Trip Details

Date: 12-10-2015

Location: North Harmony State Forest – Panama, New York 14767

Distance from That Was Exciting Office: Erie P.A. : 27 miles / 33 minutes

Ride Data

Total distance: 15.4 km / 9.5 miles

Total Time: 2 hours 15 min. (including exploring and breaks)

Max height of terrain: 587m

Min. height of terrain: 466m

Riders/Adventure Crew: Sean and Adam

Adventure Description

 Mountain biking in our area in December?? Hell Yeah!! Since we are having unseasonally mild weather why not get out and about for a small adventure. Not far off interstate 86 (Southern Tier Expressway) in Chautauqua County New York is a group of state forests. This awesome park system is only 30-45 min. from Erie P.A. and 30 min. from Jamestown N.Y. A 24-mile hiking/biking trail runs north to south from Chautauqua Gorge State Forest to Broken Straw State Forest. We targeted North Harmony State Park as our location to explore, it is situated near the middle of the Westside Overland Trail and is one of the larger parks in the system at 2,561 acres. We found a perfect spot to park off of Snake Forest Road right at a trail crossing. The trails are nicely maintained easy to ride or hike and are marked clearly. We were pleasantly surprised with the lack of mud and how clean and dry we end our ride. There are many little creek crossings and well-built bridges along the trail.

In one area the trail opened up to a hidden camp spot that will defiantly have us staying over in the future. The Camp spot had Shelters, outhouse, fire area, and a pump style water well. As if that wasn’t enough it also was overlooking a majestic pond.

Along our ride we stopped for a snack and enjoyed the peace of being away from the everyday noise. With its great trails, camping spots and picnic areas the North Harmony State Park is worth a visit.

Other things to do close by are the Panama Rocks scenic Park, Chautauqua Institute, and Southern Tier Brewing Company. If you’re headed back towards the Erie area follow Bailey Hill Road towards Finley Lake and stop by Pine Junction for lunch or dinner. We grabbed a quick lunch here a cup of homemade soup and a burger really hit the spot. Over all a great adventure.

And……..That was exciting!!!!

Sean’s Tip – Pack a lunch or some snacks and find an awesome picnic spot. There are several good spots to take a break. 

Come join the fun as I explore my tri-state area and beyond. See my adventures in real time on Facebook and Instagram. Feel free to interact and see what I’m up to for the day. Also check out my YouTube channel for more details and information about my adventures. By following along with my Pinterest posts you will see the Ideas I have for future activities as well as pictures and posts from my previous adventures. I’m so glad you are now part of the adventure. Explore the website for more blog posts, ideas and things that are happening .