Everyday Adventures: Clear Shade Wild Area Gallitzin State Forest Dual Sport Motorcycles DRZ400

Adventure can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some it’s an epic cross-country trek across mountains and deserts, or maybe a months-long solo excursion off-grid.
There are also those of us who look for adventure in everyday life; where the simple exploration of something previously unknown brings joy to the soul.
This is a brief introduction to the Clear Shade Wild Area near Ogletown, Somerset County, PA.
Perched atop the eastern ridge of the Laurel Highlands is the Clear Shade Wild Area in Gallitzin State Forest. It’s 2800 acres of hardwood forest is home to white tailed deer, turkeys, bobcats and Pennsylvania black bear, just to name a few. The John P. Saylor Hiking Trail winds through the area, along with Clear Shade Creek and Cub Run - and while there is no single track, or even genuine two-track to ride, there is about ten miles of dirt road through the forest, linking up to what seems to be a network of gravel and backcountry blacktop through the wilds between US Route 30 and PA 56.
The roads in the Clear Shade Wild Area are less maintained than typical state park roads, with less stone and a bit more mud - at least right now. Nothing difficult, and any bike should make it through ok - but be prepared to slide around a bit, and those of you with “pretty bikes” may want to wash them up afterward.
The road crosses Clear Shade Creek in a couple spots, and follows Cub Run for a bit, and there are a few nice spots to stop just to explore on foot, but DO NOT take the bike on the hiking trails that loop through the area.
The road itself doesn’t exactly loop inside the Wild Area, unless you count the short jaunt on the paved road: Mount Carmel Drive. This is also the road that - if followed southwest, leads to fuel and snacks in nearby Cairnbrook or Central City.
The parking area can be found just east of Pot Ridge Road on Route 56 outside of Ogle Township - And the other end is accessed on Crum Road or Cub Run Road off Mt Carmel Drive on the Central City side.
I’ve posted the complete ride video separately without the commentary, and with chapter markers where each road begins. I’ve linked that video here: • Dual Sport PA Early Se... .
Thanks for joining me for this little adventure! Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more looks at DualSport rides throughout the Keystone State, and check out my other videos.
Where do you ride when you’ve only got a couple hours? Be sure to let me know if there is a trail system or backroad that I should check out. I’m always on the lookout for my next adventure.
Till next time, take a word of advice from one of my personal heroes:
ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!
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Some content used under the Fair Use Act.
Music Credits:
Music: www.bensound.com
"Adventure" License code: MQHN0GL8CG5IBEJE
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Suzuki DRZ DR-Z 400 dual sport motorcycle riding dirt road back road early spring adventure.

[@PennsylvaniaDualSport]

It’s not an adventure, till something goes wrong 😉

[@dualsportpa]

I’d call that a misadventure.

[@raymondemigii4086]

Hi just found your channel I'm from Eastern PA Dover to be specific, just bought my dues born in February I'll check out some of your previous videos

[@dualsportpa]

Thanks for checking in!
I picked up my DR-Z in February of last year, and I’m loving it. I hope you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy yours!
Once you become familiar with trail resources in your area, let me know if there is something I should check out.

[@raymondemigii4086]

That's dual sport that's what's happens when you use verbal tex and don't pre-check your spelling

[@dualsportpa]

It happens to all of us!