Nicholson: Hop Bottom Weather Rock
16.6 miles | 1,776’ | 64% unpaved
Ride the quiet back roads surrounding Nicholson on this scenic gravel loop featuring the Tunkhannock Viaduct, Martins Creek, Hop Bottom, Lenoxville Weather Rock, and sweeping valley views.
This short, scenic loop begins in Nicholson, a town best known for the towering Tunkhannock Viaduct, one of the largest concrete railroad bridges in the world. Completed in 1915, the viaduct still carries active rail traffic more than 100 feet above the valley and remains one of northeastern Pennsylvania's most impressive engineering landmarks. Before your ride, consider stopping at the Nicholson Tourism Center in the restored historic railroad station, home to the Nicholson Heritage Association and a great place to learn about the town's railroad history. Parking is also available here.
Leaving Nicholson, the route heads north on quiet roads before joining Cook Road, where the pavement gives way to gravel alongside Martins Creek. The gentle creek valley provides an easy, peaceful ride for several miles before reaching the small community of Hop Bottom.
Despite its unusual name, Hop Bottom was named for the wild hops that once grew abundantly along the nearby creek bottoms. Today, it's a quiet rural town and a convenient place to stop for food at Smoke It, a refreshed local favorite in the same location as the old Hop Bottom Hot Dog. Be sure to snap a photo with one of the town's distinctive Hop Bottom signs before continuing.
Leaving town, the route climbs gradually east onto a network of quiet gravel roads. One of the highlights is the Lenoxville Weather Rock, a classic roadside attraction whose humorous sign "forecasts" the weather based entirely on the appearance of the rock. It's a fun and memorable stop before the route begins descending back toward Nicholson.
As you return, several overlooks provide excellent views of the Tunkhannock Viaduct spanning the valley below. The route finishes back in Nicholson, where you can explore the revitalizing main street or simply take a few more minutes to appreciate one of Pennsylvania's greatest railroad landmarks before heading home.
