Ride Guide
This challenging mountain loop showcases some of the finest gravel riding southeast of Elkins, combining the signature climb to Bickle Knob with miles of high-elevation riding along Middle Mountain Road before descending through the historic timber communities of Glady and Bemis.
The route’s defining climb leads to Bickle Knob (4,003’), where a fire tower offers one of the region’s most spectacular panoramas overlooking the highlands of the Otter Creek Wilderness and surrounding mountains. On the western slopes of Bickle Knob lies the future Elkins Area Shared Trails System (EAST), an ambitious project envisioned as a major mountain biking destination that will further strengthen Elkins’ growing reputation as a hub for both gravel and trail riding.
After descending from the highlands, the route first reaches Alpena, where it meets Rt. 33. From Alpena, the route parallels Rt. 33 briefly before turning south onto Middle Mountain Road, a remote ridgeline route bordering the Laurel Fork North Wilderness. Much of this stretch remains above roughly 3,500 feet in elevation, with long miles of quiet gravel winding through spruce and hardwood forests before eventually descending toward the West Fork valley.
The valley communities of Glady and Bemis reflect the region’s timber-era past. In the early 1900s these settlements grew around logging railroads that hauled Appalachian hardwoods out of the mountains. Today Glady marks the northern terminus of the West Fork Rail Trail, where a church pavilion offers a convenient rest stop for passing cyclists.
In nearby Bemis, a popular swimming hole along the Shavers Fork of the Cheat provides a refreshing stop on hot summer days. From there, the ride begins its final climb westward out of the valley before the long descent back toward Elkins. A small resupply opportunity appears near the finish in Midland, and many riders celebrate the ride’s end with a stop at Big Timber Brewing Company just off the route.
This route was suggested by local rider Dustin Smith for Elkins-Randolph County Tourism.
