Commonwealth of PA – DCNR Mountain Biking Regulations and Info

The Basics: What Is a Pedal-cycle?

According to Pennsylvania’s Vehicle Code, a pedal-cycle refers to a vehicle propelled solely by human-powered pedals or a pedal-cycle with electric assist. This includes traditional bicycles and e-bikes that meet specific criteria.

E-Bike Classifications & Regulations

DCNR permits e-bikes on trails where traditional bikes are allowed, provided they meet the following requirements:

• Weigh no more than 100 pounds
• Have a motor rated at 750 watts or less
• Do not exceed 20 mph using motor power alone
• Are equipped with fully functional pedals

Where Can You Ride?

DCNR-managed trails follow a simple rule: if bikes are allowed, e-bikes are allowed—but only under pedal-assist conditions. However, e-bikes are prohibited on trails designated for non-motorized use. Additionally, public-use roads within state parks and forests generally permit pedal cycles unless marked otherwise. Riders must adhere to local traffic laws and regulated speed limits to ensure safety.

Enforcement & Safety

DCNR rangers actively enforce e-bike regulations to maintain safe trail conditions. Riders who exceed speed limits or misuse throttle-only functionality may be cited. Additionally, DCNR provides educational resources to inform visitors about proper trail etiquette and compliance with state policies. You can find them here: DCNR Biking in Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests State Parks with especially popular mountain biking trails include:

• Lehigh Gorge State Park
• Blue Knob State Park
• Codorus State Park
• Swatara State Park
• Nockamixon State Park
• Moraine State Park
• Ohiopyle State Park

Please check with individual parks for mountain biking opportunities and trail details.

Mountain Biking on Pennsylvania Rail Trails

Many rail trails have been developed for mountain biking on abandoned railroad grades throughout the state, and many transect the state forests, the best are located at the Lehigh Gorge State Park in the Poconos, PA.

A deep, steep-walled gorge carved by a river, thick vegetation, rock outcroppings, and waterfalls characterize Lehigh Gorge State Park. The 6,107 acres of park land follow the Lehigh River from Francis E. Walter Dam in the north to Jim Thorpe in the south. Whitewater boating and biking are popular activities.

• Commonwealth of PA – DCNR Managed Lehigh Gorge State Park
• Information on Biking in the Lehigh Gorge State Park 
• Whitewater Rafting Information for the Lehigh Gorge State Park
• Hiking at the Lehigh Gorge State Park

Connecting with Other Mountain Bikers

Most mountain bike clubs and organizations promote and preserve mountain biking by:

• Hosting local group rides
• Organizing mountain biking events
• Building and maintaining trails

Participating in a group ride is a great way to get started and provides the opportunity to get outdoors and spend time with other active people.

Organized rides frequently incorporate a mix of distances and skill levels to include a range of abilities.

Mountain Biking Trail Rules and Etiquette

Many state park and state forest trails are used for multiple activities. In order to enjoy, preserve, and protect this common resource, all trail users must maintain a mutual respect for one another and practice trail etiquette:

• Follow all rules and regulations.
• Keep alert and avoid startling other trail users.
• Yield and dismount to oncoming trail users unless they have already yielded.
• Pass slower trail users only when safe to do so, and only when they are aware of your presence and giving way for you to pass them.
• Generally, uphill travelers should be given the right of way.
• When approaching horses: speak calmly, slow down, and move off the trail to the downhill side of rider and animal.
• Allow 24 to 48 hours after any storm for the trail surface to dry out — riding in wet conditions can destroy trails and cause trail closures.
• Practice Leave No Trace Principles:
  • Plan ahead and prepare
  • Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  • Dispose of trash properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect wildlife
  • Be considerate of other visitors

Mountain Biking Safety Tips

• Wear a properly fitting helmet and eye protection.
• Children under the age of 12 must wear approved helmet — Pennsylvania Act 72 requires bicyclists under the age of 12 to wear an ANSI, SNELL, ASTM, or CPSC approved helmet when riding a bicycle (helmets must be worn level and snug on top of the head with the chin strap securely fastened).
• Many trails are in areas open to hunting; be aware of the hunting season calendar and wear fluorescent orange accordingly, or limit riding to Sundays during hunting seasons.
• Ride trails appropriate for your skill level and understand that terrain and difficulty level can change along a trail.
• Always ride with a partner and let others know your plans.
• Dress according to weather conditions and be alerted to changing conditions.