Beginner Off-Road Trails
Near Rock Cave, West Virginia

Start this route in Buckhannon by taking WV-20 south to Sago Road for 5 miles. This section is paved but scenic, running alongside the emerald-hued Buckhannon River. The road transitions to dirt and gravel. At Big Bend Church (38.88129, -80.21359), take the road perpendicular to the parking lot call...
Learn more about Beans Mill

This trail can be run in either direction, but this description starts from the north end at the following coordinates: 38.91771, -80.08878. There’s Civil War battle history regarding the bridge that crossed the Middle Fork River in 1861. Please note that this track combines several country roads ad...
Learn more about Long Run

This is a maintained gravel Forest Service route that travels from the Cheat Bridge area to US 250. This section was once a large strip. It passes along the Cheat River and then up in elevation with scenic views. The road is mostly maintained gravel with some mud and rocky areas. Several sediment po...
Learn more about Old Mine

FS 368 is mainly a gravel forest road in part of the Marlinton Ranger District in Monongahela National Forest. It is a spur from FS 24 and provides access to the 368 spur roads in this forest tract. It traverses a plateau on the ridgeline and has more wide open skies than canopy. It is quite scenic ...
Learn more about FS 368

Panther Den, also known as FS 236, is a dead-end road that takes you to the Gauley River overlook with spectacular views over the area and gives you access to several hiking trails. The trail is a gravel forestry road with some soft sand spots that can turn into mud holes after heavy rain and one pe...
Learn more about Panther Den - FS 236

This is a forest road in the Gauley Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest that climbs from the Williams River valley on County Route 46 up to about 3200 feet. It is an out-and-back trail that ends at the top of the mountain. It is notable as a fun, remote, and scenic drive that also offers ...
Learn more about Sawyer Run - FS 735

FS 24 is a gravel forest road in part of the Marlinton Ranger District in Monongahela National Forest. It continues on from County Road 219/1 (Mine Rd) at the Tea Creek/Williams River trailhead and provides access to the other roads in this forest tract. It follows the ridgeline, and the forest vari...
Learn more about FS 24

This is a forest road in the Gauley Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest that is a spur off of FS 101 to the north end by County Route 46 near Dyer, WV. It is notable for having several dispersed camping sites along its length, including some on the river side. The river-side sites adjoin ...
Learn more about Gauley River - FS 234

County Route 219/1 or Mine Road provides access to part of the Marlinton Ranger District in Monongahela National Forest. There is a prominent sign on US 219 for the road and for the Gauley Base Trailhead. As soon as you turn off of US 219, you are on National Forest land, but it's designated as a co...
Learn more about Mine Road 219/1

This is a forest road in the Gauley Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest that continues from FS 133 to the top of this mountain. It is an out-and-back trail. When the leaves are off the trees, it may offer some nice views of the ridges across the Williams River valley. It's a scenic and pe...
Learn more about Laurel Run - FS 425

Glady Durbin is a scenic access road that runs right along the West Fork Greenbriar River and offers stunning picnic, fishing, and camping opportunities along the trail. This trail connects the towns of Durbin and Glady, West Virginia. From the start of the trail, there is no gas station for about 4...
Learn more about Glady Durbin

This is a forest road in the Gauley Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest that connects FS 86 along the Williams River to FS 425. It is an out-and-back trail from the perspective that it only connects to FS 425 and ends at the top of the mountain, as noted on the sign for FS 133 on FS 86. I...
Learn more about White Oak Road - FS 133

The Little River Connector links the Elkins Road to River Road, bypassing Forest Service roads closed in summer. Just a 15-minute drive, it provides direct vehicle access to the southern border of Laurel Fork. This short route ensures reliable seasonal access when other roads are restricted, improvi...
Learn more about Little River Connector

This is a forest road in the Gauley Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest that is a spur from FS 101. It is notable as it provides access to a dispersed site on Spur 82D and, when the second gate is open, to the Red Oak Knob Fire Tower. It's a scenic and peaceful drive through dense forest....
Learn more about Red Oak - FS 82

The route travels primarily through Monongahela National Forest on maintained Forest Service gravel roads. A section of the route passes through private land and rolling farmland on gravel road. The ascent from the FSR to the summit at Spruce Knob is fully paved. Spruce Knob is the highest point in ...
Learn more about Osceola Spruce Knob

Starting at Laurel Fork Campground, the route heads north along gravel roads, passing scenic areas and wildlife habitats. The trail proceeds toward the Laurel Fork Overlook, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Continuing along the gravel roads, hikers or travelers ...
Learn more about Laurel Fork Overlook

The Middle Mountain Trail provides a scenic and relatively easy route connecting the southern border of the Laurel Fork Wilderness to the intersection with Forest Road 17. Along the trail, travelers pass through several lush, forested areas, offering a peaceful, nature-rich experience. The trail's g...
Learn more about Middle Mountain

This a seasonal route that runs from the outskirts of Cass, WV across the mountain to Cheat Bridge. The higher elevation is dominated by dense spruce forest, moss, and ferns. The route is a maintained gravel surface with smooth sweeping turns. The route has very few dispersed camping opportunities. ...
Learn more about Mower East

This is a forest road in the Gauley Ranger District of Monongahela National Forest that connects FS 76 to County Route 46 near Dyer, WV. It is notable as it provides access between Bishop Knob campground and the dispersed camping along FS 76. It's a scenic and peaceful drive through dense forest tha...
Learn more about Cranberry Dyer - FS 101

A dirt/gravel track with mild elevation gain, no real obstacles. Pay attention to logging, private property signs, etc. With the recent snow and rain, there was a decent amount of mud. This is a good trail for anyone testing out the River Road trail and wanting to mix it up. Additionally, it leads t...
Learn more about Sugar Camp

Start this route in Buckhannon by taking WV-20 south to Sago Road for 5 miles. This section is paved but scenic, running alongside the emerald-hued Buckhannon River. The road transitions to dirt and gravel. At Big Bend Church (38.88129, -80.21359), take the road perpendicular to the parking lot call...
Learn more about Beans Mill

This trail can be run in either direction, but this description starts from the north end at the following coordinates: 38.91771, -80.08878. There’s Civil War battle history regarding the bridge that crossed the Middle Fork River in 1861. Please note that this track combines several country roads ad...
Learn more about Long Run

A dirt/gravel track with mild elevation gain, no real obstacles. Pay attention to logging, private property signs, etc. With the recent snow and rain, there was a decent amount of mud. This is a good trail for anyone testing out the River Road trail and wanting to mix it up. Additionally, it leads t...
Learn more about Sugar Camp

This out-and-back trail is mostly gravel with some dirt mixed in at times. With the recent snow and ice was a beautiful drive. There are good views of the surrounding mountains and the windmills. Very relaxed ride which works well for those who want to take it easy, enjoy the view, and hit the hikin...
Learn more about McGowen Mountain

Start this route in Buckhannon by taking WV-20 south to Sago Road for 5 miles. This section is paved but scenic, running alongside the emerald-hued Buckhannon River. The road transitions to dirt and gravel. At Big Bend Church (38.88129, -80.21359), take the road perpendicular to the parking lot call...
Learn more about Beans Mill

This trail can be run in either direction, but this description starts from the north end at the following coordinates: 38.91771, -80.08878. There’s Civil War battle history regarding the bridge that crossed the Middle Fork River in 1861. Please note that this track combines several country roads ad...
Learn more about Long Run

A dirt/gravel track with mild elevation gain, no real obstacles. Pay attention to logging, private property signs, etc. With the recent snow and rain, there was a decent amount of mud. This is a good trail for anyone testing out the River Road trail and wanting to mix it up. Additionally, it leads t...
Learn more about Sugar Camp

Parsons to Stone Lake Run is an easy, scenic gravel route ideal for beginners, overland travelers, and scenic drivers looking to experience the lush forests and river valleys of West Virginia. Spanning approximately 4.3 miles, this trail runs from the town of Parsons toward Stone Lake Run, ultimatel...
Learn more about Parsons to Stone Lake Run