more stats
2,992 ft
Distance
3 ft
Climb
-427 ft
Descent
2,039 ft
High Point
-424 ft
Altitude change
1,608 ft
Altitude min
2,039 ft
Altitude start
1,614 ft
Altitude end
-14.2%
Grade
-40.5%
Grade max
3.5%
Grade min
308 ft
Distance climb
2,241 ft
Distance down
397 ft
Distance flat

Cradle Gap Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Buchanan State Forest - Bear Valley Division
    Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    35 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in E-Biking
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Horseback
    • 5 in Winter Fat Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #249328 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #347298 in Trail Running
    • #356588 in Hiking
    • #26331 in Horseback
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T2 Mountain Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Double Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Season
    All season - snowfall can make road unusable
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • TTFs on Trail
    Rock Garden
  • Year Opened
    2024
  • Land Owner
    Buchanan State Forest

Cradle Gap connects Broad Mountain Road to Gilbert Road. It is steep. However, despite the occasional rock it is mostly dirt. The grade is too steep to climb and you should be experienced before trying to descend it.

Access Info

There are trailhead markers at both sides of the trail.

Disclaimer

Cell reception is sparse. Come with a plan. Ride with someone your first time. There is a high chance of high cost mistakes on this trail.

Local Trail Association

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 1 rides
  • 17 miles avg distance
All
  • 1 rides
  • Last: Jul 13, 2026
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Cradle Gap Trail Reports

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      Directions to cradle-gap trailhead (40.005780, -77.801000)
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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Cradle Gap located?
      Cradle Gap is located in Buchanan State Forest - Bear Valley Division, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Buchanan State Forest - Bear Valley Division trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 40.00578, -77.801.
      ▼ How hard is Cradle Gap?
      Cradle Gap is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 14.2%. The climb difficulty is rated Double Black Diamond.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Cradle Gap?
      Cradle Gap has 3 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 427 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,608 ft to 2,039 ft.
      ▼ Is Cradle Gap a point to point trail?
      Cradle Gap is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Cradle Gap?
      Cradle Gap is 2,992 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Cradle Gap?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Cradle Gap. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Cradle Gap?
      Cradle Gap is best visited during: All season - snowfall can make road unusable.
      ▼ How do I access Cradle Gap? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Cradle Gap are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How busy is Cradle Gap?
      Cradle Gap is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 8 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 8 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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