Gravel & Bikepacking

The exposed, ridgeline character of this trail makes for a demanding MTB overnighter—not for the faint of heart or anyone unwilling to embrace true Type-2 fun. The crown jewel of the loop is the North Fork Mountain Trail, widely regarded as one of the region’s premier hiking and trail-running routes and boldly taken on by experienced mountain bikers. Its northern terminus at Chimney Top delivers sweeping views along Pendleton County’s cliff-lined ridgeline, rivaling those from Seneca Rocks. 

The trail offers frequent viewpoints overlooking Germany Valley to the west, along with scattered cliffside primitive camping opportunities. Above Seneca Rocks, a fire tower once stood prominently on the ridge crest. Just north of this area lies the ridge’s only reliable spring (38.859161, -79.313599; marked as a POI), along with an access road climbing from the east. An eastward bailout is possible via Redman Run Trail, but there is no legal descent west to Rt. 28/55 toward Seneca Rocks.

This loop variation begins at the southern trailhead on US Rt. 33, allowing the North Fork Mountain Trail to be ridden predominantly downhill and culminating in the extended, high-speed descent from Chimney Top to the parking area near Rt. 28. Climbing this section with a loaded bike (1,800 feet in 2.6 miles) is not recommended.

The return leg follows quieter miles along Smoke Hole Road, tracing the South Branch of the Potomac and Reeds Creek before reconnecting with busy Rt. 33. The final 2.7 miles climb 850 feet on pavement back to the ridgeline — a steady effort that requires mental focus with end-of-the-ride fatigue alongside traffic. Riders focused solely on the ridge experience may consider arranging a shuttle. The loop can be reversed, but the tradeoff is clear: hike a loaded bike up the steep trail, or climb the busy paved road at half the grade.