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Gravel & Bikepacking Routes

Gravel biking
in Elkins

ROUTES โ‡ฃ
0 Gravel
TOTAL DISTANCE โ†’
0 MIles
ELEVATION GAIN โ†‘
0 Ft

From Elkins, riders can explore a wide range of terrain, from relaxed rail-trail cruising to challenging mountain loops. A family-friendly outing follows theย Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail, a smooth former railroad corridor that glides through forests and farmland toward historic rail towns along the valley. Intermediate riders can enjoy theย Pleasant Pheasant Loop, a quiet gravel ride along the wildlife-rich corridor ofย Shavers Fork, where birdlife and pastoral scenery define the experience.

For those seeking a bigger mountain adventure, the Glady Loopย climbs to the panoramicย Bickle Knob Fire Towerย before traversing high ridges alongย Middle Mountain Roadย and descending through historic timber communities in the West Fork valley.

Explore Elkins
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Elkins Routes

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Day Ride
Overnighter
Multi-Day
Family riding on paved Allegheny Highlands Trail in Elkins
Day Ride

Allegheny Highlands Trail

32.6

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

974

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

74

ย %

GRAVEL

Family-friendly rail trail from downtown Elkins through quiet forests and farmland, past historic depots and small communities toward Hendricks and the Blackwater Canyon Trail.
Ride Details
A cyclist with a long beard rides a mountain bike on a gravel path through lush, green forest. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
Multi-Day

Middle Mountain Mower

159.8

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

14889

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

73

ย %

GRAVEL

Epic 3-4 day bikepacking loop from Elkins through remote western Mon gravel, linking Mower Basin, Bald Knob, and Civil War earthworks at Cheat Summit Fort.
Ride Details
A cyclist wearing a helmet rides across a narrow suspension bridge surrounded by lush green foliage, conveying a sense of adventure and focus.
Multi-Day

Mon Circuit 440

441.5

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

36810

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

66

ย %

GRAVEL

Expansive 441-mile bikepacking loop linking 8 Mon Forest Towns through the Greenbrier Valley, Cranberry Wilderness, and Canaan Valley on remote backcountry gravel west of the divide.
Ride Details
A lush forest surrounds a tranquil river, reflecting the dense greenery. A lone cyclist crosses a narrow bridge, adding a sense of serenity and exploration.
Multi-Day

Mon Circuit 600

594.4

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

54749

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

54

ย %

GRAVEL

The Mon Circuit 600 links all twelve Mon Forest Towns in a grand bikepacking tour with 50,000 feet of climbing, three high peaks, and remote Appalachian gravel throughout.
Ride Details
Two cyclists ride on a sunny, tree-lined road. The leading cyclist joyfully raises an arm, expressing excitement. Both wear helmets and sport jerseys, suggesting a race or event.
Multi-Day

Spruce Knob 220 (GRUSK)

212.9

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

18365

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

71

ย %

GRAVEL

West Virginia's premier gravel festival route descending from Spruce Knob through the Green Bank Observatory and Bickle Knob on scenic north-central Mon Forest gravel.
Ride Details
A rustic wooden cabin with ivy-clad walls sits amidst lush greenery, featuring a stone path leading to it. The scene is tranquil and inviting.
Overnighter

Helvetia Hinterlands

94.2

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

2824

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

49

ย %

GRAVEL

Challenging overnight bikepacking route from Beverly through remote gravel backroads to the Swiss-German village of Helvetia and dark-sky camping in Kumbrabow State Forest.
Ride Details
Two cyclists ride on a gravel path through a lush green landscape with rolling hills. The overcast sky creates a calm, serene atmosphere.
Day Ride

Pleasant Pheasant

31.7

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

2239

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

28

ย %

GRAVEL

Peaceful 32-mile gravel loop from Elkins along Shavers Fork, through forest and farmland with excellent birdwatching and a car-free rail trail option back into town.
Ride Details
Two cyclists riding bikes on a leaf-covered gravel road in the Monongahela National forest. The scene is set in autumn with vibrant foliage, conveying an adventurous mood.
Day Ride

Bemis, Bickle, & Big Timber

63.2

ย MI

DISTANCE โ†’

6698

ย FT

ELEVATION โ†‘

57

ย %

GRAVEL

Challenging gravel loop southeast of Elkins combining the Bickle Knob fire tower climb with high-elevation ridge riding and a finish through historic timber towns Glady and Bemis.
Ride Details

Parking in Elkins

Day-Use parking is available throughout downtown Elkins, including at the Elkins Depot Visitors Center. Phil Gainer Community Center is recommended for overnight parking. When possible, please park on the southern end of the large parking lot (closer to the community center). Always follow local guidance and signage when parking.

Overnight Parking Form

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Green Bear Silhouette with bold Mon Forest Towns text
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