Oregon Road

Trail Overview

This is an easy gravel road in Buchanan State Forest that provides access to the three primary points of interest in Buchanan. This is a must drive trail because of what it provides access to. The trail was originally established for the historic CCC camp on this road. The ruins of that camp still exist, and after being a CCC camp, it was used as a POW camp in World War II. There are signs and guides at the site that describe both incarnations of the camp. Adjacent to this site is a trail back to the foundation for a railroad viaduct. This arch was built by Sicilian stone masons in the 1880s for a rail line that was never completed, but the arch persists and was constructed completely from native stone and without any mortar. The third attraction is an abandoned section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Much of that runs parallel to Oregon Road, and this trail provides easy access to one of the two abandoned tunnels along its length. The Sideling Hill Tunnel can be reached from a trail near the CCC/POW camp. If you have a bike or are up for a bit of a hike, the Rays Hill Tunnel is about 3 miles west. Expect to spend about half a day on this road if seeing these sights. It's a scenic trail in its own right, but the attraction is what it provides access to.

Photos of Oregon Road

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Difficulty

This trail is a typical Pennsylvania Forest Service route, consisting primarily of well-maintained gravel. It is smooth and easy to drive, with minimal obstacles or technical challenges.

History

CCC Camp S-52 was established in 1933 alongside Oregon Road, where young men built and improved many forest roads and trails, including sections still used today.

Technical Rating

Oregon Road can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV