Canton - Towanda - Sunfish
73.7 miles | 6,526’ | 51% unpaved
From Canton to Towanda and back, this rewarding gravel loop weaves together peaceful back roads, the Susquehanna Valley, Schrader Creek, Barclay Mountain, and an optional overnight at Sunfish Pond.
This longer loop makes an excellent full-day ride or a relaxed overnight adventure. It can be ridden in either direction, starting in Canton or Towanda. If you'd like to break it into two days, you can stay in a hotel in Towanda or camp at Sunfish Pond on the return leg. This is some of the region's most peaceful riding, with broad views across the countryside and very little traffic.
Beginning in Canton, the route heads north on a patchwork of quiet gravel roads through the rolling farmland of central Bradford County. Shortly after leaving Canton, you'll also pass through the historic community of Minnequa, once home to the famous Minnequa Springs resort, and near Rockgirt Bed & Breakfast, another lodging option near Canton. Along the way, you'll pass near Mountain Lake Winery, a small-batch winery and vineyard that specializes in dry red and sweet Pennsylvania wines and a great place to stop for a tasting before continuing toward Towanda.
As you approach Towanda, the route descends into the Susquehanna Valley entering one of the county's historic river towns. Towanda offers restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, lodging, and other services, making it an ideal resupply point or overnight stop if you're riding the loop over two days.
Leaving Towanda, the route heads south into the valley of Schrader Creek, following a beautiful gravel road alongside the stream through a landscape of towering hemlocks and massive rock formations. It's one of the most scenic stretches of the route and a perfect place to stop for a quick dip or simply enjoy the cool mountain setting on a hot summer day.
As the route continues upstream, you'll pass the turnoff for Laquin Road, which leads toward the site of the former logging community of Laquin. This valley was once at the heart of Pennsylvania's timber industry, and while little remains of the town today, the surrounding forests and old road network still hint at its rich history.
From there, the route begins the climb up Foot of Plains Road, one of the area's classic gravel ascents, leading onto the broad plateau of Barclay Mountain. Along the way, you'll pass the historic coal-mining communities of Carbon and Barclay. While the towns themselves have largely disappeared, the quiet gravel roads and surrounding forests preserve the landscape of what was once one of Pennsylvania's most important mining districts.
Near the top of the mountain, the route reaches Sunfish Pond County Park, a county park and campground offering fishing opportunities, and a walking trail around the lake. It's an excellent overnight stop for bikepackers before the route continues back toward Canton.
From there, the route steeply drops down the scenic Leroy Mountain Road toward the community of Leroy. Just off the route is the Leroy Heritage Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to the area's local history.
The final miles return to Canton on Southside Road, mostly on pavement, with an optional gravel detour near the end if you'd like one last stretch of dirt before rolling back into town.
Overall, this route showcases nearly every landscape that makes Bradford County special: small-town charm, quiet farmland, historic mining and logging communities, mountain forests, and classic Endless northern PA gravel roads. It's a slightly shorter alternative to the 115-mile bikepacking route.
