Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are some bikers enjoying the Trails at Jake’s Rocks.

Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, The Trails at Jake’s Rocks (TAJR) has become more than just a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts–it’s now a powerful economic engine for Warren and McKean counties.

Since its opening in 2016, TAJR’s expertly designed and professionally built stacked-loop trail system has grown to more than 35 miles, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually. This influx of outdoor adventurers is generating an estimated $10 million in annual tourism spending, significantly boosting the local economy.

“The intricate network of the Trails at Jakes Rocks isn’t just a recreational gem; it’s a vital artery pumping economic life into Warren County, McKean County, and the wider Pennsylvania and New York territories,” said Savannah Casey, director of operations for the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry (WCCBI), which administers and oversees the development of the trail system.

The economic impact of outdoor recreation is undeniable. In 2023, outdoor recreation across the United States generated $1.2 trillion in economic output, contributed 2.3% to the U.S. GDP, and supported 5 million jobs–eclipsing even the U.S. pharmaceutical industry’s market size of $574.37 billion in the same year. In Pennsylvania alone, outdoor recreation contributed $19 billion to the state’s economy and supports over 168,000 jobs annually, ranking the state’s outdoor industry as the eighth-largest in the country.

Delta Development calculations show that tourist spending at TAJR increased by 5% in 2024, with regional economic impact reaching $10,283,210–up from $9 million in 2023. Despite this substantial contribution, none of these funds directly support the teams responsible for maintaining the trails in safe and clear condition.

The success of TAJR is the result of extensive collaboration among multiple organizations and volunteers. Key partners include the US Forest Service, WCCBI, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), Dirt Artisans, Trail Solutions, Kay-Linn LLC, Applied Trail Research, and the Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association (NAMBA).

“The expertise that went into designing the Trails at Jake’s Rocks, along with the many volunteers that work diligently to maintain the trails, is truly remarkable,” said Ta Enos, Founding President and CEO of The PA Wilds.

Since opening, TAJR has hosted over 150,000 visitors and earned numerous prestigious awards, including the 2021 PA Wilds Great Places Award, being named the “number one epic trail” by IMBA, and being voted “#1 best trail system in PA” by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Most recently, TAJR was honored as the 2024 PA Trail of the Year by DCNR and WeConserve PA.

Offering a wide range of experiences–from beginner loops like Tuttletown and Coal Knob to advanced gravity trails like Blacksnake–TAJR caters to both casual hikers and serious mountain bikers. The unique stacked-loop, multi-directional trail design ensures that users can explore varied terrain and stunning natural vistas.

Frequent visitors Travis and Julie Saelers, who have logged over 75 visits and 2,700 miles on the trails, describe the experience as “truly magical–on the right morning, in the right weather, you can find yourself riding in and out of a misty fog as you snake through the ferns and rocks.”

The economic benefits ripple far beyond the trails themselves. Visitors often dine, shop, and stay in Warren County after their outdoor adventures. “When we finish riding, a short drive into Warren offers food, shopping, a bike repair shop, and a brewery,” the Saelers add.

Andy Georgakis, NAMBA founding board member and manager of the Warren Cycle Shop, sees the trails as a major draw. “The Trails at Jake’s Rocks have created a mountain bike destination for the Allegheny National Forest and Warren, PA,” he said.

One of the signature events that highlight the impact of TAJR is the annual Jake’s Rocks Trail Fest. Now entering its ninth year, the festival attracted over 700 mountain bike riders from across the U.S. and Canada in 2024. Recognized as the 2024 PA Wilds Event of the Year, the 2025 event is expected to draw even larger crowds with its family-friendly activities and growing reputation.

James Decker, President/CEO of the WCCBI, summed up the impact, stating, “The Trails at Jakes Rocks have exceeded every expectation in terms of the impact the project has had on individuals, families, and our community overall.”

For many, TAJR has also sparked a personal revival of outdoor passion. Adam Elms, VP Operations at John Anderson Construction, Inc. and NAMBA Kinzua Chapter President, credits the trail system for rekindling his interest in mountain biking during the COVID-19 pandemic. “TAJR has kept me active in biking ever since,” Elms said. Both he and Georgakis agree that volunteering with NAMBA to maintain the trails is a rewarding way to give back to the community.

Open year-round and free to the public, The Trails at Jake’s Rocks offers endless adventure through all four seasons, whether you’re enjoying vibrant autumn foliage, snow-covered winter paths, lush spring greenery, or sun-soaked summer trails. As the trail system continues to thrive, one thing is clear: the Trails at Jake’s Rocks remain a shining example of how outdoor recreation can both enrich lives and drive economic growth.