REGIONAL OVERVIEW

The very same natural resources that built this region and America can play a key role in moving the region forward by providing increased quality-of-life and economic development opportunities through recreation and tourism, which is arguably the leading industry in Pennsylvania. Recreation sites in the region are becoming plentiful offering world-class experiences- including hiking, mountain biking, road biking, skiing, rock climbing, canoeing, boating, whitewater kayaking and rafting, and nature watching- mainly in public lands and streams. The development of a multi-use, motorized recreation area to even a fraction of its potential will complement heritage development and make this region a truly well-rounded tourist destination. Existing public ATV trails in the region are limited in both mileage and quality. Only three separate areas and a total of 78 miles in the study region (two areas in Buchanan State Forest and one in Sproul State Forest) are available for public use.

PILOT SITE

After years of planning and research, Project RidgeRIDER™ now has a pilot site -Rock Run Recreation Area. Rock Run Recreation Area will open 6,000 acres for ATV and non-motorized recreation enjoyment under the auspices of the Cambia County Conservation and Recreation Authority (CCCRA). The RidgeRIDER™ Steering Committee will continue to identify project sites, promote the healing of scarred landscape, and provide recreational opportunities. ARCorp consultant Fisher Works continues site planning and mapping and has conducted several physical assessment working tours. While a perimeter survey is complete and a wetlands delineation study underway, Pashek Associates commenced the creation of the park's master plan. Rock Run Recreation Area is likely to be one of the largest, professionally planned ATV parks in the east.

Located in Cambria and Clearfield counties, the Rock Run Recreation Area will be a 6,000-acre multi-use, motorized recreation area. The property's diverse topography and vegetation will create a variety of experiences for the recreating public.

The primary focus of the Rock Run Recreation Area will be to provide safe, legal, and challenging trails for motorized recreation. In addition, the recreation area will also contain an extensive network of trails for equestrians, mountain bikers and hikers to provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the property in many different ways.

The Rock Run Advisory board, created by the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, is responsible for the planning and development of the recreation area. Consisting now of off highway vehicle enthusiasts, CCCRA board members, local elected officials, the Allegheny Ridge Corporation, local property owners and DCNR (ex-officio), the advisory board has been hard at work to develop the site.

The Rock Run Recreation Area will be operated and managed by a non-profit organization created as an outgrowth of the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority. Still in its conceptual phase, the non-profit entity will have its own staff to run the day-to-day operations of the recreation area including hospitality, enforcement and maintenance.

The Rock Run Recreation Area will provide a recreational destination for all to enjoy the great outdoors. From ATVing, snowmobiling, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and more, Rock Run will draw users from across the Commonwealth and surrounding states who want to do it all but stay in one location.