Ride Guide
This advanced loop links the towns of Parsons, Elkins, and Belington on a mix of quiet gravel roads and hilly Appalachian backroads crossing Laurel Mountain. The route travels through the broad river valleys of the Cheat and Tygart rivers, connecting historic rail corridors with remote ridge roads and offering a strong sense of the region’s working landscapes. From Belington, riders can tap into the Mountaineer Gravel network, opening access to thousands of miles of additional riding across north-central West Virginia.
Leaving Parsons, the route gradually climbs from Shavers Fork up Pleasant Run to meet the scenic Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail, which provides a smooth stretch through farmland into Elkins. From there, riders crest Laurel Mountain before descending into Belington, a small railroad town with deep historical roots. Nearby, the Battle of Laurel Hill marked one of the earliest Civil War engagements in western Virginia, part of the campaign that ultimately led to the creation of West Virginia as a separate state.
In Belington, don’t miss a stop at the beloved Belington Bakery for fresh pastries and coffee. The bakery has become a welcoming gravel hub for the Mountaineer Gravel community, hosting group rides and offering hospitality to bikepackers passing through town. Nearby, the quirky Belington trainyard offers a glimpse into the town’s railroad heritage, where retired railcars rest beside the tracks as reminders of the region’s industrial past.
From Belington, the route heads north with punchy climbs along the western flank of Laurel Mountain through steep agricultural landscapes before passing Teter Creek Lake, where picnic areas and camping are available. The return ascends Pleasure Valley, where riders can stop at the local fishing pond shop, to recross Laurel Mountain before two final climbs to Parsons via Valley Fork Road and Clover Run.
Make this an overnighter by stopping in Elkins or camping at Teter Creek. Note that the second half of the elevation profile is more rugged than the first.
