Gravel & Bikepacking
Explore the Network
The Mon Forest gravel network is organized into a series of Ride with GPS Collections designed to make trip planning simple:
Gravel Day Rides →
10-80 mile routes ranging from short spins to big mountain days
Overnighters →
20-100 mile routes ideal for weekend bikepacking adventures
Multi-Day Routes →
100+ mile routes connecting multiple towns and landscapes
Ride to the Mon →
50-150 mile routes linking surrounding regions into the Mon
Family-Friendly →
Short, flat, low-traffic rides ideal for beginners and families
Greatest Hits →
Our favorite rides to the network’s most iconic destinations
Map Out the Mon
The Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network is one of the largest curated gravel and bikepacking route systems in the eastern United States. With over 1000 miles of gravel to grind across our million-acre public land playground, take in a birds-eye view of our 8-county route collection
Explore By Town
Whether you’re looking for an epic overnighter or a family-friendly rail-trail ride, discover the Monongahela National Forest’s unforgettable gravel and bikepacking destinations departing from each of our twelve gateway towns.
Photo Credit Jonny Ramirez
When to ride
The best riding season in the Mon Forest typically runs May through October, though conditions vary significantly with elevation.
SPRING
APRIL – MAY
Spring riding is beautiful but unpredictable. Expect muddy roads, high water, and occasional late snow or freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
SUMMER
JUNE – AUGUST
Summer brings long days and warm temperatures. Valleys can be hot and humid, but many routes climb above 3,000–4,000 feet, where temperatures are often cooler.
FALL
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER
Fall is widely considered the best season for riding. Temps are comfortable, and fall colors are at peak, creating spectacular scenery across the high ridges and valleys.
WINTER
NOVEMBER – MARCH
Winter conditions can be severe, with snow, ice, and road closures common. Some roads remain accessible to fat bikes or winter riders, but trips require advanced preparation.
Bike Styles & Equipment
Gravel riding in the Mon Forest covers a wide range of terrain. Riders should be prepared for surfaces ranging from smooth gravel roads to rugged forest tracks and occasional rocky singletrack sections.
Recommended Setups
Gravel Bike
- Ideal for rail trails and unpaved Forest Service roads
- 40–50 mm Tires recommended
- Tubeless and reinforced sidewalls are strongly encouraged
- Low gearing is helpful for long mountain climbs
Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Ideal for routes with rougher surfaces or optional singletrack
- Provides more comfort and control on rocky descents
- Tubeless 2”+ tires recommended
- MTB gearing and strong brakes offer better climbing/descending
Essential Gear
- Bike Helmet
- Repair Kit (Multitool, Tire Levers, Tubes, Pump, Tubeless Plugs)
- Water Filter or Purification System
- Front and Rear Lights
- GPS Device or Phone Navigation
- Layers for Rapidly Changing Mountain Weather
- Power Bank for Longer Rides to Recharge GPS and Phone
Safety Considerations
Parking
Parking is available throughout the Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Network, with recommended locations noted on each route’s Ride with GPS page. These typically include trailheads, public lots, park access points, or other convenient locations near the ride’s start and finish.
In addition, each of the twelve Mon Forest Towns has designated areas where riders may leave vehicles for multi-day parking, making it easy to start and finish bikepacking trips from town centers. These locations are generally close to downtown services, including food, lodging, and bike-friendly businesses. Always follow posted signage and local guidelines, and be respectful of private property and residential areas when choosing where to park.
Vehicle Traffic
Traffic is generally light on forest roads, but riders should still:
- Wear bright clothing
- Use daytime running lights
- Ride single file on paved roads
- Expect vehicles around blind corners on gravel roads
Communication
Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas of the Mon Forest.
Many of the routes are within or cross through the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). The NRQZ is a 13,000 square mile region centered between Green Bank and Sugar Grove, West Virginia, near the state border between Virginia and West Virginia. The NRQZ was set aside by the federal government to provide a geographical region to protect sensitive instrumentation from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) used at the Green Bank Radio Observatory and Sugar Grove Listening Station.
Riders should expect a complete lack of cellular service within the NRQZ and potential loss of satellite communication service while in the center of the zone. Select routes pass through the Green Bank Radio Observatory, where electronic equipment is legally prohibited from use on campus.
Recommended precautions:
- Download offline maps (Ride with GPS, Gaia GPS, On X)
- Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach, Zoleo, etc.)
- Inform someone of your trip plan and expected return
Wildlife
Dogs
Free-roaming dogs are common in rural areas. Most are curious rather than aggressive.
Recommended approach:
- Slow down or stop
- Place the bike between you and the dog
- Speak calmly or firmly
Most dogs will quickly lose interest.
Black Bears
Black bears are common throughout the region.
When camping:
- Hang food or use bear-resistant storage
- Avoid leaving food unattended
- Cook and store food away from sleeping areas
Ticks
Ticks are common during warm months.
- Check yourself each evening
- Wear long socks or treated clothing when possible
- Be especially cautious around tall grass or brush
- Wear insect repellent
Hunting Seasons
Various hunting seasons occur throughout the fall and winter. Riders should:
- Wear bright colors (especially blaze orange)
- Be aware of active hunting seasons
- Respect posted closures or restrictions
Camping & Land Access
Camping opportunities abound throughout the Mon Forest region.
Options include:
- Dispersed camping in the Monongahela National Forest
- National Forest campgrounds
- State Park and State Forest campgrounds
- Private campgrounds and lodging in nearby towns
However, riders should note that private land is interspersed throughout the forest landscape. Camping is not allowed on private property unless explicitly permitted. These areas are usually clearly marked with signage.
Dispersed Camping in the Monongahela National Forest
One of the advantages of riding in “the Mon” is the abundance of free dispersed camping. In most areas of the forest, camping is allowed outside developed campgrounds unless otherwise posted. Dispersed camping means no facilities or services—no toilets, trash cans, or treated water—so riders should be self-sufficient, follow Leave No Trace principles, and respect local landowners and communities.
- Camp at least 200 feet from streams, trails, and most roads when possible.
- Use existing dispersed campsites rather than creating new ones.
- Pack out all trash and leave campsites as you find them.
- Fires are allowed unless restrictions are in place; keep them small and use dead and down wood.
- Camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period at one site.
Some areas, including parts of Dolly Sods, allow camping only in designated sites.
Gear Up Local
Don’t let a skipped tune-up cut your ride short. Our local shops have the gear, the parts, and the know-how to get you trail-ready.
Joey's Bike SHop
Elkins, West Virginia
Greenbrier Bikes
Marlinton, West Virginia
Blackwater Bikes
Davis, West Virginia
Dirt Bean
Marlinton, West Virginia
Hammer Cycles
Lewisburg, West Virginia
Route Network Development
The route network is part of a larger initiative led by the Mon Forest Towns Partnership, a regional nonprofit working to strengthen outdoor recreation and community development across twelve towns in eight counties surrounding the Monongahela National Forest.
The project was developed collaboratively with regional partners, including:
Village to Village Trails (V2V)
Route design and mapping led by regional route builder David Landis, with Geoff Patterson, Jonny Ramirez, and numerous local riders providing route design support, feedback, and documentation.
MountainRides WV
Local cycling advocacy and community outreach led by GRUSK race director Travis Olson.
Bikepacking Roots
National nonprofit supporting route stewardship and bikepacking access led by Noelle Battle.
Additional Partners
Route photography contributed by Jonny Ramirez, Wild Hare Media, David Landis, Geoff Patterson, Mountaineer Gravel (Nick Morales / Alden Roth), Cyndi Janetzko, Eric Laser, and Nathan Salle.
Together, these partners are working to establish the Mon Forest as one of the premier gravel cycling and bikepacking destinations on the East Coast, while supporting local businesses, outdoor recreation economies, and responsible stewardship of public lands.
Other nearby WV route networks include Mountaineer Gravel and soon-to-be-released regional projects in the Charleston and New River Gorge regions!
