Hawk's Nest Bushkill Falls Ride Report

It's been a few years since we've offered a 200K that flies across the Hawk's Nest. In the past, this was a mid-summer staple, as the routing through the Upper Delaware region tends to be a few degrees cooler than elsewhere.  Even on the hottest days, the riding up there is tolerable. And ironically, despite the 1000 foot climb up the Allegheny Front,  the detour climb to Glen Spey via Eldred (El Dread!) and the infamous OMR climb, this course always seems to allow rather fast times. 

Hawk's Nest starters. (Photo by prerider volunteer Mike Riley)

The 2025 Hawk's Nest (Bushkill approach) saw eighteen riders clip in, and all 18  finished  in the permitted time, for a 100% completion rate. Outstanding! Congratulations to all.  Results for the results for event have been posted on the website and will be submitted to RUSA after review.  Please check your result and let me know if anything doesn't align with your recollections.

A lucky weather window graced us on Saturday for this event. Friday was super hot with some violent storms, Sunday was rainy, but Saturday was about as good as Pennsylvania gets in late July. Riders mentioned some heavy humidity and fog in the morning, and a few riders complained of heat cramps in the afternoon, but generally the temperatures were survivable, and might have even been almost pleasant for the heat acclimated in the group.

It was the first ever brevet for Dianna Lee, welcome to randonneuring. You picked a good one to start with.  Mike Osborne rode his first PA brevet, welcome to PA Rando.

There were numerous unique wildlife sightings by riders, including reports of Black Bears, a fox, and even some kind of large bobcat (yikes!) Less interesting creatures were the gnats swarming the riders as they grinded up the Old Mine Road climb. 

Andreas, I guess you DO have to be faster than the bear

 Of course, most of these sightings were on Old Mine Road -- the oldest active road in the USA -- which runs through a very remote section of the Upper Delaware. As this road runs through the federal park as NPS615,  the park service has been repairing parts of it. But other sections seem to have been untouched since the Washington administration installed the potholes. 

 

Not much auto traffic to worry about on this section of Old Mine Rd

Mike Riley scouted the course and ran an excellent start control.  Thank you Mike.  Volunteer Rob DePaolis set up a much needed water stop at the 402/US6 fireworks control. Many riders said that this water was a lifesaver on the warm day in such a remote location.  PA Randonneur Emeritus Super Supreme, Bill Olsen, staffed the finish for the early hours, before the RBA took over for the final finishers.  Thank you to the day-of volunteers for making events like this possible.

Hawk's Nest and Bushkill Falls 200K PreRide Notes

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!