The best traffic-free bike rides in Pocahontas County

Pocahontas County offers a great selection of no-traffic gravel bike trails. This guide features 6 routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring there's something for various skill levels.

Pocahontas County, known as "Nature's Mountain Playground," is exceptional due to its vast public lands, including nearly one-third of the Monongahela National Forest and several state parks. This provides an extensive network of quiet trails, many of which are former rail-trails, perfect for traffic-free gravel biking.

The best time for gravel biking in Pocahontas County is typically from spring through fall. Spring offers lush greenery and comfortable temperatures, while fall provides stunning foliage. Summers are also pleasant, especially at higher elevations. Winter riding can be challenging due to snow and ice, particularly on unmaintained forest roads.

Yes, absolutely. The Greenbrier River Trail, a 78-mile rail-to-trail conversion, is an excellent option for beginners and families. It features gentle grades and a crushed stone surface, making it very accessible. Routes like the Sharps Tunnel and Bridge – Greenbrier River Trail loop from Cass Depot offer a moderate experience on this trail.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Pocahontas County delivers. Routes like the Spruce Knob Observation Tower loop from Back Ridge Shadows campground offer significant elevation gains and remote backcountry experiences. The Monongahela National Forest also contains hundreds of miles of trails, including areas like Mower Basin, which provide more rugged terrain.

Many trails offer unique sights. The Greenbrier River Trail features 37 bridges and two notable tunnels, including the 402-foot Droop Mountain Tunnel and the 511-foot Sharps Tunnel. You can explore the Sharps Tunnel and Bridge directly. The region is also home to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area with its unique bogs, and the scenic Falls of Hills Creek with three waterfalls, though these may require a short detour from bike trails.

Yes, several routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Marlinton Depot – Sharps Tunnel and Bridge loop from Marlinton and the Greenbrier River Trail – Webster Run Bridge loop from Julia, providing convenient options for your ride.

Pocahontas County is rich in history. The Greenbrier River Trail follows a former railway, and you can visit Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, a former logging town where you can still ride authentic steam locomotives. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, a significant Civil War site, is also nearby and offers an observation tower with panoramic views.

Many public lands in Pocahontas County, including the Monongahela National Forest and the Greenbrier River Trail, generally allow dogs on trails, usually requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific park or trail regulations before you go, as rules can vary.

Access points for the Greenbrier River Trail are available in towns like Marlinton and Cass. For example, the Marlinton Depot is a common starting point with parking. Other forest roads and trails within the Monongahela National Forest typically have designated parking areas at trailheads.

Yes, towns like Marlinton and Cass offer amenities for cyclists. Marlinton has various dining options and accommodations. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park also provides lodging and dining. For more extensive options, the Snowshoe Mountain Resort area, while a bit further, offers a wider range of services. For more regional information, you can check WV Tourism's guide to Pocahontas County.

The komoot community highly rates the routes in Pocahontas County, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the trails, the stunning natural beauty, and the unique experience of riding through tunnels and along historic rail beds, especially on the Greenbrier River Trail.