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12General Route Description
From Marlinton to Cass, you are following along the foothills of the mountains, which gives you a rolling terrain with lots of climbing. From Cass to Marlinton, you are traveling valleys with relatively flat terrain.
From Huntersville to Edray: Leaving from the junction of Rt. 28 and Rt. 39, you take Rt. 38 toward Marlinton. Rt. 28 follows Knapps Creek to Marlinton. This is a flat ride into Marlinton with just one rise before descending into Marlinton. This is the section of the ride you are most likely to encounter traffic, so it is nice to get it out of the way when you are fresh. In Marlinton, proceed thru downtown and across the Greenbrier River. At the end of the bridge,take a left onto US 219, and the next right onto Jericho Road. Jericho Rd. is a narrow country road with several short steep ramps and twisting down hills. Passing the old log chapel you bare left and climb up to Woodrow Road where you take a right and descend down past the fish hatchery before climbing back up to US 219. There is a convenience store at this intersection.
Edray to Clover Lick: Leaving the convenience store you head north on US219, taking the first right past the church onto Co. 1, Back Mt. Road. This is my favorite biking road in the state, but the road is narrow and you need to be aware of oncoming traffic and possible gravel on the road, especially in the turns. . Co. 1 is rolling terrain with some short steep ascents and descents, but overall climbing until you come to "The Loop" (refer to PDF map). The Loop section is always a really FUN section to roll through. You will have some more rolling terrain before 1/2 mile descent to the Clover Lick Valley. Coming to the bottom of the descent thru the woods, you arrive at the open fields of the Clover Lick Valley. This is a beautiful valley which was once the course of the Greenbrier River, before the meander was cut thru forming the Clover Lick Oxbow. Clover Lick is where the 39 and 62 miles routes split.
Clover Lick to Huntersville (39 Mile Route): At the intersection in Clover Lick, you continue straight, leaving Co. 1, (Back Mt. Road that goes left) and go onto Co. 1/4, crossing the Greenbrier River before a long gradual ascent, and then a short steep descent to Rt. 28. There is a stop sign here so be prepared to stop. Taking a right onto Rt. 28, you follow it back to Huntersville and the finish. This is a pleasant ride on a two lane striped road. There can be some high speed traffic on this road, but traffic is usually light and with good sight lines. It is overall downgrade with a gradual climb thru Seneca State Forest and one more before the finish. END OF 39 MILE ROUTE.
Clover Lick to Cass (62 Mile Route): Taking a left in Clover Lick to continue on Co. 1, Back Mt. Road, you continue north and follow another leg of the Clover Lick Oxbow. As you approach the upper end of the Oxbow, Co. 1 turns right and begins a gradual upgrade before turning into the first of two serious climbs between Clover Lick and Cass. Topping out of the climb, you roll along before passing a pretty country church in a sharp bend and descend into Stoney Bottom. Passing thru Stoney Bottom, you will shortly be on the second serious climb of this section. After topping out this climb, you will still have a short ramp before arriving at the intersection of Rt. 66. Taking a right onto Rt. 66, you begin a steep descent down to Cass and the Greenbrier River.
Cass to Dunmore: Leaving Cass, you continue on ST. 66 out to St. 92. Taking a left on 92 you have a little rise and a flat cruise through Greenbank. St. 92 will have some traffic, but you are only on it for a shot distance , and the speed limit is reduced in Greenbank. At the post office you make a right onto Co. 28/5. ( The radio observatory is only about a mile detour on out Rt. 92 from here.) This is a pleasant road thru a pretty valley with farms, and takes you to Co. 6. Taking a right on Co.6 you continue riding through some pretty farm country, baring right at the intersection with Co 6/2 to continue on Co. 6. Co. 6 runs into and becomes Co. 8 at the top of a small climb. Continue straight onto Co 8. Co. 8 will take you to St. 92. Take a right on State 92 for about a mile and turn left onto St. 28 at Dunmore.
Dunmore to Cass: Rt. 28 back to the finish from here is overall downgrade, but there are about 3 small climbs in between. None of these climbs has a significant grade. You can make some pretty good time on this section, if you still have it in the legs. You can have some higher speed traffic on this section, but the traffic is usually light. The last chance for water is at Seneca State Forest.
Food-Water Sources:
For the 39 mile short loop, there are stores in Marlinton, and Edray. You will want to be sure to top off your water bottles in Edray, as there are no other sources until Seneca State Forest. Water can be obtained at Seneca State Forest in the picnic area, camping area, or rest room behind the office.
For the 62 mile long loop, after leaving Edray, you can find food and water in Cass, and Greenbank, and water at Seneca State. Forest.,
