The Road Less Traveled
West Virginia’s topography is among her most stunning assets. Weaving to and fro over almost every towering mountain peak are trails—some built for boots, and still more built for wheels. The West Virginia State Trails Program estimates that the Mountain State has an inventory of more than 430 individual trails within its borders for off-road adventures by ATVs, UTVs, motorbikes, off-road vehicles, or Jeeps, and more than 500 trails maintained for bikes. So gear up and get out there. Dirt road adventure awaits.
Off-road vehicles
Leave the Pavement Behind
The destination for all things off-road in West Virginia is hands-down the Hatfield-McCoy Trails system in the southern part of the state. The HMT offers 900 miles of trail winding through seven counties. This trail system is the largest of its kind in the east, and some of the most popular routes are Bearwallow, Buffalo Mountain, Devil Anse, Rock House, Indian Ridge, Pinnacle Creek, Pocahontas, and Warrior.
Off-road enthusiasts might also consider Burning Rock Off-Road Park for dirt road adventure. It has something for everyone, whether you drive a Jeep, ATV/UTV, or motorbike. This 10,000-acre resort located in Raleigh County offers more than 100 professionally mapped and maintained miles of trails to explore. The park is also a destination with lodging options available and is open all year with the exception of Christmas day.
4X4 Facts
Bart Shaffer has a lifetime of experience with off-road vehicles—racing them since he was 14 and as the owner of High Mountain Off Road for the past 16 years.
ATV/UTV options are almost endless, and the right one for you comes down to how you plan on using it, Shaffer says. There are models built more for utility use, sport vehicles for trail rides, and a hybrid lineup offering bigger beds and sport motors. ATVs/UTVs are smaller-profile vehicles that can access trails bigger vehicles might not, and they’re built for abuse.
“Eighty percent of motorbike owners race, and the other 20 percent of bike owners are older guys that used to race,” Shaffer says. They’re made in 2-stroke models, which are harder animals to tame, and 4-stroke, which are smooth and powerful machines. They’re a great option for getting through tight spaces.
The ORV/Jeep crowd is really growing here in West Virginia. The beauty of these vehicles, in Shaffer’s mind, is that you can buy one today and hit the trails tomorrow. You can also change out almost every part of the vehicle to make it completely customized. These also offer the advantage of having both an everyday vehicle and a trail-ready toy parked in the garage.
Join the Jeeper’s Club
If you love Jeeps, this just might be your new tribe.
The West Virginia Jeep Club was started in 2003 by a group of like-minded fans of off-road exploring. Join the club and keep up with events by following @jeepinwv on FB. The 304 Jeep Club is another group drawing members from the north central part of the state. And check out Appalachian Ridge Runners, an off-road enthusiasts’ club based in the southern part of the state.
Biking
Fun on two wheels
The Mountain State boasts plenty of developed bike trails for cyclists of all levels.
Allegheny highlands trail
Allegheny Highlands Trail features 25 miles of packed sand and asphalt. The end points are Elkins and Hendricks, and it travels through Randolph and Tucker counties.
Elk River Trail
Elk River Trail features 28 miles of packed gravel. Current end points are Duck and Hartland. The route currently travels through Braxton and Clay counties. Work is ongoing to develop an additional 44 miles.
Greenbrier River Trail
Greenbrier River Trail features 78 miles of packed gravel and asphalt. End points are Cass and Caldwell, and the route travels through Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties.
hardy county
Hardy County boasts 51 developed bike trails within its borders. Pack up and head out to explore the Lost River Ride, Old 55, or the George Washington National Forest by bike, just to name a few.
Mon River Rail-Trail system
Mon River Rail-Trail System features 48 miles of packed sand and asphalt. End points are Prickett’s Fort State Park, the state border with Pennsylvania, with an additional leg between Morgantown and Reedsville. The route travels through Marion, Monongalia, and Preston counties.
North Bend Rail Trail
North Bend Rail Trail features 72 miles of packed gravel and sand. End points are Parkersburg and Wolf Summit, and the route passes through Wood, Ritchie, Doddridge, and Harrison counties.
west Fork River Trail
West Fork River Trail features 22 miles of packed stone. End points are Durbin and Glady, and the route travels through Pocahontas and Randolph counties.
Davis
Davis has become known as the East Coast capital for mountain bikers. You’ll find hundreds of single track miles, major trail systems, dirt roads, and even Moon Rocks.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers 11,000 acres of terrain waiting to be explored including the park’s legendary bike park. The resort also offers e-bike rentals and guided tours for the e-curious.
The E-Bike Craze
The basics about a new type of powered cycling.
Chances are you’ve heard about the new craze in cycling: electric bikes. They’re designed the same way as their non-electric counterparts, and it’s pretty easy for riders to transition from one model to another. Conventional bikes require that the rider turns the pedals at varying gear settings depending on terrain, and e-bikes assist with this effort—when the rider turns the pedal, the electric motor helps propel the bike forward.
All classes of e-bike limit the motor’s power to 1 horsepower, and they’re generally classified into one of the following categories. Their class determines their usage.
Class 1
For Class 1 e-bikes, the electric motor only works when the rider is pedaling. These bikes have no throttle and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. They are generally allowed on bike paths and bike lanes that also allow traditional bikes. Additionally, these bikes are typically the most affordable and most widely available.
Class 2
These e-bikes are throttle-assisted but still have a maximum speed of 20 mph. You don’t have to pedal the bike—although you can—to engage the motor.
Class 3
Like Class 1, these e-bikes are pedal-assist only—no throttle—but have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
A few of West Virginia’s state parks have begun to slowly introduce e-bike rentals to their repertoires of adventure. Call ahead to check their current availability. The e-curious can head to Blackwater Bikes in Davis, Harpers Ferry Bikes in Harpers Ferry, Wamsley Cycles in Morgantown, or Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe.
This Bike’s for You
Colin Dierman, general manager at Wamsley Cycles in Morgantown, has been an avid rider for more than 30 years. Here’s what he has to say about the many types of bikes on the market.
Fitness bikes are good for goal-oriented riders who prioritize a lighter, faster bike but prefer a more relaxed body posture. They’re good for riding on paved and unpaved surfaces.
Gravel bikes are good for the adventurous rider who prefers a road bike posture and someone looking for versatility. They’re great for bike packing and ride well on any type of surface, from natural trails to rail trails.
Mountain bike riders are typically looking for off-road experience and to ride on natural and man-made trails. These bikes are also great for maneuvering challenging features like bridges, jumps, and rock gardens.
Road bikes are best for a rider who prioritizes a lightweight, faster bike with a more lean-forward body posture, hard-packed paved surfaces, and improved rail-trails. These bikes have noticeably skinnier tires than other bike types.
Pedal assist bikes, or e-bikes, have multiple classifications and are great for folks looking to go out and have fun and maybe go a little further than they normally would. Pedal-assist bikes are available in any of the bike types listed above.
Biking Best Friends
Pick up a SmartHalo to track your cycling route, get you where you want to go, and stay connected. $159
Pick up the Biaria Plaza Basket for extra carrying power on two wheels. It’s lightweight and installs in minutes. $45
Or if you prefer carrying corked cargo, grab the Oopsmark Bicycle Wine Rack to easily transport your favorite bottle for a toast at the end of your route. $34
Make sure you’re heard with this Spurcycle Compact Bell. Compatible with most mountain bikes that have 22.2 mm handlebars. $40
Keep connected while riding with the Bovon Bike Phone Mount. The mount actually stretches, offering a universal fit for most phones. $14
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