Ride Guide
This challenging climbing loop from Franklin reaches into the high ridges of the George Washington National Forest before climbing to Reddish Knob (4,397’), one of the most celebrated overlooks in the central Appalachians. Linking quiet farm roads, long forest climbs, and sweeping ridge views, the ride captures the rugged character of the WV–VA borderlands where the Allegheny and Blue Ridge mountain systems converge.
Leaving Franklin, the route rolls through quiet valleys along the western slopes of the state line, passing scattered farms and wooded hollows that reflect Pendleton County’s long agricultural tradition. A worthwhile short detour leads to Dry Run Spirits Distillery, located at the historic Ananias Pitsenbarger Farmstead frontier homestead museum. Beyond Dahmer, the ride transitions onto gravel farm tracks winding toward Moyers — be sure to close any gates you open along the way. Past Moyers, riders should be prepared for a possible stream crossing during wetter seasons (a paved detour is noted on the map).
The route soon reaches Sweetwater Farm Trail Center, a welcoming community hub for mountain biking and outdoor education nestled beneath the high ridges near the state line. Operated by Experience Learning, the trail center offers camping, lodging, and access to an expanding network of mountain bike trails on site. Riders are welcome to stop at the community center, which offers water, flush toilets, and occasionally sodas or ice cream — a welcome break before the bigger climbs ahead.
From Sweetwater, riders can cut the corner through the farm’s trail system for a mile to reconnect to the route on Sally Hiner Road (saves 3 miles but rougher surfaces may take more time) before beginning the steady climb toward Reddish Knob on the WV/VA state line. Rising to 4,397 feet, the summit offers one of the most expansive viewpoints in the region, with panoramic views stretching across the Shenandoah Valley to the east and the remote folds of the Monongahela highlands to the west. The short paved summit spur makes the final push especially memorable, and the descent from the knob provides a thrilling reward after the long climb.
If your feet aren’t dry yet, don’t worry — the ride continues with several unbridged stream crossings along Little Fork Road before reaching Sugar Grove Road. Nearby sits the historic Sugar Grove Station, once part of a highly secretive Cold War-era signals intelligence listening station operated by the National Security Agency. After passing the facility, the route tackles one final tough climb up Fultz Gap over the farms and meadows of Turkey Knob before a fast paved descent drops riders straight back into Franklin.
Back in town, riders may encounter the lively small-town culture that defines Pendleton County. Each autumn Franklin hosts the beloved Treasure Mountain Festival, celebrating the region’s frontier heritage and the enduring Civil War-era legend of hidden Confederate treasure somewhere in the surrounding mountains.
Once you leave Franklin, food and water options are limited. The Sinnett Lane Store lies slightly off route about 15 miles in, while Sweetwater Farm offers limited refreshments and water at the trail center. Beyond that, the only reliable resupply lies slightly off route in Brandywine, about 15 miles before the end of the loop.
For a shorter version that begins at Sweetwater Farm Trail Center, see: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49849117
