Mower East

Mower East offers a scenic, leisurely overland drive for offroaders, scenic drivers, and dual-sport riders seeking a pristine route through West Virginia's rugged highlands. Spanning approximately 18.3 miles from the outskirts of Cass to Cheat Bridge, this easy-going gravel corridor showcases the breathtaking beauty of Cheat Mountain and the Monongahela National Forest. The trail climbs from an elevation of 2,930 feet up to a high point of 4,524 feet, taking travelers through a dense canopy of red spruce, lush moss, and vibrant ferns characteristic of the region’s high-altitude ecosystem. Perfect for standard two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles alike, the smooth, maintained gravel surface features sweeping turns and long, straight sections that can easily tempt drivers into exceeding safe speeds. This seasonal mountain route offers an escape with minimal technical obstacles and a low-difficulty rating, making it accessible to everything from stock SUVs and SxSs to larger adventure motorcycles. Along the route, elevation shifts include 2,011 feet of cumulative gain and 1,368 feet of loss, keeping the drive visually engaging as the landscape transitions. Dispersed camping opportunities are highly limited along this stretch, so visitors should plan their overnight stays at established nearby campgrounds or in the surrounding forest recreation areas. Cell service is non-existent in this remote mountain corridor, requiring travelers to download offline maps and carry essential safety gear before embarking. The trail remains closed during the winter season when heavy snows and ice blanket the high-elevation ridges of Cheat Mountain.