Explore The Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network

Take in the fresh mountain air and pedal through some of West Virginia’s most scenic landscapes with gravel and bikepacking routes in Pocahontas County. Gravel biking has recently grown in popularity nationwide, and with miles of forest roads and scenic trails, our region is perfectly suited for it. 

The Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network is an initiative by the Mon Forest Towns Partnership featuring day-ride gravel routes, multi-day bikepacking itineraries and a 12-town loop connecting every Mon Forest Town across the Monongahela National Forest. Here’s everything you need to know about exploring gravel and bikepacking routes in Pocahontas County. 

What is the Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network?

Launched in partnership with Village to Village (V2V) Trails, Bikepacking Roots and MountainRides, the Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network connects the 12 Mon Forest Towns through a collection of gravel and bikepacking routes and itineraries. The project creates new outdoor recreation opportunities while supporting town-to-trail experiences and sustainable economic development across the region. 

With nearly one million acres of national forest, more than a dozen state parks and forests and over 1,600 miles of forest roads, the Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network is currently one of the largest curated gravel and bikepacking route systems in the eastern United States. The network features 66 curated bikepacking and gravel routes encompassing 4,800 miles of gravel roads and connecting paths. 

Hit The Trails in Pocahontas County 

Explore the gravel and bikepacking routes throughout Pocahontas County, from family-friendly beginner rides to challenging, multi-day adventures. 

Family-Friendly Rides

Distance: 15.2 miles

Type: Day ride

This loop blends gravel riding on Forest Road 44 with the scenic West Fork Rail Trail. Beginning near Durbin, the route winds through hardwood forests before returning along the paved rail trail, which follows the former rail line. As you ride, explore remnants of the logging industry that once played a major role in the region.

Distance: 18.7 miles

Type: Day ride 

This out-and-back route from Marlinton is a great option for the whole family! The highlight is Sharp’s Tunnel, a 500-foot tunnel and one of the most memorable features of the Greenbrier River Trail. Along the way, enjoy the trail’s gentle grades and scenic riverside views. 

Beginner Options 

Distance: 24.3 miles

Type: Day ride

Trace two branches of the Cranberry River on this forest road loop. Starting at the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, the route follows smooth gravel roads alongside the river. Take a short detour to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, where you can walk the boardwalk through the rare, high-elevation bogs. With a primitive campsite at the turnaround point, this route is an easy introduction to bikepacking for families and new riders.

Distance: 39.6 miles

Type: Overnight

Explore the backcountry of Seneca State Forest on a mix of gravel roads, gated doubletrack, well-maintained singletrack and a stretch of the Greenbrier River Trail. This route makes for an ideal first overnight bikepacking adventure from Marlinton, with multiple camping areas and cabins available in the forest. 

Intermediate Routes

Distance: 34.3 miles

Type: Day ride 

Experience the ultimate gravel riding on this loop near Durbin. The route combines steady climbs and flowing descents through the forest, with moderate grades throughout. Turn this ride into an overnight adventure with several natural springs and dispersed camping areas along the way.

Distance: 54.3 miles

Type: Day ride

Tackle some of the most scenic backcountry roads surrounding Durbin on this gravel route. Climb high ridges with a series of steady, manageable ascents and descents before transitioning to gentler rolling terrain on the return to town.

Distance: 22.1 miles

Type: Overnight

The 43-mile Highland Scenic Highway traverses some of West Virginia’s most remote terrain. This route begins at Big Spruce Overlook off the highway and follows gravel roads through the Upper Williams River Valley. Take in sweeping views from overlooks including Cranberry Glades Overlook and Williams River Valley Overlook, then spend the night at Day Run Campground.

Advanced Tracks

Distance: 59.7 miles

Type: Day ride or overnight 

Tackle an arduous backcountry loop through the quiet Green Bank area and up a long climb toward the high plateau of Back Allegheny Mountain. Detour to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia, then continue to Thorny Flat, the state’s second-highest point, and Snowshoe Mountain Resort. The route then descends into the Greenbrier River Valley, passing through Clover Lick and Seneca State Forest before returning to Green Bank. With dispersed camping options along the route, this makes a challenging multi-day bikepacking adventure. For a long day ride option, ride from Durbin or Marlinton to Green Bank and back. 

Distance: 86.7 miles

Type: Overnight

Take on sustained climbing along remote gravel roads and rugged tracks on this challenging bikepacking loop from Durbin. The route winds along both sides of the upper Greenbrier River Valley, with highlights including the historic turnpike toward Buffalo Mountain near Camp Allegheny, short sections of singletrack and reclaimed forest roads.

Distance: 11.8 miles

Type: Day ride 

Hop on this quick loop between Marlinton and the Monday Lick Trail System for a sample of the area’s newest mountain biking trails. The route features one sustained gravel climb followed by a long descent and nearly two miles of intermediate singletrack. 

Distance: 594.4 miles

Type: Overnight

For the ultimate adventure, complete the network’s flagship 600-mile route connecting all 12 Mon Forest Towns. Experience the best riding in the region with over 50,000 feet of climbing and crossing three of the state’s highest peaks.

Mon Forest Towns in Pocahontas County 

Pocahontas County is home to two Mon Forest Towns: Marlinton and Durbin. Both communities provide convenient access to the gravel and bikepacking routes, along with places to stay, resupply and prepare for your next ride. 

Marlinton

In addition to being a Mon Forest Town, Marlinton is one of the 2026 International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Towns. Find a variety of amenities for your ride here. 

Bike Shops: 

Lodging: 

Dining:

Grocery: 

• Dollar General Market
• Pocahontas IGA

Parking: 

• Greenbrier River Trail Parking 

Durbin

Durbin offers direct access to trails and backcountry experiences, along with amenities to help you along your way.

Lodging:

Dining:

Grocery:

Parking: 

Helpful Information & Tips

Before heading out, take a few steps to help make your ride safer. 

Know Your Route

All of the rides in this network are organized into Ride with GPS Collections, making it easy to review the route description, experience level and trip length before you go. The Ride with GPS app can also help you stay up to date with route alerts and notices. 

Prepare For Limited Cell Service

Cell service can be limited on many of the routes. Before your trip, download or save your route information for offline use. You can also pick up trail maps and get additional information at a Pocahontas County Visitor Center. 

Stay Informed About Weather and Emergencies 

Weather here can change quickly, so check the forecast and stay updated on local alerts before heading out. Text “Join911alerts” to 31002 to receive Pocahontas County emergency alerts and complete the Give Me 5 form through Pocahontas County Emergency Management and 911 to help first responders locate you quickly in an emergency. 

Plan Your Resupply and Overnight Stops 

For overnight and multi-day trips, review your camping, lodging and resupply options before you leave. Knowing where you can stop for food, water and other essentials will help you plan your mileage and pack accordingly. 

Pack The Essentials

Be prepared for your time on the trails. Your gear should include, at minimum, a helmet, navigation tools, plenty of water and food, a bike repair kit, layers of clothing for changing temperatures and first-aid essentials or a kit. 

Leave No Trace

Help protect the landscapes you came to explore by following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. 

Visit the Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network website for additional information. 

Plan A Fall Ride

With cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, fall is the ideal time for a bikepacking trip through Pocahontas County. Plan your ride around peak foliage: higher elevations typically reach peak color in mid-to-late September, while lower elevations peak from late September to early October. 

Request a free Adventure Guide for more information about Pocahontas County and all the local offerings. 

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