Grease your chains and top off your tires—Visit Mountaineer Country’s largest initiative in nearly a decade is opening up fresh opportunities for cyclists.
IN 2024, DAVID LANDIS MADE A JOURNEY that simply couldn’t be compared to any other. Armed with a camera, GPS mapping, and his faithful bicycle, he traversed thousands of miles along the hills and hollows of Barbour, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties. He was searching for thrilling terrain, stunning views, and vibrant communities—an easy feat, in the Mountain State. His pilgrimage was driven by Visit Mountaineer Country’s desire to tap one of West Virginia’s greatest hidden gems: gravel cycling.
After returning from his voyage, Landis joined VMC and West Virginia University’s Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at the drawing board. What emerged was Mountaineer Gravel, an ever-growing 1,500-mile network of 40 mixed-surface cycling routes rolling out from 10 regional hubs: Audra State Park, Belington, Bruceton Mills, Grafton, Mason–Dixon Park, Masontown, Morgantown, Philippi, Rowlesburg, and Terra Alta.
The routes, available on the Ride with GPS platform under “Mountaineer Gravel WV,” range from 5 to 75 miles and span a few hours to several nights, offering escapades for cyclists of all skill levels. Slow down and soak in the view on a tranquil rail-trail, or seek some heart-racing thrills on the most rugged of rural rides. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, add the second annual Mountaineer Monster, a cryptid-themed scavenger hunt by bicycle, to your calendar for October 24. Last year, around 60 participants braved this multi-day bikepacking adventure. For several riders, it posed the most challenging and most rewarding riding they have ever experienced.
Beyond the bike, Mountaineer Gravel offers an immersive snapshot of Mountaineer Country through the eyes of a local by highlighting the best places to park your wheels, rest your head, and refuel on local cuisine. After all, the Morgantown Blue Hole route wouldn’t be complete without a stop at local breweries and cafes, and the Bruceton Mills routes call for a stop at Big Sandy Creek to put your fishing rod to use. Keep an eye out—even more routes are in development for Doddridge, Harrison, and Marion counties. @mountaineergravel on FB and IG
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2026 ISSUE
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