PA Bike-Packing?

[DanversPort]

Does anyone have a suggestion for bike-packing within a few hours of Philly? I have a rack and saddlebags that I've been dying to put to good use on an overnight out-and back. I've considered maybe the Lehigh Gorge trail? I want something reasonably simple to bike (to avoid flats and spilling with all my gear) that still gets me away from cars.

Has anyone ever done something like this before? I can't seem to find any bike touring videos that use hammocks. Let me know!

[littleblkdog]

You should checkout the C&O canal trail or the WMRT. Both are in central/western MD which shouldn't be to far for you.


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[Klaussinator]

Have you searched " bike packing" here on the forums? Lots of us camp this way and there are plenty of posts to feed your passion.

-Klauss

[Philsweep]

Pine Creek rail trail is good but you have to make reservations at the sites you want to stay ahead of time. C&O in maryland, mentioned above is one of my favorites. free camping at sites about every 5 miles.

[Uphill]

Pine Creek rail trail is good but you have to make reservations at the sites you want to stay ahead of time. C&O in maryland, mentioned above is one of my favorites. free camping at sites about every 5 miles.

I live in the DC area, and have done a few trips out and back on the C&O, and have stayed at a few of the sites. The sites are first come, and I've found that at some sites that the trees are too close/too far apart, and others are very thick healthy trees.

I've had a desire to bike camp from Pittsburgh to DC, but I'm not totally confident that I'd find suitable hang spots at the right sites.

[Crash]

Stoney creek rail trail north of Harrisburg PA. The Appalachian trail joins it for 300'. The Rausch Gap shelter campsite is just off the trail. I've done it several times. Park on the western end and head east. Walk the bike 1/4 mile on the AT to get to Rausch Gap campsite. I know the back way in to avoid the AT.