Bicycling in the Pigeon River Country

When the Pigeon River Country was set aside, with its special Concept of Management, in the early 1970s, no one envisioned its possible use as a place for bicycling. Although crossed by many roads and trails, the sandy soil and heavily wooded terrain seemed to preclude any thoughts of such activity. But then, in the 1990s, came the advent of the fat-tired, multi-geared ATB (all terrain bicycle) better known as the "mountain bike".

Since then, the Pigeon River Country has seen a multitude of bicyclists. On many summer weekends bicyclists far outnumber the number of hikers -- a situation that could make for problems, especially on the two major forest pathways, both the 70-some mile High Country Pathway that winds both through and outside the forest proper, as well as the highly popular Shingle Mill Pathway which is located in the very center of the forest. Neither pathway was designed with bicycles in mind. The High Country Pathway, in particularly, was designed for backpacking. The Shingle Mill Pathway, with its varied length loops, ranging from less than two miles to over twelve, was designed with short walks and day-hikes in mind. Thus bicyclists are reminded that at all times hikers are to be given the right of way.

Because these two pathways were specially designed for hiking, they also do things like deliberately going down into swamps and ravines, where a bicycle pathway would typically, like a roadway, take the long way around. As a result, on these two pathways, bicyclists must be prepared in a number of areas to dismount or even carry their bicycles for short distances, sometimes up wooden or log steps or to push them over wooden boardwalks where a swampy area is crossed. On the High Country Pathway in particular, despite its name, these swampy areas are traversed over narrow one-foot wide boardwalks, too narrow to push a bike over (unless you want to walk in the swamp) or to ride over very safely without the risk of a bad spill. In another place a swamp is crossed by means of an old railway roadbed with the 100 year old ties still in place! Because of the remoteness of the pathway, often a bikes will have to be lifted over or walked around fallen trees. On both pathways there are spots where it is best to walk with the bike to avoid nasty spills or to avoid eroding steep slopes.

Nor should these pathways be used for bicycle racing, either in competition with other or against the clock. They were designed for the leisurely observation of nature and/or to give a genuine taste of the wild. The faster one travels these pathways (or any other natural area) the less one will learn to appreciate what is there to be seen. Using these pathways for racing or time trials would the fastest way to have them eventually closed to bicycle traffic altogether, and that would be a shame, as there is so much to be seen.

There are, however, many other alternative routes open to bicyclists in the Pigeon River Country, especially to those who want to test their endurance. The forest contains well-over 200 miles of unpaved county and forest roads. and many more miles of rugged "two-tracks" that are perhaps even more ideal for recreational bicycle riding -- many of them so unused that a person might ride for an hour or two without ever encountering a motor vehicle, especially on weekdays. Certain areas, like the Green Timbers and Blue Lakes tracts, are closed to all motor vehicles. But make sure you have good wide tires to cope with the sandy soil.

Carry plenty of water (and bug repellent in season) plus the food, clothing, and tools you might need for encountering the unexpected. There are no public phones available and cell-phone reception is spotty. If you have a mechanical breakdown or a flat tire you can't fix, you'll need even more time (and daylight) to walk out so do not attempt to tackle too long a trip in the time available. A half-dozen miles or so under these rugged conditions can take the time and strength of twice or three times that amount in a more civilized (and paved) environment.

Be sure to have a compass and a good detailed map. It is very easy to get "turned around" on these roads and trails without realizing it, especially if the sun isn't out. And do not depend on chance encounters with others to find your way around. You are not liable to encounter many others, and those you do encounter may be just as lost as you! (A GPS receiver could be a good investment for excursions like these.)

But do not let these warnings discourage you. They are just some precautions that make a whole lot of sense. The Pigeon River Country, while it may not be technically speaking "wilderness" (defined as country so wild that crossing it on foot you would be forced to spend the night out in the woods before coming to another road) is nevertheless definitely wild -- wild enough that if you were forced to spend the night out there unequipped for the experience, you would find out just how wild it is!

Good biking!

A Veteran Pigeon River Country Bicyclist

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File:Bicycles.htm 1/30/2001