Middle Mountain Mower

Mower Basin, Bald Knob, and Cheat Summit Fort each represent a distinct layer of the Mon’s natural and human history. Mower Basin sits deep in former timber and rail country, where traces of logging infrastructure and industrial mining remnants still shape the landscape in stark contrast to the quiet forest that has reclaimed it. Bald Knob, at 4,813 feet, is one of the highest peaks along the Western Allegheny Front and the third-highest point in West Virginia (just 21 feet lower than Spruce Knob). It offers expansive, high-elevation views and a strong sense of Appalachian remoteness along the Eastern Continental Divide.

Nearby, atop White Top on Cheat Mountain, sits Cheat Summit Fort,  the location of the highest Union encampment of the Civil War. The preserved earthworks mark a strategic fortification built to protect the vital turnpike and rail corridor crossing these mountains, adding a powerful historical dimension to the ride. This area is also known for the first documented sighting of the Cheat Mountain Salamander, a rare species found only in these high-elevation forests and adjacent ridges.

The return follows gentle creek grades along the West Fork of the Greenbrier River and through Little River Wildlife Management Area, passing the historic Middle Mountain USFS cabins — a quiet reminder of the region’s long tradition of public land stewardship and rustic recreation. From there, extended gravel ridge roads trace the edge of the Laurel Fork Wilderness before a fitting final climb to the Bickle Knob fire tower. A long descent drops to Shavers Fork, leading back toward Elkins to complete the loop.

• Paved: 27%
• Gravel (Smooth & Rough combined): 71%
• 4×4 Road: 2%
• Singletrack: 0%

• Backcountry camping is abundant throughout, but services are limited. Durbin (around mile 90) provides the only reliable mid-route resupply, with restaurants, lodging, and camping options.
• Refer to route POIs and this Resupply Spreadsheet for more information on camping, lodging and re-supply along the route.
• Because of historic industrial activity in the Mower Basin area, locals advise against drinking water from route miles 34–41 (even if filtered), so plan water accordingly.
• With roughly 60 miles at or above 4,000 feet elevation, expect cooler temperatures and the potential for lingering snow during the shoulder seasons.

Find more information to prepare for your Mon Forest adventure on the main network page.

We acknowledge that the lands now known as the Monongahela National Forest are the ancestral homelands of Indigenous peoples, including the Haudenosaunee (Seneca), Shawnee, Lenape (Delaware), and Myaamia, who stewarded these mountains and rivers for generations. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize that their histories and cultures continue today, and we offer this acknowledgment with respect and gratitude.

Please be sure to get in touch with any updates on route conditions that may be relevant to other riders.

Please submit your questions and comments on the route via the contact form below.

The project was developed collaboratively with regional partners including:

• Village to Village Trails (V2V) – route design and mapping led by regional route builder David Landis with Geoff Patterson, Jonny Ramirez, and numerous local riders providing route design support, feedback and documentation.
• MountainRides WV – local cycling advocacy and community outreach led by GRUSK race director Travis Olson
• Bikepacking Roots – national nonprofit supporting route stewardship and bikepacking access led by Noelle Battle

Route photography contributed by Jonny Ramirez, Wild Hare Media, David Landis, and Geoff Patterson.