LHORBA Beginner - West route

Name: LHORBA Beginner - West
Address: Benson, PA

near Benson, PA

5.8 miles

Distance

515 ft

Climb

-513 ft

Descent

1,902 ft

High Point

3 ft

Altitude change

1,641 ft

Altitude min

1,641 ft

Altitude start

1,644 ft

Altitude end

-15.6%

Grade max

14.2%

Grade min

2 miles

Distance climb

2 miles

Distance down

1 mile

Distance flat

UPDATE 10/20 – Due to the approval of hunting on selected Sundays, ALL segments are CLOSED during posted hunting seasons, generally 11/15 thru 12/31, INCLUDING Sundays. Please respect these closures.

This 6 mile beginner route consists of a combination of a 4.5 mile out-n-back with an optional 1.5 mile loop add-on toward the end.

Many people’s involvement at the Que is limited to the, beach, picnic pavilions, and campground of the Family Rec Center. We’ve mapped this easy/beginner ride beginning to draw new or casual riders out into this broader trail network and away from their concentrated picnicking or camping activities at the Rec Area.

The ride begins at the back end of the pavilion/beach area, near the ADA fishing pier. The Family Rec Connector trail enters the woods at the top of the ridge overlooking the lake and follows that lip out to Quemahoning Dam Road. The trail crosses the road from the outside of the curve. You will need to use greater caution on your return trip as you will be crossing from the inside of the curve with less visibility. The road crossings are generally unmarked and not readily visible for vehicles, so caution is advised at all crossings.

After the road crossing the trail bears right and skirts the hillside on its continued climb to the “West” section of the main Que Trail (Que Trail – W). You will make a sharp hairpin turn to the left at this intersection. If you start going downhill, you’ve missed the turn.

Just before you crest your climb, you will pass the intersection with a yet unnamed trail to your right. You will have a chance to explore this area on your return trip. At the crest beyond the intersection, you will have climbed 100’ in one half mile, your biggest climb in the out-n-back option. At less than 4% average slope, this climb isn’t difficult. But, as it is continuous from the start of the ride and steeper than typical rail trails, it could be overwhelming for first timers and/or younger children. As an option to avoid this initial climb, you could park at the informal parking spot on Pheasant Road, just downslope of the trail. This reduces your out-n-back distance to about 2.75 miles.

After the first crest, you will encounter 2 switchbacks, followed immediately by the crossing of Pheasant Road. The trail then follows a flowy, lightly rolling route with few roots or rocks. The ride fords two distinct intermittent streams and a couple other minor drainages. You will cross one paved drive before you reach the turnaround point at Mastillo Road. When trail surface changes to gravel, that will be you cue to slow down just before you reach the road. You can turn around here or take Que Dam Road back if you need to.

If you were to continue across Mastillo Road and the next stream, you would encounter a short but steep climb followed by a stretch of trail on a steep sidehill, which may not be appropriate for beginners.

On your return trip, watch for the intersection with the yet unnamed trail on your left after you cross Pheasant Road. This optional loop adds 1.5 mile and a 200’ climb to your ride, but generally remains beginner type terrain. Once you turn left, you will bear right about 50’ into the trail to make the loop counter-clockwise. At the top of the hill you will find Sweet 16 dropping to your right. As a beginner, you don’t want to ride this trail yet. Continuing along the ridge, you will find another trail to your right as you sweep tightly lo your left. Stay left for the return side of the loop. You will continue a gradual climb before leveling off to start your downhill through several tight banked curves. At the bottom of the hill you will make a quick right and left to return to the Que Trail.

Continue your descent, watching for the tight hairpin intersection onto the Family Rec Area connector on your right. If you reach some more switchbacks, you’ve missed this turn. On the connector, use caution crossing the road from the inside of the curve before completing the final leg to the pavilions.

Detailed Description

LHORBA Beginner - West is a 6 mile moderately popular easy route located near Benson Pennsylvania. This mountain bike primary route. This route includes 2 trails. This route climbs 515 ft with a max elevation of 1,902 ft then descends -513 ft.

Local Trail Association

LHORBA - Laurel Highlands On and Off Road Bicycling Association (www.lhorba.org)

Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.

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Stats

Distance

6 miles
Altitude change

3 ft
Altitude min

1,641 ft
Altitude start

1,641 ft
Altitude end

1,644 ft
Climb

515 ft
Descent

-513 ft
Grade max

-15.6%
Grade min

14.2%
Distance climb

2 miles
Distance down

2 miles
Distance flat

1 mile

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Trails in Route

Pheasant Ridge Loop

3 miles

Route POI

Pheasant Rd Parking

Parking

Details

Riding area

Quemahoning Reservoir
Primary Activity

Mountain Bike
Other Activities
- E-Bike
Difficulty rating

Green
eBike Allowed

Yes

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