little Knob. Two marked campsites are along the road but require a permit. There's minimal service at the Tuscarora S...
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The Germantown Road runs North to South through Tuscarora State Forest in Pennsylvania. This road makes for an easy and relaxing drive. Germantown Road offers beautiful views of Conococheague Mountain, as well as Blue Mountain on the south side of Blain. There's minimal service at the Tuscarora Stat...
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Tower City 6 is probably the longest trail in this trail network. It goes from Gold Mine Road all the way out to Trail 3. This trail is a railroad bed so it is very flat and smooth with just a few rocky spots but plenty of puddles.
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This is a dead-end trail that goes up the mountain to what was a coal mining area. You will see the coal mine remnants in the form of pits and piles off to the sides. There are two small offshoots on this section but both are dead ends.
Learn more about Tower City 14

Tower City 7 is an old railroad bed from Gold Mine Road to Trail 6. There is plenty of forest debris on this trail including logs, branches, and small rocks. Stay off the road as it is illegal to ride up and down the road. This is a great start to the trail network.
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Trail one is a nice long skidder path. It is pretty much the main skidder path to the landing during the timbering. This makes the trail nice and wide and very compact. This goes from the parking lot to the middle of the property. There are some small rocks and forest debris scattered on this trail.
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Tower City 6 is probably the longest trail in this trail network. It goes from Gold Mine Road all the way out to Trail 3. This trail is a railroad bed so it is very flat and smooth with just a few rocky spots but plenty of puddles.
Learn more about Tower City 6

This is a dead-end trail that goes up the mountain to what was a coal mining area. You will see the coal mine remnants in the form of pits and piles off to the sides. There are two small offshoots on this section but both are dead ends.
Learn more about Tower City 14

Tower City 7 is an old railroad bed from Gold Mine Road to Trail 6. There is plenty of forest debris on this trail including logs, branches, and small rocks. Stay off the road as it is illegal to ride up and down the road. This is a great start to the trail network.
Learn more about Tower City 7

Trail one is a nice long skidder path. It is pretty much the main skidder path to the landing during the timbering. This makes the trail nice and wide and very compact. This goes from the parking lot to the middle of the property. There are some small rocks and forest debris scattered on this trail.
Learn more about Tower City 1