10.2
PDI
4.4 mi
DISTANCE
1,640 ft
GAINED
7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): John Summerson, The Complete Guide to Climbing (By Bike), 2nd Edition.
INTRO
Pavia Road, located in Blue Knob State Park, is the most difficult bike climb in Pennsylvania. While the grade never reaches the intolerable levels of the extremely difficult climb category, there are certainly challenging segments on this climb. The steepest quarter-mile is 11% and the steepest half mile 9.6%. This scenic bike climb is in the Alleghenies (Allegheny Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain Range).
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. This climb has a 7% average grade. 55% of the climb is at 5-10% and 18% is at 10-15% grade. The steepest quarter-mile is 10.9%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: Two lane road in good condition with a double yellow center stripe and no shoulder.
Traffic: Minimal.
Parking: We parked at the top and did both sides of the mountain (included Overland Pass & Pavia Roads). You could also park at the state park office 2/10ths of a mile north of the climb start (Map; Street View).
Provisions: None on the climb. Closest food and beverages are in Pleasantville nine miles south (Map).
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Pavia is a very quaint town to ride around and enjoy before you begin your climb (see Full Summary). Also consider staying at Blue Knob All Seasons Resort which has plenty to do during the summer, including, "golf, swimming and a multitude of trails for hiking, running and mountain biking. We have trails for various abilities, both within the boundaries of the resort and in gorgeous Blue Knob State Park. And don’t forget the beautiful autumn season in the Alleghenies when you’ll want to join us just for the views," (Google Map + Reviews).
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mass_biker
Another late summer/early fall trip to the top of Blue Knob. Perfect weather + few cars (as usual) = paradise. The climb up through the State Park is steep, and the road is smooth as glass. The final 1+ mile towards the ski area is a little rougher (and steeper) and those final two kickers always surprise. It’s a stout climb and quite worth doing. If you’re in the area though, don’t forget to hit the shorter climbs in and around Chestnut Ridge (i.e. up Crissman Rd. to the apple orchards up on Chestnut Ridge, and then down Grasshopper Rd.). Don’t forget the challenging climb back up the Eastern Continental Divide from New Paris (any way west from Cartland Rd. up Rocklick Hollow or Bethel Hollow Rds which eventually link up to Shaffer Rd. that takes you to the top of the Allegheny Front). That climb from the valley floor to the top of the AF is maybe a few hundred feet shorter than Blue Knob but there are stretches in it that give BK a run for the money in steepness and ferocity.
mass_biker
Did Blue Knob (up Pavia Rd) as the end point of an out and back from the other/western side of the Allegheny Front. The ride through the valley to its base/Pavia Rd was quiet and peaceful with several covered bridges. The climb begins steeply through a dense wooded section then levels out on the shoulder of the ridge before pitching up even more steeply when you turn right for the final push to the summit. That last steep section of road to the top of the ski hill is somewhat rougher, and without ample tree cover or shade in comparison to the climb through the State Park which is heavily shaded, and smooth as a ribbon. There was very little traffic even on a lovely Fall Saturday. Note there are no amenities up top so plan accordingly. The average grade of this climb (~7%) reflects a stretch of false flat on the shoulder that is offset by steeper, sustained sections (9-12%+) at the beginning and at the end. Highly recommended!
