Reviewed by: Boulderclimber ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
I find the Game commision's comments ironic. Coming from an entity who, for the right amount of money, will pave over wetlands and allow letgalized dumping. I understand the rampid use of this land and have seen the distruction of this land by ignorant bikers. Why not education or permits to help protect this land. It seems to work out west. But the game commision is run by a group of backwards thinking red knecks. Trust me I know most of them. It's just another reason I left Central PA.

Reviewed by: B. Purcell , from New Cumberland, PA

Summary:
For most bikers in the Harrisburg area Lamb's Gap was the ideal area to hit after work in the Summer months. It was close, and the one main trail could be completed in an hour which is perfect for an evening ride. One particular trail starts out on an unmaintained road, which is where the "mud holes" are that the previous post mentions. None of these are caused by mountain bikes. The wash-outs are almost three feet deep and as wide as the road. No mountain bike did that. There are no illegal signs; if there are they are well hidden since I've riden all over the mountain and have gotten lost numerous times. I would have loved to have signs directing me around! I also like the term "ramps". These ramps are nothing more than stones piled in front of fallen trees so a bike can climb over the larger ones; most are very discrete. And as far as hunters go there aren't any in the Summer, and if their are I've never seen them. I've also been at the stream crossings and very minimal damage (maybe a two by three area of mud)was done. I would understand restricting use in the Fall when deer season begins. Most riders in this area stop due to the heavy coverage of fallen leaves. Instead the PA Game Commision went overboard. From what I've heard there was very little choice given to mountain bikers and horseback riders: either we close vast amounts of land or we will close all the land. Originally there was going to just be resticted times of the year that you could ride but that apparently wasn't extreme enough. They have done nothing more than taken away one of mine and other's favorite past times. I am also a hunter, and I am embarrased to be associated with the PA Game Commision. This has accomplished nothing more then encourage illegal riding in PA and make hunters look like Nazi's yet again. Thank you PA Game Commission for your great public service.

Recommended Route:
None anymore since the PA State Game Commission closed the area. Don't believe their posting.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Not anymore.

Reviewed by: PA GAME COMMISSION , from SOUTHCENTRAL REGION

Summary:
New State Game Lands Regulations Recently the Pennsylvania Game Commission passed new regulations affecting many users of the State Game Lands. These regulations were not made arbitrarily but with the input of a committee made up of representatives from all user groups, including mountain bikers, and over a year of public meetings and discussion. Those regulations went into effect on February 1st, 2003. Among other things, they restrict mountain bike and horseback riding on these areas. For a complete review of these regulations as well as to learn about the agency and the State Game Lands system, you are invited to visit the agency website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
Click on Adopted State Game Lands Regulations for a paraphrased version of the new changes. For a complete listing go to Legislative updates, then under PA related links, Game Commission, Title 58, Chapter 135 (Lands and Buildings), sections 135.2 and 135.41.
Designated routes can be accessed by going to State Game Lands, then designated routes listed for each region.
If a particular State Game Lands (listed by number) has no routes listed, it is closed to travel except for roads normally open to public travel by motorized vehicles. Only roads and trails with positive signage are open. Those areas without signs or with negative signage are closed. Designated open roads/trails are marked with green and white markers; closed areas with orange and white markers with a black circle and crossbar.
Locally, Lambs Gap (SGL #170) has long been a favorite location for mountain bikers. By contrast, it received relatively light use ten years ago. That use has steadily and rapidly increased to dozens of bikers weekly during every season of the year, hundreds per month during the peak seasons. Sensitive areas have been damaged; new trails were constructed at will. Seasonally wet areas were turned into mud holes which grew larger and more numerous. Streams were crossed and bridges and ramps built. Trees, both living and dead, were cut and moved with the result of tree roots exposed, soil compacted, rocks displaced and steep grades eroded. Road signs were illegally painted on trees to lead the hundreds of bikers through the maze.
In addition to the damage to the land, we receive complaints from hunters about bikers whizzing by and interrupting their hunt. A particularly disturbing incident occurred this past deer season when a biker rolling along dressed in brown and black was almost mistaken for legal game. Fortunately the hunters were restrained and careful enough to identify the biker and did not fire.
Over the years our officers have spoken to many bikers on the Game Lands. With few exceptions they are good people just out to enjoy their sport. As good as they are most are uninformed about wildlife and habitat management, the purpose, origin and intended uses of the game lands and even the fact that hunting occurred there. These new regulations address these issues by limiting where riders may travel and when riders may be present on SGL. They also require everyone to wear fluorescent orange clothing during certain times for their own protection. This is the first time that restrictions were placed on such uses of the game lands and Lambs Gap is only one example of why they have become necessary.
For many years the Pennsylvania Game Commission resisted passing these new regulations restricting users of the Game Lands. Under the circumstances, we were left with little choice. To do nothing would be irresponsible of the agency charged with the oversight of State Game Lands.
Now that regulations are in place, officers will continue to patrol these areas and contact those who violate the regulations. It is our hope that we can achieve compliance voluntarily rather than through enforcement action.
Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated. Timothy M. Grenoble
Wildlife Conservation Officer

Reviewed by: George Carling , from Spring Lake NC

Summary:
The day after Thanksgiving it was 28 degrees, with snow on the ground. Being from North Carolina I was looking forward to a good snow ride. I didn't expect to see anyone else as I pulled into the parking lot, I was wrong. Luckily four of the local riders were headed out and were nice enough to let me tag along.
Ken and Steve were excellent guides as we made our way through the frozen singletrack. The maze of trails looked limitless, as we hammered through the valley, crossing logs and streams. Across the paved then the dirt road one spectacular view after another. After about an hour and a half our frozen feet began to tell us it was time to head back to the trucks. Up the long climb to the parking lot. This had to be one of the best rides I had all year! The trails in Georgia on the fourth of July were awesome, but could not compare to a frozen, snowy ride in the north east with some of the best local riders. This is what the sport we love is all about. Getting out and riding other places and meeting other Mountain bike enthusiasts and promoting our unique sport. I will definately be back for more! Thanks!

Recommended Route:
Park at the top in the dirt parking lot. Head up the hill on the right side road about 3/4 mile until you see the single track on the left, head down, all the way and pick up the trail to the left, follow it back to the dirt road.

Reviewed by: Rigidframe-Fitch , from Mechanicsburg

Summary:
This area gets all kinds of praise for God knows why. I could drive my car on the "singletrack". Nothing tight. Its rocky though in parts. Nothing really technical. This is good FOR THE AREA, but don't plan any long trips. Beginner riders (who are wusses) might have problems with the downhills on lots of loose rocks. Most would say some trails are too bumpy for rigid bikes, but I have no problem. Bottom line, mtn biking sucks in this part of the state.

Recommended Route:
The same as everyone else... ride up the hill then take a side trail to the left for a downhill.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
The corn fields can be fun