Visitors to Rider’s Touring page regularly search for rides in West Virginia, and it’s easy to see why. Known as the Mountain State and nestled in the heart of the Appalachians, West Virginia offers superb riding, great scenery, and rich history. Our list of the Top 5 motorcycle roads in West Virginia includes must-ride routes in the state, with details, photos, and links to tour stories to help you make the most of your trip. Ride over mountains and into valleys, along babbling creeks and through dense forests, and take in everything West Virginia has to offer.
See all of Rider‘s West Virginia touring stories here
1. U.S. Route 33
U.S. Route 33 is one of the highest-rated motorcycle roads in West Virginia. Start from Elkins and continue east 80 miles toward the Virginia border, passing through Monongahela National Forest along the way. This route includes lots of steep elevation changes and peg-scraping twists. This road also passes by Seneca Rocks, a must-see rock formation that rises 900 feet above the North Fork River. Hop off the bike here to stretch your legs and admire the area’s natural beauty along hiking trails.
Continuing on U.S. 33 into Virginia takes you through the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah Valley toward Harrisburg, with more thrilling riding along the way.
Favorite Ride: Seneca Rocks, West Virginia
Riding West Virginia’s Country Roads
2. Midland Trail
The Midland Trail is a National Scenic Byway that crosses the state from Kentucky in the west to Virginia in the east, covering 117 miles. The state’s capital of Charleston is a great starting location for this ride, with plenty to do in the city before hitting the road. Just south of Charleston is Kanawha State Park, a nice place for camping for those who prefer sleeping under the stars.
Heading east from Charleston, the road follows the Kanawha River with a particularly thrilling section of twisties around Chimney Corner. Just past this section is Hawks Nest State Park. From here, the road continues with a few more twisty sections to Rainelle, home of the Old Stone House historical marker, and on toward Lewisburg, where riders can fuel up, grab a bite to eat, and refresh.
Lessons Learned on a Wandering West Virginia Motorcycle Ride
3. U.S. Route 250
This road begins in Elkins, West Virginia, and continues southeast to the Virginia border after passing through the Monongahela National Forest. From Elkins to the border, the road traverses 50 miles. Much of this road follows large creeks and flowing streams, offering good variety with technical sections through the mountains and easy riding in valleys.
Through the Monongahela National Forest, several scenic pull-offs allow riders to stretch their legs and enjoy the scenery. From U.S. 250, a short trip south on State Route 92 will take riders to Green Bank, home of the world’s largest steerable telescope.
Asphalt Heaven: Riding West Virginia Backroads
4. Coal Heritage Trail
The Coal Heritage Trail is a National Scenic Byway that starts in the town of Bluefield in southeastern West Virginia and continues north to Fayetteville. As the name implies, this route takes riders through coal towns and sites of industrial enterprises in the region – perfect for riders with a passion for history. Starting in Bluefield, U.S. Route 52 to Welch follows railroad tracks along Elkhorn Creek through the valley. As the road continues north of Welch as State Route 16, it varies from twisty sections up and over ridges, easy valley riding, and quaint small towns.
Along this road are historical stops like the World War Memorial Building to African American Veterans, the Coal Heritage Mural, the Helen Coal Miners Memorial, and more. From Fayetteville, riders can continue east on U.S. Route 19 over the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel single-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and a not-to-be-missed feature of any West Virginia trip.
Along the Midland Trail: A West Virginia Motorcycle Trip
5. West Virginia Route 20
WV Route 20 is the longest state route in West Virginia at 256 miles. On the southern end, it starts in Bluewell and heads north, passing through small towns and following rivers, streams, and creeks. The route is mostly through heavily wooded areas, proving shade during hotter months.
The section of SR-20 from Buckhannon to Webster Springs is an ideal 55-mile route for motorcyclists, with plenty of curvy sections of road. It passes through Holly River State Park, which is surrounded by densely wooded mountains and offers campsites and cabins. Traffic is light in this section of SR-20, but the small towns the route passes through will have lower speed limits. The part of road closest to Webster Springs in the south is the most thrilling. SR-20 is an excellent choice for riders wanting to enjoy West Virginia’s small-town charm coupled with less crowded pavement and natural beauty.
Border Hopping the Virginias: Virginia and West Virginia Motorcycle Ride
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Source: RiderMagazine.com