After a proposal about utilizing trails in the Tracy Ridge trail system was submitted by the Northern Allegheny Mountain Bicycling Association (NAMBA) and the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association (WNYMBA) in February, the Allegheny National Forest is moving forward.

U.S. Forest Service Press Officer Ruth Sutton said in a press release that the move would “convert approximately 12-1/2 miles of the 34-mile Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System as a shared use for hiking and biking.”

The remaining miles – including the North Country Scenic Trail – would remain hiking only.

NAMBA and WNYMBA presidents Andy Georgakis and Jon Sundquist issued a joint statement about the project moving forward.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to continue fostering a productive relationship with the US Forest Service and WNYMBA to give these trails much-needed attention and create a better multi-use trail experience for all users,” said Georgakis.

Bradford District Ranger Rich Hatfield said the proposal responds to the need to provide more recreational opportunities to bicyclists, which is becoming a growing activity in northwestern Pennsylvania and on the forest.

Sutton said the proposal “was carefully crafted to minimize user conflicts and to keep bikes off of the North Country Scenic Trail, which is a hiking-only trail on the Allegheny National Forest.”

Hatfield said that the Bradford Ranger District cannot maintain all of the existing trail miles and that partners are a critical part of how we do business. He said that opening up a portion of the Tracy Ridge system to bikes will tap into another group of trail stewards and potential volunteers.

According to the Forest Service’s scoping letter, it “provides minimal maintenance on the trail system and the system has fallen into disrepair with numerous trees down and trail markers missing.”

While the ANF houses approximately 150 miles of hiking-only trails, Sutton said bicyclists must use trails designated for other uses like snowmobiles, ATVs and cross-country skiing.

Jakes Rocks will see the first 10 of 46 miles of mountain bike trail open in mid-August, Sutton said.

Hatfield said the Tracy Ridge proposal would complement Jakes Rocks because it would provide additional biking opportunities for beginner and intermediate trail riders. “Tracy Ridge is level and gentle, and I envision families staying at the adjacent Tracy Ridge Campground, bringing their bikes along and enjoying these trails,” said Hatfield.

“With the continued increase in mountain biking as a way to enjoy the outdoors and experience nature here in Pennsylvania, we believe the Tracy Ridge Campground facilities and trails will see welcome maintenance and sustainable enjoyment,” said Sundquist.

The project proposal is still in the first phase of the planning process and Hatfield said that he is “interested in hearing your concerns, issues or your suggestions regarding this project. Your comments will help determine whether we need to refine the proposed action or develop alternative ways to accomplish our objectives.”

Comments may be submitted by mail to Rich Hatfield, District Ranger, Bradford Ranger District, 29 Forest Service Dr.; Bradford, PA 16701; by fax at (814) 362-2761; by email at comments-eastern-allegheny-bradford@fs.fed.us with Tracy Ridge Trail System on the subject line and include your name and physical mailing address with your comments; or delivered by hand on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Bradford Ranger Station.

Comments should be returned by Aug. 15. Hatfield can be reached for questions at 814-363-6098 or rhatfield@fs.fed.us.

Information about this project can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=49767.