Mountain Bike Rides
South Haddix Trail Loop Mountain Bike Ride (TR126)
South Haddix Trail is an 8 mile singletrack trail between Cherry Fork Rd. in Randolph County and Haddix Rd. in Tucker County. Park at the AHT trailhead in Montrose. Travel south for .75 miles until you reach the first paved road, Wilmoth Run and turn left. Cross US 219 to Cherry Fork Rd. Travel approximately 1.75 miles, the trail head for South Haddix Trail is on the left. The trail is blue blazed for the entirety. The trail consists of several steep saddlebacks and some very nice bench cuts. The final downhill is a beautiful rhododendron-covered shoot. The northern end of the South Haddix Trail exits on Haddix Rd. Follow Haddix Rd. back to the AHT. Turn left on the AHT and ride up Pheasant Mountain and drop into Montrose.
Distance: 20 miles
Shingletree/Clover Trail Mountain Bike Ride (TR121-TR120-TR124)
The best place to start this ride is from the Porterwood Trailhead of the AHT north of Parsons. Head south on the AHT for 1 mile. Shingletree trailhead is on the opposite side of US 219. The trail climbs steeply at first and then levels off on a wonderful bench cut. At approximately 3 miles, the trail crosses a clearing at the end of Forest Service Rd. 933. The trail continues directly across the clearing; look for the blue blazes. Shingletree Trail at this point is on what is left of the railbed from an old narrow gauge rail line. At some points the old railroad ties can still be felt under the soil. At 3.5 miles the trail intersects FS 933 once again. Continue right on FS 933 for roughly 100 feet. The trail continues to your right, look for blue blazes. At mile 4, you reach the intersection of Shingletree and Clover Trail. Take Clover trail on the left until it intersects Clover Run Rd.. Turn right. Shingletree Trail exits right 1 mile down the road. Shingletree Trail climbs steeply for 1 mile back to the intersection with Clover Trail. At this point continue down Shingletree back to you chosen starting point.
Distance: 14 miles.
Watters Smith State Park
Watters Smith Memorial State Park may be reached by taking Exit 110 off
I-79 (Lost Creek exit) and following the directional signs to West
Milford, left on Duck Creek Road to Watters Smith State Park
(approximately 7 miles). Visitors traveling US 19 should turn off at
West Milford and follow signs three miles to the park. Watters Smith State Park has several miles of moderate/difficult trails. Many of the trails are purpose built for mountain biking and are super fun to ride!
Map can be found here.
Black Water Falls State Park
Black Water Falls State Park is named for the falls
of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories
then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge.
The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen
hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most
photographed sites in West Virginia.
Black Water Falls State Park has several miles of trails ranging from very difficult to tame. There are also several more trails located in the adjoining Monongahalia National Forest.
Map can be found here.
Mountwood Park in Waverly, WV
With hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, picknicking, camping,
festivals, and community activities, there’s something for everyone at
Mountwood Park in Wood County, West Virginia. All are welcome to enjoy
this 2,600 acre wooded park with a fifty acre lake and over fifty miles
of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails.
Many of the trails at Mountwood Park have been built in recent years with mountain bikers in mind. Lots of flowing trails with great bench work, perfectly built switchbacks and wonderful bridges.
Mountwood Park is a county park located 12 miles east of Parkersburg, West Virginia on Route 50.
Website can be found here.
North Bend State Park
North Bend State Park, in West Virginia, is named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River. The park offers a multitude of recreational facilities in a beautiful pastoral setting. The fishing streams, lake, hiking trails, abundant wildlife and excellent overnight accommodations, lodge and cabins, and lodge dining room are some of the features of this year-round park. You’ll find true hospitality at this popular state park
North Bend also features the 72 mile North Bend Rail Trail,
which is designed for hiking, mount/WST.aspxain biking and horseback riding. The
rail trail runs along the old B & O Railroad bed from Parkersburg,
WV to Wolf Summit, near Clarksburg, WV.
Located in the north-western section of the state, North Bend is
easily accessible from four-lane U.S. 50 which stretches across north
central West Virginia from Parkersburg to Clarksburg.
Map can be found here.
Valley Falls State Park
The beauty of the park is enhanced by the spectacular series of foaming falls which were created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River and provides a boundary between Marion and Taylor counties. The prevalent rock formation known as Connoquenessing Sandstone, forms the cap of the falls over which the river plunges and swirls and appears both as ledges and huge room size boulders for over a mile down the narrow canyon floor.
Map can be found here.
Paved road, dirt road, and rail trail rides
Harpertown Rd. to Cheat Bridge
Take Sycamore St. past Forest Service Building where it turns into Harpertown Rd. Stay on County Rt. 9 to Craven's Run Rd. This route starts with rolling hills, but at 2.8 miles becomes a steady climb up to Turkey Bone Ridge. At Turkey Bone Ridge, take a left at bus stop shelter and proceed downhill. At mile 5.6, the road changes to dirt/gravel. The road soon drops into the river valley and on to Cheat Bridge over the Shaver's Fork.
Distance: 6.7 miles to Bridge
Access: Sycamore Street
Stuart's Loop
This route starts the same as ``Harpertown Rd./Cheat Bridge'', however, when you get to the bridge, cross it, turn left and follow the road along the river about .5 miles. At mile 7.2, take a hard right on to County Rt. 6. Follow along the river and pass the Stuart Recreation Area sign. Turn right on Old Rt. 33, cross the river by the Cheat River Inn and go uphill to US 33 intersection. Turn right and follow US 33 to US 219 intersection (Kroger in Elkins).
Distance: 20.2 miles
Access: Sycamore St./Harpertown Rd.
Stalnaker LoopStart at the Highland Park terminus on the AHT. Proceed northeast towards Parsons. At approximately one mile turn off of the AHT on to the Gilman road (CR #1) and go right. Take Gilman Road until you reach the community of Harpertown. Turn left on to Cravens Run Road. Stay on Cravens Run Road until you come to a three way intersection. Take the center road downhill until you reach the Shavers Fork River and the concrete bridge. DO NOT cross the bridge. Turn left prior to the bridge and begin the steep 1 mile climb to the top of Bells Mountain. Once at the top be careful descending the back side as it is rutted and strewn with large rocks. The road eventually turns back to pavement as it passes a few farms and residences. At the intersection with US 219 go left and ride .75 miles to Gilman. Turn left on the AHT in Gilman and return to your starting point.
Access: Highland Park Trailhead
Leading Creek-Kerens Loop
Start at the Highland Park terminus on the AHT. Proceed northeast towards Parsons. At Gilman, turn left on US 219. Take next right on to Leading Creek Road. Continue on Leading Creek Road until it intersects Hartman Lane. Take a left on to Hartman Lane. Stay on Hartman Lane until you reach the next road going right, Israel Church Road. Stay on Israel Church Road until it intersects US 219. Cross US 219 on to Pleasant Mountain Road. Take the first right onto CR 3-4, which is a short gravel road. Take a right at the end of CR 3-4 on to Clifton Run Road. When you reach the T intersection with US 33, take a right. Cross US 219 and then turn left on to AHT. At this point follow the AHT back to the starting point.
Distance:
Access: Highland Park Trailhead
Elkins to Beverly
In downtown Elkins, go West on Wilson St., go uphill and turn left at stop sign onto Robert E. Lee St. Proceed past the Middle School, National Guard Armory, and cross the flood control dam. At mile 1.6, turn right on to Georgetown Rd. At mile 8.7, you will need to turn left to stay on Georgetown Rd. and then ride .5 mile to the town of Beverly.
Distance: 9.1 miles to Beverly
Access: Wilson St./Robert E. Lee St./ Georgetown Rd. (Rd. #21)
Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
The Allegheny Highlands Trail follows the original route of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway built by Henry Gassaway Davis in 1884. For 24.5 miles, this exceptionally scenic trail provides panoramic views of the West Virginia countryside as it passes through a mountainous region with small towns and rural farmland. From the southern Highland Park trailhead in Elkins, the trail gradually ascends for approximately 15 miles as it passes around the Pheasant and Polecat Knob mountains. The rural vistas and mountainous backgrounds provide numerous opportunities for photos. As you pass around the mountains, the trail starts to descend more steeply as it approaches the small town of Parsons. A short, easy-to-follow, on-road section of the trail in Parsons offers the chance to grab a bite to eat at any of the several small-town restaurants. The trail continues by following US Hwy. 219 north for less than a mile, crossing the Shavers Fork and Black Fork rivers to reach the next trailhead, located just over the Black Fork River on the southern side of Hwy. 219. The remaining 3-mile section of the trail is paved and follows the beautiful Black Fork River to the small town of Hendricks. Plans are in effect to extend the Allegheny Highlands Trail north to Mt. Storm Lake, making it approximately 44 miles in length. A path, though not the actual trail, continues along the beautifully scenic Blackwater River to the town of Thomas; however, this section is somewhat steep.
Parking and Trail Access:
From downtown Elkins, take US Hwy. 219 north to access the southernmost trailhead, Highland Park, located across from the Division of Highways District 8 Headquarters (just a mile from downtown Elkins. The Gilman, Kerens, Montrose, and Porterwood trailheads are located mid-trail, and each include parking facilities. Continue following US Hwy. 219 north to the northern trailhead located at the intersection of Main and 3rd streets in Hendricks.
The Elkins terminus of AHT can also be easily accessed from Joey's Bike Shop. It is a mere 300ft from the door to the trail!
West Fork Rail Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
The West Fork Trail is a pleasant 21.7-mile trail that snakes its way through a remote mountain setting and follows the West Fork River for most of its route. The soothing rumble of the river complements the trail's serene environment. This is a great path for biking, but the surface is primarily ballast left over from the rail corridor, so leave your road bike at home. The trail begins in the small community of Glady. Even though the trail appears to be flat, you will find yourself on a gentle decline as the trail follows the river downstream from Glady. For the first 5 miles, the trail takes a higher route above the western side of the river and pops in and out of small groves of conifers, offering great views of the surrounding hills. The trail then levels out with the river and travels the remaining 17 miles to the town of Durbin following the river southward. Meandering through the mountains, the trail and the river make sweeping 180-degree turns through a tight valley surrounded by steep hillsides. The West Fork River is a popular fishing spot, and you are bound to see a number of anglers along the way. The trail comes to an end in the town of Durbin, a quiet Appalachian town that has wonderful little lunch spots and a nice Main Street corridor. There is a bonus half-mile rail-trail, the Widney Park Rail-Trail, which can be accessed right in downtown Durbin.
Parking and Trail Access:
To reach the northern trailhead from Elkins, take US Hwy. 33 east and make a right onto County Road 27 (Glady Road). Follow it for approximately 10 miles to the town of Glady. When you come to the intersection of Glady and Elliots roads, continue straight on Glady through the stop sign and follow the road for approximately a quarter mile to where it dead-ends. The trailhead will be directly in front of you. To reach the southern trailhead from Elkins, take US Hwy. 219 south to Huttonsville. Merge onto US Hwy. 250 going south and follow it all the way to Durbin. Look for the trailhead on the left about a mile before you reach the town.
