Ride Guide
This intermediate loop explores the rolling farm country south of Franklin, riding between two of the region’s defining mountain walls: the crest of North Fork Mountain and the Eastern Continental Divide to the west, and the high Allegheny ridges along the Virginia state line to the east. The route weaves through quiet valleys and ridgelines that reveal the agricultural heart of Pendleton County, where cattle pastures, hayfields, and forested knobs create a rhythm of climbs and descents typical of the Potomac Highlands.
Leaving Franklin, the ride heads southwest past the slopes of Pickle Mountain before climbing toward Pike Knob. The road circles the mountain before reaching the pass’s rocky approach, turning instead for a fast descent toward US-33. A short stretch along the highway leads to the Buffalo Hills area, home to the Pendleton County Trout Hatchery. The hatchery has supplied trout to streams throughout West Virginia for decades, helping sustain the region’s strong fly-fishing culture along the nearby South Branch Potomac and its cold mountain tributaries.
The northern end of the route passes through the rural community of Upper Tract, where riders can detour slightly off route to visit Swilled Dog Spirits, known for its apple-based spirits inspired by Appalachian orchard traditions. Just down the road, Kile’s Country Store offers another model small-town stop for snacks and supplies. From here the route tackles the steep climb up Smucker Road around Dunkle Knob before descending Kiser Gap Road back toward Franklin. The final miles include a brief stretch on US-33 — traffic tends to slow as you approach town, but riders should still remain alert.
Back in Franklin, the county seat offers a fitting finish to the ride. A stop at Moe Fats for ice cream is a favorite reward after a big ride, while Elevated Grounds Coffee Company provides a welcome caffeine boost. Franklin’s historic courthouse square, small shops, and nearby hiking trails in the Mon and George Washington National Forests make it an inviting basecamp for exploring Pendleton County’s quiet mountain roads.
