Below you can find detailed route pages for the 11 Signature Bikepacking Routes in the Mon Forest Gravel and Bikepacking Route Network, but they are just one piece of this massive route network!

Whether you’re looking for a relaxed gravel cruise through river valleys or a challenging backcountry ride across remote ridgelines, the Mon Forest offers one of the most diverse and rewarding gravel and bikepacking regions in the eastern United States.

The full Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Route Network is organized into a series of Ride with GPS Collections designed to make trip planning simple:

• Gravel Day Rides (10–80 miles) – 42 routes ranging from short spins to big mountain days
• Overnighters (20–100 miles) – 25 routes ideal for weekend bikepacking trips
• Multi-Day Bikepacking (100+ miles) – 6 routes connecting multiple towns and landscapes
• Ride to the Mon (50–150 miles) – 12 routes linking surrounding regions into the network
• Beginner / Family-friendly – 8 flat, low-traffic rides ideal for beginners and families
• Signature Bikepacking Routes – 11 standout multi-day routes across the Mon
• Greatest Hits – 20 favorite and most iconic rides in the network

• Remote gravel forest roads deep in the Monongahela National Forest
• Iconic landscapes such as Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods, and Blackwater Canyon
• Historic rail-trails and railroad towns
• Swimming holes, waterfalls, and trout streams
• Small Appalachian towns with local food, breweries, and lodging
• Opportunities for both single-day adventures and multi-day bikepacking trips

The best riding season in the Mon Forest typically runs May through October, though conditions vary significantly with elevation.

• Spring (April–May): Spring riding can be beautiful but unpredictable. Expect muddy roads, high water, and occasional late snow or freezing temperatures, especially at higher elevations.
• Summer (June–August): Summer brings long days and warm temperatures. Valleys can be hot and humid, but many routes climb above 3,000–4,000 feet, where temperatures are often noticeably cooler.
• Fall (September–October): Fall is widely considered the best season for riding in the Mon Forest. Temperatures are comfortable and fall colors typically peak from late September through mid-October, creating spectacular scenery across the high ridges and valleys.
• Winter (November–March): Winter conditions can be severe at higher elevations, with snow, ice, and road closures common. Some forest roads remain accessible to fat bikes or winter riders, but trips require advanced preparation and winter backcountry skills.

Gravel riding in the Mon Forest covers a wide range of terrain. Riders should be prepared for surfaces ranging from smooth gravel roads to rugged forest tracks and occasional rocky singletrack sections.

Recommended setups include:

Gravel Bike

• Tires: 40–50 mm recommended
• Tubeless and reinforced sidewalls are strongly encouraged
• Low gearing is helpful for long mountain climbs

Hardtail Mountain Bike

• Ideal for routes with rougher surfaces or optional singletrack
• Provides more comfort and control on rocky descents
• Tubeless 2”+ tires recommended
• MTB gearing and strong brakes offer better climbing/descending

Many riders prefer wide-tire gravel bikes or lightweight mountain bikes for the region’s steep grades and variable road conditions.

Routes in this network are not marked on the ground and do not include any on-route signage; navigation is entirely self-guided using GPS tracks.

All routes are hosted on Mon Forest Gravel Ride with GPS (RWGPS) and include:

• Detailed navigation
• Elevation profiles
• Points of interest (POIs)
• Water sources
• Camping locations
• Town services such as shops, restaurants, and outfitters

Routes were designed to be ridden in the shown direction for optimal ride experience, resupply distribution, and speeding up some busier traffic sections by riding them downhill—but riders are welcome to build their own ride plan based on their goals and interest.

Route line colors

• Red – Default (unpaved/dashed or paved/solid)
• Blue – Rail Trails (car-free)
• Green – Singletrack trail / MTB preferable
• Orange – 4×4 Doubletrack (may require high clearance vehicle)
• Black – Busier roads / caution with traffic

Riders can:

• Download GPX files or sync routes to GPS units
• Use the Ride with GPS mobile app for offline navigation

If navigating on a phone, expect increased battery usage.

Camping opportunities abound throughout the Mon Forest region.

Options include:

• Dispersed camping in the Monongahela National Forest
• National Forest campgrounds
• State Park and State Forest campgrounds
• Private campgrounds and lodging in nearby towns

However, riders should note that private land is interspersed throughout the forest landscape. Camping is not allowed on private property unless explicitly permitted. These areas are usually clearly marked with signage.

Dispersed Camping in the Monongahela National Forest
One of the advantages of riding in “the Mon” is the abundance of free dispersed camping. In most areas of the forest, camping is allowed outside developed campgrounds unless otherwise posted. Dispersed camping means no facilities or services—no toilets, trash cans, or treated water—so riders should be self-sufficient and follow Leave No Trace principles and respect local landowners and communities.

• Camp at least 200 feet from streams, trails, and most roads when possible.
• Use existing dispersed campsites rather than creating new ones.
• Pack out all trash and leave campsites as you find them.
• Fires are allowed unless restrictions are in place; keep them small and use dead and down wood.
• Camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period at one site.
• Some areas, including parts of Dolly Sods, allow camping only in designated sites.

Many routes pass through remote areas with limited resupply, so riders should be prepared to treat natural water sources.

Recommended options include:

• Water filters
• Chemical purification
• Boiling water when camping

Surface water sources shown on route maps are generally reliable, but conditions vary seasonally. During dry periods some sources may disappear, while wet seasons may create additional streams.

Outdoor water spigots and campground pumps may be seasonally shut off and unavailable during colder months.

As with any outdoor activity, bikepacking involves inherent risks, but many can be reduced. Here are some key recommendations pertinent to this route network; for more information on risk management and preparing for a bikepacking adventure, check out The Bikepacker’s Guide.

Vehicle Traffic: Traffic is generally light on forest roads, but riders should still:

• Wear bright clothing
• Use daytime running lights
• Ride single file on paved roads
• Expect vehicles around blind corners on gravel roads

Dogs: Free-roaming dogs are common in rural areas. Most are curious rather than aggressive.

Recommended approach:

• Slow down or stop
• Place the bike between you and the dog
• Speak calmly or firmly
• Most dogs will quickly lose interest.

Black Bears: Black bears are common throughout the region.

When camping:

• Hang food or use bear-resistant storage
• Avoid leaving food unattended
• Cook and store food away from sleeping areas

Ticks: Ticks are common during warm months.

• Check yourself each evening
• Wear long socks or treated clothing when possible
• Be especially cautious around tall grass or brush
• Wear inspect repellent

Hunting Seasons: Various hunting seasons occur throughout the fall. Be sure to check restrictions before planning a trip.

Riders should:

• Be aware of active hunting seasons
• Wear bright colors (especially blaze orange)
• Respect posted closures or restrictions

Communication: Cell service is limited or nonexistent in many areas of the Mon Forest.

Many of the routes are within or cross through the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). The NRQZ is a 13,000 square mile region centered between Green Bank and Sugar Grove, West Virginia, near the state border between Virginia and West Virginia. The NRQZ was set aside by the federal government to provide a geographical region to protect sensitive instrumentation from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) used at the Green Bank Radio Observatory and Sugar Grove Listening Station.

Riders should expect a complete lack of cellular service within the NRQZ and potential loss of satellite communication service while in the center of the zone. Select routes pass through the Green Bank Radio Observatory, where electronic equipment is legally prohibited from use on campus.

Recommended precautions:

• Download offline maps (Ride with GPS, Gaia GPS, On X)
• Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin InReach, Zoleo, etc.)
• Inform someone of your trip plan and expected return

Parking is available throughout the Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking Network, with recommended locations noted on each route’s Ride with GPS page. These typically include trailheads, public lots, park access points, or other convenient locations near the start and finish of the ride.

In addition, each of the twelve Mon Forest Towns has designated areas where riders may leave vehicles for multi-day parking, making it easy to start and finish bikepacking trips from town centers. These locations are generally close to downtown services such as food, lodging, and bike-friendly businesses. Always follow posted signage and local guidelines, and be respectful of private property and residential areas when choosing where to park.

The project has been collaboratively designed alongside diverse stakeholders across the region.

Thanks to Geoff Patterson, Jonny Ramirez, and numerous local riders for providing route design support, feedback and documentation.

Route photography was contributed by Jonny Ramirez, Wild Hare Media, David Landis, Geoff Patterson, Mountaineer Gravel (Nick Morales / Alden Roth), Cyndi Janetzko, Eric Laser and Nathan Salle.

Other nearby WV route networks include Mountaineer Gravel, and soon to be released regional projects in the Charleston and New River Gorge regions!

If you have any questions or feedback on the route network, please reach out via the contact form below.