The Cross Creek Gravel route starts in McDonald, PA at the Montour-Panhandle Trail connector lot. It takes the connector to the Panhandle Trail (“PT”). The PT is paved the entire way to WV. The route deviates from the PT at Midway (mile 2-3) onto some nice country paved and gravel roads. It meets back up with the PT in Burgettstown (mile 13) and continues into WV.
At mile 20-21, the route turns off of the PT and almost immediately onto a gravel climb. You’ll trade between quiet paved and gravel roads for the remainder. The gravel is largely Category 1 and 2 on the Industry Standard Guide to Gravel, with a few Category 3 stretches and one brief Category 4 section. Much of the route from mile 20 to 45-46 provides that feeling of remoteness in serene settings as you traverse along Cross Creek. You’ll even see some interesting old-time establishments along the way.
The climbs on the back half are the punchiest and don’t relent until just before you hit the PT in Midway (mile 53-54). From there, it is short backtrack on the PT and Montour/PT connector to the start/finish. The surface breakdown is pretty accurate as of 7/2023 – 70/30 paved to gravel ratio (12-13 miles on the PT in total).
Cross Creek Gravel Route Profile
- Mileage: 56.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 4,618 feet (Ride with GPS)
- Gravel Category: 1-4 (See Industry Standard Guide to Gravel Summary)
- Surface Estimate: 70% paved/30% gravel (as of 7/2023)
- Bike Suggestion: Gravel
- Tire Suggestion: 700×38 or greater
- Fuel Stops: Yes
Route Map
Directions to Route Parking
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