Ride Guide
Starting in the small mountain town of Cowen, this route quickly passes Big Ditch Lake before heading west to explore the quiet gravel roads along the back fork of Coon Creek. The lake recently gained one of West Virginia’s signature “Almost Heaven” swings, installed in June 2025 as part of the state’s growing network of scenic photo spots celebrating the landscapes and small communities that define the Mountain State. Big Ditch Lake is a popular local recreation area for fishing, paddling, and relaxing along the water, making it a pleasant early stop before continuing into the surrounding hills.
Beyond the lake, the route transitions to peaceful backcountry gravel following Coon Creek through forested hollows and working farmland. On the western edge of the route riders pass Tioga Park, a quiet grassy clearing that offers a pleasant place to pause for a rest or picnic before continuing the ride (note that there is no water or restroom available). The surrounding landscape carries deep timber-era roots — nearby once stood the Tioga Sawmill and Hotel, a busy hub during the early 20th-century logging boom that shaped much of Webster County.
This route was inspired by local rider and retired schoolteacher Sam Barger, part of Cowen’s friendly cycling group known as the “Retired Raiders.” Sam lives near the start of the ride, while fellow Raider Estall resides along the gravel portion of the route. Riders finishing the loop back in Cowen should consider stopping at Hilltop Diner, a beloved town institution known for generous servings and a fitting reward after a day in the saddle.
Note that formal approval for bicycling around Big Ditch Lake is still pending, as the area is managed as a Wildlife Management Area. While the loop around the lake is a popular local route, WMA regulations require explicit permission for bicycle use on roads or trails not open to motor vehicles.
