My Trip to Jake’s Rocks-John Page

John Page 

ENG 102 

3-18-20 

Professor Miller 

My Trip to Jake’s Rocks 

I have always wanted to ride the trails at Jake’s Rocks.  As soon as you said to go to a place we have never been before and write about it, I was excited (which usually doesn’t come too often with writing).  My friends have been a few times but I always had soccer.  This project finally gave me a good excuse to go.  Jake’s Rocks sits in the Allegheny National Forest and from the trails you can see the Kinzua Dam.  I have been in this area of the forest many times but never on the trails themselves.  The trails were constructed in 2017.  The people of Warren love the outdoors and natural resources among us.  The local cycle shop has lots of success with their trail bikes and therefore took a step in providing a local place for people to ride.  That way they did not have to travel far.  These trails provide people with an escape during hard times like these. 

The scenery of the trails is magnificent. It overlooks the Kinzua Dam at its highest points.  All throughout the trails you are surrounded with beautiful trees and greenery (although not so much this time of the year).  There are many levels of trails from easiest to a straight drop trail.  They provide a chance for people to breathe some fresh air, enjoy some sweet scenery, escape on a peaceful or challenging ride, and for those that like pictures, there any many picture-perfect opportunities.  

The nature and wildlife on the trails are something that you just do not see everyday living in the city.  Only a little drive out of the city and you have the opportunity to be surrounded by the trees, shrubs, wild animals, and pretty streams.  All of this is seeable on the trails.  The trails were made just for this. So that people could choose between a nice relaxing ride through the forest or an intense muscle intensive ride.  You are apt to see much wildlife on whatever trail you choose. There are 30+ miles of trails and they are looking to expand.  You are almost guaranteed to see some form of wild life.   

On the trail that my dad and I rode, there were lots of great views of the Dam and the lake.  The trail was not that extensive but did include some quick switch backs and hills.  We saw lots of animal tracks and birds.  The scenery was really pretty but I imagine it is better in the fall and summer when all the trees are full of leaves.  The trail was really muddy when we rode but it made the experience all the better.  We saw lots of great rock formations and it was an all-around great experience. 

I love the outdoors and riding my bicycle.  These trails give me the opportunity to escape the chaos and breathe some fresh air.  I would highly recommend these trails to anyone who likes a good bike ride and loves nature.  Also, you have to be prepared to get a little muddy.  I cannot wait to get out there again, hopefully I will not have to wait too long.  Best ride of my life!