Gravel & Bikepacking

The Mon Circuit 600 is the most ambitious route in the Mon Forest bikepacking collection—a true grand tour linking all twelve Mon Forest Towns into one continuous, unforgettable journey. With over 50,000 feet of climbing and crossing three of West Virginia’s highest peaks, it’s designed for riders seeking a challenging, immersive experience.

Defined by long ridgeline gravel, punchy climbs along the Eastern Continental Divide, and extended stretches of backcountry solitude, the route captures the essence of the Mon. Woven throughout the journey is the region’s deep railroad and timber heritage—grades once carved for logging rail lines now form gentle corridors through remote valleys, while towns like Durbin, Richwood, and Elkins echo that legacy.  Expect quiet forests, high ridges, and cool mountain air even in the heat of summer. Along the way, you’ll find rivers, swimming holes, and abundant opportunities for dispersed camping beneath star-filled skies.

Each of the twelve towns creates a natural rhythm to the ride—places to resupply, rest, and reset before heading back into the mountains. From small-town main streets to remote mountain communities, these stops add depth and humanity to an otherwise wild landscape.

The route begins in Elkins and unfolds as two large loops connected by the Greenbrier River corridor at Marlinton. Heading south first, riders trace the high ridges west of the divide before descending into the Greenbrier River Valley. From there, the route climbs back into the rugged heart of the Cranberry River Corridor to reach Cowen and Richwood, then returns to the valley before arcing north through White Sulphur Springs to complete the southern loop.

Turning north, the terrain shifts again, rolling past Green Bank and Durbin, then into the remote Laurel Fork region before climbing to Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. East of the divide, the route drops dramatically to Seneca Rocks, traverses the sweeping expanse of Germany Valley, and tackles the climb over North Fork Mountain via Pike Knob into Franklin. From there, quieter roads traversing ridgelines lead toward the Potomac headwaters near Petersburg.

The final stretch rises onto the high plateau of Dolly Sods, where windswept ridgelines and open vistas define the riding. From here, follow the Eastern Divide into Canaan Valley, pass through the vibrant mountain towns of Davis and Thomas, and descend through Blackwater Canyon to Parsons. The route closes with a gentle return along Shavers Fork back to Elkins, completing the full circuit.

A shorter 440-mile version of the circuit focuses on the core of the Mon Forest, connecting 8 of the 12 Mon Forest Towns. This option is ideal for riders with limited time or a stronger preference for unpaved riding, increasing gravel to ~66% (vs. 54%) while reducing paved connectors and associated traffic.