Trail Overview

This is an unmaintained high-clearance 4x4 road just outside Moshannon State Forest. It offers a beautifully scenic and challenging back route into the state forest and Black Moshannon State Park. You'll climb over 750 feet in elevation, though there are not any notable vistas or lookouts.

Photos of Peale Gorton Road

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Difficulty

Coming from the town of Pleasant Hill or Grassflat, you can expect a long climb, which may be muddy at the start (just after crossing Moshannon Creek) and will include steep loose rocky climbs, wash outs, and some small rock ledges. At the top, there are several large, but not very deep mud holes. Expect water to be 10-20" deep after rain.

Technical Rating

Natasha Ross

yesterday

Open

Michael McGuire

Mar 14, 2026

Open

The water was high and moving fast at the water crossing. Only one large tree had to be cut and pulled out of the roadway after the high winds. Made for a fun day.

Jon Tirrell

Jan 23, 2026

Open

Trail had snow and ice but nothing sketchy. The water crossing near i80 was manageable and we did not have to break through any ice when fording.

Ryan Cornmesser

Nov 02, 2025

Open

Drove my full size sprinter van. One tree low hanging scraped my roof and solar panel but we still fit. Deff fun in a van.

Ronan

Nov 01, 2025

Open

Ron Karper

Sep 06, 2025

Open

Toby Newcomer

Jul 28, 2025

Open

Jim Jones

Jul 17, 2025

Open

Justin Sager

Jul 13, 2025

Open

Jim Jones

Jun 11, 2025

Open

Justin Bruch

Apr 26, 2025

Open

Harrison Mooney

Apr 21, 2025

Open

Fun trail I was easily able to tackle in a stock 04 ram 1500 with RWD. There are some fun and technical sections to mess around on at the beginning of the trail near the pond and clearing.

Caleb Meighen

Jul 07, 2024

Open

Overall fun trail. Small technical sections if you do not have a lifted vehicle due to rocks. Trail is mostly rock and can narrow down in spots but has places to let others pass if need be.

Santino DePalma

Jul 07, 2024

Open

Fun trail, completed in a stock 4Runner, many large puddles, but still shallow enough to cross without any problems

Blake Oakes

Jun 03, 2024

Open

Pretty simple trail. Was completed with a Stock Samurai. Some muddy spot but nothing crazy. Was technical enough to be fun. Several shoot offs on the south side that are fun to play on.