Shingletree/Haddix Ride
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This ride is not for the faint of heart.
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Pleasant Mt
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Dirt road MTB ride along the Shavers Fork
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Shingletree/Clover
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Allegheny Highlands Rail Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
The Allegheny Highlands Trail follows the original route of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway built by Henry Gassaway Davis in 1884. For 24.5 miles, this exceptionally scenic trail provides panoramic views of the West Virginia countryside as it passes through a mountainous region with small towns and rural farmland. From the southern Highland Park trailhead in Elkins, the trail gradually ascends for approximately 15 miles as it passes around the Pheasant and Polecat Knob mountains. The rural vistas and mountainous backgrounds provide numerous opportunities for photos. As you pass around the mountains, the trail starts to descend more steeply as it approaches the small town of Parsons. A short, easy-to-follow, on-road section of the trail in Parsons offers the chance to grab a bite to eat at any of the several small-town restaurants. The trail continues by following US Hwy. 219 north for less than a mile, crossing the Shavers Fork and Black Fork rivers to reach the next trailhead, located just over the Black Fork River on the southern side of Hwy. 219. The remaining 3-mile section of the trail is paved and follows the beautiful Black Fork River to the small town of Hendricks. Plans are in effect to extend the Allegheny Highlands Trail north to Mt. Storm Lake, making it approximately 44 miles in length. A path, though not the actual trail, continues along the beautifully scenic Blackwater River to the town of Thomas; however, this section is somewhat steep.
Parking and Trail Access:
From downtown Elkins, take US Hwy. 219 north to access the southernmost trailhead, Highland Park, located across from the Division of Highways District 8 Headquarters (just a mile from downtown Elkins. The Gilman, Kerens, Montrose, and Porterwood trailheads are located mid-trail, and each include parking facilities. Continue following US Hwy. 219 north to the northern trailhead located at the intersection of Main and 3rd streets in Hendricks.
The Elkins terminus of AHT can also be easily accessed from Joey's Bike Shop. It is a mere 300ft from the door to the trail!
West Fork Rail Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description:
The West Fork Trail is a pleasant 21.7-mile trail that snakes its way through a remote mountain setting and follows the West Fork River for most of its route. The soothing rumble of the river complements the trail's serene environment. This is a great path for biking, but the surface is primarily ballast left over from the rail corridor, so leave your road bike at home. The trail begins in the small community of Glady. Even though the trail appears to be flat, you will find yourself on a gentle decline as the trail follows the river downstream from Glady. For the first 5 miles, the trail takes a higher route above the western side of the river and pops in and out of small groves of conifers, offering great views of the surrounding hills. The trail then levels out with the river and travels the remaining 17 miles to the town of Durbin following the river southward. Meandering through the mountains, the trail and the river make sweeping 180-degree turns through a tight valley surrounded by steep hillsides. The West Fork River is a popular fishing spot, and you are bound to see a number of anglers along the way. The trail comes to an end in the town of Durbin, a quiet Appalachian town that has wonderful little lunch spots and a nice Main Street corridor. There is a bonus half-mile rail-trail, the Widney Park Rail-Trail, which can be accessed right in downtown Durbin.
Parking and Trail Access:
To reach the northern trailhead from Elkins, take US Hwy. 33 east and make a right onto County Road 27 (Glady Road). Follow it for approximately 10 miles to the town of Glady. When you come to the intersection of Glady and Elliots roads, continue straight on Glady through the stop sign and follow the road for approximately a quarter mile to where it dead-ends. The trailhead will be directly in front of you. To reach the southern trailhead from Elkins, take US Hwy. 219 south to Huttonsville. Merge onto US Hwy. 250 going south and follow it all the way to Durbin. Look for the trailhead on the left about a mile before you reach the town.
