The best cycling routes in West Virginia

West Virginia offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 90 options available. These include 12 easy routes, 50 moderate routes, and 28 difficult routes, catering to different skill levels and preferences.

For those seeking longer adventures, West Virginia features extensive rail-trails. The North Bend Rail Trail is a challenging 53.4-mile route traversing forests, tunnels, and historical sites. Another excellent option is the Shepherdstown and Williamsport C&O Canal Loop, a difficult 42.3-mile path that provides access to the flat and well-maintained C&O Canal Towpath.

Yes, West Virginia has several easy and family-friendly options. The Kanawha Boulevard Trail is an easy 10.7-mile paved path in Charleston with scenic river views. Another great choice is the Cheat Lake Trail, an easy 7.1-mile route offering beautiful lake views and woodlands. These routes are generally flatter and suitable for all skill levels.

West Virginia's routes often pass through stunning natural landscapes. You can encounter majestic waterfalls like those at Blackwater Falls State Park, or enjoy panoramic views from spots like Spruce Knob Observation Tower. Many trails also wind through dense forests, past serene lakes such as Lake Sherwood Recreation Area, and unique ecosystems like those found in Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area.

While many routes in West Virginia are point-to-point, there are some excellent circular options. The Deckers Creek Trail Loop offers a challenging 31.9-mile ride with significant elevation changes. Another popular loop is the Martinsburg to Shepherdstown loop, a moderate 37.7-mile route that allows you to explore charming towns.

The touring cycling experience in West Virginia is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from rugged Appalachian mountains to extensive rail-trail networks, and the scenic beauty of river valleys and dense woodlands. The variety of routes caters to all abilities, offering both challenging climbs and more gradual paths.

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for touring cycling in West Virginia. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes, while autumn provides spectacular fall foliage, especially in areas like the Monongahela National Forest and Canaan Valley. Summers can be warm and humid, but higher elevations offer cooler rides. Winters are best for snow sports, though some lower elevation paved trails might be accessible.

Yes, West Virginia's rail-trails are particularly known for incorporating historical elements and unique features. The North Bend Rail Trail, for instance, traverses multiple tunnels and historical sites along its 53.4-mile length. The Greenbrier River Trail, while not listed in the top routes, is also famous for its 500-foot-long Sharps Tunnel and historical significance as a former railway line.

Many of West Virginia's touring cycling routes follow river valleys, providing picturesque views. The Mon River Trail South is a 19.6-mile trail that leads directly through river valleys. The Kanawha Boulevard Trail also offers pleasant river views in Charleston. Additionally, the Wheeling Heritage Trail provides scenic river vistas along its 19.3-mile path.

Several towns in West Virginia are excellent hubs for touring cyclists. Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia, offers a historic district and access to the C&O Canal Towpath. Harpers Ferry, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, also provides access to the C&O Canal Towpath. Davis is a gateway to rugged landscapes in Canaan Valley and the Monongahela National Forest, while Fayetteville is known as the gateway to the New River Gorge.

Experienced touring cyclists will find plenty of challenging routes in West Virginia. The North Bend Rail Trail is a difficult 53.4-mile route with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Shepherdstown and Williamsport C&O Canal Loop, a difficult 42.3-mile path. Many routes in the Appalachian mountains feature challenging climbs and twisting descents, rewarding fit cyclists with beautiful vistas.

Absolutely. West Virginia's history is deeply intertwined with its landscape. The Fayette Station Road Scenic Drive, though moderate, offers a journey through the New River Gorge, a site of significant natural and industrial history. Many rail-trails, like the West Fork River Trail, follow historic railway lines, providing glimpses into the state's past while surrounded by nature.