Times Observer file photo A rider climbs a hill at the Trails at Jakes Rocks.

Mountain bicycling enthusiasts from all over the country are expected to join the festivities at Trail Fest at Jakes Rocks.

The event, hosted by the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry with the support of the Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association, Western New York Mountain Bike Association, and the Allegheny National Forest, will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, and Saturday, Sept. 25, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Trails at Jakes Rocks (TAJR) parking area at Jakes Rocks.

There will be bicycle and equipment vendors, food vendors, rides, and clinics, according to WCCBI Director of Tourism John Papalia.

Until 2020, the event had grown annually. This year, organizers are hoping for a bounce-back.

“Last year we scaled it down,” Papalia said. “We still had an open-ride weekend, with hundreds of riders spread out over the trails. This year we’re going back to normal.”

“Trail Fest celebrates the exceptional mountain biking opportunities at Allegheny National Forest with The Trails at Jakes Rocks (TAJR) serving center stage,” ANF Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser said.

“The event includes shuttle services, guided rides, clinics, demonstrations, and bicycle and food vendors. Registration is required to use the shuttles, but all clinics and group rides are free.”

The event is expected to draw far more than the trailhead parking area could handle.

“With hundreds expected to attend the event, the Trails at Jakes Rocks (TAJR) will be busy, and parking limited,” Leeser said. “Event participants will park at Kinzua Beach, where shuttle services will take participants to the trailhead. Shuttles run until 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 2 p.m. on Sunday.”

“Additionally, a shuttle will run between Elijah Run Boat Launch, Dewdrop Campground, and the trailhead on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” he said. “During the event, bikers should anticipate directional restrictions on all trails within the TAJR system. Trails will be signed accordingly.”

” The Trail Fest highlights what we have here,” Papalia said. “The mountain bike trails bring a lot of people throughout the year.”

“We draw people from all over the country to this event,” he said. “We bring a lot of people from Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland, and a good following from Cincinnati, Washington, D.C.”

One previous visitor came from Los Angeles, he said.

“At the end of the day, it’s to showcase this awesome system we have here,” Papalia said. “The bigger mission is to show them what Warren County has to offer so these people come back throughout the year.”

Those looking for other recreational opportunities in that area might want to steer clear of the TAJR.

“Hikers should be mindful that bike traffic will be much higher than normal,” Leeser said. “Forest visitors wishing to avoid the event and crowds might consider using the Rimrock Day Use Area or Morrison Trail System during the event. Parking at the Jakes Rocks picnic area and overlooks will be limited.”

Further information about the event, and registration for shuttle services, can be found by visiting https://www.bikereg.com/jakes-rocks-trail-fest.