PA 233 - 50 Miles and Four State Parks | Route Ref. #35163

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on May 31, 2008

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Guest

May 12, 2009

I wanted to say thanks for the route! I rode 233…

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Guest

April 26, 2009

I've done 50-60 backroad motorcycle trips…

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Written Directions

Take PA 233 east/southeast out of Landisburg, PA and follow it as it meanders southward down to where PA 233 ends at US Highway 30. From there take a right on to US 30 and shortly after take a left (go south) on to PA 997 into the town of Mont Alto where you want to take a left (go southeast) on PA 233 for just about a mile and end up at Mont Alto State Park.

Scenery

PA 233 offers miles of forest with a wide-open valley in the middle. Heading from North to South you will do some serious mountain climbing through Doubling Gap pass as it cuts through the Tusscarora State Forest. Near the top of Doubling Gap you will pass the Colonel Denning State Park. After descending Doublin Gap you will pass through Newville and rolling hills of farmland. After crossing US 81 you will have South Mountain in front of you. Climbing South Mountain you will enter the Michaux State Forest area and the Pine Grove Furnace Park. PA 233 is at its very best between Pine Grove Furnace and Caledonia State Park as you ride through lush and thick forest. This is a visual treat - especially during the fall foliage season! The ride ends in Mont Alto - home of the Mont Alto State Park - which was the very first "State Park" in PA and it is also home to a branch campus of Penn State University.

Drive Enjoyment

As is the case with most every PA state road - conditions vary throughout its length. The Northern half offers some serious hill climbing, a few decent sweepers and a couple of tight turns with smooth, well conditioned tarmac. The Southern section between Pine Grove Furnace and Mont Alto offers plenty of turns (a few tight ones) and some decent elevation changes on an oil & chip surface that is in pretty good condition throughout. This road is a favorite destination for many riders in Central PA, due to the fun factor of the road, the gorgeous scenery and the abundance of parks and recreational areas - you are likely to see many more motorcycles than cars on this road.

Tourism Opportunities

Given the remote nature of the road, there aren't a lot of restaurants, however, as noted above there is an abundance of State Parks and recreation areas that have much to offer in the way of hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, etc. You'll pass by four state parks - Colonel Denning State Park, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Caledonia State Park, and end at Mont Alto State Park.