Mike Riley completed a pre-ride of the Hawk's Nest Bushkill Falls 200K on July 21. He reports that the course remains in good condition The latest route cuesheet is Version 4 and the GPS route was last updated on 2025-07-22 10:45:20 EDT. Make sure you have the latest versions of everything. Follow the link above for the latest cues and RWGPS link.
Mike's Course Notes...
I completed the preride of the Hawks Nest & Bushkill Falls 200k on Monday July 21. This was a ride I was very excited about once I saw it pop up on the event list, when the opportunity in my schedule allowed me to preride and volunteer I jumped.
The tone for the ride is set right away as you leave the start at the park and ride. Well maintained roads meander along woods, rivers, and cute cabins. Be aware that although the roads are mostly debris free and in good shape, there is almost no shoulder to ride in. Drivers were courteous and gave plenty of space the entire course.
The climbs begin almost immediately and I found them to be steady but not leg crushing climbs the elevation chart led me to believe. At mile 9.5 the cue sheet warns of pot holes and a mossy road, I found the descent to be a little slippery so take care. A bathroom at the Bushkill Meeting Visitors Center is about a mile up. A steady climb with a limited shoulder brings you to Control 2, an info control, continue on 9 more miles until your next turn.
The Pickerel Inn at mile 24.5 is your first resupply stop and your last one for sometime. They have great food and sandwiches. Continue on with some ups and downs, passing Big D's fireworks, control 3 is further down the road at a blinking light, another info control.
Leaving control 3 begins my favorite part of the route. Once on Kimbles Rd I really took in the beauty of the area. Turning on to Tow Path Rd I felt like any point would be a great spot for a photoshoot for an LL Bean catalog. Fisherman, rafters, tubers, all enjoying the river. At mile 50.4 , you come upon the Rowland Co-Op Market, a cute spot to resupply, your first resupply since the The Pickerel. Once again, inside seating and hotfood as well as some grab and go is available. At mile 54 there is a park with a field house with bathrooms and The Twin Rivers Deli. The Roebling Bridge is also photoshoot worthy, and more bathrooms. From here a nice level ride continues past some camp stores, a few restaurants, and views of the river.
Once you enter Barryville you will make a left and begin a long steady climb into the 4th Control. Once again the climb is steady but not crushing. I had a good meal at The Corner, an ice cream and luncheonette, Pecks Grocery is across the street and is another option to resupply. The steady climbs continues for a bit more but you'll be treated to a nice descent soon enough.
When approaching Hawks Nest and the lookout be sure to own your lane. There are a number of safe spots to pull over and take some pictures and enjoy the view.
Closing in to Control 5 you'll pass some field houses with bathrooms. These were locked during the preride but the Riverside Creamery control is just ahead. Like the Corner, they have more than just ice cream, a great refuel spot. Just up the road, just off course, & across the tracks is a Burger King and other shops to resupply should you choose. From here resupply options are very limited.
At mile 88.5 you cross 206 and begin riding on Old Mine Rd. This is a busy intersection and the road begins to get chunky. Be cautious especially on descents.
Control 5, The Hainesville General Store is a photo control as the store is closed for remodel. There are resources available within 2 miles North on 206 should you need them.
Following the route, you will be passing a road closed sign that you ignore. The sign says the road is closed in 2 miles, but the barriers you climb over are well past that. You can sneak by them to the right, but if you have a ride partner to help go over, it makes it much easier. From here a casual decent to the climb of the day.
The climb up Old Mine Rd is a classic, and one I have yet to stay in the saddle for. Yep, I admit it, walked up a portion on this attempt as well. Millbrook Village awaits at the top with bathrooms, water and a welcomed rest in the shade.
With difficult climbing behind you'll encounter a few punchy hills with some mixed surfaces on the descent. The scenery is amazing here and the amount of greenery is impressive. You'll approach a lone red light as the road become singleway traffic. Wait for the green and enjoy a fast downhill to the bridge back to PA. A photo opportunity of the state line awaits on the bridge. From here you are only a few turns away from the finish control.
The finish control has plenty of outdoor seating to recap your ride with the other riders or lookout and cheer for those behind you. It's an easy .3 mile ride back to the park and ride from here.
I will urge you to review the cue sheet. The cue sheet has a number of tips and advice.
I look forward to seeing you at the start!
