[heading size=”e.g. 2″ color=”e.g. #000″]Mountain bike course debuts in PA’s only National Forest[/heading]

From Keystone Edge, by Katie Weidenboerner –

In September, the ribbon was cut on the first loop of the Trails at Jakes Rocks outside of Warren, a new trail system that has the potential to become a major attraction. Nearly 400 people came to the all-day grand opening, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of planning from 10 partners.

The trails were the brainchild of Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways and grew into a collaboration between the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) and the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry.

The project has also been supported by University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, Clarion University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Northern Alleghenies Mountain Bike Association (NAMBA), International Mountain Bicycling Association, PennSoil RC&D, thePennsylvania Wilds, and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. 

All of the partners agree that the project wouldn’t exist without the group’s dedication, cooperation and unique skill sets. 

“The thing that was really remarkable was the work this community group did,” says Rich Hatfield of the ANF. “Before, the model for the Forest Service was that we would come up with the ideas and develop recreation. This was a totally different model. The community got the idea and is taking the lead to raise the funds and move it forward.” 

Read the full story at Keystone Edge.