The Bloody Skillet Recreation Area Phase III Strategic Connector to SnowShoeTownship roads is complete. I own a camp that borders open SnowShoeTownship roads and this connector has opened additional ATV opportunities for me. I deeply appreciate DCNR efforts in this phase 3 operation.
From Snow Shoe the connector begins just beyond the pipeline and is well marked. The trail lazily runs along the side of the mountain road for a few miles and is easily traversed. Then the operator makes a left turn onto a more moderate section of trail traveling through and old strip mine area before beginning the descent towards the Beech Creek Stream.
The descent to the stream is a moderate level trail, possibly more difficult depending on weather conditions. Aside from being narrow and in sections,difficult to pass ATV’s traveling in an opposite direction, this section offers the normal hills, bumps, and challenges most people would expect on an ATV trail. I first traveled this section after it opened for the spring and was able to look across at the Two Rock side, marveling at all the ridges and cutouts small streams have forged through the centuries. About halfway down the descent I could see the Beech Creek Stream and one of the new bridges DCNR had constructed over the stream. I thoroughly enjoyed this section.
Once you have descended from the Snow Shoe side the trail follows an old railroad bed towards the new bridge before making a right turn to begin the ascent up the Two Rock face of the mountain meeting the Bloody Skillet Trail. This bridge is perfect spot to take a break and enjoy nature at its finest. A DCNR ranger was parked there on this day and offered a friendly wave as I passed by. While stopped here one should double check your machine for possible problems as the next section is rated Black Diamond and in my estimation should only be attempted by the most experienced riders. If you are leading a group all riders should be made aware of the possible upcoming dangers and group riding etiquette.
The ascent of the Two Rock mountain face begins innocently enough and the early challenge is quite fun. About 3/4 of the way up “The Hill” appears. This section is as steep as any I have seen during my 7000 miles of ATV travel. The protruding rocks on the hill add to that challenge. At the bottom of the hill this day wasa twisted and broken 2 wheel drive machine, apparently unable to traverse this section safely. 4 wheel drive ATV’s are a must and 4 wheel low range will provide a tremendous advantage when descent of the hill is in order. This section is very dangerous even for the most experienced riders and care must be taken when riding in groups to only allow one machine on the hill at any one time.
Once you are on top the trail becomes as laid back as the Snow Shoe side winding lazily along Bald Hill towards the Bloody Skillet Trail. The view of nature and occasional camps lucky enough to have an ATV trail this close reminds me of the positive step the Bloody Skillet Connector will be in increasing ATV riding opportunities.
Shan Packer