Ride Guide
This route connects Charleston, the state capital and largest city in West Virginia, to the western Mon on a mix of paved backroads, gravel, a brief 4WD road, and a 40-mile stretch of the Elk River Trail.
From downtown Charleston, you’ll roll along the Kanawha River and past the State Capitol before turning into the hills and leaving traffic behind. Refuel at the Quick Country Store (mile 20) before the scenic, rolling stretch along Dutch Ridge. Several short but steep climbs bring you to 6 miles of ridgeline gravel before descending to the Elk River Trail.
While the full Elk River Trail remains under construction (and might eventually connect all the way to Charleston), you’ll ride the longest contiguous segment of the trail that has been completed so far. Amenities along these 40 miles are limited, but there are occasionally restrooms, a small store and camping just off the trail in Frametown, and opportunities to filter water from the river.
The trail currently ends at the historic train depot (and WV almost heaven swing). Gassaway has the only bike shop on route (Bigfoot Braxxie’s Bikes), several restaurants, and a Go Mart (open 24 hours). A short climb avoids the busier valley road into Sutton, home of the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum, Sutton Dam, and several food options in its well-maintained historic downtown.
On your way out of Sutton, consider a short detour to ride across the Sutton Dam (often, but not always open to the public to walk/ride across the top of the dam for amazing views).
As you turn south toward Cowen, the route includes brief gravel segments but sticks mostly to lower traffic paved roads. A longer and more scenic option is to cut east toward Baker’s Run Campground (highly recommended if you want to camp in this area) and join our Cowen – Webster Springs – Elk River route for the long Camp Run gravel segment with creek, forest, and farm scenery.
Contributed by Geoff Patterson
