Elkins, WV and the Mon

The road from Elkins toward Huttonsville is not very hilly (which is extremely rare for WV).  It might make a nice ride.  The area is not very open toward outsiders...especially "yuppies" like anyone who would be working out, running, or biking for any reason other than to fetch beer, snuff, or to run from the law.

I dated a girl there for 6 yrs and it always seemed like everyone was staring everywhere I went.

There are definitely no road biking trails around there. There are barely any in WV. Most of the rail-trails aren't paved. You'd have to ride on the road... last year I rode from Seneca Rocks to Elkins on Route 33 as part of a multi-day ride. There are 7 or 8 monster mountains on that route... meaning 2-3 mile climbs at 10% grade. It is a major US highway, but wasn't horrible as far as traffic goes, and it's a pretty decent, wide road with shoulders. There are probably some more ideal back roads, though. You could check with the local bike shops in Buckhannon or Elkins - they probably have some good suggestions.

My boyfriend likes to go on rides from Seneca Rocks, about 45 minutes by car from Elkins. It's gorgeous around there. Mapmyride has a few that go up to Spruce Knob - you could do an out-and-back, or ride some of the Mon National Forest roads. You could also do Germany Valley/Judy Gap/Roots Run and loop back on 33, or do an out-and-back. The problem with US 33 this time of year is LOUD Harleys whizzing by by the dozens. There is the occasional redneck, but I think the area is getting more used to cyclists and tourists. If you just stay to the right and don't ride like a crazy person, which I'm sure you don't, you'll be generally fine. Also keep in mind that cell phone service is very spotty.



Edited by cpfint 2009-06-24 8:21 AM

I moved some things around and will be going to Elkins today.  Planning a 9-10 mile run tomorrow after a swim at the Elkins YMCA.

Looks like a nice loop, I modified a run I found on mapmyrun.