Cycling Scenic West Virginia - Randolph County

Randolph County Rides

The Allegheny Highlands Trail provides a nice flat riding experience for anyone with a mountain or cross bike. The first three miles out of Elkins are paved, the the remainder has a fine crushed stone finish. The trail is 22 miles between Elkins and Parsons, and now extends to Hendricks, where it connects wth the Blackwater Canyon Trail.. Paved parts of the trail are used for both of the routes listed below.

• Elkins - Limestone Mt. Figure 8, 74.1 miles, Rating: 6.1
• Elkins Lollypop, 54 miles, Rating: 4.3
• Parsons - Kerens Loop, 41.1 miles, Rating: 3.5

A little about the county.

Randolph County, like Tucker, owes much of its early industrial development to Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen B. Elkins. The extension of the Pittsburg and West Virginia Railroad (Western Maryland) to Elkins and eventually Durbin and Webster Springs, opened the vast virgin forest to development. Forestry is still a major industry in the county. The railroad

The forest are celebrated with the annual Mountain State Forest Festival, the largest and oldest festival in West Virginia. The railroad that once created economic development by hauling lumber and coal out of the county, now provides tourism dollars, by attracting visitors for various rides on Mountain Rail Adventures.

. The headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest is located in Elkins. Bruce Hardwood Flooring has a manufacturing plant near Beverly.

Area Attractions:

• Randolph County Tourism site
• Alleghany Highlands Trail
• Stuart Recreation Area
• Bickle Knob
• Seneca Rocks
• Blackwater Falls State Park
• Canaan Valley State Park
• Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
• Railroad Excurtions
• Lodging options.

Local Sources

Nearest Bike Shops:

• Joey's Bike Shop, 19 B Third St. Elkins, 304-636-0219

Disclaimer

The listing of routes on this site is not a guarantee of the safety of the route. Cycling has inherent risks and riders skills vary. Traffic conditions vary by time of day, season and local events. Road conditions can vary and change and may change dramatically over one winter season. Riders need to ride within their capabilities and be alert for road hazards and traffic at all times.

Copyright Notice:

This site, maps, photos and all materials created for this site are copyright of the author unless otherwise noted. They may NOT be posted on other sites or reproduced for sale or profit, without specific permission of the author. However, the maps and turn lists may be down loaded for personal, non profit use.