Cycling Scenic West Virginia - Lowell - Johnsons Crossroads Loop

General Description

Like most of the rides in Monroe County, the route doesn't touch on any real populated communities. Place names on the route serve more as location references then population centers. Views of farms and forest reward the rider for his efforts. The route has a few miles of flat riding, but for the most part is hilly. There is no real preference in riding direction, though counterclockwise may have some steeper gradients. With the exception of 3.9 miles of State 3, the route is on single lane roads. This route can be combined with the Clayton Loop to make a longer ride.

Start: A convenient place to start is the church in Lowell. From route 3 in Pence Springs, go 2.6 miles on county route 15.

Riding in a clockwise direction and leaving from Lowell, you begin climbing along Kelly Creek on 15/1 topping out at the junction with 15/3. Continuing on 15/1 you skirt along the northern part of Wolf Creek Mountain before arriving at the junction with state route 3. Heading east on route 3, you enjoy a flat stretch along the wide valley of Wolf Creek before coming to a climb and descent as the route leaves Wolf Creek for a while.

Turning off of route 3 onto Co. 10, you continue to follow Wolf Creek to its source with the climbing getting steeper as you approach Johnson Crossroads. As the name implies, Johnson Crossroads was a prominent crossing of roads in the county, but now one of the roads is closed sor there is no long a "crossroad." The fact that Co. 10 becomes Co. 14 at the right turn around the cemetary belies the previous history of the routes through the area. After leaving Johnsons Crossroads, you have a fairly steep climb up to Co. 7.

Taking a left on Co. 7, you have a mostly downhill descent to Wayside where you take a right on Co. 9. On Co. 9 you have a steep climb before reaching the county line where the road becomes Co. 19. At the junction with Co. 17, you take a right and have a steep descent down to the Greenbrier River where you take a right onto Co. 15/2 that you follow back to Lowell.

PDF Map and Turn List.

This slide show link only covers the shorter route starting near Wolfcreek on Co. 10 and going thru Creamery rather than Wayside.

Items of Interest Along the Route

There are no significant attractions on this route other than the scenery. The cemetery at Johnsons Crossroads is interesting to get an idea of the early settlement of the area. See yellow highlight on this 1883 Map of Monroe Co.

The town of Talcott is just off this route on state route 3. The Big Bend Tunnel is the reported site of the contest between John Henry and the steam drill. You might want to visit the John Henry Park that located at Big Bend Tunnel off of State Route 3 outside of Talcott.

Pence Springs is nearby and an easy visit. The old "springs" resort is now the home of the private Greenbrier Academy for Girls.

Water and Food

There are no public stores or restaurants on the route. Alderson is the nearest incorporated town with some restaurants and stores. There is a store in Pence Springs on State Route 3.

Lodging and Camping

Monroe County Lodging

Camping is available at Moncove Lake State Park and the private Greenbrier River Campground.

The Guest House - Hinton

The Bluestone Wildlife Management Area offers over 300 primitive campsites spread over 4 camping areas operated by Summers County. These sites pit toilets and no water, so you have to bring your own water. Firewood is not sold at the campsites, so you have to bring it with you also.

Larew Cottage - on Hans Creek. This beautiful little cottage can accommodate up to 9 persons and is situated on the route in the Hans Creek Valley.

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.