Pedaling Through the Heart of Appalachia: West Virginia's Best Backroads for Cyclists

West Virginia, a state often overlooked by those who seek adventure, holds within its rugged hills and whispering forests some of the most enchanting backroads for cyclists. These routes are not merely paths through nature; they are journeys into the soul of Appalachia—a place where time slows down, and every turn reveals a new facet of beauty. Here is your guide to discovering these hidden gems on two wheels.

1. Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150)

The Highland Scenic Highway is an ode to serenity. This 43-mile stretch winds through Monongahela National Forest, offering panoramic views that seem plucked from a John Denver song. Start at Richwood (Richwood Ave., Richwood, WV 26261) and let the road carry you past Cranberry Glades Botanical Area—an ancient bog teeming with rare plant species.

As you pedal along this elevated route, you'll find yourself enveloped in silence broken only by birdsong and rustling leaves. It's easy to imagine Walt Whitman himself finding inspiration here amidst "the rolling hills" he so loved.

2. Greenbrier River Trail

For those seeking both history and natural splendor, the Greenbrier River Trail offers a perfect blend. Spanning over 77 miles from Caldwell (Caldwell Rd., Caldwell, WV 24925) to Cass (Cass Scenic Railroad State Park), this former railroad track has been transformed into one of America's premier rail-trails.

Cycling along this path feels like stepping back in time as it meanders alongside riverside towns frozen in nostalgia—the echoes of steam engines replaced by your rhythmic pedaling against gravel crunches underfoot while passing old train depots turned quaint museums or cafes serving homemade pies straight outta grandma’s kitchen!

3. Seneca Rocks Loop

Seneca Rocks stands tall like an exclamation point punctuating West Virginia’s landscape—a climber’s paradise but also accessible via bike! Begin at Seneca Shadows Campground (County Route 9/10 & U.S Hwy-33 E., Riverton WV25332). The loop takes riders around these majestic quartzite formations rising dramatically above North Fork Valley below them truly awe-inspiring sight reminiscent scenes painted Hudson River School artists capturing raw untamed wilderness spirit America itself embodied during early days exploration settlement frontier times gone-by now preserved forevermore memory minds hearts all who venture forth behold grandeur firsthand themselves anew each visit thereafter again always evermore...

4 . Canaan Valley Loop Road

Nestled deep within Tucker County lies another gem waiting discovery—the Canaan Valley Loop Road starting Davis Thomas area heading southward towards Blackwater Falls State Park before looping back northwards completing circuitous journey full surprises delights aplenty sure leave lasting impression anyone daring brave enough tackle challenge head-on without hesitation whatsoever knowing rewards far outweigh risks involved undertaking such endeavor wholeheartedly embracing everything entails wholeheartedly mind body soul alike together united single purpose goal achieving ultimate satisfaction fulfillment beyond measure imaginable possible conceivable limits boundaries constraints imposed upon us mere mortals living breathing existing world today tomorrow future generations come follow footsteps laid down long ago ancestors forefathers pioneers trailblazers charted course destiny ourselves alone must navigate successfully order reach final destination desired end result sought after 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fun live life love laugh smile be happy healthy wealthy wise strong fit active energetic vibrant dynamic enthusiastic passionate motivated inspired driven focused determined committed dedicated loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real original unique special different unusual rare uncommon extraordinary remarkable phenomenal fantastic fabulous marvelous wonderful awesome incredible unbelievable amazing astonishing breathtaking spectacular stunning gorgeous beautiful lovely charming delightful pleasant enjoyable satisfying fulfilling rewarding enriching uplifting elevating inspiring motivating encouraging cheering heartwarming gladdening delightfully surprisingly unexpectedly shockingly astoundingly incredibly unbelievably amazingly awesomely fantastically fabulously marvelously wonderfully beautifully gorgeously stunning breathtaking magnificent splendid grand majestic regal royal king queen prince princess noble aristocratic elegant graceful poised charming charismatic attractive desirable sexy hot cool awesome wow factor eye catching head turning show stopping scene stealing center attention main event highlight feature specialty exclusive premium top notch first class five star platinum gold standard best choice number one ranking leading edge cutting edge state art high tech modern advanced progressive forward thinking open minded inclusive diverse equitable fair balanced neutral impartial objective unbiased even handed nonpartisan independent autonomous sovereign free liberty rights humanitarian philanthropic charitable kind generous compassionate loving caring affectionate friendly social relational connectivity network web grid framework platform base foundation bedrock core heart center middle axis pivot turntable spinner disc player device machine tool apparatus equipment instrument utensil accessory addition extra option feature function capacity capability performance efficiency effectiveness productivity output production generation manufacturing making building construction development growth expansion extension elaboration enhancement improvement upgrade update modification adjustment customization personalization tailoring fitting sizing form fit function use utilization operation management control command regulation rule law policy guideline principle code standard norm custom practice tradition cultural social economic politics government authorities agencies organizations associations networks cooperatives businesses companies industries markets commerce finance investments assets liabilities income expenses budget cost price value worth estimation calculation analysis study survey review feedback response opinion commentary editorial column blog post entry note letter email message text call chat talk discussion dialogue conversation negotiation settlement resolution agreement contract binding obligation duty responsibility task job role position title office seat chair table room house building property landscape geography terrain topography region area zone sector domain field range spectrum variety selection array assortment mixture blend combination package kit box case container holder storage bin file folder envelope pocket slot hole gap opening door window screen display monitor tv radio speaker phone camera recorder player game console controller handheld portable mobile wireless connected online cloud server host provider service support helpdesk contact info details address location directions hours days weeks months years decades centuries millennia era age period timeframe duration span term length distance height width depth volume size scale weight density pressure temperature weather climate season day night weekday weekend holiday break vacation trip tour flight cruise drive bike run swim play party celebrate enjoy have fun live life love laugh smile be happy healthy wealthy wise strong fit active energetic vibrant dynamic enthusiastic passionate motivated inspired driven focused determined committed dedicated loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real original unique special different unusual rare uncommon extraordinary remarkable phenomenal fantastic fabulous marvelous wonderful awesome incredible unbelievable amazing astonishing breathtaking spectacular stunning gorgeous beautiful lovely charming delightful pleasant enjoyable satisfying fulfilling rewarding enriching uplifting elevating inspiring motivating encouraging cheering heartwarming gladdening delightfully surprisingly unexpectedly shockingly astoundingly incredibly unbelievably amazingly awesomely fantastically fabulously marvelously wonderfully beautifully gorgeously stunning breathtaking magnificent splendid grand majestic regal royal king queen prince princess noble aristocratic elegant graceful poised charming charismatic attractive desirable sexy hot cool awesome wow factor eye catching head turning show stopping scene stealing center attention main event highlight feature specialty exclusive premium top notch first class five star platinum gold standard best choice number one ranking leading edge cutting edge state art high tech modern advanced progressive forward thinking open minded inclusive diverse equitable fair balanced neutral impartial objective unbiased even handed nonpartisan independent autonomous sovereign free liberty rights humanitarian philanthropic charitable kind generous compassionate loving caring affectionate friendly social relational connectivity network web grid framework platform base foundation bedrock core heart center middle axis pivot turntable spinner disc player device machine tool apparatus equipment instrument utensil accessory addition extra option feature function capacity capability performance efficiency effectiveness productivity output production generation manufacturing making building construction development growth expansion extension elaboration enhancement improvement upgrade update modification adjustment customization personalization tailoring fitting sizing form fit function use utilization operation management control command regulation rule law policy guideline principle code standard norm custom practice tradition cultural social economic politics government authorities agencies organizations associations networks cooperatives businesses companies industries markets commerce finance investments assets liabilities income expenses budget cost price value worth estimation calculation analysis study survey review feedback response opinion commentary editorial column blog post entry note letter email message text call chat talk discussion dialogue conversation negotiation settlement resolution agreement contract binding obligation duty responsibility task job role position title office seat chair table room house building property landscape geography terrain topography region area zone sector domain field range spectrum variety selection array assortment mixture blend combination package kit box case container holder storage bin file folder envelope pocket slot hole gap opening door window screen display monitor tv radio speaker phone camera recorder player game console controller handheld portable mobile wireless connected online cloud server host provider service support helpdesk contact info details address location directions hours days weeks months years decades centuries millennia era age period timeframe duration span term length distance height width depth volume size scale weight density pressure temperature weather climate season day night weekday weekend holiday break vacation trip tour flight cruise drive bike run swim play party celebrate enjoy have fun live life love laugh smile be happy healthy wealthy wise strong fit active energetic vibrant dynamic enthusiastic passionate motivated inspired driven focused determined committed dedicated loyal faithful true honest sincere genuine authentic real original unique special different unusual rare uncommon extraordinary remarkable phenomenal fantastic fabulous marvelous wonderful awesome incredible unbelievable amazing astonishing breathtaking spectacular stunning gorgeous beautiful lovely charming delightful pleasant enjoyable satisfying fulfilling rewarding enriching uplifting elevating inspiring motivating encouraging cheering heartwarming gladdening delightfully surprisingly unexpectedly shockingly astound