City Escape: DuBois, Pennsylvania
This City Escape route out of DuBois, PA, takes you on a meandering tour through the woods of northern Pennsylvania. Touching the Allegheny National Forest and Moshannon State Forest, trees, hills, and curves abound on this route.
You’ll roll north out of DuBois on US 219 through pretty rural areas until you hit Ridgway, where you’ll hang a left onto SR 949. This road, mostly following the Clarion River, offers the twistiest part of the ride with beautiful forest on either side as you motor over undulating terrain. Most of the turns are sweepers, but there are a few tighter ones sprinkled in for good measure. Hunting riders should know that this road also passes a couple of state game lands.
Afterward, the ride plunges you into the midst of the Allegheny National Forest. The road is rather straight, but just lean back in the saddle and lose yourself in the green (or orange, depending on the time of year) foliage all around you. You’ll also briefly ride by the Allegheny River if fishing tickles your fancy.
The remainder of the ride takes place on bigger roads, but the traffic isn’t usually bad. You’ll still be surrounded by gorgeous Pennsylvania countryside, with woods, small streams, and fields alternating on the roadside.
This section is also where you’ll pass through a bunch of small towns. Grab a bite to eat at a local diner or explore the few museums along the way.
If urban life has got you down, this is your escape route to the peace of nature.
Points of Interest
Beartown Rocks & Overlook
Beartown Rocks in Clear Creek State Forest is a majestic outcropping of house-sized boulders, some more than 20 feet in height. On top of the largest of them is a viewing platform from which you’ll have a great panorama of the rocks and forest. It’s a stunning spot to get blood pumping back into your legs.
Allegheny National Forest Marienville ATV Trail
If you’d like to put in some off-road miles, hit the Marienville ATV trail off SR 66. Open to dirt bikes, this 14-mile trail bounces off the hills and trees of the Allegheny National Forest. It’s quite challenging, though, so be properly prepared. Day use permits got for $10 at the time of writing.
Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad
The Bucksgahuda and Western Railroad is a small living museum dedicated to rail transport. It was opened in 1966 by two local brothers who were really into trains. The museum hosts several small locomotives, and many of them go for a short chug along the rails in the tourist season.
Recommended Lodging: Caboose Inn at Doolittle Station
The Caboose Inn at Doolittle Station, just outside DuBois, is a unique small hotel. Guests get to stay in one of the inn’s six train cars converted into cozy rooms.
While looking authentic on the outside, they’ve been completely renovated on the inside, boasting queen beds, couches, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms with showers. The cars are surprisingly roomy, so you should be able to spread your gear around, too.
Doolittle Station also offers food and activities for when the ride is over. Grab dinner and a drink at the on-site Angry Goat Gastropub, start your day with a coffee from the Aegis Coffee Roasters, and go try your skill at miniature golf.
Facts & Info
Length
Approximately 190 miles
Overview
This City Escape route touches the Allegheny National Forest and Moshannon State Forest. Trees, hills, and curves abound on this northerly loop. After rolling out of DuBois, you’ll get on SR 949, the twistiest part of the ride, with beautiful forest on either side as you motor over undulating terrain. Most of the turns are sweepers, but there are a few tighter ones sprinkled in for good measure.
Afterward, the ride plunges you into the midst of the Allegheny National Forest on SR 66. Lean back in the saddle and lose yourself in the green (or orange, depending on the time of year) foliage all around you. You’ll return to DuBois on US 219 and SR 255, passing gorgeous Pennsylvania countryside and small towns. If urban life has got you down, this is your escape route to the peace of nature.
Lunch Stop
Table 105 in Kane is an excellent farm-to-table restaurant known for its seafood offerings, but everything on the menu—from sandwiches to pizzas—is just as tasty. Find it at 105 N Fraley St, Kane, PA.
Best Time to Travel
This route makes for excellent motorcycling in spring, summer, and fall alike. Each season makes the ride a little different. Personally, I’d ride the route in summer to really get lost in the flourishing vegetation, but a fall leaf ride through the Allegheny National Forest is a fantastic option, too.